Hosted Tour: 25 days / 24 nights
Departing Sat, 7th Feb 26
We begin our journey on the morning of Day 1 from Whangarei with a relaxed road trip to Auckland, pausing for a light lunch and a wander through the sculpture trail at Brick Bay. After an overnight at an Auckland airport hotel (1 night),we fly out and enjoy two-nights in a stopover city (2 nights), with time to explore and unwind before arriving in India.
On Day 4, we arrive into Chennai (2 nights), the cultural heart of South India, where we explore colonial-era landmarks, bustling markets, and the sweeping sands of Marina Beach. From there, we head to Mahabalipuram (2 nights) on Day 6, home to UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples set beside the sea.
Next, On Day 8, we soak in the relaxed French Indian charm of Pondicherry (2 nights), where tree-lined boulevards and pastel villas blend with Tamil architecture and bustling street life. On Day 10, we journey inland to Madurai (3 nights), one of India’s most ancient cities, to visit the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and experience the local food scene on a guided walk.
Our journey continues on Day 13 into the misty green hills of Thekkady (3 nights), where we explore spice plantations, take a wildlife boat ride on Lake Periyar, and enjoy plenty of downtime at our peaceful retreat. From there, we board a traditional Alleppey houseboat (1 night) on Day 16 and cruise Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, drifting past coconut palms and riverside villages.
In Kochi (2 nights), we discover a fascinating mix of colonial architecture and Keralan culture. We visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, and enjoy a classical Kathakali dance performance and a traditional banana-leaf lunch.
On Day 19, we finish in laid-back Goa (4 nights), where Portuguese heritage meets palm-lined beaches. We’ll explore the colourful Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, wander through Old Goa’s cathedrals, sample traditional Goan sweets, and have time to relax and unwind before our journey home.
On Day 23, we depart from Goa and arrive the next day at our layover city, where we stay in an airside transit hotel (12 hours). We then take an overnight flight, arriving back in Auckland on Day 25, followed by an afternoon transfer home to Whangarei.
“Temples, spices, backwaters and beaches — a softer side of India, savoured slowly.”
Your Hosted Tour Includes:
- You, Me & Friends Host/Driver/organiser
- Pick up & drop off from your central Whangarei home
- Shuttle van from Whangarei to Whangarei.
- Light meal at Brick Bay Wines with wine tasting & entrance to the sculpture trail
- Economy class Airfare: Auckland – stopover point – India
- Economy class Airfare: India – layover point – Auckland
- Domestic flights in India: Cochin – Goa & Goa – Bangalore or Bombay
- India Visa fees
- 22 nights in three ½ to four-star accommodation + 2 overnight flights
- Transit hotel stay at stopover point on the return journey
- Daily breakfasts, 2 lunches & 18 dinners: Day 5 to Day 22
- 20kgs checked in baggage
- Airport transfers in air-conditioned vehicles in Layover city
- One sightseeing tour in the stopover city
- Local tour manager travelling with the group throughout the tour in India
- Local English-speaking tour guide during sightseeing
- Travel, transfer, and sightseeing in India by air-conditioned coach as per the itinerary
- Entrance fee for monuments
- Destinations covered: Stopver point, Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Mahabalipuram & Madurai, Union Territory – Pondicherry, Kerala – Thekkady, Alleppey & Cochin, Goa – Goa
- Bottled water during transfers & sightseeing
- Gratuities while on tours
Not included:
- Lunches unless specified as included
- Travel Insurance
- Bell boy / hotel concierge gratuities in India
- Any personal expenses
Share Twin: $13,950 per person / Single room: $16,950 per person
