Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Chennai, India.
We arrive in Chennai and transfer to our hotel.
On our Chennai city tour, we visit Fort St. George, India’s first English fortress, and St. Mary’s Church, the first English church, known as the “Westminster Abbey of the East.” We’ll also explore the ornate Kapaleeshwarar Temple and wander through Mylapore’s vibrant fruit and flower market, experiencing this lively colourful neighbourhood.
On this full-day excursion, we visit Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, known as the "Golden City of a Thousand Temples," famed for its sandstone temples and silk weaving. We then travel to Mahabalipuram to admire Arjuna's Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief, and the Shore Temple, a UNESCO site perched by the Bay of Bengal.
We fly to the ancient city of Madurai, where we’ll later visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace. Built in the impressive Indo-Saracenic style, the palace is renowned for its intricate stuccoadorning the domes and arches.
We start with a visit to the bustling flower market and the weaver's colony, where artisans craft Madurai sarees. In the afternoon, we explore the stunning Meenakshi Temple, with its Hall of a Thousand Pillars and Musical Pillars. In the evening, we witness the moving prayer ceremony, where Lord Shiva’s statue is carried to Parvati’s bedchamber.
Thekkady's landscape is a vibrant blend of spice gardens, green tea gardens, and lush tropical forests.We travel through traditional farmlands to the former hill station of Periyar. Later, we’ll visit a spice garden, where you’ll discover the fascinating variety of spices cultivated in this region.
Today, relax at leisure, enjoy a boat ride in Periyar National Park, or explore a bustling local bazaar.
We journey to Alleppey for a houseboat cruise through Kerala’s scenic waterways, offering glimpses of village life, including mussel farming, coconut harvesting, and laundry. After the cruise, we travel to Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, and one of the world’s best natural harbors.
Our city tour starts at Mattanchery Dutch Palace, home to stunning murals. We then visit St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, and the famous Chinese fishing nets. Explore Fort Kochi’s colonial buildings and the Jewish Quarter with its ancient synagogue. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali Dance
We fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s former capital and commercial centre, which boasts plenty of well preserved Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial buildings. On our city tour we see the 100-yearold clock tower, the Pettah Bazaar and new parliament in Sri Jayawardenapura.
We travel to Dambulla and visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, a UNESCO Site, featuring five caves with over 2,000 m2 of painted walls and ceilings. We continue to Kandalama.
This fascinating excursion begins at the ancient apital of Anuradhapura—Sri Lanka’s most celebrated ancient ruined city and a UNESCO Site. Here we visit the sacred Bo Tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment. It is said to have been planted 2250 years ago making it the oldest tree in the world.
We head to 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa—a medieval walled city with palaces, shrines and parks. This UNESCO site has well preserved ruins including recumbent, standing and seated Buddhas all cut from a single granite wall! This afternoon, we embark on a safari in Minneriya National Park, hoping to spot wild elephants!
We begin at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, another UNESCO site. Then, we travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural center. In the evening, we visit the Temple of the Tooth and experience a cultural performance.
We visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned for its orchids and towering palms. En route to Nuwara Eliya, we pass scenic tea plantations, stop at a waterfall, and visit a local plantation to enjoy a cup of the world’s finest and cleanest Ceylon tea.
Coastal Negombo is known for its sandy beaches, vibrant fishing industry, busy fish markets, and rich colonial history. It features colonial-era attractions like the Dutch Canal and Old Dutch fort gate, as well as centuries-old churches, small fishing villages, and nearby temples.
Day at leisure and then evening flight home.
Return home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
