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    Enchanting South India & Lakshadweep Tour

    12 NIGHTS – 13 DAYS
    CHENNAI – MAMALLAPURAM – KANCHIPURAM – MADURAI – PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM – BACK WATER CRUISE – KOCHI – LAKSHADWEEP

    This tour offers you culture as well as nature at its best. Tamil Nadu offers visitors many ancient, gigantic masterpieces in form of Hindu Temples. These temples manifest India’s greatest temple architecture and are also backbone of Tamil culture. Lakshadweep is absolutely different, a jewel of the Arabian Sea which has a wonderful coral island system. Once you arrive here, you will love its exotic and sun-kissed white sand beaches. The shallow calm lagoon with wall like reef formed due to marine live coral boulders on one side blocks the incoming swells of the outer sea. The underwater sight here is just breathtaking and the lagoon offers excellent potential for water sports like diving, swimming and snorkelling.

    Lakshadweep is a jewel of the Arabian Sea; a spectacular coral island system located 400 kms of the Malabar Coast. What you can do on the islands is only limited by imagination. It is like a window to another world.

    1
    Day : Chennai – Mamallapuram ( 55 KM , 1 Hour )

    Arrive at Chennai airport.

    Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Earlier known as Madras, it is one of the metropolitan cities of South India. The place is known for its deep rooted traditions and culture. Chennai is a 375 year old city and is known for its enduring spirit.
    Welcome at the airport and transfer to the city for a short sight-seeing tour.

    Founded by the British East India Company in 1644, Fort St George was the apparatus of the trade. Appropriately, it is now the center of the legislative assembly of the state of Tamil Nadu. The Fort Museum, located in the oldest surviving building of the fortress is must a visit and has an impressive collection of exhibits spread over ten galleries.

    Anna Samadhi and Museum is a memorial built on Marina Beach. The structure was built to commemorate the death of former Chief Minister of the Indian state Tamil Nadu, C. N. Annadurai. He was cremated here. The entrance arch greets you with tusk shape giving way to a highly polished marble tile structure, broad pathways and building of ornamental octagonal mantapams. It also houses a museum on Annadurai.
    Then drive to Mamallapuram.

    Mahaballipuram or Mamallapuram is a UNSECO World Heritage Site and it is about 55 kms from Chennai. You will discover many cave temples and sculpture bits. Monolithic structures carved out of one enormous rock are also a common sight here. In fact, this region is often referred to as open museum. It is not only architecture that draws tourist here, also beautiful white beaches and shopping that allures many tourists.
    Arrive and check in at hotel.
    Overnight stay.

     

    2
    Day : Mamallapuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai ( 145 KM , 3 Hours )

    In the morning visit Shore Temple. The temple is the Tamil Nadu’s first structural temple that is located on the sea shore. The sands keep revealing past secrets of the temple. Perched on a rock, the shore temple is designed to attract the rays of the rising sun. The main shrine of the temple faces the sea on the east and as unique as Palavas can get, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector and Lord Shiva, the destroyer. It is a monolithic rock cut structure that has been beautifully built.
    Later depart for Kanchipuram.

    Situated just 70 kms from Chennai, Kanchipuram is also known as a Temple city. Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in South India, and was a center of learning for both Tamil and Sanskrit. Kanchipuram came into light during the reign of the Pallavas. The city is even known for its hand woven saris all over the world.
    Continue drive to Chennai city. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay at hotel.

     

    3
    Day : Chennai – Madurai ( By air – 1 Hour)

    Morning transfer to Chennai to board a flight to Madurai.

    Arrive at Madurai airport and transfer to hotel.

    Madurai is one of the important and liveliest cities of the Indian state Tamil Nadu. This city has a great historical and cultural importance. Madurai is also popularly known as Athens of the East. Madurai is mainly dominated by its famous medieval temple.

    In the afternoon we shall leave for sightseeing tour of Madurai.

    We shall visit Meenakshi Temple which is 50 meters high and sprawling for 45 acres, it is a brilliant example of South Indian temple. The temple was built in the 7th century. The interiors of Meenakshi temple are painted with vibrant colors and the temple is devoted to Goddess Meenakshi. There are 14000 pillars in the temple complex and each is beautifully carved. The visit to Meenakshi temple is a sight to behold.

    Built in 1636, Tirumalai Naik Palace is situated near the famous Meenakshi Temple. An arcaded octagonal structure, dome about 18m in diameter and 21m in height without any supporting girders illustrate the engineering marvel of its builders. The structure was built in Indo Saracenic style architecture. The interiors of the complex cannot be compared to any of the contemporary. They are richly decorated and house the royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand; pond and garden were situated in these two portions. The main attraction of the palace is the courtyard and dancing hall.

    Overnight stay.

     

    4
    Day : Madurai – Periyar ( 140 KM, 3 Hours )

    In the morning leave for Periyar. Arrive and check in at hotel.

    Situated in Pathanamthitta in Kerala, Periyar National Park is a protected area and is a famous for its elephant and tiger reserve. The park was declared as the National Park in 1982. Sprawling over an area of 777 square kilometers is one of the few national parks that offer a complete wildlife experience to wildlife enthusiast and tourist.

    In the afternoon enjoy a boat cruise which is the best way to experience the wilds of Periyar national park. Boat cruise offers a beautiful jungle ambience and get thrilled with its wildlife views.

    Overnight stay at hotel.

     

    5
    Day : Periyar – Kumarakom ( 190 KM, 4 Hours )

    In the morning leave for Kumarakom. Arrive and check in at resort.

    Kumarakom lies parallel to the Arabian Sea. It is the chain of brackish lagoons and lakes which are interconnected by canals which are both man-made and natural. With a unique ecosystem this is a spectacular sight to explore as the freshwater from rivers meets the seawater of Arabian Sea where you see various aquatic species.

    The afternoon is free to relax on the lakeside or if interested you can visit the bird sanctuary in Kumarakom and the local villages.

    You may also experience an Ayurveda massage.
    Overnight stay at resort.

     

    6
    Day : Kumarakom – Alleppey

    After breakfast board the houseboat.

    Enjoy a memorable day on the enchanting backwaters in houseboat to explore its breathtaking beautiful surroundings and the fascinating Kerala countryside.

    Travelling on a houseboat through palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of lush paddy fields and the unique tiny hamlets lined up along with all the edges of waterways are the sights one can never forget.

    All meals will be served on board and overnight in houseboat.

     

    7
    Day : Alleppey – Kochi (65 Kms, 1 ½ Hours )

    Disembark the houseboat and drive to Kochi. Arrive and check in at hotel.

    Cochin, earlier known as Kochi is the largest city in Kerala, a state on the west coast of India. Most of the places to visit in Kochi are in the vicinity to Fort Kochi. Kochi is a tropical retreat for the travelers. Kochi was and is even today spice trade center of the country. The first European colony in India was first set up in Kochi.

    In the afternoon we shall leave for the sightseeing tour of the city.

    We shall visit Dutch palace museums, the palace is also known as Mattancherry Palace. The Portuguese palace features murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the kings of Kochi. Built in 1557 by Portuguese is a two storey structure built in traditional Kerala style architecture. There are four separate wings with central opening courtyard. The central courtyard houses the temple of the royal deity Pazhayannur Bhagavathi. The elegant palace is highly decorated with wood carved floral designs.

    The Jewish Synagogue floor is made of beautiful painted blue and white Chinese tiles. No two tiles resemble each other. Built in 1568 by the prosperous Jewish trading community, its interiors are decorated with Belgian chandeliers and grand lighting. It is the oldest existing synagogue in the Commonwealth countries.

    St. Francis Church was originally built in 1503 and is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama died in Kochi 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were taken to Lisbon.

    Situated near Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing net is the important landmark of the city of Kochi. These are the fixed land installments for fishing. Soaring 10 meters high each structure features a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea. It is a sight to behold.

    In the evening, enjoy the classical dance form of South India, Kathakali.
    Overnight stay at hotel.

     

    8
    Day :  Kochi – Lakshadweep ( By Flight – 1 ½ Hours + Boat / Helecopter )

    Transfer to Kochi airport to board a flight to Agatti.

    Arrive at Agatti airport and transfer to Kadmat Island Resort by boat. (the boats do not operate from June to September). Kadmat is 6 nautical miles away from Agatti and it takes about two hours by speed boat. Approximately 8 km in length and only 550m wide at it’s broadest point, Kadmat is one of the most beautiful islands. It features stunning shallow lagoon on the west which is perfect for water sports, and a narrow lagoon on the east.

    Overnight stay at Kadmat Island Resort.

     

    9
    Day : Lakshadweep

    The day is at leisure to relax on the beach or you can explore the various activities
    Apart from diving, you can try your hand at host of activities ranging from interesting to exhilarating
    Night fishing on the deep sea which can be a lifetime experience.
    Overnight stay at resort

     

    10
    Day : Lakshadweep

    The day is at leisure to relax on the beach or explore various independent activities in and around the island.
    You can also go kayaking, wind boarding, surfing and more.

    Overnight stay at resort
     

    11
    Day : Lakshadweep

    Full day free to relax on beach.
    Overnight stay at resort

     

    12
    Day : Lakshadweep – Kochi ( By Boat / Helecopter + By Flight – 1 ½ Hours)

    Transfer by boat to Agatti airport to board a flight to Kochi. Arrive and check in at hotel.
    The evening is free for last minute shopping and other activities.
    Overnight stay at hotel in Kochi.

     

    13
    Day : Departure

    Transfer to airport to board a flight to onward destination.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)

    No, this is a private travel exclusively for you, your friends and family who may accompany you on the tour.

    Yes, it is possible. But, the cost may be high in case of a single traveler. You may send us information in the form and we shall send you our best offer depending on number of persons in your group or for a single person.

    Yes, since this is a private tour, you may decide the dates as per your choice. Only in case of certain tours, we have to check if there are any operational difficulties for organizing a tour of your choice. Certain tours are not possible for particular period which we shall let you know. Besides, the cost may vary depending on seasonality.

    It is better if you could buy international tickets directly through your local agent or on internet. Although we can provide you international flight tickets, but you may a get a better deal locally.

    No, you have to obtain visa on your own. The visa regulations will depend on your nationality. You may contact us for further details.

    Yes, it is very much possible. You can extend your stay on arrival or departure or at any other place. You may also modify the tour. You may let us know your interest and we can send you modified tour itinerary with cost.

    Our cost normally includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, private air-conditioned car with driver which includes fuel, parking and all taxes, entrance fee to monuments, train tickets if any, guided city tours in English or in other foreign languages, viz French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian or other foreign languages subject to availability which we can notify at the time of reservation request. Our cost also includes some other services viz Elephant ride at Amer fort in Jaipur, camel safari in Jaisalmer and boat tour in Varanasi. We shall send you all details at the time of sending you quotation.

    We may also include other services viz lunches, dinners or other services if you wish. We may also exclude guide service and entrance fee to monuments if you so wish.

    Train tickets are included in our cost. But, we give supplement cost for domestic flight tickets as these days, there are dynamic fares and these are not fixed. We send you indicative fare at the time of sending you quotation which is subject to change until issue of tickets with advance purchase for which we need payment from you to issue flight tickets. You may also purchase domestic flight tickets directly on your own if you prefer.

    We provide minimum standard (3 star or similar), superior (4 star or similar), deluxe (5 star or similar) hotels and the cost will depend depending on category of hotels. We can send you quotation for the category that you are interested in. We usually provide heritage or palace hotels which fit in your category of hotels. We may also mix the hotel category if you prefer and can also provide you rates based on hotels of your liking in all places if you like.

    We usually request 25% advance upon confirmation of our services unless otherwise informed at the time of sending you quotation. We shall send you all payment terms at the time of sending you our offer.I am interested.

    Click here to send us information of your trip and we shall send you soonest possible.

    Why StateExpress

    Established in 1980, State Express has been providing most reliable services to travelers all over the world for last 35 years. We are renowned for our customer first approach and unobtrusive efficiency which ensures the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We have been awarded several times by State Government for being best Tour Operator. All aspects of our tours have been carefully researched and then designed to give ultimate experience to travelers. Let our travel knowledge help you to create a wonderful experience, whether on one of our tour itineraries or a tailor made tour itinerary made exclusively for you to give you an unforgettable holiday.

    Our people make the difference

    Our success has been possible because of our people who are our biggest asset. We have a team of highly dedicated, sincere, hardworking who work with integrity that has made State Express one of the leading and most reliable tour companies in India. They not only have expertise and experience to meet any requirement, they also speak foreign languages and trained to offer only the best and leave nothing to chance. We know that travel to Indian sub-continent is a dream of many of our guests and our team does everything possible to make their dream true and give them an experience of their lifetime.

    Our infrastructure

    We have complete infrastructure to provide you best rate and services to you. We are an IATA approved and authorized agents for all domestic airlines and Indian Railways. We have our own cars vans and coaches with experienced drivers. We have multi lingual staff to ensure that our guests do not face any language problem. We also have associate offices in all major tourist centers to provide assistance in shortest possible time.

    Our fleet of vehicles & drivers

    We undoubtedly have one of the best and most modern fleet of cars, vans, 4X4s and large coaches. Surface travel is a very important aspect in India as you spend lot of your time while travelling on the road and therefore given us an edge over other tour companies who have to rely on other transport companies to provide this service to their clients. We have our own garage and all our vehicles are well maintained to give you hassle free journey.

    Besides having the best fleet, it is our drivers who truly make the difference as they play a crucial role in making a tour successful. Even if you stay in best of the hotels and travel in most comfortable and luxurious vehicles, if you do not have a good driver, it may spoil your experience. We have our team of drivers who are part of State Express and have been working with us for years and they are trained, dedicated and motivated to take care of our guests and make them comfortable. That is the reason that more than 90% of our guests thank us and appreciate them after returning to their home.

    Our choice of hotels

    We take utmost care in selection of hotels that we recommend to our clients and include in our list of suggested hotels. We inspect these hotels regularly to be sure of their quality of product and services. We give lot of emphasis on the location and the people who run those hotels. We want to give you clients an experience of heritage and palace hotels which are unique and not available in other part of the world.

    Our tour itineraries

    All our tour itineraries are designed by experts to give you an opportunity to see most wonderful sites in number of days at your disposal at the same time giving you time to explore the places in your own way. We have a number of itineraries to choose from which covers all India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. We also include mode of travel and approximate time taken between places to ensure that you do not have any surprises during the tour. Our specialists will also work with you to create an itinerary of your choice either by modifying our readymade tour itineraries or prepare an exclusive tailor made tour for you based on your interest and liking keeping in mind local conditions.

    24×7 assistance during the tour

    We provide you clients real 24×7 assistance during the tour. This is not a marketing gimmick but we have someone in our office always to assist you in case of any emergency anytime. We also provide cell phone numbers of our executive who you may contact even during odd hours when you need them for anything urgent. We have associate offices in all major cities of India to provide you assistance in minimum possible time.

    Response time

    We know that response time is key to our success and we value it a lot. Even at initial stages before reservation, you will get replies from us in not more than 24 working hours. We shall always be there whenever you need us during the tour.

    Personalised Service

    Apart from professional service, we believe in emphasising on personalised service. That is to make our guests feel at home in a foreign country and also feel that they have friends here who they can trust for any need. Our customer executives remain in constant touch with our guests during the tour to give them comfort and trust that we are always with them.

    Good value for money

    We know that there are so many travel companies providing their services and unless we provide good value for money to our clients, they will not be satisfied. Our own fleet of cars, vans and coaches and best special discounted rates with hotels due to our volumes enables us to offer value for money.

    What our clients say about us

    Good Morning,

    we are in Rome and none problem in the return trip; I send you an email to add comments and let you know our feedback in details; my wife and I are frequent travelers and have custom to evaluate our trips in all the aspects; so

    . Booking process excellent (rapid, clear and exhaustive answers; we have appreciated the help to obtain the e-visa and the contacts during the tour to know possible problems;

    . Driver excellent (polite, punctual and very expert in the drive), he gave us many suggestions and accompanied us directly to the coach in the Tundla station; the other driver in Varanasi good but should improve his english;

    . Car good;

    . Guide only in Jaisalmer good;

    . Tour organization good for times and the included hotspots;

    . Hotels: we evaluate the hotels for cleaning and comfort of the room and bathroom and for breakfast; we use a ranking from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent):

    Iris Park 2; dirty bathroom with dirty towels, room dirty and uncomfortable (too small, difficult to move inside, put and open the suitcases; breakfast room trivial and food inadequate for european tourists;

    Mandawa Palace 4 for all;

    Lallgarl Palace 4 and no 5 for inadequate breakfast respect to the level of the hotel;

    Mandar Palace 3-4 , room and bathroom no perfectly clean , breakfast inadequate for european tourist and internet didn’t work;

    Krishna Prakas Havei unacceptable; room located in the roof without elevator and with dangerous stairs; room dirty with a door that didn’t close perfectly, bathroom dirty with dirty towels; breakfast room dirty with tablecloth dirty and broken, food trivial and inadequate also for amount;

    Master Paradise 3, cold uncomfortable room without possibility to warm it; bathroom in the average and skinny breakfast;

    Golden Tulip 5 and more, the best

    Atulayaa Tay unacceptable, dirty and small room, dirty bathroom with microscopic sink an a glass wall between the bed, dirty towels, trivial breakfast;

    Meradan Grand 4 for all

    Last hotel in Dehli 4 for room and bathroom also here glass wall between bathroom and the bed but the light didn’t across;

    we suggest, personal opinion, to cancel the hotel with a rank less than 3 and choose others of superior quality ( also if more expensive) because the hotel is important to rest in a daily tour step by step.

    In summary we evaluate very good the experience of our first trip in India and surely we will recommend State Express to our friends.

    Enzo Ferrante

    27 January 2023 

    Hi Rinki,

    Just wanted to say thank you for all the organisation for our India trip. Everything went very smoothly. Our vehicles, drivers and accommodation were all faultless.

    Look forward to our next trip now whenever that may be.

    I’d like to just comment on one thing… please encourage clients to do Chittorgarh as a day trip. The accommodation there must’ve been really good at some point but is quite run down now. They were lovely and very obliging but when we compare the accommodations it wasn’t the best.

    I know I’d said I wanted a night in Chittorgarh but I wasn’t as conversant with availability there as someone who knows the areas more.

    Thank you once again from my mum, massi and I.

    Best wishes and regards to your team,

    Ps. Next visit we must meet!! 🙂

    Priya

    14 January 2023

    Dear Sirs, namaste.
    The journey of my group is over and we have returned to our homes.
    I hope all of you are fine.
    I wish to thank State Express for the usual good assistance. A special thank to Mr Mamlesh Sahu for following my trip through his frequent telephone calls.
    I hope to have the chance to come again.

    Dhanyavad.

    Alfredo Sermasi

    12 December 2022

    Good Morning,

    we are in Rome and none problem in the return trip; I send you an email to add comments and let you know our feedback in details; my wife and I are frequent travelers and have custom to evaluate our trips in all the aspects; so
    • Booking process excellent (rapid, clear and exhaustive answers; we have appreciated the help to obtain the e-visa and the contacts during the tour to know possible problems;
    • Driver excellent (polite, punctual and very expert in the drive), he gave us many suggestions and accompanied us directly to the coach in the Tundla station; the other driver in Varanasi good but should improve his english;
    • Car good;
    • Guide only in Jaisalmer good
    • . Tour organization good for times and the included hotspots; . Hotels: we evaluate the hotels for cleaning and comfort of the room and bathroom and for breakfast;
    we use a ranking from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent): Iris Park 2; dirty bathroom with dirty towels, room dirty and uncomfortable (too small, difficult to move inside, put and open the suitcases; breakfast room trivial and food inadequate for european tourists; Mandawa Palace 4 for all; Lallgarl Palace 4 and no 5 for inadequate breakfast respect to the level of the hotel; Mandar Palace 3-4 , room and bathroom no perfectly clean , breakfast inadequate for european tourist and internet didn’t work; Krishna Prakas Havei unacceptable; room located in the roof without elevator and with dangerous stairs; room dirty with a door that didn’t close perfectly, bathroom dirty with dirty towels; breakfast room dirty with tablecloth dirty and broken, food trivial and inadequate also for amount; Master Paradise 3, cold uncomfortable room without possibility to warm it; bathroom in the average and skinny breakfast; Golden Tulip 5 and more, the best Atulayaa Tay unacceptable, dirty and small room, dirty bathroom with microscopic sink an a glass wall between the bed, dirty towels, trivial breakfast; Meradan Grand 4 for all Last hotel in Dehli 4 for room and bathroom also here glass wall between bathroom and the bed but the light didn’t across; we suggest, personal opinion, to cancel the hotel with a rank less than 3 and choose others of superior quality ( also if more expensive) because the hotel is important to rest in a daily tour step by step. In summary we evaluate very good the experience of our first trip in India and surely we will recommend State Express to our friends. Kindly Regards, Enzo Ferrante
    David & Emily
    8 March 2020
    Good morning Rinki,
    Emily and I are home now, and we would like to thank you for organising what turned out to be a wonderful trip. We enjoyed visiting all the various places, and the hotels were comfortable. People were very friendly and helpful. The pace of the trip was perfect, travelling but not exhausting. The driver Chandra was very good and I would have no issue with recommending him as a driver. He was very polite, punctual, and courteous. We felt he was a very safe driver, and would like to extend our thanks to him as well. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have stayed an extra day or two in Verkala rather than the extra days in Mumbai, but that is as I say with the benefit of hindsight. Once again, thank you so very much for all your help in organising this trip for us, which we will remember fondly for many years to come.
    David & Emily
    8 March 2020
    Dear StateExpress
    To whom it may concern, we are writing you regarding the package booked with andanitravel for the India golden triangle from the 01/03/2020 to the 11/03/2020. On the 4th of March ’20 the staff from the Sher Gary Resort in Road Village Sherpur, Khilchipur, Rajasthan 322001, Ranthanbore, following the Advise from the Government of Rajasthan, invited us to leave the resort and the State of India as soon as possible due to our Italian Nationality. Immediately we contacted the DCM Italy of Rajasthan, Mr Carini, who told us there was a mistake and the Advise number 27 of the 4th of March 2020 was withdrawn with immediate effect. Although we informed on a timely manner the resort staff, we have been asked to leave anyhow. Only after the DCM Italy informed the resort about the mistake, we have been given the opportunity to leave the resort the following morning. All these difficulties, the constant hostility by the people in India despite the advise number 28, the decision made by the State Express emergency contact( Harish Bhatt) to interrupt our trip and the news regarding the spread of COVID-19 in India, induced us to arrange autonomously for a flight back home as soon as possible. At least but not last we kindly ask you to let us know of any official way to provide a positive feedback to the great support, empathy, help, kindness, professionalism, flexibility and special assistant given by the driver Mr Ashok Yadav in the sphere of his competences.
    Anna Caputo, Antonio Caputo, Maria Napolitano, Guida Villani
    7 March 2020

    Hi, Rinki

    Thank you for the trip arrangement. We have enjoyed very much.
    Looking forward to our next trip in India next year and will get in touch with you again.
    Once again, thank you very much for your excellent service.

    Chua Boon Hua

    09 October 2018