South India Highlights
Chennai (2N) – Kanchipuram (enroute) – Mahabalipuram (1N) – Pondicherry (1N) – Chidambaram (enroute) – Tanjore (1N) – Trichy (enroute) – Madurai (2N) – Thekkady (1N) – Kumarakom (1N) – Alleppey (1N) – Cochin (1N)
A culturally immersive journey to explore beginning with Chennai, covering heritage sites like Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram, the French charm of Pondicherry, scared temple towns like Chidambaram, Madurai, Trichy and Thanjavur (Tanjore), followed by the Kerala’s wildlife and backwaters, concluding in the coastal city of Kochi (Cochin).
Warm welcome upon arrival at Chennai Int’l Airport by our representative. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Evening at leisure or can explore famous T Nagar market.
Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for the sightseeing of Chennai. Beginning with the Fort St. George Museum- the first English fortress in India. Then head towards Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Visit Santhome Cathedral Basilica – one of the only three churches in the world built directly over an apostle’s tomb. Also visit Chennai’s Light House. Witness the sunset at Marina Beach.
Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.
Breakfast at hotel & then drive to Mahabalipuram. Enroute visit Kanchipuram- Ekambaranathar Temple, Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple & Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Continue drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, visit the UNESCO listed monuments- Shore Temple, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Group of Monuments – Panch Rathas, Caves Temple, etc.
Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast at hotel drive to Pondicherry also known as "French Riviera of the East". On arrival proceed to visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Sri Aurobindo Ashram & Auroville – known as “City Of Dawn”, an experimental township dedicated to human unity. Also visit French Colony. Have a leisure walk at Rock beach.
Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.
After breakfast at hotel drive to Tanjore. Enroute visit Thillai Natraja Temple, Chidambaram. Continue drive to Tanjore. On arrival, proceed to visit Brihadeeswara Temple – a UNESCO world heritage site. Also visit Tanjore Maratha Palace. Overnight stay at hotel in Tanjore.
Breakfast at hotel & then head towards Madurai. Enroute visit Trichy. Ranganath Swamy Temple- world’s largest functioning Hindu temple. Also visit Rock Fort & Jambukeshwara Temple. Continue drive to Madurai. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Meenakshi Aman Temple – known for its magnificent Dravidian architecture. Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace- a 17th century palace complex famous for its massive & 248 white giant pillars. Also visit Gandhi Museum.
Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
After breakfast at hotel drive to Thekkady. On arrival, proceed to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary- a UNESCO world heritage site & a biodiversity hotspot. Witness Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, Lion-tailed Macaque, etc. Enjoy a boat ride at Periyar Lake. Conclude your day with the Spice Plantation Tour.
Overnight stay at hotel in Thekkady.
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Conclude your day with the visit to serene Vembanad Lake, longest lake in India.
Overnight stay at hotel in Kumarakom.
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey- the gateway to Kerala’s backwaters. On arrival, board the backwater houseboat. Enjoy traditional lunch on board. Witness the picturesque villages, paddy fields. Dinner & overnight stay on board.
After breakfast, de-board the houseboat and drive to Cochin, also known as “The Queen of Arabian Sea’. On arrival, proceed for the city tour of Cochin. Visit Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Jewish Synagogue, & Fort Kochi. Evening enjoy a traditional Kathakali Dance show.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Cochin.
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Cochin Int’l airport to board your flight for onward destination.
Tours ends…