South India

Highlights

South India has huge collection of temples and is considered as the “world-class temple destination Starting on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, you will then venture inland visiting temples and monuments, a former French colony. Then it’s on to Kerala for the tranquil backwaters with overnight accommodation on your very own houseboat before a relaxing stay at the serene beach – a fitting finale to this extraordinary journey

Itinerary

Day 1:  CHENNAI

Meet, Greet and you will be transferred to your hotel in Chennai. Later sightseeing at Chennai including a visit to the one of the longest beach in the world “Marina Beach” Overnight stay at Chennai

Day 2:  CHENNAI > PONDICHERRY

After breakfast proceed to Pondicherry, en-route stop at Mahabalipuram an ancient & historic place. Visit the shore Temple and Mahishasura Mardini Cave and Stone Monuments. Continue to Pondicherry. In the evening tuk tuk ride around French colony

Day 3:  SIGHTSEEING AT PONDICHERRY

Breakfast at the hotel and sightseeing at Pondicherry including a visit to the Admire Auroville Ashram, famous promenade beach, Mahatma Gandhi Statue and French war memorial. Rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay.

Day 4:  PONDICHERRY > TANJRORE

A comfortable drive brings you to Tanjore and check in at the hotel. Later see the world famous Tanjore bronzes at the Nayak Palace and also visit Chola King Rajaraja’s magnificent Brihadiswara Temple. Overnight at Tanjore.

Day 5:  TANJORE > MADURAI

After breakfast leave for glorious city of Madurai, stopping at Chettinadu Mansion for a typical traditional Tamil nadu lunch. A quick visit to rock fort temple in Trichy and proceed to Madurai for your overnight stay

Day 6:  SIGHTSEEING AT MADURAI

Breakfast at the hotel and spend the morning at leisure. Late afternoon visit historical monument Tirumalai Nayak Palace and in the night you will be taken to Meenakshi Temple to attend temple night ceremony. Return back to the hotel for overnight.

Day 7:  MADURAI > THEKKADY

Today you will have a scenic drive through the Cardamom hills to Thekkeady the wild corridor of South with lush greenery. Check in at your hotel. Afternoon go on a Boat trip to observe Wildlife and lush coconut grooves on Periyar Lake. Late evening you are free to explore the local market for sandalwood, body oils and spices

Day 8:  HOUSEBOAT ON BACKWATERS

Today is the day you will experience the highlights of Kerala, Overnight Backwater Cruise from Kumarokom to Alleppey. These man- made living houses on the river have everything to make you get a different experience from scenic beauty to south Indian delicacies. You can also enjoy Kayaking through narrow backwater canals to see the lifestyle of fisherman families – don’t forget to take books & pencils for the children who will greet you while you kayak. A typical south Indian cuisine will be served on boat.

Day 9:  HOUSEBOAT > KOVALAM

After breakfast you will be picked up from Alleppey boat jetty and continue the journey to south of Kerala to Kovalam. En-route stops at Kuttanad the “rice bowl of Kerala” and experience the traditional country lifestyle with a sip of toddy local alcoholic beverage made from coconut. Continue to Kovalam for your beach stay.

Day 10:  HOUSEBOAT > KOVALAM

Full day leisure by the beach or optional visit to hill top temple by tuk tuk. It’s your day to explore places on your own

Day 11:  KANYAKUMARI TRIP

Breakfast at the hotel; take the one and half hour’s drive to Kanyakumari the southern tip of India. See the Vivekananda Rock in the midst of the sea. After lunch see padmanabhapuram Palace – best examples of Kerala Architecture and Wax museum of Kanyakumari. Return back to the hotel

Day 12:  KANYAKUMARI TRIP

You will be dropped off at the Trivandrum airport for the return journey