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South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts

16 days  |  20 days with Southern Sri Lanka extension

Group size
12–22 travelers
Activity level

Uncover heritage, history—and wild elephants—on a tour of South India and Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures and national parks.

On a tour of cultural multitudes, you’ll breathe air tinged with tea and cinnamon, look up (way up) at technicolor temples, and slumber on a houseboat. South India and Sri Lanka contain an entire universe—one steeped in heritage and interspersed with abundant natural wonders and the thundering hoofbeats of Asian elephants. South India welcomes you to a galaxy of tropical experiences at a much more deliberate pace than its Northern counterpart. You’ll weave through the French colonial je-ne-sais-quoi of Puducherry to the sacred city of Madurai, to the free-roaming wilderness of Periyar National Park and the meandering emerald-green backwaters of Kerala. Then, it’s Sri Lanka’s turn to dazzle you with Kandy’s elaborate cave temples and nose-tickling spice plantations found throughout the island nation. Extend your trip to Southern Sri Lanka and after a scenic train ride through every shade of green on the Sri Lankan highlands, look for leopards on a game drive and learn about the roots of Ceylon cinnamon in its very birthplace.

Your tour package includes

  • 13 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 13 breakfasts
  • 7 lunches
  • 8 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 liquor tasting
  • 1 food tasting
  • 1 cooking class
  • 16 sightseeing tours
  • 2 game drives
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
  • Private deluxe motor coach
  • 2 on-tour flights

Included highlights

  • Mahabalipuram’s seaside monuments
  • Aurobindo Ashram in Colonial Puducherry
  • Madurai’s technicolor temples
  • Periyar spice and tea plantations
  • Periyar National Park game drive
  • Kerala Backwaters houseboat
  • Coir factory visit in Kochi
  • Kerala cooking demonstration
  • Minneriya National Park game drive
  • Traditional Peduru party
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

Itinerary

Overnight Flight

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Chennai today.

Mahabalipuram

Day 2: Arrival in Chennai & transfer to Mahabalipuram

Welcome to India! After arriving in Chennai, transfer to your hotel in Mahabalipuram. You’ll touch down later in the evening, so use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodations, catch up on rest, and get ready for the beginning of your journey.

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Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

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Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram

This oceanfront hotel is located on Pallava Beach in Mahabalipuram. Guests enjoy the fitness centre, beautiful garden, and outdoor pool. Nearby you’ll find the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, the Valayankuttai Ratha, and several...

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai

This posh hotel is located just outside of downtown Madurai. Guests enjoy two swimming pools, a variety of on-site dining options, and coffee house. Nearby you’ll find the Gandhi Memorial Museum, and the Madurai Eco Park.

Greenwoods Resort Thekkady - Kondody Hotels

This luxury resort is located in the lush forests neighboring Periyar National Park. Guests enjoy the elegant rooms, relaxing location, and the on-site restaurant. The resort also offers bicycle rentals, cooking classes, nature...

Kerala Backwaters House Boat

This traditional house boat is located in Alappuzha, Kerala. Guests enjoy music systems, a crew, and housekeeping services. Nearby, you'll find the Kerala backwaters.

Trident Cochin

This modern hotel is located on Willingdon Island. Guests enjoy multiple restaurant options, an exercise room, and an outdoor pool with a sundeck. Nearby, you’ll find Mahatma Gandhi Road and the Paradesi Synagogue.

Amaya Lake - Dambulla

This lakefront hotel is located on the shores of the Kandalama reservoir in Dambulla. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, wellness centre, and bar. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals, canoeing, tennis, and guided hikes.

Cinnamon Citadel

This charming hotels sits on the shores of the Mahaweli River in Kandy. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, an outdoor pool, and private balconies. The hotel also offers high-tea, boat rides on the river...

Jetwing St. Andrews

This country-home style hotel is located in Nuwara Eliya. Guests enjoy the relaxing garden with sweeping views, live music, and on-site restaurant. Nearby you’ll find Victoria Park, Mackwoods Museum, and several dining options.

Cinnamon Wild Yala

This jungle hotel is located on the shores of the Laccadive Sea in Yala. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, walking tours, private chalets, and the sun terrace. The hotel also offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities and...

Jetwing Lighthouse

This colonial-styled hotel is located overlooking the Indian Ocean in Galle. Guests enjoy the outdoor pools, spa, beach access, and a variety of dining options. Nearby you’ll find the Mahamodara View Point, the Mahamodara Beach...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

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