Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Places to be Covered: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Kodaikanal - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin - Chennai
Day 01: Arrive Chennai
On your arrival at International Airport, you will be met by our company representatives and transferred to your hotel for rest.
Chennai, the capital city of south Indian state of Tamil Nadu is known as the 'Gateway to South India'. Chennai is popular for its rich historical and cultural heritage, which can be seen in hundreds of amazing temples and other historic monuments of the city.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at Chennai.
Day 02: Chennai - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast at hotel, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit the famous Mylapore Temple, Mariana Beach, Fort Museum, Gandhi Memorial and Kala Kshetra among other attractions of Chennai. In the afternoon, we drive to Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram is the 7th century port town of south India. The town is famous for its rock-cut and monolithic temple architecures. It's also a UNESCO world Heritage Site. Visit the famous Arjuna's Penance, the Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) - five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the legendary Pandavas.
Overnight stay will be at Mahabalipuram.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram and
Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram, the ancient capital of the Pallavas, is famous as the city of 1000 temples (still has 124 temples). Kanchipuram is also famous for silk. See the amazingly beautiful temples of Kanchipuram famous for their architectural richness. The first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built between the 7th and 8th century and has interesting paintings on the walls.
Overnight stay will be at Mahabalipuram.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore
After breakfast, we drive to Tanjore visiting Pondicherry, enroute. Visit the famous Aurobindo Ashram located 10 km north of Pondicherry. The ashram promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter.
Arrive at Tanjore and check into the hotel. Overnight stay will be at Tanjore.
Day 05: Tanjore - Trichy
Tanjore was the capital of the ancient state ruled by the Cholas. Tanjore is popular for its temples and paintings. Morning, visit the famous Brihadeeswarar temple housing a huge Shiva lingam and a stone sculpture of the Nandi bull.
Later, we drive to Trichy (54km-2hrs). Also called Trichurapalli, the place is one of the most sacred towns of south India known for Rock Fort, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Sri Jambukeshwara Temple. Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour of Trichy. Overnight stay will be at Trichy.
Day 06: Trichy - Madurai
After breakfast, we drive to Madurai (133km-4hrs). Madurai is a 2,600 years old famous temple town of south India. Arrive and check into the hotel.
After fresh up, visit the famous Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony. Overnight stay will be at Madurai.
Day 07: Madurai
After breakfast at Hotel, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Madurai. Visit the famous Mariamman Teppakulam (Great Tank) and the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak among other attractions of Madurai. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, you can again visit the Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay will be at Madurai.
Day 08: Madurai - Kodaikanal
After breakfast, we drive to Kodaikanal (120 km - 2 hrs).
Located amidst the scenic Palani Hills at an altitude of over 2,100 m above the sea level, Kodaikanal is one of the most beautiful and serene hill stations of south India. Set amidst the most enchanting surroundings of lush green slopes, mighty rocks, enchanting waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal never fails to mesmerize its visitors.
Arrive at Kodaikanal and check into the hotel. Later, visit the famous Kurinji Andavar Temple, which offers a breathtaking view of the northern plains and the Palani Hills. Overnight stay will be at Kodaikanal.
Day 09: Kodaikanal - Periyar National Park
After breakfast, we drive to the world-famous Periyar National Park. Arrive and check into the Forest Lodge /Resort. In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting and unforgettable boat cruising on the beautiful Periyar Lake. See amazing varieties of wildlife and birds. The herds of elephants bathing and playing on the banks of Periyar Lake offer a spectacular view to visitors.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day 10: Periyar - Kumarakom
After breakfast, we drive to Kumarakom.
Kumarakom is the most beautiful and picturesque backwater destination of Kerala. It's an enchantingly beautiful little paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. Kumarakom also has one of the finest bird sanctuaries of India.
Arrive and check into a Hotel /Resort. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy exploring the beautiful surroundings or spotting an exciting range of colorful water birds in the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. Overnight stay will be at Kumarakom.
Day 11: Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin
In the morning, embark a kettuvallom (houseboat) and enjoy an unforgettable backwater cruise to Alleppey (2-1/2 hours), passing through the paradise like lush green surroundings. Arrive at Alleppey and disembark the boat. Thereafter, we drive to Cochin (56 km).
Also famous as Kochi, Cochin is one of the most famous historical cities of Kerala. Cochin is also famous for its exceptionally beautiful backwaters and beaches. Arrive and check into the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Cochin
After breakfast, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit the famous Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), Bolghatty Palace, St. Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue. Also see the giant Chinese Fishing Nets being lowered on the famous Vasco Da Gama Square, offering a spectacular view to its visitors.
In the evening, enjoy a colorful and interesting Kathakali Dance Show. Overnight stay will be at Cochin.
Day 13: Cochin - Chennai - Departure
Morning, on time transfer to airport for flight to Chennai/Mumbai for your onward destination or way back home with sweet memories of South India Tour.
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