This comprehensive 16-day Southern India journey takes you from the bustling, historic streets of Mumbai to the lush landscapes and ancient temples of the South. Experience the incredible diversity
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Hightlight tour
Rich Cultural Activities
Cuisine
Sightseeing
Itinerary
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Day 1: Welcome to Mumbai
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed, and we will take care of your transfer to the hotel. Check-in and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.
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Day 2: Mumbai Discovery
After a hearty breakfast, your day will begin with a visit to the iconic Gateway of India. An exciting excursion to the Elephanta Caves follows, and upon your return to Mumbai, you’ll explore the Prince of Wales Museum and the magnificent Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Your adventure continues with visits to Mani Bhawan, the Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, and a drive past Haji Ali, the opulent tomb of a prosperous Muslim merchant, and the Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest outdoor laundry. A restful night awaits at your hotel.
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Day 3: Mumbai to Kochi (by Flight)
Following a delicious breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon your arrival in Kochi, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Rest well at the hotel.
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Day 4: Exploring Kochi
After a scrumptious breakfast, embark on an exploration of Kochi, formerly known as Cochin. Your itinerary includes visits to St. Francis Church, the Roman Catholic Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter with its Old Synagogue, and the Dutch Palace. Later, experience a boat cruise to visit Bolghatty Palace and witness the captivating Chinese fishing nets in action. In the evening, immerse yourself in the cultural richness of a Kathakali Dance Performance. Enjoy a relaxing night at your hotel.
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Day 5: Kochi to Thekkady (by Road)
Post-breakfast, your journey will take you to Thekkady, covering approximately 165 kilometers in about 4 hours. Upon your arrival, check in at the hotel. After lunch, visit a spice plantation and have the opportunity to purchase some freshly grown spices. A comfortable night’s rest awaits you at the hotel.
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Day 6: Thekkady Exploration
Start your day with a refreshing jungle walk at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Periyar. The evening is yours to explore the local bazaar in Thekkady and indulge in the purchase of some of the region’s famous spices. Rest well at your hotel.
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Day 7: Thekkady to Kumarakom
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kumarakom, covering 80 kilometers in about 3 hours. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat to begin a picturesque journey through the backwaters. Spend the night on the houseboat, surrounded by serene waters.
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Day 8: Kumarakom to Kovalam via Alleppey
Enjoy breakfast aboard the houseboat before disembarking at Alleppey. From there, we’ll drive you to the beautiful Kovalam Beach, covering approximately 190 kilometers in 5 hours. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at your hotel and soak in the beach vibes. An overnight stay awaits.
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Day 9: Leisure Day in Kovalam
Today is your day to relax and enjoy personal activities. Unwind and make the most of your stay at the hotel.
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Day 10: Kovalam to Kanyakumari & On to Madurai
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart for Madurai, making a stop at Kanyakumari, known as the “Lands’ End” of India. You’ll visit the Temple of Goddess Kumari and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. After lunch, continue your journey to Madurai, where you’ll check in at the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
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Day 11: Discovering Madurai
Following a satisfying breakfast, immerse yourself in the exploration of Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. A restful night awaits at your hotel.
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Day 12: Madurai to Tanjore (by Road)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then embark on a drive to Tanjore, where you’ll check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple. Rest well at the hotel.
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Day 13: Tanjore to Pondicherry (By Road)
After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, a journey of approximately 170 kilometers taking around 4 hours. This former French colonial city in Tamil Nadu only came under Indian rule in 1954. You’ll also visit the 400-year-old Manakula Vinayagar Temple, known for its frescoes depicting the life story of a lord who was half human and half animal. An overnight stay awaits at the hotel.
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Day 14: Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram (by Road)
Post-breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, covering 100 kilometers in about 2 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. This site is renowned for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs like the famous ‘Descent of the Ganges,’ and the temple of Rivage, adorned with thousands of sculptures in honour of Lord Shiva. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.
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Day 15: Leisure Day in Mahabalipuram
Today is yours to enjoy leisure activities in Mahabalipuram. Relax and take in the beauty of this historic place. An overnight stay at the hotel completes your day.
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Day 16: Mahabalipuram to Chennai International Airport
Post-breakfast, we’ll drive you to Chennai, a journey of approximately 60 kilometers taking about 1.5 hours. After an unforgettable adventure through incredible India, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels as you continue your journey. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
This comprehensive 16-day Southern India journey takes you from the bustling, historic streets of Mumbai to the lush landscapes and ancient temples of the South. Experience the incredible diversity of India’s western and southern coasts, blending vibrant city life with serene natural beauty and deep spiritual heritage.
Explore iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, the majestic Brihadisvara Temple in Tanjore, and the magnificent rock-cut monuments of Mahabalipuram.
Experience the unique culture of the South with a Kathakali dance performance in Kochi, a walk through aromatic spice plantations in Thekkady, and a peaceful overnight cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat through the backwaters of Kumarakom.
Enjoy a well-paced itinerary featuring domestic flights, scenic road trips, relaxing beach days in Kovalam, and comfortable stays in handpicked hotels and a traditional houseboat.
Price includes
A guided tour of important places
A two-person English-speaking Travel Director and Driver team with you for the duration of your journey
Beautifully illustrated souvenir map
Current Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
Entrance tickets to monuments and museums mentioned on the itinerary
Sightseeing and activities as described in your itinerary
All accommodations – First class or best available hotels in the area based on the hotel price category booked
Breakfast daily and some evening meals as described in your trip itinerary.
Meals, unless expressly states
Observation and participation in allowed activities
Professionally guided tour
Arrival and Departure Airport transfers
Transport to and from hotel listed on itinerary
Bottled water
Price does not include
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes
Departure Taxes
Visa processing arrangements
Extra pre and / or post hotel nights for before and after your trip. These can be booked through Lotus of India and or your Travel Agent and be added during the booking process.
Handling fees
Excess baggage charge
Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes
International Air, unless expressly paid for
Medical Travel insurance and emergency insurance
Visas and Travel Insurance.
Other International and domestic flights not mentioned on the itinerary.
Personal expenses.
Porterage for a maximum of two bags per person.
All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
Services not specifically stated in the itinerary.
Tips to guide and driver.
Optional Experiences. Optional Experiences are additional add-on experiences unique to the destination that are booked and paid for (credit card or cash) when you are on your tour. As Optional Experiences are pre-bookable, this allows you the flexibility to pick and choose what you feel like when you’re on your trip.
Any taxi fares or personal spending money including for non-included items, meals.
Level of Physical fitness required for the Lotus of India tour?
A moderate amount of walking is involved at both attractions.
Check recommended level for travelers with back problems or any other issues.
Check the dress codes for proper vestments for religious sites or county customs.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.
Guidelines for Different Religious Sites
Typical Dress Code for Churches and Cathedrals
Churches, particularly in Europe, often require covered shoulders and knees. Bringing a scarf or shawl can be handy if you need to cover up quickly.
Dress Codes in Mosques
Mosques typically require women to cover their hair with a scarf or hijab and both men and women to wear long pants or skirts. Some mosques provide appropriate attire at the entrance.
Typical Dress Code for Temples and Shrines.
In Hindu and Buddhist temples, it is respectful to wear long sleeves and long skirts or pants. Removing shoes is often mandatory, and wearing socks might be required in some places.
Tips for Respectful Attire
Removing Hats or Headwear
While head coverings may be required in some religious sites, hats and caps are generally considered disrespectful and should be removed before entering.
Layering for Comfort and Respect
Bringing a lightweight layer, like a cardigan or shawl, allows you to adapt your outfit as needed. This is especially useful when transitioning from a hot climate outside to a cool interior within religious buildings.
Understanding Local Customs
Researching or asking about local customs before visiting can prevent unintentional disrespect. Each religious site may have unique expectations regarding dress code.
Additional Information
Confirmation will be received at time of booking and payment
Tours can be customized, by request with a multi-lingual guides option: (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese).
Daily Tours departures times will be announced by your guide a day prior to the tour date.
The tour starts times ranges based on the activity booked.
Waiver will need to be signed attesting to good health conditions
Cancellation and Refunds Policies
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours after booking payment.
In the event of cancellation, Traveler should notify Lotus of India in writing at – least 60 days prior to travel.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made after paid booking before the experience’s start date / time will be subject to modification fees.
If the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers ( 2 ). If it’s canceled because the minimum wasn’t met, you’ll be offered options and recalculated prices.
A cancellation fee will be charged by Lotus of India for all cancelled bookings, as per the following cancellation terms.
Foreign travelers often worry about physical strain, especially seniors and couples. Physical comfort is managed proactively rather than reactively.
Private tours control walking distances. Vehicles drop travelers close to sites, and visits are planned during less crowded hours.
Food concerns are extremely common. Travelers worry about hygiene, food spice levels, and digestive issues.
Private tours ensure meals are taken in reputable restaurants and hotels where hygiene standards are controlled. Spice levels are adjusted, and dietary needs are respected.
Most food-related problems occur when travelers eat randomly or without guidance.
Travel anxiety often peaks around “what if” scenarios. Delays, illness, missed connections, or fatigue worry travelers before booking.
Private tours include contingency handling. Drivers, guides and operators respond immediately to changes without traveler involvement.
This safety net is one of the strongest reasons foreign travelers choose private tours.
Fear of rushed itineraries is common, especially among travelers who have seen aggressive group tour schedules.
Private tours are paced according to traveler energy, not preset checklists. Days are balanced, and sightseeing is spread logically.
Foreign travelers often say they see less but understand more, which improves satisfaction.
India requires more planning than many destinations because of its scale and diversity. Foreign travelers often underestimate travel times, climate differences, and regional variations.
Private tour planning absorbs this complexity. Routes are optimized, rest is built in, and seasonal factors are considered. Good planning reduces surprises, which is essential for confidence.
There is a misconception that private tours are only for ultra-luxury travelers. Private tours exist across comfort levels. The defining feature is personalization, not price.
Even mid-range private tours offer better control and ease than budget independent travel. Luxury private tours simply enhance comfort further through premium hotels and experiences.
Foreign travelers choose private tours not to show wealth, but to avoid friction.
Many travelers imagine private tours as rigid luxury packages. Private tours are flexible frameworks.
Each day begins and ends based on traveler comfort. Sightseeing is adjusted in real time. If a site feels crowded or energy is low, plans change without stress.
This adaptability is what foreign travelers value most. They are not following a script; they are being supported.
Safety questions often come from lack of familiarity rather than real risk. Foreign travelers worry about crime, harassment, scams, and medical emergencies.
Private tours significantly reduce exposure to unsafe situations. Drivers manage routes and timing, guides handle interactions, and hotels provide secure environments.
Most foreign travelers report feeling safer in India on private tours than in many other countries they have visited independently.
Language concerns are common, especially for travelers who do not speak any Indian languages. In practice, language is rarely an issue when traveling privately. English is widely spoken by guides, hotel staff and drivers working with international tourists.
For foreign tourists, communication becomes effortless when handled professionally.
Comfort is the first unspoken concern. Foreign travelers are not asking whether India has luxury hotels; they are asking whether daily life between destinations will feel manageable.
India becomes comfortable when travel is structured. Private car travel in India, professional drivers, well-located hotels and guided sightseeing remove most discomfort factors. Without structure, even good hotels cannot compensate for chaotic movement.
Persons arriving from Yellow Fever endemic countries or those who have visited such countries during the past 6 days immediately preceding their entry into India will be required to possess a valid certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination from an authorized vaccination center. Persons arriving from a country having public health risk may be required to undergo medical screening or additional measures as decided by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India.
Minimum six months of validity and two blank pages for the Immigration stamps. Note that the visa validity starts from the issue date.
All foreign visitors need a visa, expect citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Visa-on-Arrival facility is available to the citizens of Japan, South Korea & UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India). Others can apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
Our partners make every effort to accommodate any special needs requests, whether it be a dietary restriction or physical limitations. In order to accommodate your needs as best possible, we ask that you let your Travel Specialist know at the time of booking. You may be asked to fill out a form depending on the type of request.
You may bring one suitcase per person weighing up to 50 lbs. You may also bring one piece of hand luggage provided it is small enough to take on the coach. These details will also be provided in your travel documents. Please note that air carriers may have their own restrictions and requirements including weight. We recommend that you contact the airlines directly for additional information. You can also learn more about checked baggage fees and allowances here.
Traveling solo traveler and prefer the privacy of your own room, a supplement will be applied to the price of your trip. The cost will depend on your trip and is available on request. If you’d rather not incur the additional expense, consider sharing option to avoid the extras. We’ll advice you if some other solo travelers requesting sharing. We will accommodate you with a fellow guest of the same gender, on a twin-bed basis. Please note that room shares are not valid on all trips.
Customization is one of the most asked about aspects. Foreign travelers want reassurance that itineraries are not fixed templates.
Private tours are built around interests, pace, and comfort. Changes can be made before and during the trip. This flexibility builds trust and confidence.
Some travelers worry that private tours might feel artificial or disconnected. The opposite is true. Authenticity comes from understanding, not exposure.
Private tours allow deeper interaction because guides explain context, facilitate conversations and choose meaningful experiences
Planning your first trip to India can raise many questions about safety, visas, transport, and the best places to visit. Our experienced travel specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.
Most major credit cards are widely accepted throughout India. Credit cards and most debit cards can be used for ATM cash withdrawals onshore. We recommend bringing at least one credit card plus an ATM card. Try to avoid carrying euro notes larger than €100, as merchants may be hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Limited currency exchange available at all major hotels have exchange facilities. Travelers Checks are not recommended. It’s always a good idea to let your credit card issuer and bank know of your plans to travel abroad so they can expect foreign transactions on your account.
All tour deposits are non-refundable. However, we do offer deposit protection within our company, which means your tour only base deposit can be used toward a future Lotus of India, Lotus of Asia, or Travelonica, a sister tour brands holiday within the next year ( 12 months ).
If your booking is confirmed you will have received an invoice shortly after booking both for tour deposits, and for tours where you’ve paid in full. Please always check your junk, spam, or promotions folder. If any additions and changes to your booking, including any payments made, we will send you an updated invoice.
You can see your full payment due date in our Payment Terms. Full payment is available at the time of booking.
All payment dates and amounts will appear on your invoice once you’ve booked. Please note, deposit and full payment terms may vary for special offers. Please familiarise yourself with our full Booking Conditions.
Payment process will vary depend on how you booked your tour and there are several ways you can make payments.
You can Contact Us and we’ll send you a one-time secure payment link or take your payment over the phone.
If you booked with a Travel Agent: Contact your Travel Agent to make payments for your tour directly through them.
If you are you are Travel Agent? You can make payments directly through the Travel Agent Portal where you can also view your booked invoices.
We accept the following payment methods: Credit/debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal
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