Overview
Itinerary
Fly to the city of Chennai and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)
After breakfast and a tour introduction, you will travel to Mamallapuram. On arrival you will explore this coastal temple town, seeing the fascinating 7th and 8th-century rock carvings including the magnificent Shore Temple and the impressive Varaha Cave. (B/L/D)
Return to Chennai, formerly known as Madras. This city was developed as a British trading post and is home to a number of colonial sights. A city tour begins at the 13-kilometre Marina Beach before a stop at Fort St. George and the British-built St. Mary's Church. The final stop is the colourful Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple. (B/L/D)
Rise early to catch the Shatabdi Express to the garden city of Bangalore, where you will enjoy an afternoon city tour to see the Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan's Palace and Vidhana Soudha. (B/L/D)
Head to Mysore, stopping at Srirangapatna Fort en route. Visit the magnificent Maharaja's Palace and drive to Chamundi Hill to admire the 12th-century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and Nandi Bull. Tonight, enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration hosted by a local family. (B/L/D)
Journey up into the cool climes of the Western Ghats to the beautiful hill station of Ooty. Relax and appreciate the peace and natural splendour of this quaint town. Visit Botanical gardens, taking an uphill walk to visit a small village, gaining an insight into the lives of the local people. (B/L/D)
All aboard the miniature, narrow gauge 'Toy Train' to the 2nd hill station of Coonoor. Spend time walking around and appreciating the beauty of this quieter, less famous hill station before returning to Ooty. (B/L/D)
Drive to Coimbatore and enjoy half a day of sightseeing including visits to the Sri Svetambra Vimalanthar Jain Temple, St. Michael Xavier Church at big Bazaar and Athar Jamid Mosque at Oppamalara Street. (B/L/D)
Travel to Munnar, a hill station enveloped by lush tea plantations. In the afternoon visit a tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum. (B/L/D)
Today explore Eravikulam National Park and have the opportunity to spot the local wildlife (closed Feb-Apr, when an alternative light trek will be available). Continue your journey to Thekkady, home of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. (B/L/D)
Though designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1978, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is best known for its elephants. Take a walk through the reserve, keeping an eye out for its resident elephant population, as well as wild dogs, barking deer, mouse deer and the elusive Bengal tiger. Visit a spice village before enjoying a traditional kalaripayattu (martial art) show this evening. (B/L/D)
Travel to the coastal town of Kochi. This evening enjoy an exuberant Kathakali dance performance. (B/L/D)
Take a full day tour of Kochi. Start at St. Francis Church, the first European church built in India, before a visit to Santa Cruz Basilica, where you will have excellent views of Chinese fishing nets. Finish the day by admiring the synagogue in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. (B/L/D)
Travel to Kumarakom, stopping en route at Kumbalangi, a village created to highlight the lifestyle of fisher-folk in the area.
Later board a houseboat, a converted rice barge known as a kettuvallam. Sit back and watch life on the water and the surrounding, untouched wilderness while cruising unhurriedly along the canals. A delicious dinner of traditional cuisine will be served on board and spend a comfortable night on the water. (B/L/D)
Have breakfast onboard before disembarking and heading for the beach town of Kovalam. Stop on the way in Kerala's capital Trivandrum to see the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Observatory and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. (B/L/D)
This morning take a walking tour of the town and visit the lighthouse. The rest of the day is yours to relax or head to the beach, before a farewell dinner this evening. (B/L/D)
Transfer to Trivandrum and fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Discover vibrant Chennai
- Ride Ooty's toy train
- Experience Mysore
- Cool off in the tea plantations
- Cruise Kerala's backwaters
- Relax in Kovalam
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
- 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners
- Residency Hotel, Chennai, India (4 star): The Residency Hotel is a short distance to the city's corporate and shopping areas. The en-suite rooms feature modern amenities including, TV and and tea/coffee facilities. A breakfast buffet is served daily in the Spice Bar, which also offers lunch and dinner, with guests also having the option to order a la carte from the Chin Chin restaurant.
- The Ideal Beach Resort, Mahaballipuram, India (3 star): Located along the Bay of Bengal and surrounded by 12 acres of lush greenery, The Ideal Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax after a day filled with adventure. Home to a private beach, finished with huts and hammocks, the resort will offer a truly Ideal holiday experience. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Ayurvedic massage centre and spa. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and offer tea and coffee making facilities, a safe and daily newspaper.
- Adarsh Hamilton Hotel, Bangalore, India (4 star): Situated in a quiet neighbourhood off Richmond Circle in the heart of Bangalore's Central Business District, Adarsh Hamilton Hotel offers luxurious en-suite rooms featuring modern amenities including, TV, tea/coffee facilities and a safety deposit box. Superb facilities include a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and fitness centre.
- The Grand Mercure, Mysore, India (4 star): Conveniently located just minutes away from the Mysore Palace and Mysore Zoo, The 4* Grand Mercure Hotel sits within the heart of the city. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with a modern flare and is equipped with a rooftop pool, gym and all day dining restaurant. Other facilities include a bar, serving a sophisticated collection of cocktails, mocktails, spirits and wines.
- Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, Ooty, India (3 star): Located within the scenic surroundings of Ooty, the 4* Fortune Resort Sullivan Court is a modern-day tribute to the founder of the city, John Sullivan. The resort is just 1km from the city centre and provides a wide selection of facilities to guests, including restaurants, serving flavours of India as well as cuisines from around the world, as well as a contemporary bar, spa and gym. Rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with a minibar, coffee and tea maker as well as air conditioning and flatscreen TV.
- The Silvertips, Munnar, India (4 star): With its convenient location, The Silvertips hotel offers easy access to Munnar's must-see destinations. The hotel features 60 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms, many of which include a balcony/terrace, complimentary bottled water, TV and a coffee/tea maker. The hotel also offers access to a vast array of services, including free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and spa.
- Poetree Sarovar Portico, Thekkady, India (4 star): Located in the midst of untouched land, the 4* Poetree Sarovar Portico resort allows guests to immerse themselves within nature, allowing for unforgettable views over the Periyar Forest, home to some of the most conservated wildlife in the country. Resort facilities include a spa and sanctuary, offering only the best Indian rejuvenation therapies, as well as a variety of dining options serving both Indian and international cuisines. Rooms here are inspired by warm tones and are equipped with air condition, mini bar and tea/ coffee making facilities plus much more.
- Casino Hotel Kochi, Kochi (5 star): Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Fort Cochin, the Casino Hotel combines relaxed Keralan style with modern comforts. There is an outdoor pool, gym, lounge and shop, whilst the restaurants serve Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine and specialise in fresh fish dishes. There is also free Wi-Fi and an Ayurveda massage service. Bedrooms are bright and spacious with typically Keralan aspects and offer air conditioning, safe, minibar, television and en suite bathroom.
- AC Deluxe Houseboat, Allepy, India (4 star): Located in Allepy, the traditional 80 feet long crafts have been adapted into luxuriously furnished houseboats. Each houseboat is beautifully decorated with coir mattress on the floor. Modern comforts include a spacious living/dining area and sun deck, with an airy passage and neat kitchen. Clean towels and blankets are also provided.
- Uday Samudra Beach Resort, Kovalam, India (4 star): Located by the famed beaches of Kovalam, 15 metres from the sea, Uday Samudra Beach Resort is an exclusive 5 Star leisure beach hotel - a destination by itself. The hotel boasts luxurious air-conditioned en-suite rooms with modern amenities and the restaurant serves a variety of delicious Chinese, continental and local dishes. Live cultural programmes also can be enjoyed during dinner time.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$100pp (AU$149pp) is paid locally in India.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Brochure
Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2025-26)
Availability
AUD
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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