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Exotic South

  • Chennai – Madurai – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin – Ooty – Mysore – Hassan – Hospet – Hampi – Gulberga – Hyderabad
  • 0 booked
  • Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
  • Language: English / Hindi
  • Tour type: Theme Experiences
  • Transport: Flight, Boat (Cruises & Safari), Toy Train & Road Transfers
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: 15 Breakfasts, 0 Lunches, 0 Dinners
  • Group size: 1 to 39 people
This 16-day Exotic South tour takes you on an unforgettable expedition through the most diverse and culturally rich landscapes of Southern India. From the vibrant coastal city of Chennai

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Rich Cultural Activities
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Rich Cultural Activities
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Itinerary

1

Day 1: Welcome to Chennai

Your journey commences with your arrival at the modern Chennai International Airport. Following the completion of customs and immigration procedures and the collection of your baggage, you will be warmly greeted by our representative, who will escort you to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

2

Day 2: Chennai to Madurai (by Flight)

After a delicious breakfast, your day will unfold with a visit to Fort St. George and the revered Saint Thomas Church. Following your exploration, you will be transferred to the vibrant city of Madurai, where you will check into your hotel. A comfortable overnight stay awaits.

3

Day 3: Madurai Exploration

After a satisfying breakfast, embark on a captivating sightseeing tour of Madurai City. Your itinerary includes visits to the Meenakshi temples, the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, and the awe-inspiring Thiruparankundram rock-cut temples. Rest and rejuvenate with an overnight stay at the hotel.

4

Day 4: Madurai to Thekkady (by Road)

Following breakfast, a scenic drive will take you to Thekkady, covering approximately 160 kilometers in about 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, and in the afternoon, venture into the Periyar National Park for a wildlife-viewing boat ride. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

5

Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom (by Road)

Enjoy breakfast and set out on a picturesque drive to Kumarakom, a journey of around 155 kilometers that takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, and in the late afternoon, embark on a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake. Rest well at the hotel.

6

Day 6: Kumarakom to Cochin (by Road)

After breakfast, drive from Kumarakom to Cochin, approximately 65 kilometers away and taking around 2 hours. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a short backwater cruise at Alleppey. In the afternoon, visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India, witness the Chinese fishing nets in action, explore St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry. In the evening, immerse yourself in the rich cultural experience of watching a Kathakali dance performance.

7

Day 7: Cochin to Ooty (by Road)

Following breakfast, embark on a drive from Cochin to Ooty, a journey of approximately 275 kilometers that takes around 7 hours. You’ll have a stop at Coonoor to enjoy a short toy train ride, subject to weather conditions. Upon your arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

8

Day 8: Exploring Ooty

After breakfast, embark on a short city tour, including a visit to the Government Botanical Gardens and the charming St. Stephen’s Church. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

9

Day 9: Ooty to Mysore (by Road)

Post breakfast, set out on a drive to Mysore, covering approximately 140 kilometers in about 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

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Day 10: Mysore Discovery

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Mysore City. Your itinerary will include visits to the majestic Maharaja’s Palace, the Chamundi Hills, and the Rajendra Art Gallery. Rest well at the hotel.

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Day 11: Mysore to Hassan (by Road)

After breakfast, drive to Hassan, covering approximately 125 kilometers in about 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, and visit the Chennakeshava Temple and Hoysaleswara temple. Enjoy a peaceful night at the hotel.

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Day 12: Hassan to Hospet (by Road)

Following breakfast, embark on a drive to Hospet, covering approximately 325 kilometers in about 7 hours. Check in at the hotel upon arrival and enjoy an overnight stay.

13

Day 13: Exploring Hampi from Hospet

After breakfast, visit Hampi, a historical Hindu kingdom in South India, featuring an array of attractions including forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water features, and more. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

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Day 14: Hospet to Gulberga (by Road)

Following breakfast, drive to Gulberga, covering approximately 235 kilometers in about 5 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and embark on a sightseeing tour of Gulberga, visiting The Fort, Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, and Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah. Enjoy a comfortable night at the hotel.

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Day 15: Gulberga to Hyderabad (by Road)

Drive to Hyderabad, covering approximately 130 kilometers in about 3.3 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and explore Hyderabad, a city where North and South meet, and Hindu and Muslim cultures harmoniously coexist. Visit Charminar, the renowned Lad Bazaar, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Street of Love. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

16

Day 16: Departure from Hyderabad

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. In a timely manner, our team will ensure your smooth transfer from the hotel to the International Airport for your onward journey. Safe travels as you continue your adventure.

This 16-day Exotic South tour takes you on an unforgettable expedition through the most diverse and culturally rich landscapes of Southern India. From the vibrant coastal city of Chennai to the royal heritage of Mysore and the magnificent ruins of Hampi, this journey is a masterclass in history, architecture, and natural beauty.

  • Explore ancient and majestic sites, including the rock-cut temples of Madurai, the historic ruins of Hampi, the grand Maharaja’s Palace in Mysore, and the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad.
  • Experience the enchanting beauty of the South with a wildlife-viewing boat ride in Periyar, a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake, a serene backwater cruise in Alleppey, and a nostalgic toy train ride through the hills of Coonoor.
  • Enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout your journey, a domestic flight to maximize your time, scenic road transfers across lush landscapes, and daily included breakfasts.


 

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.

Land Portions Refund Datelines:  ( Hotels, Tours services, Sightseeing tours )

Number of days prior to Departure Cost of Cancellation (Minimum Cancellation after booking)
120 days or more 15% of the total tour cost
119 to 60 days 25% of the total tour cost
59 to 30 days 50% of the total tour cost
Below 30 days 100% of the total tour cost

 

Frequently Asked Questions - Deposits, Payments & Customers:
  • 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.

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