India by Car & Driver: 27-Day Grand Tour South India & Goa

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the vibrant landscapes of South India and Goa with the "India by Car & Driver: 27-Day Grand Tour." This comprehensive tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage, stunning vistas, and tantalizing culinary delights. With private transportation and English-speaking drivers, you’ll enjoy a personalized exploration of iconic destinations, from the bustling city of Chennai to the serene pilgrimage sites of Madurai. As you explore the heart of South India, you’ll uncover a world of captivating experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Are you ready to discover the wonders that await?

Good To Know

• This 27-day grand tour of South India and Goa offers private transportation, airport transfers, and a personalized journey with English-speaking drivers.
• The tour covers highlights like Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Puducherry, and Madurai, showcasing the region’s cultural and religious heritage.
• Inclusions encompass air-conditioned transportation, airport transfers, and daily bottled water, with all local taxes and fees covered.
• Participants should expect to adhere to modest dress requirements for religious site visits and bring suitable items like comfortable shoes and sun protection.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with significant mobility impairments, and itinerary changes may occur due to external factors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This 27-day Grand Tour of South India and Goa offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Priced from £890.93 per person, the tour includes private transportation, airport transfers, and two bottles of water per person per day.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later is available.

The experience is designed for private groups with an English-speaking driver, providing a personalized journey through destinations like Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Madurai, and Goa.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and plan to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins in Chennai, where visitors can explore the iconic Marina Beach, the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the well-preserved Fort St. George. From there, the journey continues to the ancient site of Mahabalipuram, renowned for its remarkable rock-cut temples and sculptures. Heading north, the tour explores the sacred temples and vibrant silk industry of Kanchipuram, before discovering the French colonial heritage and spiritual ambience of Puducherry. Other highlights include the magnificent Brihadeeshwarar Temple in Thanjavur, the captivating Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, and the natural beauty of Periyar and Kumarakom.

Destination	Highlights
Chennai	Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George
Mahabalipuram	Rock-cut temples and ancient sculptures
Kanchipuram	Sacred temples and traditional silk sarees
Puducherry	French colonial heritage and spiritual ambience
Thanjavur	Brihadeeshwarar Temple
Madurai	Meenakshi Amman Temple and food tour
Periyar	Jeep safari and cooking demo
Kumarakom	Relax in natural landscapes and houseboat journey

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation with experienced drivers to navigate the diverse landscapes of South India and Goa.

Airport transfers are provided at the beginning and end of the tour, ensuring a seamless start and finish.

Travelers will receive 2 bottles of water per person per day to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

All local taxes and fees are included in the tour price, so there are no hidden costs.

While meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary, as well as gratuities for drivers and guides, aren’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive experience that takes care of the essential logistical details.

Important Information

Participants must be aware that this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with significant mobility impairments.

Certain requirements for this tour include:

• Bringing a valid passport or ID document
• Wearing comfortable shoes for walking
• Packing a hat, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent
• Dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and removing shoes as necessary
• Being prepared for potential changes to the itinerary due to government holidays, natural disasters, or local disturbances.

While the company isn’t responsible for these unforeseen circumstances, they’ll make every effort to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the 27-day grand tour of South India and Goa.

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Conditions and Considerations

Guests should be aware that additional expenses may need to be settled on-site during the tour. These could include meals, drinks, or gratuities for drivers and guides not specified in the inclusions.

The tour company isn’t responsible for changes to the itinerary due to government holidays, natural disasters, or local disturbances. While the itinerary is carefully planned, it’s subject to change for various reasons.

Participants must bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Modest dress is required when visiting religious sites, and shoes must be removed.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments.

Explore Chennai

Chennai, the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu, serves as the starting point of this captivating Grand Tour. Prepare to be mesmerized by the city’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality.

Explore:

• The iconic Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest urban beaches, where you can stroll along the promenade and observe the bustling local life.

• The magnificent Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, known for its intricately carved towers and vibrant festivals.

• The impressive Fort St. George, a well-preserved 17th-century fort that houses the oldest British church in India, St. Mary’s, and the fascinating National Museum.

• The vibrant street markets, where you can learn about the sights, sounds, and aromas of South Indian spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

• The Guindy National Park, a green oasis within the city, where you may spot deer, jackals, and over 140 bird species.

Experience Pilgrimage Sites

From Chennai, the tour ventures forth to uncover the spiritual heart of South India, immersing visitors in the region’s revered pilgrimage sites.

In Kanchipuram, the "City of a Thousand Temples," pilgrims explore sacred shrines like the magnificent Ekambareshwarar Temple.

Further inland, Kumbakonam and Tanjore host the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, a colossal architectural marvel.

In Madurai, the Meenakshi Amman Temple dazzles with its ornate gopurams and bustling rituals.

Next, the journey continues to Periyar, where a cooking demonstration immerses travelers in the flavorful culinary traditions of the region.

Throughout, the tour provides insight into the beliefs and customs that have shaped the spiritual identity of South India.

Discover Natural Landscapes

The tour then ventures into the stunning natural landscapes of South India, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s serene beauty.

Highlights include:

• A rejuvenating stay in Kumarakom, known for its tranquil backwaters, lush greenery, and traditional houseboats.

• A jeep safari through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and diverse flora and fauna.

• Relaxing on the pristine beaches of Goa, where visitors can unwind and soak up the sun.

• Exploring the picturesque Chamundi Hills in Mysore, offering panoramic views of the city.

• Discovering the ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram.

The Sum Up

This 27-day grand tour of South India and Goa offers an immersive cultural experience. Travelers can explore iconic destinations, participate in local traditions, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty and culinary delights. With private transportation, English-speaking drivers, and a focus on comfort and convenience, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through vibrant South India.

You can check availability for your dates here: