Tamilnadu

Classic South India | Tamilnadu & Kerala


Flights

NotIncluded


Starting From

USD 510 Per Person


Availability

Round The Year


9

Days


Hotel Category

3-4-5 stars

Travel Duration

9 Days / 8 Nights

Included in the trip
Entrance Tickets
Individual departures

Round The Year

Classical South India

A tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala would be a great way to experience the beauty and culture of both states. start your tour in Chennai, the capital city, and visit the famous Marina Beach and Fort St. George. From there, you move to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning rock-cut temples and ancient monuments. You will also get a chance to visit the city of Madurai, known for its iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. From Madurai, you enter in to Kerla, in the hill station of Munnar, known for its lush green tea plantations and stunning scenery. From there, travel to the backwaters of Kerala, such as Alleppey, and take a houseboat ride through the serene waterways. in the end, Enter Kochi, a historic port city that has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British cultures. Kochi is known for its Chinese fishing nets, colonial-era buildings, and the Mattancherry Palace. Overall, a tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala would be a great way to experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of these two southern Indian states.

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Stages Of Tour

Land
Plane
Train

The Travel Program

9 DAYS

+ See The Complete Program

Day 1

ARRIVAL IN CHENNAI & SIGHT SEEING

The Tour will start at 10 AM in the Morning. If You happen to be arriving in the Morning on Tour Starting Date Our Representative will come and pick you up at the airport. Else we could pick you From Your Hotel too.

Arrival in Chennai, After the customs formalities, Meet with MTA Representative. Our Representative will be waiting for You Outside the exit gate of International Airport.

Start Your Day with the panoramic tour of the city with the Marina Beach and the church of Saint Thomas, who came to India in 3rd century AD. Night in Chennai or Mahabalipuram.

Inclusions : Accommodation, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : St Thomas Church, Marina Beach

Please Note : Hotel Checkin would be After the sightseeing.

 


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Day 2

CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY ( 220 KM – 5 Hrs Approx)

Drive to Pondicherry. Along the way, stop at Mahabalipuram to visit the famous seashore rock-cut and monolithic temples. A World Heritage site. Visit the 7th-century Shore temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. Later visit the 7th-century Five Rathas and Arjuna Penance These temples are considered as the very first example of the Hindu temple architecture. Continue to Pondicherry. Arrival at Pondicherry in the afternoon, visit the ancient French colony of Pondicherry with the visit of Ashram of Sri Aurobindo, the great philosopher. Built by a disciple of Aurobindo in his memory, one of the most evocative active ashrams in India. Then take a walking tour in old city followed with the visit of ancient Portuguese and French churches.

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Seashore Temples of Mammalapuram, Aurobindo Ashram

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Day 3

PONDICHERRY – GANGAIKONDACHOLPURAM – DARASURAM - TANJORE ( 210 KM – 5 Hrs Approx)

Transfer to Tanjore with a stop to visit the temples of Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram and the village of silk weavers. The town of Darasuram is famous for the Airavateswara temple built by Rajaraja Chola II in the twelfth century. The temple is Unesco world heritage site and is a treasure trove of art and architecture. Arrival in Tanjore. Once the ancient capital of Cholas. Tanjore dates back its history to the time of emperors Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, protectors of the arts and brave conquerors, who ruled over the city in the 11th century. Visit the temple of Brihadeshwara, the symbol of the city of Tanjore and a world heritage temple complex, is surrounded by long walls, a cloister with columns and niches, and boasts two gopurams at the east entrance. It preserves the classical architecture of the Dravidian temples with a mandapa and a large room that leads to the central sanctorum, made from a single piece of granite weighing 80 tons. After visiting the temple, continue with a stop at "The Raja Museum and Art Gallery" to admire an interesting collection of artefacts and sculptures in bronze and granite in the Chola style. The Saraswati Mahal library contains over 40 thousand rare books and inscriptions on palm leaves in Indian and European languages.

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Darasuram Temple, Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore

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Day 4

TANJORE - TRICHY - CHETTINAD (100 KM – 3 Hrs Approx)

Transfer to Chettinad, enroute stop at Srirangam to visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, considered as the most important of the 108 temples dedicated to the deity. Its foundation dates back to the fourteenth century: the complex consists of seven concentric walls, called prakara. with entrances to the four cardinal points, surmounted by high gopurams, for a total of twenty-one towers. At the center of the island the sancta santorum with the main image of Vishnu Ranganatha. Crossing the Indian countryside rich in banana plantations, sugar cane and paddy fields. Continue to the zone called Chettinad from the name of the ancient rich merchants who lived there. In the afternoon, walk in the village to admire the ancient buildings, visit a cotton weaving center and a factory for the manual manufacturing of the tiles.

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Sri Ranganathswamy Temple at Trichy, Chettinad Village

 


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Day 5

CHETTINAD - MADURAI ( 100 KM – 2 Hrs Approx)

Drive to Madurai. Arrive at Madurai and visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Dedicated to Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati) and Sundareshwar (Lord Shiva). The main Attraction of temple are its colourful towers. Later proceed to take a Rickshaw Ride in the old city. This Rickshaw ride is a different experience everyone should take. This longest Rickshaw Ride in Asia will take you in a journey of old time. Visit the Spice Market, Banana Market, Onion Market, Textile Market, Residential areas and local small scale factories. Evening pay an another visit to the Meenakshi Temple to participate in the evening ceremony.

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Meenakshi Temple, Rickshaw Ride, Evening Ceremony

 


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Day 6

MADURAI - PERIYAR (145 KM – 4 Hrs Approx)

Continue in the direction of Periyar, located at 900 meters on the Western Ghats, in a splendid scenery of tea and spice plantations. The Periyar National Park is one of the most important and ancient projects to protect the Indian tiger. Arrival and hotel accommodation in the area of Thekkady. In the afternoon take a Jeep Safari in Mountains. Along the way, a brief tour of spice plantation and driving through the gardens of Tea, Coffee and cocoal.

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Jeep Ride, Spice Plantations

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Day 7

PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM (170 Km – 4 Hrs Approx)

Drive to Kumarakom. Arrive and checkin to the Hotel. Afternoon free for leisure, relax, Ayurvedic treatments and to admire the nature of Kerala.

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport

Highlights : Backwaters of Kerala and Life in Kumarakom

 

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Day 8

KUMARAKOM - HOUSEBOAT TOUR - COCHIN ( 260 KM – 5 Hrs Approx)

Morning free for leisure, Ayurvedic Treatments or relax. Later, checkout from the hotel and proceed to Cochin. Enroute excursion with the Houseboat in the backwaters, the series of canals, rivers and natural lakes that cross the region of Kerala like a spider web. Lunch in Houseboat. Disembark from Houseboat and proceed to Cochin.

Inclusions : Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport

Highlights : Houseboat Excursion followed by Lunch & Backwaters of Kerala

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Day 9

COCHIN - INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

Visit the most cosmopolitan city in South India: the Chinese nets, the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the church of San Francesco which houses the tombstone of Vasco de Gama, the synagogue in the Jewish area. Afternoon enjoy the dance show of Kathakali. Transfer to the Airport for international departure. No Accomodation.

Inclusions : Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees

Highlights : Chinese Fishing Net, Fort Cochin.

Please Note : Please Note That you will be Dropped at the Airport or any other location of your choice. Please Plan Accordingly your Onward Journey.

 

 

 

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The hotels

MTA Provides a wide variety of hotels

Cost Per Person For Different Categories

#No of PaxStandardSuperior Prestige
12 PaxUSD 850USD 1007USD 1383
24 PaxUSD 680USD 806USD 1107
36 PaxUSD 595USD 705USD 968
48 PaxUSD 595USD 705USD 968

Supplements

#PlanStandardSuperior Prestige
1H/B MEAL PLANUSD 32USD 64USD 96
2F/B MEAL PLANUSD 64USD 128USD 192
3Single SupplementUSD 595USD 705USD 968
#MonthsDates 1Dates 2

Inclusions

  • Accommodation as per Itinerary on bed and breakfast basis.
  • A well maintained air conditioned vehicle with a trusted chauffeur throughout the tour.
  • Local English Speaking Tour Guide for city sightseeing.
  • Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites and parks. One visit to each monument is allowed
  • Houseboat Excursion in backwater followed by Lunch at Alleppey
  • Rickshaw Ride in Madurai
  • Mountain Jeep Safari in Pariyar
  • One souvenir gift with compliments from MTA.
  • 2 Bottle of water per passenger per day
  • Local Assistance during the tour
  • Travel Kit with document folder
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions

  • International Flights. We can provide the same with an additional cost and on request.
  • Visa & Insurance (We can give Visa Assistance & Insurance with request at an additional Cost)
  • Lunch & Dinner throughout the tour.
  • Tips to Guides & Drivers 
  • Any other services not specified above.



TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

In accordance to the COVID 19 pandemic all our tours are operated with all precautionary measures including SANITIZED CARS AND HOTELS/COMPLIMENTARY SANITIZERS/MASKS (Your safety is our priority)

  • All Inclusive Tour - Hotels / Transport / Guides / Monument Entrances/Backwater
  • Houseboat excursion In Backwater Followed by Lunch
  • Rickshaw Ride in Madurai.
  • Spice Plantation in Periyar
  • Evening Arti Ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai
  • Chettinad village walk.
  • Vrihadeshwar Shiva Temple at Tanjore. An architectural marvel. 
  • Five Rathas at Mahabalipuram. 
  • Jeep Safari in Mountains of Periyar
  • More Value for Your Money.

Enquiry Form

Please fill the below form for more information

PASSPORT


A valid passport is required for at least six months before Boarding the Flight. We encourage you to check the validity of the passport and we advise you to bring a photocopy of your passport and the page of the visa obtained, or carry multiple copies of ETA, useful in case of loss.


 


INDIAN CONSULAR VISA


To enter India, an entry visa issued by the Indian Embassy is required. It is categorically necessary that all travellers, whose itinerary includes leaving and returning to the country, have obtained a double or multiple visas. During the flight to India you will be given a disembarkation form to be filled in with your data and to be delivered to passport control. The detachable part completed with the customs declaration will be returned to you, and must then be handed over to the customs upon leaving the airport.


 


INTERNAL FLIGHTS


Air tickets for flights within India or between India and Nepal, if not included in the intercontinental flight, will be collected by your companion or our representative and will be delivered to you upon arrival. Flights within India and between Nepal are the trickiest part of the journey. We recommend a lot of patience, because it is not uncommon for flights to suffer delays, cancellations or make intermediate stops not foreseen at the time of booking. It is therefore essential to always go to the airport on time (about 2 hours before the flight). In the event of cancellations, however, the companies, according to the new regulations, will refund the cost of the ticket but have no obligation to re-route. The rebooking will then be done by our local office by purchasing a new ticket. Purchasing it on the same day, the same fare as the canceled flight is not always available. In case this exceeds that of the cancelled flight, the difference must be paid directly on the spot. If there are no other flights on the scheduled route, a land transfer by car/bus will be provided in lieu of the ticket.


 


DOMESTIC FLIGHTS BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE


Since recently (August 2013) both on intercontinental flights and on internal flights, the companies are very strict in calculating the weight of the baggage and each additional kilogram is subjected to an extra payment according to the rules of the company itself. In this regard, we report the scheme concerning the baggage allowance for the economy class granted by each airline for flights within India and between India and Nepal:


 


Airline


Hand Baggage Weight


Checkin Luggage Weight


Air India


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


Jet Airways


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


Indigo & Spice Jet


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


Go Air


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


Jet Lite


7 kg + Laptop


15 kg


 


The company has the right to apply an extra cost for each kilogram exceeding the above, (indicatively from 4 to 8-euro per kg).


 


LOCAL GUIDES AND ESCORT TOURS


For the entire duration of the group tour, starting from your arrival in India, you will be assisted by a Tour Escort or local Guide (for individual tourists) in each city who will take care of every technical-organizational detail. The tour escort will also act as a local guide in the cities for which he is licensed. In the others he will be accompanied by a local foreign speaking guide or English-speaking guide as per the provisions of the Indian government. In the latter case, he will provide for the translation.


In many cities of India, in fact, there are no local guides speaking foreign languages (especially in southern India, central India and some parts of Rajasthan), or there are few.


 


THEFT


We remind you that passport, telephone and valuable accessories in general must always be kept by the passenger and never left unattended, as no service facility takes charge of any loss/theft during the tour. It is also good to have all the emergency bank numbers with you in case of need.


 


TIPS


In India, tipping is a custom rooted in local custom. The amount of tips is at the discretion of the passengers, but as a rule they are in the local custom. In restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the bill as a tip.


 


A basic tip:


For half day drive with driver Rs. 300/ full day Rs. 500.


For porters Rs. 70 per bag


For Half Day Local Guide Rs. 500/ Full Day Rs. 800


Per Day Escorts Rs. 1000


 


(The amount is in total and refers to a group of 2/3 people, it can be increased if you are traveling in a group with more people)


For groups, even small in number but with tour escorts, it is advisable to give the guide a sum at the beginning of the tour (approximately 40/45 euros for 7/9 day tours) and he will distribute them appropriately, thus avoiding boring and continuous collections.


N.B. (This figure does not include a possible tip for the companion)


 


ROOM AVAILABILITY


The rooms are available until 12.00 on the day of departure. In India there is no day use system, therefore if the rooms want to be kept until departure they will have to be paid for the entire following night.


 


CHECK-IN ONLINE


We inform you that the check-in procedure can take place via online check-in, which can be implemented from the airlines' websites or via the automatic check-in devices specifically installed at the airport.


 


CLIMATE


The most pleasant season runs from mid-November to March, with moderate heat and low rainfall. The maximum temperatures vary from 27° to 30°, the minimums from 16° to 22°. In March the temperatures begin to rise with highs reaching 38°. The month of August records the peak of the monsoon season (from June to October) which invests the south-western regions with rainfall that varies in intensity according to the areas, limited in some to severe thunderstorms. In October and in the first half of November the south-eastern part of India is affected by a north-east monsoon.


 


CLOTHING


Clothing must take into account the period and the regions where you go. In southern India, light clothing can be worn all year round, without forgetting long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to protect against insects. During visits to the temples, excessively small clothing should be avoided. For those traveling to the northern regions, warmer clothing is needed, as the temperature can approach freezing in winter. In the desert region of Rajasthan the temperature varies a lot between day and night.


 


SHOPPING


In India the variety of handicraft production is practically infinite. Indian muslins, canvases, silks and brocades have enjoyed worldwide fame since ancient times and have been appreciated for the quality of the fabric, the beauty and resistance of the colors, the originality of the designs. Even today the brightly colored silk saris, embroidered or woven with gold or silver threads, the brocades of Varanasi as well as the cottons of Rajasthan, the wool or wool and silk carpets of Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh are renowned. The manufacture of fabrics is just one aspect of the varied and rich Indian craftsmanship which ranges from wood carving (teak, sandalwood, rosewood, ebony) spread almost everywhere, especially in Karnataka, to Agra marble inlays or the stone sculptures of Orissa, from ceramics to hand-painted lacquers, from brass and copper pottery to bamboo and leather objects. The skill of the Indians in the cutting and processing of semi-precious and precious stones has been known since ancient times. Haggling in the bazaars is common practice.


Do not buy souvenirs that cost animals their lives or harm nature.


 


FOOD AND DRINK


It is recommended to drink only bottled or boiled water (found in almost all restaurants and hotels). Carefully avoid tap water and ice in drinks. It is advisable to consume only well-cooked foods and packaged foods, avoiding raw vegetables and fruit that cannot be peeled.


 


MEDICAL ASSISTANCE


In India there is a great variety of doctors practicing the most diverse forms of therapy and the only hospital in Europe is located in Delhi. It is advisable to bring from Italy tablets against any gastrointestinal disorders and medicines that are difficult to find locally.


 


BEHAVIOUR


Before entering the temples, mosques and or gurdwaras it is essential to take off your shoes, generally it is allowed to keep your socks on. To avoid discomfort, do not bring leather articles of any kind with you, because they could arouse some opposition. Inside places of worship, tourists can move as they please and sometimes attend religious rites, for which it is preferable to wear modest clothes, avoiding tops, skirts and shorts. A small donation will be welcome.


The folded hands namaste is the typical Indian greeting and its use will be greatly appreciated. Especially in cities, men will gladly shake hands with tourists; in fact, this gesture is considered particularly cordial. The majority of Indian women, on the other hand, are reluctant to shake hands with a man, both Indian and foreign (a possible refusal should not be considered an offense) and are generally surprised by the informality of relations between the two sexes used in western countries. In private homes you will be welcomed as guests of honor and your lack of familiarity with local customs and traditions will be understood and accepted. If you should be tempted to eat with your fingers, remember to use onlyyour right hand.


 


GASTRONOMY


Indian cuisine varies according to the regions, with notable differences between the southern and northern regions, but has as a common feature the wise use of spices which are used not only to flavor foods but also to aid digestion. In the north it looks remarkably like that of Middle Eastern or Central Asian countries; there is great use of chili (hot pepper), the staple food is wheat, and various types of unleavened bread are consumed, such as pooris or chappatis. The meats are quite common, naturally not beef. In the south, where the Muslim influence has been less strong, vegetarian diets prevail, and the cuisine revolves around rice, consumed in an infinite variety of ways. The highly savory taste of Indian foods is related to the blend of spices frequently used in food preparation. These mixtures (kari) can accompany various vegetables, chicken or lamb meat, fish or rice. Rogan josh (lamb curry), gishtaba (spiced meatballs with yoghurt), korna (vegetable meat-based stews) are very common in the north. In the south, various vegetable dishes are widespread, including bhujia (a vegetable curry) and along the coasts, fish dishes, the Cochin prawns are delicious. Perhaps the most common dishes throughout India are, however, the simple dhal, essentially a lentil soup, and the thali, the typical vegetarian dish, usually served on a tray with small bowls full of vegetables accompanied by large -of quantity of rice. Among the desserts, kulfi, the typical pistachio ice cream, is very common, while tropical fruit is very abundant. It is a frequent habit to conclude the meal by chewing pal, a mixture of spices, betel nuts and other powders, all wrapped up in an edible leaf. Tea is the most popular drink and some varieties of Indian tea are famous all over the world. Try the rice beer.


 


LANGUAGE


In India a large number of local languages are spoken, very different from region to region, among which Hindi is the official one. English represents a strong instrument of national cohesion and is very widespread, especially in hotels or in places frequented by Westerners.


 


RELIGION


Religion forms an integral part of India's complex tradition. Four of the most important faiths in the world meet on this territory: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam and among these the first two were born in India. furthermore, this country which welcomed the Jews and the Parsees (followers of Zoroaster), who then integrated into Indian life, gave rise to Jainism, Sikhism and other innumerable cults and regional sects of lesser importance and which for centuries have acted and interacted with each other.


 


AIRPORT FEES


They usually already include exit taxes from the country. However, we recommend checking at the airport, as these are subject to change regulations.


 


PHONE


The cellular network is active in the country, however Italian cell phones are only active in the main cities and it is therefore advisable to purchase a card locally. To call from India the area code is 0039. To call India dial 0091.


 


VACCINATIONS


No mandatory vaccination is required for travelers from Italy. Before travelling, it is advisable to consult the competent ASL on the need to carry out vaccinations or appropriate prophylaxis. In general, subject to medical opinion, vaccinations against: diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, polio and tetanus booster are recommended. However, we recommend checking the Viaggiare Sicuri website at the link http://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/index.php?india


 


CURRENCY


The legal tender in India is the Indian Rupee. It is advisable to have currency in US dollars especially for entrances, Euros are also welcome. No Indian currency can be brought into the country or exported, while any amount of foreign currency can be imported. It is very complicated to exchange the Rupee in another currency, so it is advisable to buy in such quantities as to no longer have liquids in local currency at the time of departure. Credit cards, preferably from the VISA circuit, are accepted both in authorized shops and in hotels in large cities, where automated bank branches can also be used.


 












 

Our Staff


Our guides and professional escorts have experience in the area and in-depth cultural preparation. We can provide Guides in differenr languages also in most of the sectors but in some areas there shall be only english speaking Guides available, Such as Ladakh and the Himalayan areas, Kindly do check it with our travel experts regarding the availabiluty.


 


Means of transport


Our organization boasts a large fleet of new generation air-conditioned means of transport: from standard or deluxe cars (2/3 pax) to Overland vehicles (2/3 pax); from minibuses (4/8 pax) to grand tour buses (10/40 pax), with professional English speaking drivers, always attentive to the needs of travelers. The roads that connect the main cities of India are generally good. Indian Traffic conditions limit the transfer times to an average of 50 km per hour.


 


Hotels and tented camps


In Indian Subcontinent, the official category of hotels does not guarantee international standards and does not always correspond to the expectations of the traveler. The structures that MTA chooses, from luxury hotels, to Heritage Hotels (former residences of the Maharajas), to lower category hotels, are periodically supervised by our staff. In the Himalayan areas of Ladakh, hotels are provided among the best existing and standard tented camps with limited comfort, where a good spirit of adaptation is required.


 


Flights


The Major airports where International flights Land are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Almost all of the major International Airliens have theor scheduled flights from these cities. including Swiss, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, BrusselsAirlines and Etihad.


 


Personalized trips


Our Product Managers are available to travelers to develop personalized itineraries (for individuals or groups) and offer ad hoc programming, designed with maximum flexibility and with smallest details, for those who want to immerse themselves in the magic and spirituality of " Land of the Gods” outside the classic Itineraries or with programs already present in the catalog. MTA is also available to develop personalized travels in cinema, nature, sports, honeymoons, incentive travel, business tourism and medical tourism in India.


 


India Visa


To obtain an entry visa to India it is essential to have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of travel (with at least three consecutive free pages), and two passport photos. you can apply for ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) The Link of the website is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa Kindly check for permission Granted on ETA before boarding your flight.