Grand South India Tour with Kerala Houseboat – 14 Nights / 15 Days
Journey across Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala with heritage cities, hill stations, beaches and an unforgettable overnight Alleppey houseboat experience.
Overview
Experience an extensive 14 Nights / 15 Days South India journey combining the cultural highlights of Mumbai, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu with Kerala’s tea-covered hills, colonial Kochi, tranquil backwaters and Kovalam Beach. Discover Mumbai landmarks, the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, Mysore Palace, the heritage streets of Tharangambadi, the great Chola architecture of Thanjavur, Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, Munnar’s tea country and Kochi’s historic waterfront. A highlight of the tour is an overnight traditional houseboat cruise through the Alleppey backwaters and Vembanad Lake before a relaxing beach stay in Kovalam. The itinerary has been streamlined from the original Saar Holidays programme to correct its duplicate day numbering while preserving the main route and experiences.
Day-wise Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Mumbai+
Arrive in Mumbai by flight, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax after the journey, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 2Mumbai City Sightseeing+
After breakfast, explore Mumbaiu2019s major landmarks including Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India and the lively Colaba district. Enjoy time for local sightseeing and shopping before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3Mumbai to Bengaluru & Hassan+
After breakfast, transfer to Mumbai Airport for the flight to Bengaluru. On arrival, continue by road to Hassan and visit the celebrated Hoysala heritage sites of Belur and Halebidu, admired for their intricate temple architecture and stone carvings. Overnight stay in Hassan.
Day 4Hassan to Mysuru+
Drive to Mysuru after breakfast and check in at the hotel. Explore Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill and the cityu2019s colourful local market area, with time to appreciate the royal heritage of Karnataka. Overnight stay in Mysuru.
Day 5Mysuru to Chennai+
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Mysuru before transferring to the railway station for the journey to Chennai. Arrive in Chennai, transfer to the hotel and settle in for an overnight stay.
Day 6Chennai to Tharangambadi via Puducherry+
After breakfast, travel south along the coast toward Tharangambadi, formerly known as Tranquebar. En route, take a short orientation drive through Puducherryu2019s French Quarter before continuing to the historic seaside town. Overnight stay in Tharangambadi.
Day 7Tharangambadi to Thanjavur+
Spend some time exploring Tharangambadiu2019s heritage streets before driving to Thanjavur. Visit the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple, one of the great achievements of Chola architecture, and explore Thanjavur Palace. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Day 8Thanjavur to Madurai+
After breakfast, drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Later visit the iconic Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple and experience the atmosphere of one of South Indiau2019s most important pilgrimage cities. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 9Madurai to Munnar+
Travel from Madurai into the Western Ghats to reach Munnar. After hotel check-in, visit scenic tea gardens and nearby viewpoints while enjoying the cool mountain landscape. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 10Munnar to Kochi+
After breakfast, drive to Kochi. Explore historic Fort Kochi with visits to St. Francis Church, the Chinese Fishing Nets and Mattancherry Palace, reflecting the cityu2019s Portuguese, Dutch and local heritage. Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 11Kochi to Alleppey Houseboat+
Drive to Alleppey after breakfast and board a traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise for several hours through the peaceful canals and Vembanad backwaters while observing village life, coconut groves and paddy fields. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board before the houseboat anchors for the night.
Day 12Alleppey Houseboat to Kovalam+
Wake to the calm backwaters and enjoy breakfast on board followed by a short morning cruise. Disembark at the jetty and drive south to Kovalam. Check in at the beach resort and enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 13Kovalam Beach Leisure+
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kovalam. Relax on the beach, enjoy the resort facilities or explore nearby cafu00e9s and coastal viewpoints at your own pace. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 14Kovalam to Thiruvananthapuram & Mumbai+
Enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to Thiruvananthapuram Airport for the flight to Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel or airport-area accommodation and enjoy a farewell evening. Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 15Departure from Mumbai+
After breakfast or according to your flight schedule, transfer to Mumbai International Airport for your onward journey, concluding the Grand South India and Kerala Houseboat experience.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 14 nights accommodation as per itinerary
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- One night accommodation on a traditional Alleppey houseboat
- Lunch, dinner and breakfast during overnight houseboat stay
- Private AC vehicle for road transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Mumbai city sightseeing
- Belur and Halebidu sightseeing
- Mysore Palace and city sightseeing
- Puducherry drive-through and Tharangambadi visit
- Thanjavur sightseeing including Brihadishwara Temple
- Madurai sightseeing including Meenakshi Temple
- Munnar tea garden and local sightseeing
- Kochi sightseeing including St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets and Mattancherry Palace
- Alleppey backwater houseboat cruise
- Kovalam Beach stay
- Airport/railway station transfers for sectors mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- Domestic flight tickets unless specifically included in the final quotation
- Train tickets unless specifically included
- Meals not mentioned under inclusions
- Monument and attraction entry fees unless specifically included
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as shopping, beverages, laundry and telephone charges
- Optional activities and local experiences
- Early check-in and late check-out charges
- Tips and gratuities
- Any cost arising from flight or train schedule changes
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
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