Best of South India Tour


Duration

10 Nights / 11 Days


Destinations

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichey - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey – Cochin

A mix of Culture and Nature. The Itinerary is so designed for you to visit two of the very important southern states of India - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The program takes you through the world heritage sites – Group Temples of Mahabalipuram and Great Living Chola Temples. Called as pillars of Hinduism, Temples have kept alive the rich culture and traditions of this great civilization. Continue the program to the naturally abundant Kerala. Enjoy a morning boat ride on Lake Periyar where in you can see the wildlife, stay at a Tree house in Munnar amidst the nature and end the program at Cochin.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Chennai

Arrive Chennai, meet and assistance on arrival & transfer to hotel. Later visit National Art Gallery, Museum, Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, San Thome Cathedral & Marina Beach.

Overnight at hotel.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

Day 02 : Chennai - Kanchipuram (76Kms / 2Hrs) - Mahabalipuram (66 Kms / 11.5 Hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, the city of temples have more than 1000 temples. Visit famous Temples. Later drive to Mahabalipuram. In the evening visiting shore temple which are on World Heritage protected monuments list. The temples and monuments believed during the period of Pallava Kings famous for their architecture. The famous are five Ratha temples. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (168Kms / 4Hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. In the afternoon visit city of Pondicherry The city one of the French territory during their occupation in India and still has its flavor in its colonial buildings. The most famous places to visit are the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville an international township dedicated to humanity. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Pondicherry - Tanjore (177Kms / 5Hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Tanjore. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Brahadeeswara Temple, Sculpture of Nandi (Bull) & Royal Palace Complex. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Tanjore - Trichy (58 Kms / 1.3Hrs)

Morning drive to Trichy. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Srirangam Temple, Rock-Fort Temple Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Trichy - Madurai (128Kms / 3Hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Madurai. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Thirumalai Nayak's Palace, and 1000-pillared Meenakshiamman Temple. In the evening you are also taken to the special religious night ceremony held in the temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Madurai - Periyar (130Kms / 3Hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Periyar. Periyarwild life reserve one of the best reserves in South India famous for elephants, Bison, tiger and many more animals. This place offers many opportunities for treks and mountain walks Upon arrival check in the hotel. In the evening leave for a wildlife viewing to the sanctuary on lake Periyar by boat cruise. There is no better way see the herds of elephants than one the boat cruising on the lake. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Periyar - Kumarakom (140 Kms / 4Hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Kumarakom. another scenic 4 hours drive. An unbelievable beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Kumarakom is famous for bird sanctuary. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later take a walk inside the sanctuary famous for its bird. Evening enjoy a sunset cruise. Overnight at hotel.

Alleppey

Alleppey Backwater

Day 09 : Kumarkom - Alleppey (Alappuzha) Houseboat

Morning after breakfast free for independent activities. Afternoon embark houseboat and cruise towards Alleppey through Vembanad Lake.

Enjoy the serenity of the backwater and the village life around it while cruising on the boat. The boat passes through various cannals of Alleppey which rightfully stakes claim to its nickname 'Venice of East'

All meals and overnight on board the houseboat

Day 10 : Alleppey - Kochi (Cochin) (65Kms /1.5Hrs)

Morning after breakfast disembark Houseboat & drive to Kochi.

Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries.

Upon arrival check in at hotel. Later we take you around the city of cochin for a half day guided tour where you will be shown some important places such as Jewish Synagogue one of the oldest in Asia constructed in year 1568., Dutch Palace originally constructed by Portuguese and later by Dutch , ST. Francis Church, and Chinese Fishing Nets introduced by Chinese travelers in 14th century but still used in these parts of Kerala .

In the evening attend the traditional "Kathakali Dance Show". One of the famous dance forms of India where male actors tell a story by wearing facemasks and colorful costumes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Departure Kochi (Cochin)

In time transfer to International airport to board flight for onward destination.