A luxury tour of South India offers a fascinating glimpse of a culture, cuisine and history that differs considerably from the northern area of the country. Add to that a Sri Lanka tour, and you get a true immersion into the undeniable beauty and intriguing idiosyncrasies that can be found in this part of the world.
On this tour of South India and Sri Lanka, explore the holistic state of Tamil Nadu followed by God’s Own Country – Kerala state of India. In Sri Lanka, discover Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth—holy site of the only remaining relic of the Buddha—and envision what it must’ve been like for ancients to worship in the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. Trek through the forest of Sinharaja Nature Reserve and discover Sigiriya, the “Fortress in the Sky.”
Day 01 Arrive Chennai (By Flight)
Arrive Chennai, meet & assist on arrival, welcome with fresh flower garlands & transfer to hotel.
PM – City Tour of Chennai.
Chennai: formerly called Madras, Originally Chennai was a cluster of villages, perched amidst paddy fields, bordered by palm trees. Attraction, Fort ST. George: was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. Marina Beach: ANNA Memorial: the memorial for ARINZAR ANNADURAI. San Thome Basilica: at the south end of Marina Beach was named after Saint Thomas “doubting apostle of Jesus Christ”. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (By Road) (138 kms & 3 hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive towards Mahabalipuram enroute visit Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram: Situated in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is the city of thousand temples and one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. Even today, there remain about 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in its outskirts. Today, apart from its temples, the small town of Kanchipuram is also renowned for its growing handloom industry and lovely silk saris. Tourist Attractions: The Ekambaranathar Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Varadaraja Temple, Kailasanathar Temple and the Kamakshi Amman Temple.
Arrive Mahabalipuram and check in at your hotel. Later, go for city tour.
Mahabalipuram – was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site…Tourist Attractions: Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Cave Temples, and Monolithic Temples. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Road) (132 kms & 3 hrs approx)
Morning after breakfast drive towards Pondicherry. Arrive and check in at your hotel.
Afternoon go for city tour.
Pondicherry – It is a city of southeast India on the Bay of Bengal south-southwest of Chennai (Madras). Pondicherry Temples: Most of the temples around Pondicherry are dedicated to Ganesh, the Destroyer of all Obstacles. The Pondicherry Museum: It showcases an eclectic collection of art, Pallava sculptures, handicraft, weaponry, archaeology, geology and the old French Governor Duplex’s bed, an old palanquin and other interesting things. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Pondicherry – Tanjore (By Road) (177 kms & 4 hrs approx)
After breakfast drive to Tanjore. Arrive and check in at your hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing of Tanjore.
Tanjore – The “Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu” and famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple was constructed more than thousand years ago by the Kin Rajarajan, is an architect’s marvel. It is a flourishing centre for bronze sculpture and painting. The ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple. Visit Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which contains within its walls a Bazaar as well. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (By Road) (19 kms & 4 hrs approx)
After breakfast leave by private car to Madurai enroute visit Trichy.
Trichy – the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between the French and the English. Lord Robert Clive’s house is still there to see and so is the Danish Church. The Rock-Fort is the landmark of Trichy. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple.
Arrive and go for sightseeing of Madurai.
Madurai – Originally known as Madhurapuri got its name from the falling of divine nectar from Lord Shiva’s rocks. This ancient city has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Madurai is believed that this is more than 2500 years old ancient city, situated on the banks of the river Vaigai Madurai is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara.
PM: Visit Meenakshi temple and watch night ceremony.
This temple is the city’s main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town – a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structures know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Madurai – Periyar (By Road) (160 kms & 3½ hrs)
After breakfast leave by private car to Periyar, arrive Periyar transfer to hotel.
Later go for sightseeing of Periyar.
Periyar National Park: Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq .km. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. The ancient Mangala Devi temple is perched atop a thickly wooded hill and affords a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings. The temple is located 15 km from Thekkady.
PM boat ride to visit Periyar National Park. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Periyar – Alleppey (By Road) / Alleppey – Kumarakom (Houseboat)
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey.
On arrival, embark the hosueboat where you will enjoy the cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.
The cruise will take 2.5 hours with snacks.
Disembark the houseboat in Kumarakom and transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy Kumarakom. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 08 Kumarakom – Cochin (By Road) (40 Kms. / 1.5 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast drive to Cochin. On arrival, go for sightseeing of Cochin.
Cochin – the palmgreen commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. A town with a hoary past, Cochin is the gateway to Kerala. The Jewish Synagogue – built in 1568 AD contains Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The floor of the synagogue is paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. Cochin or Kochi is an all time favourite place for tourists from all over the world. Known as commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi is also offers forts, palaces, beaches, backwaters, old churches, snakes boat races, Kathakali, and museums etc. Kochi is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas which makes it more attractive for nature lovers. Cochin is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’.
Evening watch Kathakali dance show in theatre. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Cochin – Colombo (By Flight)
Morning after breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight to Colombo.
You will be picking up from the airport & proceed to Colombo.
Spend the day at leisure enjoying some sightseeing and shopping in Colombo. Apart from excellent shopping, Colombo offers visits to one of the world’s leading tea auctions, an 18 hole Golf Course, seasonal Buddhist and Hindu pageants, international cricket tournaments, plush casinos, enjoyable evening entertainment and excellent restaurants. State-of-the-Art communications and Cyber services are available in the hotels and other outlets. The Pettah area, which is in the heart of Colombo, is a beehive of activity. Traders and payment hawkers of all kinds flock to Colombo and it’s a well-known fact that Pettah is where the best bargains are available. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Colombo – Pinnawala – Sigiriya (By Road) (189 kms & 3½ hrs approx)
After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya via Pinnawala.
Pinnawela – App. 55 miles from Colombo, off Colombo-Kandy road is Pinnawela, where an orphanage was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants.
The number of elephants has increased to more than 40 now, including baby elephants brought from various parts, as well as the babies born, as a result of the captive breeding program.
The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0930-1000 hrs and 1330-1400 hrs and the bathing time from 1000-1030 hrs and 1400-1430 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by.
Then proceed to Sigiriya.
Sigiriya – is home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. Within its triple-moated defense the huge rock rises almost to a sheer height of 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original color. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya (By Road) (57 kms & 1 hr – One Way)
After breakfast leave for Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa – Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th – 13th C.A.D Great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the period of Kings Vijayabahu 1, Parakramabahu 1 and Nissankamalla of the Polonnaruwa period.
The monuments are better preserved than at Anuradhapura. Parakrama Statue, Royal Palaces, Audience Halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, Rankoth Vehera, Kiri-Vehera, Gal-Vihara, Lankathilaka and Tivanka Image House are some of the interesting monuments here. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy (By Road) (95 kms & 2 hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Kandy via Dambulla.
Dambulla – is famous for the five cave Temples on a rock. The first 03 caves are better, older and larger than the other two. Some caves dates to 1st C.B.C. All the 5 cave walls and ceilings are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues, statues of Gods and Kings are also found here.
Kandy – is the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera. The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 Kandy – Ramboda Falls – Nuwara Eliya (By Road)
After breakfast, visit Botanical garden and proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
On the way visit Ramboda Falls.
Arrive Nuwara Eliya and visit of Horton Plains.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Visit Royal Botanical Garden (Approx: 1Hr) – Royal Botanical Gardens – 147 acres in extent: started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the King’s of Kandy. There are more than 5000 species of tree and plants. Some and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world Spice garden and Orchid House are popular with Tourists
Day 14 Nuwara Eliya – Galle – Bentota
After breakfast, drive to Bentota.
On the way visit Galle Fort and Galle Area.
Later visit Turtle Hatchery. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 15 – 16 – 17 Bentota
Relax in Bentota on the beach.
Day 18 Bentota – Colombo (By Road) (55 Kms/ 2 hrs) / Depart Colombo
After breakfast transfer to Colombo international airport to board the flight to fly back home.
| Place | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
| Chennai | 01 | The Leela |
| Mahabalipuram | 01 | Intercontinental Hotel |
| Pondicherry | 01 | The Promenade |
| Tanjore | 01 | Svatma Hotel |
| Madurai | 01 | Heritage Madurai |
| Periyar | 01 | Xandari Cardamom |
| Kumarakom | 01 | The Zuri Kumarakom |
| Cochin | 01 | Le Meridien |
| Colombo | 01 | The Kingsbury |
| Sigiriya | 02 | Elephant Corridor |
| Kandy | 01 | Grand Kandyan |
| Nuwara Eliya | 01 | The Grand |
| Bentota | 04 | Avani Resort & Spa |
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at the airport and hotels.
– 17 nights hotel accommodation.
– Daily breakfast and Dinners.
– Boat ride at Periyar National Park.
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions by private AC vehicle as per the program.
– Cochin – Colombo flight in economy class.
– Local English speaking guides during city tour, sightseeing and excursions.
– Entrance fees to the monuments as per the program.
– Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin.
– Cultural dance show in Kandy.
– 01 Yoga class during the tour.
– 01 dinner of Indian thali during the tour.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.