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Essence of East and South India: From Kolkata to Kerala

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Duration

16 Nights/ 17 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Discover the “Essence of East and South India: From Kolkata to Kerala”, a captivating journey through India’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Begin in Kolkata, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and the Indian Museum, before venturing to Bhubaneshwar’s ancient temples. Experience the spiritual and coastal allure of Puri, then fly to Chennai to admire its colonial architecture and vibrant city life. Continue to Pondicherry’s charming French Quarter and UNESCO sites, journey through Tamil Nadu’s historic temples and lush tea plantations, and conclude with the serene backwaters and vibrant culture of Kerala. This tour offers a seamless blend of historical grandeur, spiritual serenity, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to your hotel.
Rest and relax after your journey, preparing for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Kolkata

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Victoria Memorial: An iconic marble building surrounded by lush gardens, housing a museum dedicated to Kolkata's history during the British era.
Explore the Dakshineswar Kali Temple: A significant Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance.
Visit Mother House (Missionaries of Charity): Headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa, where you can learn about their humanitarian work and see the rooms where Mother Teresa spent her final years.
Discover the Marble Palace: A 19th-century mansion with marble walls and floors, featuring a collection of Western sculptures, Victorian furniture, and paintings.
Marvel at the Howrah Bridge: An engineering marvel spanning the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata to Howrah, and an iconic city landmark.
Explore the Indian Museum: The oldest and largest museum in India, showcasing a vast collection of rare artifacts, antiques, and art pieces spanning over five thousand years of Indian history.

Day 3: Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar (Flight)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your flight to Bhubaneshwar.
Upon arrival, visit Lingaraj Temple: An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings.
Explore Mukteshwar Temple: A 10th-century temple renowned for its unique architecture, featuring exquisite stone arches and delicate sculptures.
Admire the Rajarani Temple: Known for its ornate sculptures and intricate carvings, reflecting the artistic brilliance of the period.
End your day at Dhauli Giri Hills: The site where Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism, marked by ancient rock edicts and a serene Peace Pagoda offering a tranquil setting for reflection.

Day 4: Bhubaneshwar - Puri (60kms)

After breakfast, drive to Puri.
Explore Jagannath Temple: A renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, celebrated for its elaborate carvings and vibrant rituals, including the famous Rath Yatra festival.
Relax on Puri Beach: Enjoy the sandy shores with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal and colorful fishing boats.
Visit Konark Sun Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its impressive architecture and exquisite stone carvings depicting mythological tales and celestial motifs.
Enjoy the serene ambiance of Chandrabhaga Beach: Known for its scenic beauty and stunning sunrise views over the Bay of Bengal.

Day 5: Puri - Chilika Lake (55kms one way)

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Chilika Lake.
Explore Chilika Lake: Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, home to a rich biodiversity including migratory birds and the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.
Take a boat ride to Kalijai Island to visit the ancient Kalijai Temple: Offering panoramic views of Chilika Lake and its surrounding landscapes.
Enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting in Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its resident and migratory bird species.

Day 6: Puri - Bhubaneshwar/ Chennai (flight)

After breakfast, drive back to Bhubaneshwar and catch a flight to Chennai.
Arrive in Chennai and transfer to your hotel.
Explore Chennai’s heritage with a tour. Drive past the Madras High Court: A grand colonial-era building with a striking red façade.
Continue your drive past Rippon Buildings: Known for its remarkable architecture and historical significance.

Day 7: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (160kms)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry.
Enroute, visit Mahabalipuram.
Explore the Shore Temple: An ancient temple complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, renowned for its Dravidian architecture.
Visit Arjuna's Penance: A massive rock relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata.
Explore the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas): Monolithic rock-cut temples shaped like chariots.

Day 8: Pondicherry

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Auroville: An experimental township dedicated to human unity.
Explore Matrimandir: A renowned meditation center known for its architectural beauty and tranquil ambiance.
Discover the Sri Aurobindo Ashram: A spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo.
Wander through the French Quarter (Ville Blanche): Known for its colonial architecture, vibrant cafes, and boutique shops.
Relax at Promenade Beach: A seaside promenade offering stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.

Day 9: Pondicherry - Thanjore (220kms)

Drive to Thanjavur after breakfast.
Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as the Big Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its majestic architecture and intricate sculptures.
Explore Thanjavur Palace: A historical palace complex housing the Royal Museum with art, weaponry, and artifacts from the Chola dynasty.
Discover the Saraswati Mahal Library: One of Asia's oldest libraries, with a rare collection of palm leaf manuscripts, ancient texts, and historical documents.

Day 10: Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai (190kms)

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on your journey.
Visit Srirangam Temple: The largest functioning temple complex in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its sprawling architecture and intricate carvings.
Climb the Rock Fort Temple: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva, offering panoramic views of Trichy and the Cauvery River.
Explore Meenakshi Amman Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, known for its towering gopurams and stunning architecture.

Day 11: Madurai - Munnar (160kms)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar.
Visit the lush green tea estates of Munnar and learn about the tea-making process.
Explore the Tea Museum: To understand the history and significance of tea cultivation in the region.
Enjoy breathtaking views at Mattupetty Dam: Go for a boat ride on the serene reservoir and visit the nearby dairy farm.
Experience the natural echo phenomenon at Echo Point: Surrounded by misty hills and lush greenery, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

Day 12: Munnar

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
Explore Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat) and enjoy the lush green valleys and rolling hills.
Visit Top Station: The highest point in Munnar, offering stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats and neighboring Tamil Nadu.
Relax at Blossom International Park: Enjoy beautiful gardens, nature walks, and adventure activities like rock climbing and rappelling.

Day 13: Munnar - Thekkady (100kms)

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Thekkady.
Embark on a boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on Periyar Lake: Spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and birds amidst dense forests and bamboo groves.
Explore spice plantations: Learn about spices like cardamom, pepper, and cloves, and participate in guided tours and spice shopping.
Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake: Surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife sightings.

Day 14: Thekkady

After breakfast, visit Elephant Junction: Interact with elephants, enjoy rides, and learn about conservation efforts.
Visit Mangala Devi Temple: Located in the dense forests of Thekkady, offering panoramic views of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Western Ghats.
Witness a Kalaripayattu Performance: A traditional martial art showcasing rhythmic movements and dynamic techniques.

Day 15: Thekkady - Alleppey (160kms)

Drive to Alleppey after breakfast.
Board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the backwaters of Kerala: Pass serene villages, lush paddy fields, and coconut groves.
Observe local life along the backwaters and enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine onboard the houseboat.

Day 16: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms)

Enjoy breakfast on the houseboat before disembarking in Alleppey.
Drive to Cochin.
Explore Fort Kochi: Known for its colonial architecture and cultural landmarks.
Visit St. Francis Church: The oldest European church in India.
Discover Chinese Fishing Nets: Iconic fishing nets used for centuries by local fishermen.
Explore Vasco House: A Portuguese-style residence, believed to have been the home of Vasco da Gama.
Wander through Jew Town: Known for its antique shops, Jewish synagogue, and bustling market.
Visit Paradesi Synagogue: The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.

Day 17: Cochin - Departure

Transfer to the Cochin airport for your departure, concluding your journey through East and South India.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 16 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar - Chennai flight fare approx. ₹15500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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