Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise
Temple-rich South India, then the calm of the Ganges
This twenty-four-day journey draws out the colours, flavours and traditions of South India before the calm of the Ganges. You begin in Kochi, the old spice port, and glide the palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional houseboat, then climb into the Western Ghats and on to the temple cities of Tamil Nadu, the merchant mansions of Chettinad and the French-flavoured streets of Puducherry. A private classical dance performance, a spice plantation lunch and beautifully restored heritage stays deepen the immersion. Finally you fly to Kolkata to board the boutique Scenic Aura for the Lower Ganges, ending in colonial Bengal. It is the lush, temple-rich south and the river north in a single grand voyage.
Itinerary highlights
Cruise Kerala's tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat.
Watch Kathakali dance in Kochi and a private Bharatanatyam performance at a Scenic Enrich event.
Explore the great Meenakshi Temple of Madurai and the Chola masterpiece at Tanjore.
Ride by bullock cart through the heritage mansions of Chettinad.
Stroll the French Quarter of Puducherry on the Coromandel Coast.
Cruise the Lower Ganges aboard the boutique, all-inclusive Scenic Aura.
Take High Tea at Kathgola Palace and trace colonial Bengal's river towns.
Temple-rich South India, then the calm of the Ganges
This twenty-four-day journey draws out the colours, flavours and traditions of South India before the calm of the Ganges. You begin in Kochi, the old spice port, and glide the palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional houseboat, then climb into the Western Ghats and on to the temple cities of Tamil Nadu, the merchant mansions of Chettinad and the French-flavoured streets of Puducherry. A private classical dance performance, a spice plantation lunch and beautifully restored heritage stays deepen the immersion. Finally you fly to Kolkata to board the boutique Scenic Aura for the Lower Ganges, ending in colonial Bengal. It is the lush, temple-rich south and the river north in a single grand voyage.
Itinerary highlights
Cruise Kerala's tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat.
Watch Kathakali dance in Kochi and a private Bharatanatyam performance at a Scenic Enrich event.
Explore the great Meenakshi Temple of Madurai and the Chola masterpiece at Tanjore.
Ride by bullock cart through the heritage mansions of Chettinad.
Stroll the French Quarter of Puducherry on the Coromandel Coast.
Cruise the Lower Ganges aboard the boutique, all-inclusive Scenic Aura.
Take High Tea at Kathgola Palace and trace colonial Bengal's river towns.
What's Included
- 24-day land tour and river cruise, heritage/luxury hotels ashore and a suite aboard Scenic Aura
- Lower Ganges cruise fully all-inclusive: meals, beverages, service and gratuities
- Scenic Enrich experiences (private Bharatanatyam performance, High Tea at Kathgola Palace) and Freechoice excursions
- Kerala backwaters houseboat cruise and a private Periyar Lake boat trip
- Guided sightseeing throughout the south, including Madurai, Tanjore and Puducherry
- Domestic flights and transfers within the itinerary; airport transfers
What's Included
- 24-day land tour and river cruise, heritage/luxury hotels ashore and a suite aboard Scenic Aura
- Lower Ganges cruise fully all-inclusive: meals, beverages, service and gratuities
- Scenic Enrich experiences (private Bharatanatyam performance, High Tea at Kathgola Palace) and Freechoice excursions
- Kerala backwaters houseboat cruise and a private Periyar Lake boat trip
- Guided sightseeing throughout the south, including Madurai, Tanjore and Puducherry
- Domestic flights and transfers within the itinerary; airport transfers
Thank you
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FAQs
Kochi and Fort Cochin, the Kerala backwaters by houseboat, the tea and spice hills of Periyar, the temple cities of Madurai and Tanjore, the merchant mansions of Chettinad, French Puducherry and Chennai, before flying to Kolkata for the river cruise.
You cruise the Kerala backwaters aboard a traditional Kettuvallam; confirm the exact arrangement (day cruise versus overnight) for your departure, as it can vary.
Yes, in the Scenic manner: meals, drinks, tips and most excursions aboard, with domestic flights and transfers within the itinerary included. International flights and the India visa are extra.
Twenty-four days, combining a full South India land tour with the Lower Ganges cruise.