South India Temple Tour

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT CHENNAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: “The Gateway of South India” welcomes you to your South India Trip! On your arrival at Chennai International Airport, arrival meet and greet then the driver gets introduced and you will be transferred to the hotel. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.

DAY 02: CHENNAI: After breakfast, start your Chennai Metropolitan City Trip by visiting some of the important sightseeing places of Chennai like Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, St. Thomas Church, Marina Beach, and Kapaleeswarar Temple. One more night stay in Chennai.

DAY 03: CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM (2 HRS DRIVE) – MAHABALIPURAM (2 HRS DRIVE): In the morning, start your journey to have a Temple Trip in Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is the capital city of the Pallava Dynasty. Visit important temples like Ekambareswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, One of the three principal deities of the Hindus. They have a short drive to Kailasanathar Temple, One of the ancient temples with beautiful sculptures and stone carvings. Have lunch in the city. Have a visit to the Silk Weaving Centre where you can have a demonstration of the weaving process. Drive to Mahabalipuram, a seaport city of the Pallava Dynasty. Have a relaxation in the beach resort. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 04: MAHABALIPURAM: After breakfast, have a short drive to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Monumental Trip. First, to the Sea Shore Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, and then to Five Rathas “Five Chariots”, a monolithic structure, representing a unique style built by the Pallavas, then finally to Arjuna’s Penance. Have a relaxation in the beach resort. Have a visit to sculptors’ streets to see their artistic skills in the sculptures. One more night stay in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 05: MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY (2 HRS DRIVE): In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (Puducherry) “The French Colony”. Check-in to the hotel. In the late afternoon start your Pondicherry City Trip by visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram, an Ashram dedicated to Sri Aurobindo & “The Mother”. Have a visit to “The Church of Sacred Heart” and “Notre dame des Anges”, French Colony, and Goubert Market. Have a rickshaw ride in the commercial streets. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

DAY 06: PONDICHERRY – GANGAIKONDACHOLAPURAM – DARASURAM TEMPLE – TANJORE (4.5 HRS DRIVE): After breakfast, drive to have a Heritage Trip on the way to Tanjore. En route visit the famous Shiva Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram which was built in the 11th century by the Chola dynasty, one of the World Protected UNESCO Sites. Then, visit the 12th century Chola temple Airavatesvara Temple in a small village named Darasuram and then proceed your drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur). Visit the world-famous Sri Brahadeeswara Temple, also known as Tanjore Big Temple, one of the World Heritage Monuments declared by UNESCO. Have a rest in the hotel. Also visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery, which houses a collection of sculptures and statues. You can have a visit to the famous Bronze making village. Overnight Stay in Thanjavur.

DAY 07: THANJAVUR – TRICHY (1.5 HRS DRIVE): In the morning drive to Trichy. Have a stop for a cultural Trip at ‘Amma Mandapam’ – the holy banks of River Cauvery, where you can see the Hindu rituals after the cremation. It’s quite interesting to see the rituals performed by the Hindus with the help of the priest. Then proceed for the Srirangam Spiritual Trip to the famous Vishnu temple called Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, the most important pilgrimage center for the Hindus. In the evening, climb the Rock Fort Ucchi Pillayar Temple, where you can have a good panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Trichy

DAY 08: TRICHY – CHETTINAD (2 HRS DRIVE): After breakfast, drive to have a traditional Trip to Chettinad. En route stop and visit Thirumayam Fort, built in the 17th century and has a ring design structure with seven concentric walls. On the foot of the hillock, you can visit two rock-cut cave shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other one for Vishnu. Continue your drive and relax. Overnight stay in Chettinad.

DAY 09: CHETTINAD: Chettinad, also known as Kanadukathan is the native land of Tamil Nadu’s rich merchant community “Chettiars” (The Nagarathars) who were businessmen who traveled far to make their fortunes. The houses built in the early 20th century reflect the social, and ritual needs of the community as well as show the economic status. The houses remain closed but are still in use for any family ceremonies. Visit the famous Athangudi Palace. Have a village walk to see the traditional houses of Chettiars. Some of the interesting activities are a Village Visit by Bullock Cart, Ceramic Tiles Making in Athangudi Village, a Weaving Centre, a Public School, etc. Have a rest in the hotel. One more night stay in Chettinad.

DAY 10: CHETTINAD – MADURAI (2 HRS DRIVE): Finish your breakfast and drive to Madurai and relax. The famous Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in the 16th century with grand pillars is the most attractive one. The palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, was considered an architectural marvel during its construction. It has a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture. Also, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and a thousand pillared halls with eye catching architecture. The complex is adorned with many shrines and sculptures. In the evening attend the night ceremony inside the temple, the most vibrant event taking place every evening. Overnight stay in Madurai.

DAY 11: MADURAI: In the morning do the Heritage Walk and visit the famous Madurai Flower Markets. After breakfast, have a short drive to visit the famous Gandhi Museum where you can see the exhibits that depict Gandhi’s life. In the evening, have a visit to the famous Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, the sacred abode of Lord Murunga. In the evening, have a walk in the bazaar streets. One more night stay in Madurai

DAY 12: MADURAI – PERIYAR (THEKKADY) (3.5 HRS DRIVE): Finish your breakfast and drive to Periyar (Thekkady). In the afternoon after reaching Thekkady “the frontier between Tamil Nadu and Kerala”, Start your Spice Plantation Trip. Have a guided visit to the Spice Plantations to know about the medicinal values of the spices like cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, green chili, pepper, etc. In the evening, attend the Martial Arts Show called Kalaripayattu in the Malayalam Language. Overnight stay in Thekkady

DAY 13: THEKKADY: In the morning, you can experience the Adventure Trip in Thekkady by having a boat ride in Periyar Forest Lake. Have some activities which are optional like Elephant Safari, Traditional Ayurvedic Massage, Trekking, etc. One more night stay in Thekkady

DAY 14: THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT (4 HRS DRIVE): This is the day to enjoy the Alleppey Houseboat Trip. Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha) “the land of backwaters”. En route, you can see the tea plantations that serve as the natural greenish carpets. In the afternoon check in the houseboat have a delicious lunch and enjoy the cruise in the Vembanad Lake by passing through its canals for about 5 hours. Your boat will be stopped at one place. Have a nice dinner and a comfortable stay in the houseboat. Overnight stay in Alappuzha

DAY 15: ALAPPUZHA (ALLEPPEY) – COCHIN (1.5 HRS DRIVE): In the morning, after the check out from the houseboat, drive to Cochin (Kochi). Start your Kochi City Trip. Kochi is also known as the “Queen of the Arabian sea”. In the late afternoon, have a visit to some important monuments and churches belonging to the 15th and 16th centuries. First, visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest protestant church built by the Portuguese in 1510, where you can see the tomb of the Portuguese Sailor Vasco-da-Gama. Then to Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, a catholic church, and Chinese Fishing nets. In the evening attend the Kerala Traditional Dance Show named “KATHAKALI”. Overnight stay in Kochi

DAY 16: KOCHI: In the morning, visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), Jewish Synagogue. Have a short drive to visit the Marine Drive. One more night stay in Kochi

DAY 17: KOCHI – OOTY (7 HRS DRIVE): In the morning drive to have a Hill Station Trip in Ooty, the queen of hill stations. Have a visit to the famous Botanical Garden and Rose Garden. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Ooty

DAY 18: OOTY: Full-day relaxation in the resort. Have a walk in Ooty Town. Have a mountain train ride from Ooty to Coonoor. Have a visit to the famous Sims Park in Coonoor and Dolphin’s Nose. One more night stay in Ooty

DAY 19: OOTY – MYSORE (3.5 HRS DRIVE): In the morning, have an adventure trip to Mysore (Mysuru). Today you are going to cross two wildlife reserves namely Mudumalai Forest and Bandipur National Park. You can see some animals while you are traveling. Continue your drive. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Mysore

DAY 20: MYSORE: You can set yourself up for a Heritage Trip in Mysore in the morning. Have a visit to the Mysore Maharaja Palace, a huge complex belonging to the 19th century designed by an Italian architect Henry Irwin, and built by the Wodeyars. Then have a drive to Chamundi Hills to visit the famous Chamundeshwari Temple. In the afternoon have the drive to visit the famous historical city “Of Srirangapatna”, the capital city of the great Muslim warrior Tipu Sultan. One more night stay in Mysore

DAY 21: MYSURU – BANGALORE (3.5 HRS DRIVE): In the morning, drive to Bangalore (Bengaluru) for the Garden City Trip. Visit the city’s famous Lal Bagh Gardens and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Have a rest in the hotel. Overnight stay in Bengaluru

DAY 22: BANGALORE – DEPARTURE: Today you will have a departure transfer from the hotel to the airport for a flight to 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.
• 20 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.