Kerala and the Southern Highlights

Days 1-2 : Fly to Chennai

Fly overnight to Chennai.

Day 3 : Discover Chennai

Enjoy a city tour of Chennai starting with a visit to Marina Beach, which is the second longest beach in the world. We also visit For St. George, St, Mary’s Church and the Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Day 4 : Mahabalipuram

Journey to Kanchipuram for sightseeing and a visit to the Srinivas Silk House. You’ll then continue to Mahabalipuram to see the stunning 7th Century rock carvings before you return to Chennai.

Day 5 : Train to Bangalore

Travel by shatabdi express to the Garden City of Bangalore and visit the Bull Temple, Tipu sultan’s Palace and Vidhana soudha legislative Building.

Day 6 : Explore Hassan

Travel to Hassan and visit Shravanabelagola, which is one of the most revered Jain pilgrimage sites in India and home to the world’s tallest free-standing statue. you’ll also visit the 12th Century temples of Belur and Halebid, a part of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 7 : Mysore

Continue to Mysore via Srirangapatna Fort. Visit the Maharaja’s Palace and drive up to Chamundi Hill to see the 12th Century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and the Nandi Bull statue. That night you will see a traditional cooking demonstration, hosted by a local family.

Day 8 : Coonoor Hill Station

We head to the hills and enjoy a scenic drive to the beautiful hill station of Coonoor. Enjoy a walk around this quaint town in the evening.

Day 9 : Ooty Narrow Gauge Railway

Take the narrow gauge railway to ooty, also known as the Queen of the Blue Mountain. Upon arrival you’ll visit the Botanical Gardens and walk to a small village, to gain an insight into the lives of the local people. see the amazing view over ooty and the surrounding mountains before returning to Coonoor.

Day 10 : Munnar

We continue our descent from the highlands with a full day of driving through the spectacular Western Ghats to Munnar.

Day 11 : Tea Plantation & Periyar

Visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum. Later, travel to Thekkady which is renowned for its spice shops and located next to Periyar Wildlife Reserve.

Day 12 : Periyar Wildlife Reserve

Walk through the reserve in search of wildlife; elephants, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer and the elusive Bengal Tiger. Visit a local spice village and market. Enjoy a traditional martial arts Kalaripayattu show in the evening.

Day 13 : Kerala Backwater Cruise

Travel to Nedumudy where we board our houseboat, a converted rice barge known as a Kettuvallam. Witness the village life around the backwaters of Kerala as we cruise to Alleppey. Lunch and dinner will be served onboard and we stay overnight on the houseboat.

Day 14 : Kochi

We disembark from our houseboat in Alleppey and travel to Kochi. We visit a local market, a coir (coconut husk) workshop and Kokkothamangalam Church. Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Day 15 : Explore Kochi

Sightseeing today includes a visit to St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi and the Jewish Synagogue. We also see the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and stroll through the nearby markets.

Day 16 : Kovalam

Travel to Kovalam and where we spend the next two nights.

Day 17 : Discover Trivandrum

Visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Zoological Gardens and Museums, Sri Chitra Art Gallery and Reptile House. We also see the Observatory, Kanakakunnu Palace and Sree Shastri Purthi Memorial. In the evening, return to Kovalam.

Day 18 : Fly Trivandrum to UK

Transfer to the airport at Trivandrum and fly to the UK, arriving home later the same or following day.

Tour includes:

all international airfares
all domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
all accommodation
all meals
entrance fees, guides and daily tours
visa fees for UK and EU passport holders

Wendy Wu Tours is the leading independent specialist tour operator to China in the UK. They offer an extensive range of tour itineraries to enable you to visit famous tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, the Yangtze River or the Terracotta Warriors in China, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Taj Mahal in India.

Many of their tours also take you off the beaten track, to emerald lakes and traditional villages, allowing you to enjoy the authentic China experience. Other unforgettable excursions include a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, attending a Buddhist ceremony or cruising on a traditional junk boat. They also offer the opportunity to explore a bustling city like Hong Kong or Dubai en-route for a few nights.

Our Opinion
Wendy Wu Tours allow you to not only visit famous attractions but really discover the country’s culture, natural beauty and hidden treasures. Coupled with their affordable, all-inclusive style pricing, it’s no surprise that the company is growing from strength to strength and winning multiple industry awards along the way!