Unveiling the Rich Culture and Heritage of South India

Tour Duration
12 Nights / 13 Days
Destination Covered
Chennai – Mahabalipuram– Pondicherry – Tanjore –Trichy – Madurai – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Cochin

Overview

Discover the beauty of South India on a private 13-day tour. Travel from the coastal plains through the heart of Tamil Nadu to Kerala, known as God's own country. Experience the stunning Western Ghats, peaceful backwaters, and Cochin's charming colonial port town. This journey is unforgettable. Explore world heritage sites and admire breathtaking architecture. Visit historic towns and witness vibrant temple ceremonies. Stroll through bustling bazaars and encounter enchanting wildlife. Don't forget the palm-fringed backwaters that add to the magic of this incredible adventure!

Itinerary

  • Day 01: Chennai (Arrival)

    Welcome to Chennai International Airport! Our agent will meet you upon arrival and take you to your pre-booked accommodation. Once at the hotel, take some time to relax and refresh.
    Explore the vibrant temples of Chennai. Visit the Ashtalakshmi Temple and the Shri Parthasarathy Temple, which the Pallavas established around the 8th century AD. Don’t miss the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, which is also dedicated to Lord Shiva.
    After your temple visits, enjoy a stroll. Unwind and soak in the local atmosphere. You’ll spend the night at your hotel in Chennai.

  • Day 02: Chennai Sightseeing   

    Start your day with breakfast. After that, get ready to explore a beautiful palace. Visit the Kapaleeshwar Temple at Fort St. George, the oldest fort in Chennai. Next, head to Santhome Cathedral. Go to St. Mary’s Church and then to Anna Zoological Park. Don’t miss the Birla Planetarium and People’s Park along the way.
    Continue straight to Santhome. Take a brief stop at the Theosophical Society and Kalakshetra. In the evening, visit the famous Marina Beach, the second largest in the world. Afterwards, check into your hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay in Chennai.

  • Day 03: Chennai –Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (200 km/ 3-4 hrs)

    After breakfast, set off for Mahabalipuram. On the way, stop in Kanchipuram. Visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple first. Next, explore the Varadharaja Perumal Temple, VaikundaPerumal Temple, and Kailasanathar Temple.
    Continue your journey to Mahabalipuram. Check into your hotel upon arrival. After that, take some time to explore the relics of the ancient port city. Discover the ruins and monumental remains of ancient Pallava temples. Marvel at the sculptural panels, caves, and rock-cut temples.
    Don’t miss the Rathas (Chariots) and the Krishna Mandapam, an open space surrounded by high walls. Here, you can see the world’s largest bas relief, measuring 27m x 9m. Look for the whale-back-shaped rock with cut-out figures of gods, demigods, and men.
    Finally, visit the Shore Temple. This temple is one of the oldest in southern India, dating back to the 8th century AD. It showcases an earlier phase of Dravidian-style temple architecture. Spend the night at your hotel in Mahabalipuram.

  • Day 04: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (120 km/ 3½ hrs)

    Start your day with breakfast. Afterwards, check out of the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry. When you arrive, check-in at your new hotel. Take some time to refresh. Now, get ready for an exciting sightseeing tour of Pondicherry. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, explore the beautiful Botanical Garden, and see the local temples. Don’t miss the Pondicherry Museum, too! Once the tour is finished, return to your hotel in the evening. Enjoy your stay overnight.

  • Day 05: Pondicherry –Tanjore (170 km/ 4 – 5 hrs)

    After breakfast, drive to Tanjore. Visit the magnificent Temple of Brihadeshwara. Spend the night at a hotel in Tanjore. Tanjore, located in Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant Indian city. It is a major centre for Southern Indian religion, arts, and architecture. The area is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Living Chola Temples.

  • Day 06: Tanjore–Trichy– Madurai (250 km/ 4-5 hrs)

    After breakfast, we head to Madurai. Here, you can explore the famous temples and the rock fort of Sri Ranganathaswamy. It’s just a 5-kilometer trip from Trichy to the island of Srirangam. The island is home to a stunning temple and a fort. This temple boasts 22 gopurams, which are impressive towers with pyramids. The largest gopuram stands tall at 72 meters and has 13 stories! In the evening, we’ll check into the hotel for the night. Enjoy your stay!

  • Day 07: Madurai Temple Visit

    After breakfast, it’s time to explore Madurai. Start at the famous Shri Meenakshi Temple. Then, head to the Thiruparankundram Temple. Madurai is often called the “Athens of the East.” This city is filled with temples and has a rich history of 2500 years. Legend says Madurai got its name from the nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva’s locks. He blessed the people for building a shrine in his honour.
    The Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple features 12 stunning gopurams or gateways. Four of the tallest gopurams rise majestically along the temple’s outer walls. The southern Gopuram boasts over 1500 sculptures and towers at 48.8 meters. Inside the temple, the intricately sculpted pillars at the Ashta Shakthi Mandapam depict the tale of the Madurai princess and her marriage to Lord Shiva. After a day of exploration, unwind and stay overnight at a hotel in Madurai.

  • Day 08: Madurai – Munnar (170 km/ 4 hrs)

    After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Then, drive to Munnar, known as the “Kashmir of South India.” On the way, enjoy the view of tea plantations that stretch for hundreds of kilometres. Lush green hills surround you as you travel. Arrive in Munnar and check into your hotel. Take some time to relax and unwind. Spend the night at the hotel and enjoy your stay.

  • Day 09: Munnar Sightseeing

    After breakfast, head to Rajamalai, part of Eravikulam National Park. This is Munnar’s highest peak. Keep an eye out for Neel Thar, the mountain goat. Next, visit the Tea Museum. Check out Mattupetty Dam and Eco Point as well.
    Stroll through the expansive tea and coffee estates. Explore the winding alleyways and rugged terrain. Don’t miss the spice plantations around Munnar. You can find cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, garlic, vanilla, black pepper, and white pepper here.
    For some fun, try boating on the lake. After an exciting day, return to your hotel in Munnar for the night.

  • Day 10: Munnar – Thekkady (90 km/ 2½ hrs)

    After breakfast, drive to Thekkady. Check into your hotel. Then, visit Periyar Lake and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Look for wildlife during your visit. Afterwards, return to the hotel. In the evening, you have free time to explore the spice bazaar. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.

  • Day 11: Thekkady – Alleppey Houseboat (140 km/ 3½ hrs)

    After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival, check in to your houseboat, a Kettuvallom. The boat will be ready at noon. Start your cruise through Kerala’s beautiful backwaters and small lakes.
    Your houseboat features a bedroom with an attached toilet. There is also a dining space and a sitting area. Three crew members will accompany you: one driver, helper, and cook. The cook will prepare and serve your meals on board, including lunch, evening tea, snacks, and dinner. Enjoy an overnight stay on the houseboat.

  • Day 12: Alleppey – Cochin (60 km/ 02 hrs)

    Start your day with breakfast. Afterwards, drive to Cochin and check into your hotel. Later, explore the sights of Cochin. Visit St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica. Don’t miss the Jewish synagogue and the Jew town of Mattanchery. Take a look at the famous Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy a walk along the beach and Marine Drive. Finally, see the Bolgatty Palace. Spend the night at your hotel.

  • Day 13: Cochin departure

    After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Then, drive to Cochin International Airport. Get ready to board your flight back to your hometown. Take with you wonderful memories of India!

Inclusion

  • Assistance from our company representative upon arrival
  • 12 nights’ accommodation in the specified hotels
  • Double room (king-size bed) at each hotel
  • CPAI meal plan (breakfast and room only) at all hotels
  • 1 night at a premium houseboat in Alleppey with all meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Exclusive air-conditioned MUV Toyota Innova car for the entire trip as per the itinerary
  • Kathakali dance show in Munnar
  • Tea plantation tour in Munnar
  • Spice plantation tour in Thekkady
  • All applicable government taxes

Exclusion

  • Meals not specified in the inclusions
  • International and domestic flight costs
  • Laundry and camera fees
  • Entrance fees (to be paid directly if applicable)
  • Personal expenses, porterage, and guiding
  • Any items or services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions.

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