Tour Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Destinations Covered: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Tiruchirappalli - Madurai - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Periyar National Park - Munnar - Cochin
Day 01: Arrival at Chennai
On arriving at Chennai International Airport, our representative will welcome you and take you to the hotel for a quick check in. Freshen up and get ready to explore the Gateway of South India - Chennai. National Art Gallery and Museum houses a wide collection of ancient paintings. Other attractions are Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral and Mylapore Shiva Temple. For night stay, you’ll return back to the hotel.
Day 02: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll head towards Mahabalipuram, en-route Kanchipuram. One of the seven sacred cities of India, Kanchipuram is renowned for its hand-woven silk fabrics. Here, you’ll visit the temples of Kailashnatha and Ekambareswarar, both dedicated to Lord Shiva. Your day’s tour will end at Mahabalipuram. Make a check-in on arrival and call it a day.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram
A scrumptious breakfast will start your day. This will be followed by a city tour of Mahabalipuram. The city is famous for its superb rock-cut, monolithic monuments, stone sculptures and early stages of Dravidian architecture. Pancha Rathas, Varaha Cave Temple, Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Descent of the Ganges and Thirukadalmallai will be the major highlights. Return to the hotel for night’s rest.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
In the morning, you’ll proceed towards Pondicherry, a city which reflects an amalgamation of all religions. A good number of mosques, churches, and temples attract tourists for their unique architectural style. The main attraction of Pondicherry is Sri Aurobindo Ashram which was founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926. The ashram is the one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Also, you’ll visit Pondicherry Museum, the sculpture gallery of which is fully adorned with superb collection of artifacts. In the evening, you will return to the hotel for night stay.
Day 05: Pondicherry - Tanjore
After a tummy-filling breakfast, you’ll depart for Thanjavur, the legendary and spiritual centre of South India. When you arrive at Tanjore, make a check in at the hotel and get ready to visit the renowned Brihadeeswarar Temple, built during the reign of Chola King in the 11th century. Another major attraction of the city is its well-admired Saraswathi Mahal Library. The library has a rare collection of books and manuscripts on paper and palm leaves. Return to the hotel to spend the night.
Day 06: Tanjore - Tiruchirappalli - Madurai
Early in the morning, you’ll be driven to Madurai, en-route Trichy, officially known as Tiruchirappalli. Kudumiyanmalai, Viralimalai Sanctuary, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rockfort Temple, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, Vayalur Subramaniya Temple and Government Museum are the popular attractions. From here, your journey to Madurai will continue. On reaching, a check-in at the hotel will made, followed by dinner and sleepover.
Day 07: Madurai
After a delectable breakfast, you’ll move out to explore one of the oldest cities of South India - Madurai. The city is famous for Meenakshi Amman Temple, the prime attraction beautified with a thousand pillars. You’ll also be visiting Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Museum. After beign fascinated by these architectural pieces of beauty, you will come back to the hotel for night’s rest.
Day 08: Madurai - Kanyakumari
Day eight of your trip will start with early morning breakfast, followed by a long drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India’s mainland. It also marks the confluence of three seas. Upon your arrival, you’ll quickly check in to the hotel, freshen up and get ready to explore the mesmerizing sites of Kanyakumari. The highly visited places include Suchindram Temple, Our Lady of Ransom Church, Kanyakumari Temple, Gandhi Mandapam and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. In the evening, you’ll be taken to Sunset Point to witness the beautiful and breathtaking views of the setting sun. Later return to the hotel, have your supper and go to bed.
Day 09: Kanyakumari - Kovalam
Post breakfast, you’ll proceed to Kovalam - “Paradise of South India”. The small town is blessed with three different unspoiled tropical beaches - Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra over a stretch of 17 km divided by rocky outcroppings. On your way, visits will be made to Padmanabhapuram Palace and Sree Chithra Art Gallery. The gallery has an exquisite collection of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. A University Observatory is located at the highest point of the city, from where one can capture the views of the entire city down. Reach Kovalam and make a check in at the hotel before dozing off.
Day 10: Kovalam
On this day of your travel tour, you are free to spend the day the way you want to. After breakfast, you can stretch and relax at the beaches or visit Trivandrum to indulge in shopping spree. Return to the hotel in the evening, have dinner and relax.
Day 11: Kovalam - Alleppey
After having breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be taken to Alleppey, once described as “Venice of the East” by Lord Curzon. When you reach Alappuzha, you’ll be enthralled by the clear tranquil streams extending a warm welcome to you. A check in would be made at one of the houeboats which will be your abode for the night. This backwater hub of Kerala boasts of extremely beautiful and astounding beaches, boat races, marine products and coir industry. Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India, provides a fascinating insight into the life of Kerala backwaters. Grab the opportunity to explore the village life of Alappuzha. Night stay will be in the houseboat.
Day 12: Alleppey - Kumarakom
Your day will start with a short travel to Kumarakom, a cluster of cozy little islands off Kottayam. On your arrival at Kumarakom, you’ll make a quick check-in at the hotel and head out to visit the famous sightseeing destinations. The town is blessed with an extensive array of flora and fauna. The noted Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a marvelous site to be at to admire different species of migratory birds arriving in flocks once a year. Stretched over 14 acres of land, the sanctuary is beautifully maintained and is a place worth visiting. In the evening, you’ll return to the hotel to spend the night.
Day 13: Kumarakom - Periyar National Park
In the morning, you’ll depart for Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, counted amongst the world’s most enthralling wildlife parks. On your arrival, make a check-in at the hotel and set out for a ride to Periyar National Park. Here, allow yourself to be amidst the laps of nature whilst enjoying boating on Periyar Lake. Some commonly sighted animals include wild elephants, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri tahr, Bison, antelope, and deer. After this wondrous experience, you’ll then be taken to the tea and coffee estates and spice plantations to check out different types of spices grown, like cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper. Pick up a few for your home as they add authentic taste and aroma to the food. For overnight stay, you’ll be driven back to the hotel.
Day 14: Periyar National Park - Munnar
After completing your morning meal, you’ll embark a journey to Munnar, one of the highest tea growing centers in the world. The entire trip will present you umpteen sights of beauty and plantations. Cardamom and tea estates will fill your mind and soul with their aroma. On your arrival at Munnar, make a check-in at the hotel and set out for a sightseeing tour of Munnar. Popular places of interest will be Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm and Kundala Lake. This picturesque tour will end with a drive back to the hotel for dinner and sleepover.
Day 15: Munnar - Cochin
On day 15 of your travel, you’ll proceed to Cochin - the commercial capital of Kerala. Also known as Kochi, Cochin is home to Asia’s best preserved Synagogue, Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church - the oldest European Church in India. Vasco Da Gama was originally buried at this church. What’s more, the Chinese fishing nets and a relaxing walk through Fort Cochin is mostly treasured by all tourists. Be a part of the evening cruise which rides you through Indian Ocean crossing by 19 islands on its way. Enjoy the soothing breeze, traditional dance and music with others. In the late evening, you’ll attend the traditional Kathakali Dance organized at the hotel. Spend the night at the hotel.
Day 16: Cochin Departure
After breakfast, you’ll be dropped at the airport to catch a flight for your onward travel.
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