Southern Sojourn: 17 Days South India With Car & Driver Tour

Set out on a captivating 17-day journey through South India’s cultural tapestry with the "Southern Sojourn" tour. Priced from $714.80 per person, this immersive experience offers private transportation and a knowledgeable driver, allowing for personalized exploration of iconic sites. Discover ancient temples, vibrant markets, and breathtaking natural landscapes that showcase the region’s rich heritage. Whether you’re seeking to indulge in local cuisine or simply enjoy scenic drives through lush hills and tranquil backwaters, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. With a thoughtfully curated itinerary, the "Southern Sojourn" tour invites you to uncover the hidden gems of South India.

Good To Know

• A 17-day private transportation tour of South India, covering spiritual sites, colonial architecture, regional cuisines, and diverse natural landscapes.
• Includes a knowledgeable driver but excludes entrance fees, accommodation, and traveler meals, allowing for personalized exploration.
• Highlights major attractions in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Trichy, Tanjore, Madurai, and Periyar, with a focus on culture.
• Offers opportunities to experience South India’s vibrant flavors, including Chettinad dishes, street food, and coastal cuisine.
• Requires a valid passport/ID, comfortable clothing, cash, and adherence to modest dress codes for religious sites.

Tour Overview

The Southern Sojourn: 17 Days South India with Car & Driver tour offers an immersive cultural experience.

Priced from $714.80 per person, this 17-day journey includes private transportation, a knowledgeable driver, and convenient pick-up and drop-off services.

Fuel, tolls, driver lodging, and meals are covered, along with 24-hour assistance and local advice.

While entrance fees, accommodation, traveler meals, and optional activities are excluded, the tour provides a hassle-free way to explore South India’s architectural marvels, spiritual sites, and natural wonders.

Guests can expect a flexible itinerary, allowing them to experience the region at their own pace.

Itinerary Highlights

Beginning on day 1, travelers arrive in Chennai and embark on a half-day guided tour, exploring the Kapaleeswarar Temple and Marina Beach.

Over the next two days, they’ll travel to Mahabalipuram to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and enjoy leisure time.

On day 4, they’ll explore Trichy, visiting the Srirangam Temple and Rockfort Temple.

Days 5-6 are dedicated to discovering Tanjore’s architectural marvels and exploring Chettinad’s mansions and cuisine.

The journey then takes them to Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and the scenic Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary over the next two days.

Cultural Exploration

Cultural exploration is at the heart of this South India tour, allowing travelers to embark on a spiritual journey through renowned temples.

Visitors will marvel at the intricate architecture and vibrant rituals of sites like the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai and the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

Beyond the temples, the tour immerses guests in the region’s culinary traditions, with opportunities to savor authentic Chettinad dishes and discover the spice markets of Cochin.

Plus, the journey sheds light on South India’s colonial past, providing insights into the lasting influence of European powers.

This multifaceted cultural experience offers a profound connection to the diverse heritage of Southern India.

Natural Beauty

Magnificent landscapes and captivating natural wonders unfold throughout the South India Car & Driver Tour.

Scenic drives through the rolling hills of Ooty offer breathtaking vistas of lush forests and serene lakes.

The tranquil backwaters of Alleppey provide a serene escape, where travelers can leisurely cruise on traditional houseboats and enjoy the local way of life.

Further south, the pristine beaches of Varkala beckon with their striking cliffs and gentle waves, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

And in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, guests have the opportunity to spot elephants, deer, and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat.

This tour showcases South India’s diverse natural beauty at every turn.

Local Cuisine

Travelers on the South India Car & Driver Tour are treated to a culinary adventure that delves deep into the vibrant flavors of the region.

From Madurai’s tantalizing street food to Cochin’s aromatic spices, the tour offers a tantalizing taste of South India’s diverse cuisine.

In the Chettinad region, guests savor the bold and complex flavors of the local dishes, renowned for their use of freshly ground spices.

The tour also provides an opportunity to sample the unique cuisine of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the coastal delights of Varkala and Alleppey, making it a true gastronomic journey through the south.

Reservations

Reservations for the South India Car & Driver Tour can be made easily online, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace. It’s recommended to bring a valid passport or ID, comfortable clothing, and cash. Certain items, like weapons, alcohol, and explosives, aren’t permitted.

Modest attire is required when visiting temples, churches, or mosques. While the itinerary is subject to change, the professional driver provides local insights throughout the journey.

However, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 80 years old due to health considerations.

Important Information

Important information for the South India Car & Driver Tour includes key considerations for reservations, what to bring, and prohibited items.

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers should bring their passport/ID, comfortable clothes, cash, and a visa if required.

The tour doesn’t allow weapons, smoking, drinks, alcohol, explosives, or nudity. A modest dress code is necessary when visiting temples, churches, or mosques.

Flexibility is important as the itinerary may change, and the driver provides local insights but not licensed guiding services.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 80 years old due to health considerations.

Additional Notes

The itinerary for the South India Car & Driver Tour is subject to change, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace.

A professional driver will provide local insights, but isn’t a licensed guide. This tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 80 years old due to potential health considerations.

Travelers should ensure they’ve the necessary passport/ID, comfortable clothing, cash, and visa (if required).

Smoking, drinking, and carrying explosives or weapons are strictly prohibited. Visitors must dress modestly when visiting temples, churches, or mosques.

Flexibility and an open mindset are key to fully immersing in the cultural experiences across South India.

The Sum Up

The "Southern Sojourn: 17 Days South India With Car & Driver Tour" offers travelers an immersive experience to discover the vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and delectable local cuisine of South India. With private transportation and a knowledgeable driver, this tour provides a personalized and convenient way to explore iconic sites and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this captivating journey through South India is not to be missed.