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Southern Symphony

Theme Experiences

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Kumbakonam – Tanjore – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin
0 booked

Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Language: English / Hindi
Tour type: Theme Experiences
Transport: Road Transfers, Boat (Lake Periyar), & Houseboat Cruise
Accommodation: Hotel / Houseboat
Meals: 16 Breakfasts, 0 Lunches, 0 Dinners
Group size: 1 to 39 people

Rich Cultural Activities

Cuisine

Rich Cultural Activities

Cuisine

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Chennai

Your journey begins with your arrival at the New Chennai International Airport. After completing customs, immigration procedures, and collecting your luggage, our friendly representative will be there to welcome you and arrange your transfer to a comfortable hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Chennai Exploration & Journey to Mahabalipuram

Following a delicious breakfast, embark on an exploration of Chennai City. Your visit will include stops at the Sri Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, and the Government Museum Complex. In the afternoon, we’ll drive you to the enchanting town of Mahabalipuram, which is approximately 55 kilometers away, and check you into a lovely hotel for the night.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram

After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll discover the magnificent City of Kanchipuram, often referred to as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples. In the afternoon, return to Mahabalipuram to explore its numerous sculptures and temples, showcasing typical South Indian architectural designs. Rest for the night at your hotel.

Day 4: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

After breakfast, we’ll drive you to the serene city of Pondicherry, a journey of approximately 96 kilometers that takes around 2 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Sacred Heart Church, Bharathi and Bharathidasan Memorial Museum. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Pondicherry to Kumbakonam via Chidambaram & Gangaikondacholapuram

Following breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Kumbakonam. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous ancient temples of Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram. After your visits, continue your journey to Kumbakonam and enjoy a peaceful night at the hotel.

Day 6: Kumbakonam Explorations

After a hearty breakfast, explore the Darasuram temple and Swamimalai temple. In the evening, visit the Swamimalai Bronze casting unit to witness the craftsmanship of statue making. Relax and recharge with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Kumbakonam to Tanjore

After breakfast, we’ll drive you to Tanjore, which is approximately 45 kilometers away and takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Later, explore Tanjore, renowned for its classic Dravidian-style temple of Brihadeshwara, as well as a UNESCO world heritage site & its vibrant art and crafts scene, including pottery, silk, jewelry, beaten copper, bronzes, and silver statues. Rest for the night at your hotel.

Day 8: Tanjore to Trichy & Back to Tanjore

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel, and then head to Trichy, a city situated on the banks of the Cauvery River. Explore attractions like Rock Fort, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, and Tiruvannaikaval. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 9: Tanjore to Madurai via Chettinad

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Madurai, covering approximately 140 kilometers over 3.5 hours. En route, visit the charming Chettinad region, known for its grand mansions, temples, and culinary delights. Later, continue your journey to Madurai and settle in at your hotel for the night.

Day 10: Explore Madurai

Following breakfast, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a major landmark in the historic city, known for its stunning architecture and sculptures. In the evening, witness a puja ceremony at Shree Meenakshi Temple before retiring for the night at your hotel.

Day 11: Madurai to Periyar

After breakfast, drive to Periyar, covering approximately 160 kilometers in 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and soak in the natural beauty. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 12: Periyar Exploration

In the morning, embark on a boat trip on Lake Periyar for wildlife viewing. After the tour, return to your hotel for breakfast and then experience a fascinating spice plantation tour in the early afternoon. Rest for the night at your hotel.

Day 13: Periyar to Kumarakom

Following breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a journey of approximately 155 kilometers taking about 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some free time to experience Kerala’s famous backwaters and its unique way of life. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14: Kumarakom Houseboat Experience

After breakfast, step aboard a houseboat for a remarkable journey through the narrow canals and channels of Kerala’s enchanting backwaters. Spend the night aboard the houseboat.

Day 15: By Houseboat to Cochin

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Cochin, which is approximately 65 kilometers away and takes around 2 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Enjoy the day at your leisure, exploring the city or indulging in independent activities. Rest for the night at your hotel.

Day 16: Cochin Exploration

Start your day with breakfast and explore the enchanting Cochin. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), Fort Kochi beach, Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church. In the evening, witness a captivating Kathakali Dance performance. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 17: Departure from Cochin

At the appropriate time, our team will ensure your smooth transfer from the hotel to the airport for your onward flight. We wish you safe travels and hope you’ve enjoyed your incredible journey through South India.

This 17-day Southern Symphony tour invites you on an immersive journey through the culturally rich and visually stunning landscapes of South India. From the grand, towering temples of Tamil Nadu to the serene, emerald backwaters of Kerala, this itinerary perfectly balances spiritual heritage with natural beauty.

Explore ancient architectural marvels like the shore temples of Mahabalipuram, the “Golden City of a Thousand Temples” in Kanchipuram, the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in coastal Cochin.
Experience the diverse flavors and cultures of the South with a visit to a traditional bronze casting unit in Swamimalai, a fascinating spice plantation tour in Periyar, a wildlife viewing boat trip, and an overnight stay aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat.
Enjoy seamless road transfers across scenic routes, comfortable hotel accommodations, a unique night on the backwaters, and daily breakfasts to start your explorations right.

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

Map

Frequently Asked Questions - Deposits, Payments & Customers:

How Much Walking Is Involved?
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.
Is Indian Food Safe for Foreign Tourists?
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.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
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.
Will the Tour Feel Too Rushed?
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.
How Much Planning Is Actually Needed?
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.
Are Private Tours Only for Luxury Travelers?
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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From

Southern Symphony

Hightlight tour

Rich Cultural Activities

Cuisine

Rich Cultural Activities

Cuisine

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Chennai

Day 2: Chennai Exploration & Journey to Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram

Day 4: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

Day 5: Pondicherry to Kumbakonam via Chidambaram & Gangaikondacholapuram

Day 6: Kumbakonam Explorations

Day 7: Kumbakonam to Tanjore

Day 8: Tanjore to Trichy & Back to Tanjore

Day 9: Tanjore to Madurai via Chettinad

Day 10: Explore Madurai

Day 11: Madurai to Periyar

Day 12: Periyar Exploration

Day 13: Periyar to Kumarakom

Day 14: Kumarakom Houseboat Experience

Day 15: By Houseboat to Cochin

Day 16: Cochin Exploration

Day 17: Departure from Cochin

Price includes

Price does not include

Additional Information

Map

Review

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