On the Essential South India Highlights tour enjoy magnificent beauty and a deep immersion into South India’s culture and traditions.

Extraordinary natural beauty, a slower pace and stunning ancient temples offer an intimate insight into rural village lifestyle, traditions and history on this venture into the deep south of India. Also, see a procession of 60 elephants bearing bright colored parasols present an unparalleled spectacle at the pooram (festival) in a remote rural village.

Participate in pujas with the locals, cruise the lovely Kerala backwaters, visit one of the most beautiful hill stations of the south, historic sites as well as less known towns as you immerse yourself deeply during our fascinating tour of South India.

This tour is offered twice annually February & November. Dates are on the brochure which you can download. To find the dates that you wish to book, click the button “See Availability,” a calendar appears. You will see dates in black ink. Click on the date to select it. If you want a future date, use the arrow to move forward on the calendar to view additional dates.

Trip pricing is contingent upon a minimum of four (4) participants and is subject to adjustment should this minimum not be met.

• Fabulous Meenakshi Temple elaborate puja ceremony

• Open air bas reliefs and the Shore temple in Mahabalipuram

• Off-the-track Chettinad villages, homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars

• Visit Royal City of Mysore

• Board a private, deluxe Kettuvallom (traditional riceboat) for an overnight tour of the backwaters.

• Accommodations with breakfast

• Accompanying guide throughout

• Arrival & Departure airport transfers on tour dates

• AC Transport van or minibus depending on group size.

• Meals: 8 lunches, 6 dinners.

• Bottled water in the vehicle during drives

• Camera Fees

• Porters at hotels and domestic airports min 4 people

• International airfare

• Visa Fee

• Flight ticket Cochin-Bangalore (priced separately)

• Tips to drivers & guides

• Meals other than those listed

Post-tour Extension to Ellora & Ajanta Caves-Following South India Highlights & South India In-Depth Tours. Exclusively available to participants of these tours. Not available as a stand-alone tour

Aurangabad is a convenient base for visits to the famous rock-cut temples of Ajanta & Ellora. The most notable feature of these cave temples is that entire hillsides were cut away with the artisan’s chisel to produce these sculptures, which are some of the world’s most exquisite.  Ellora’s 34 caves are over 10 centuries old and represent elaborate sculptures from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. The caves at Ajanta date back to the 5th century and contain paintings and sculptures of major events in the life of the Buddha.

Trip pricing is contingent upon a minimum of four (4) participants and is subject to adjustment should this minimum not be met.

What's Included:

• Two nights Accommodation with breakfast in Aurangabad 4*

• Room for wash and change Mumbai near airport

• Arrival/departure transfers

• AC Transport by SUV

• Professional guide during sightseeing

• Monument entrances

• India Gov Service Tax

What's Not Included:

• Air tickets to/from Aurangabad

• Lunches and Dinners

• Tips to driver, guide, hotel and airport porters

• Camera fees

• India Visa