South India Tour

DAY 01: ARRIVE – CHENNAI BY FLIGHT: Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, you will be met by our company representative after the meet and greet he shall transfer you to the hotel and make you check in and will also provide you with some important information about the rest of the tour. Later in the afternoon, proceed for a half-day city tour of Chennai. Visit 13 km long Marina Beach, St. George Fort, built in 1653 and currently used as the state government’s secretariat, Santhome Cathedral built around the 14th/15th century, and the Kapaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Fort Museum and National Art Gallery. Stay overnight in Chennai.

DAY 02: CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM 75KM & 02 HRS DRIVE: Breakfast at the hotel. Later check out and drive to Mahabalipuram En route visit Kanchipuram. 80 km 2 hrs drive from Chennai. Kanchipuram is dedicated to Lord Siva, Kailasanatha is one of the earliest temples. It was built by the Pallava king, Rayasimha, in the late 7th century, though its front was added later by his son, King Varman III. It is the only temple at Kanchi which isn’t cluttered with the more recent additions of the Cholas and Vijayanagar rulers, and so reflects the freshness and simplicity of early Dravidian architecture. Fragments of the 8th-century murals that once graced the alcoves are a visible reminder of how magnificent the temple must have looked when it was first built.   The Temple is run by the Archaeology department and is very interesting, quite an unusually Non-hindus are allowed into the temple. The Sri Ekambarnathar Temple is dedicated to Siva and is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram, covering nine hectares. Its 59 m high gopuram and massive outer stone wall were constructed in 1509 by Krishna Devaraja of the Vijayanagar Empire, though construction was originally started by the Pallavas, and the temple was later extended by the Cholas. Inside are five separate enclosures and a 1000-pillared hall. The temple’s name is said to be a modified form of Eka Amra Nathar — the Lord of the Mango tree. and in one of the enclosures is a very old mango tree with four branches representing the four Vedas. Kamakshi Amman Temple- dedicated to the goddess Paravati, this important temple is the site of the annual Car Festival, held on the 9th lunar day in February -March. When not in use, the ornately carved wooden car is kept partially covered in corrugated iron halfway up Gandhi Rd.  The Temple has a Golden Gopuram in the center. Kanchipuram is one of the seven Sacred cities of India and was the capital of the kingdom of the Pallava, Cholas, and Rajas of Vijayanagar During Pallavas times, it was briefly occupied by the Chalukyas of Badami, and by the Rashtrakutas when the battle fortunes of the Pallavas kings reached a low ebb. Kanchipuram is a temple city and its many gopurams can be seen from a long way away. Of the original 1000 temples, there are still about 125 left spread out across the city. Many of them are the work of the later Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. Kanchi is also famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics. This industry originated in the Pallava times when the weavers were employed to produce clothing and fabrics for the kings. Other than the temples, Kanchipuram is a dusty and nondescript town. Late evening drive to Mahabalipuram arrive Mahabalipuram and stay overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 03: MAHABALIPURAM: After breakfast, visit Mahabalipuram sightseeing guided tour of Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram, named after the Pallava king Narasimhbavaam excavated many cave temples, the most remarkable being the seven monophonic temples, each carved from a single granite. Boulder standing on the seashore followed by stone-made sculptures, caves, chariots, and temples of the Pallava period. You also will visit You will also visit Arjuna’s Penance – the largest bas-relief in the world these various historic monuments were built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries and have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 04: MAHABALIPURAM – TIRUVANAMALI 160 KM & 02 HRS DRIVE: After breakfast, check out and drive to Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvannamalai is a city, a spiritual, cultural, and economic hub, and the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to the renowned Annamalaiyar temple, Annamalai Hill, Girivalam, and the Karthigai Deepam festival. Afternoon Visit Temples and Stay overnight in Tiruvanamali.

DAY 05: TIRUVANAMALI – PONDICHERRY 110 KM & 02:30 HRS DRIVE: After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, and on arrival check at the hotel. Pondicherry recently renamed Puducherry, is a town tucked away on the Eastern seaboard of India. Among its diverse attractions is a coastline of 32 km, palm-fringed beaches, backwaters, and fishing villages. In the evening take a walk on the beach and stay overnight in Tiruvanamali.

DAY 06: PONDICHERRY: Morning departs for a half-day city tour of Pondicherry.   visit the world-famous Aurobindo Ashram – the abode of the twentieth-century saint and philosopher Sri Aurobindo which forms the nucleus of many activities and trade in Pondicherry. Later, visit Auroville town – an oasis of peace and enlightenment designed by the French architect, Roger Anger. You would find the town living up to its designer’s mission of making people realize the merits of human unity and stay overnight in Pondicherry.

DAY 07: PONDICHERRY – KUMBAKONAM – TANJORE 220 KM & 04 HRS DRIVE: After Early Breakfast, drive to Tanjore via Chidambaram temples Kumbakonam, Gangaikondacholapuram, Swamimali, etc Tanjore: was once the capital of the Cholas, a dynasty of temple builders who ruled south India between 10 century and 14 centuries. The Pallavas, the pandas, the Nayaks, and the Marathas have their monuments of history here. The Tanjore has maintained the glorious Chola culture and stays overnight at the Hotel at Tanjore

DAY 08: TANJORE: After Early Breakfast, go sightseeing in Tanjore, covering Darasuram, Sri Brahadeeswara Temple, and Tanjore Palace. Evening free at own leisure walk around the local markets meet with local people and stay overnight in Tanjore.

DAY 09: TANJORE – TRICHY – MADURAI 145 KM & 4 HRS DRIVE: After Breakfast, proceed to Madurai Enroute visit Trichy, Places of Interest: Srirangam, Rock Fort, Ranganathar, Jambukeshwarar Temple, St John Church. Later Drive to Madurai. Madurai: More than 2500 years old city, situated on the banks of the river Vaigai Madurai is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara. Madurai’s history can be divided into four periods, beginning over 2000 years ago, when it was the capital of the Pandyan Kings. Apart from a brief period it fell to the Cholas, Madurai remained with Pandyan till the decline of the empire. The 200-year-old reign of the Natakas marked the golden era when art, architecture, and learning scaled new heights. The evening of Madurai Meenakshi temple this temple is the city’s main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old and placed in the heart of the old town – a splendid example of Dravidian architecture.  Over Night at the Hotel in Madurai.

DAY 10: MADURAI: After Breakfast, Visit the famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple. There are four entrances to this amazing temple complex set on six hectares. some of the stone pillars in the complex with any hard object and feel incredible on hearing sweet metal sounds. It is known as musical pillars. The total number of pillars in the temple is a staggering one thousand. Sightseeing includes Thirumalai Nayak Palace, the Gandhi Museum, and the flower market. And the Evening free at own leisure walk around the local markets and stay overnight in Madurai.

DAY 11: MADURAI – MUNNAR 160 KM & 03 – 04 HRS DRIVE: Breakfast at the residing hotel. Proceed to Munnar, Munnar – “Nature lovers paradise” drive through the picturesque countryside of Munnar, a popular getaway retreat. Surrounded by lush green tea estates, this picturesque hill station boasts exotic flora and fauna. On arrival check into your hotel.

DAY 12: MUNNAR: The morning after breakfast sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit Tea Museum: – The museum is set up at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar the Tata Tea Museum diligently portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates, veritably conveyed through some of the displays like the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory. Visitors to the museum can satiate their curiosity about various stages of tea processing and learn a thing or two about the production of black tea. Stay overnight in Munnar.

DAY 13: MUNNAR – THEKADDY 100 KM & 02:30 HRS DRIVE: After Breakfast, drive to Periyar. One of the hill stations produces many spices, like pepper, cardamom, etc Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – is one of the well-maintained wildlife sanctuaries of South India.  Situated on the banks of an artificial lake. Periyar is now declared a tiger reserve, this sanctuary is the best place to see wild elephants, bison, wild dogs, deer, water birds, and occasionally tigers. After the Noon Visit to Spice plantations. Watch the trading at one of the spice shops.  Hi tea with the local planter, interact with the planter’s family to understand the traditional style of cropping. Evening free at own leisure stay overnight in Thekkady.

DAY 14: THEKKADY: Early Morning Boating at Lake Periyar, After Breakfast, a short trek through the Periyar forest. Option for an elephant ride (depends on the availability of elephants).  Overnight at the Resort in Thekkady.

DAY 15: THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY 140 KM & 03 HRS DRIVE: Today morning check out from the hotel and transfer to Alleppey, on reaching Alleppey, board our traditional houseboat to explore and enjoy the beauty of rural village life and backwaters. Overnight stay in a deluxe houseboat with all meals on board.

DAY 16: ALLEPPEY – COCHIN 150 KM & 3 HRS DRIVE: This morning you will have breakfast at the Houseboat and our driver will pick you up from the dockyard and then proceed to Cochin on arrival and check in at the hotel. Cochin -the Queen of Arabian Sea, undoubtedly the Commercial hub of Kerala, where ancient civilization gracefully mingles with modern life.  Right from the early years, Cochin has had cultural trade and relations with the outside world and has also experienced pulsating episodes of European Colonial rivalry. Evening Cultural Show at Local Theatre. Evening free at own leisure walk around and stay overnight in Cochin.

DAY 17: COCHIN: After Breakfast Fort Cochin sightseeing: – visit the Jewish Synagogue: – The Jewish Synagogue in the port city of Kochi is the oldest synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations, the Dutch Palace: – Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. It has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq. ft of its walls Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings, and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family. Visit the St. Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets. Evening free at own leisure and shopping around and stay overnight in Cochin.

DAY 18: COCHIN – DEPARTURE: Today you will have a departure transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to your onward destinations.

Cost based on single occupancy: US$1500 For One Person
Cost based on double occupancy: US$1000 Per Person
Cost based on triple occupancy: US$800 Per Person
Cost based on 04 to 05 persons: US$700 Per Person
Cost based on 05 to 06 persons: US$600 Per Person

COST INCLUDES: –

• Air-conditioned private car and driver as per the itinerary.
• Airport pickup and drop off in Cochin.
• 16 Nights of hotel accommodation.
• 01 Night in a Houseboat in Alleppey with all meals.
• Accommodation on a twin/triple sharing basis.
• Room with breakfast.
• 3-star category hotels.
• Driver’s expenses.
• Fuel charges, parking fees, tolls, and taxes.
• Katha Kali Dance show in Cochin.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: –

• Monument entrance tickets.
• Food and drinks.
• Personal expenditures.
• Tips and porterage services.
• Guide services.
• Any other activities which are not mentioned in.

Please Note: –

• For the 1 to 3 persons a sedan car (Toyota Etios) vehicle will be provided.
• For the 3 to 6 persons an SUV (Toyota Crysta) vehicle will be provided.
• Children free up to 5 years will share the same parent’s room.
• If the child is more than 6 years of age, then the hotel will charge extra for breakfast and dinner.
• The above-said rates are not valid during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• Hotels can be upgraded from 3-star to the 4/5-star category or luxury hotels at an additional cost.