South India TourPackages
Destinations : Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Allepey – Kumarakom – Kottayam – Periyar – Munnar – CochinDuration : 20 Nights / 21 Days
Day 01: Arrive Chennai (By International Flight)
Arrive at Chennai. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative, after a traditional ‘Swagat’ our representative would assist you and introduce the tour and hand over the documents to you. Upon arrival, Transfer and Check in to the Hotel.
Chennai in South India is a vibrant city ever growing, expanding and changing every year. Chennai is a city where the traditional and the modern blend in life everywhere. From traditional vegetarian fair to fast food, from nine-yard saris to the latest in fashion, from ancient temple architecture to modern high-rises, from classical music and dance to discos throbbing to heady beats, Chennai has them all and many more vivid contrasts.
Overnight Hotel - Chennai
Day 02: Chennai
Morning Post Breakfast, We will Start our city Tour from the Santhome Cathedral, Fort St. George (The most powerful symbol of the British Empire in its early days in India, Fort St. George was the first piece of real estate for British in India), National Art Gallery (Built in 1906, the gallery is situated in a splendid Indo-Saracenic edifice. The building was initially known as Victoria Memorial Hall and was designed by Henry Irwin) and The Marina Beach, The beach looks spectacular at dusk when the setting sun casts iridescent glow and peddlers sell everything from ice creams to roasted peanuts to balloons.
Overnight Hotel - Chennai
Day 03: Chennai – Mahabalipuram (58 km / 01 Hr)
Morning Post Breakfast, Check out from the Hotel and Drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival transfer and Check inn into the Hotel.
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, was an ancient port city on the Coromandel coast built by the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th century. It was named after the cruel demon king Mahabali, who was slayed by Goddess Durga, and is an important World Heritage Site today. Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place to watch which a well established sea port was during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty.
Overnight Hotel - Mahabalipuram
Day 04: Mahabalipuram
Morning Post Breakfast, We will start our city tour from the the Shore Temple, which is a feast for the eyes. It is as ancient as 1,400 years. The temple built in honour of Lord Vishnu, Thirukadalmallai, is another temple to see. There are five chariots here called Pancha Pandava Rathas and each named after the five. The monuments here are built in the Dravidian style of architecture and made out of a single stone each; Arjuna's Penance is a massive bas-relief replete with meticulous carvings that include a family of elephants and monkeys. The carvings on the bas-relief are the stories from the legends of India and the Panchatantra and The Varaha cave is one such cave which is actually a rock-cut mandapam (hall) and features two incarnations of Vishnu which are Varaha (boar) and Vamana (dwarf).
Overnight Hotel - Mahabalipuram
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Day 05: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (132 km / 03 Hrs)
Morning Post Breakfast, Check out from the Hotel and Drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, Transfer and Check in to the Hotel.
Pondicherry belongs to the union territory. The inherent ambience of Pondicherry becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town which flanks the seashore boulevard. Quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south balance the towns bustling, yet easy going life.
After Relaxation, we will go for Half day Sightseeing including the Colonial buildings which trace back to the 18th century, line along a grid of straight clean streets and house the French institutions, private homes and businesses, and the sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The visitor is greeted by mellow colours of cream, yellow, pink and grey with flamboyant bougainvillea bursting over gates and compound walls of cool courtyards.
Overnight Hotel - Pondicherry
Day 06: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (177 km / 04 Hrs)
Morning Post Breakfast, Check out from the Hotel and Drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival at Thanjavur, Transfer and Check inn into the Hotel.
The name Thanjavur is believed to have been derived from Tanjan, An Asura in Hindu mythology, who is believed to have to have been killed at this spot by the Hindu god Vishnu. Also the name is believed to have been derived from Than-sei-oor, it means the place is surrounded by rivers and green paddy fields.
Later we will Start our city tour from the Brahadishwara Temple (or Brahadeeswara temple) built by Rajaraja Chola during the 11th century. The Brahadishwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Vijayanagara fort, which contains a palace that was expanded by the Maratha king Serfoji II with an armoury, a Bell Tower, the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which contains over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper and The Raja Museum and the Art gallery is a house of large collection of Chola sculptures in bronze and granite.
Overnight Hotel - Thanjavur
Day 07: Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai (194 km / 04 Hrs)
Post Breakfast, we will checkout and drive to Madurai. Enroute we will visit Trichy.
Uchi Pullayar Temple also known as Rockfort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city, Srirangam (surrounded by the waters of river Kaveri on one side and its tributary kollidan on the other, is a 600 acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple), Government Museum and St.Joseph's church.
Later we will continue our drive to Madurai. Upon arrival at Madurai, Transfer and Check in to the Hotel.
Madurai is an exquisite city which is most popular for its marvelous temples that are magnificent examples of rich architecture and breathtaking sculptural works.
Overnight Hotel - Madurai
Day 08: Madurai – Kanyakumari (214 km / 04 Hrs)
Morning Post Breakfast, our city tour Start from Sree Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva who was known here as Sundareshvara and his wife Parvati or Meenakshi. This temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya and the most impressive feature of this temple is the 12 gopuram, Thirumalai Nayak Palace is a magnificent palace that was built by King Thirumalai Nayak with valuable assistance of an Italian architect in the year 1636, Gandhi Museum and Mariamman Teppakulam.
Later we will drive to Kanyakumari. Upon arrival at Kanyakumari, transfer and Check in to the Hotel.
Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.
Overnight Hotel - Kanyakumari
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Day 09: Kanyakumari – Kovalam (105 km / 02 Hrs)
Awake in time to see the stunning sunrise view in the Bay of Bengal. Return Back to the Hotel for Breakfast.
Post Breakfast, we will visit the Temples in Kanyakumari. It is dedicated to Lord Parvati as Devi Kanya, the Virgin Goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. The deity, Devi Kanyakumari is the protector of India’s shores has an exceptionally brilliant diamond on her nose ring which is supposed to shine out to sea; Vivekananda Memorial is about 500 meters away from mainland. This memorial stands on one of two rocks separated by about 70 meters. It was built in 1970. This memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda and Gandhi Mandapam, dedicated to Mahatama Gandhi.
After Sightseeing, Drive to Kovalam. Upon arrival at Kovalam, transfer and Check in to the Hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Kovalam
Day 10: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Kovalam (11 Km / 18 Min)
Kovalam, South of Trivandrum. There are two main beaches at Kovalam, separated by a high cliff. It is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, like ecuperation & regeneration resorts which provide a slew of Ayurvedic.
Morning Post Breakfast, we will start our City Tour of Trivendrum (Thiruvananthapuram), an ancient city with trading traditions dating back to 1000 BC. It was a trading post for spices like the rest of ancient Kerala. However the ancient political & cultural history of the city was almost entirely independent from that of the rest of Kerala. Thiru-v-anantha-puram is a three syllable name meaning the abode of the sacred snake god "Anantha". Lord Vishnu of the ancient Indian mythology rests on this huge serpent.
We will visit the Padmanabha Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is held sacred by the Hindus from antiquity. The temple has a large complex with a huge Gopuram. It has a tank beside it for ritual bathing. Next we visit It is situated north of the city, at Museum road & 400m east of Indian airlines. Sri Chittira Art Gallery, an excellent collection of Indian art with examples from early to modern schools. Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma & works from Mughal & Rajput miniature paintings & Tanjore paintings embellished with semi- precious stones are displayed.
Overnight Hotel - Kovalam
Day 11: Kovalam
We have our Breakfast at the Hotel.
Day will be free for your own leisure activity.
Overnight Hotel - Kovalam
Day 12: Kovalam – Allepey (161 Km / 04 Hrs)
Morning Post Breakfast, Day Free for leisure and explore the Beaches.
Optional: - Explore water sports / Ayurvedic salons.
After Relaxation Check inn into the House Boat, Rest of the day at leisure on the House Boat. Sit back and relax while the boat cruises through the narrow serene backwater canals. enjoy your evening on the sundeck away from polluted cities and maddening crowd .Only disturbance will be twinkle of a shining star or diving of fish around your to say hello by waving its tail from the lake.
Have Lunch and Dinner at the Houseboat
Overnight Stay – Houseboat
Day 13: Allepey – Kumarakom (48 Km / 01 Hr)
Morning Post Breakfast, Check out from the House Boat at Allepey. Upon arrival at Kumarakom, transfer and Check in to the Hotel.
Kumarakom It is a cluster of little islands, on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, the 'Wonder Land' believed to have been lying below the sea level, sprang out into the marshes when the sea receded later.
After Relaxation we will Visit “The Kumarakom Bird sanctuary”: Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. You can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers.
Overnight Hotel - Kumarakom
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Day 14: Kumarakom – Kottayam – Kumarakom (12 Km / 24 Min.)
We have our breakfast at the hotel.
Today we will go for Kottayam sightseeing.
Kottayam is famous in the world for its exotic backwaters, scenic landscape, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches that leave the last long impression in the mind of tourists. It is because of its natural beauty, the city of Kottayam is also known as the land of letters because of the highest literacy in India, land of lakes and latex which is laying below the sea level.
The Cheria Pally, an ancient Church belonging to the Malankara Orthodox Church is a well preserved church with wall murals dating back to ancient times.
Vennimala - The hill of victory
Vennimala, a stone's throw away from the bustling Kottayam Town is the serene and beautiful hill top destination, Vennimala is located nearly 15 km from the Kottayam town and can be assessed easily through the Kottayam- Kumili road.
Matrumala
Matrumala is located in Kooropada village and is about 8 km from Vennimala. The place can be accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings.
Overnight Hotel - Kumarakom
Day 15: Kumarakom – Periyar (135 km / 04 Hrs)
Morning Post Breakfast, Check out from the Hotel and Drive to Periyar. Upon arrival at Periyar, Transfer and Check inn into the Hotel.
Periyar (Thekkady), one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where one can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora & fauna & the birds are uniquely rich, vast & varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching & photographing wild life. Notable among the inhabitants are the tigers, majestic Asiatic wild elephants & distinctive Nilgiri Langur. A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul stirring pleasant experience.
Late afternoon at 1500 hrs we shall take you to a Spice and plantation tour in one of the Spice Gardens / Plantations for which this region is famous.
Overnight Hotel - Periyar
Day 16: Periyar
We have our breakfast in hotel.
Today we visit the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary and go for Boat Cruise to see wild life. Periyar Lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink.
We will also go for Elephant Safari.
Elephant Safari: During the ride, you can watch the wild elephants taking bath in the water ponds. The photographers can easily take pictures of the wilds while riding and as a souvenir of the amazing journey into the wilds, take one with the elephant too.
Thereafter at leisure to explore the neighboring spices market.
Overnight Hotel - Periyar
Day 17: Periyar – Munnar (160 km / 04 Hrs)
Post Breakfast, Check out from the Hotel and Drive to Munnar. Upon arrival at Munnar, transfer and Check in to the Hotel.
Munnar is one of the popular hill station in India, Munnar are its remarkable ambiance, lush green tea gardens, mesmerizing lakes, dense forests and a cool salubrious climate. Munnar is located at the confluence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar are the Nilgiri Tahrs (Mountain Goats), Langurs and Elephants. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here, is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years.
Later we will start our half day tour of Munnar, including the world's highest tea estates spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometres, Lush green hills all around. It is a place to be seen to be believed, and the Tour Continues with Eravikulam National Park, Here we see the Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat).
Overnight Hotel - Munnar
Day 18: Munnar
Post Breakfast, we will visit:
Mattupetty Dam
The beautiful hill station of Mattupetty is a 13 km drive away from Munnar. The Mattupetty Lake and Dam is enroute to Top Station and is situated at an altitude of 1700 m. You will often see people enjoying a lazy picnic here. Visitors love the panoramic view of the dam surrounded by wooden hills and tea plantations.
Lock Heart Gap
(13 km from Munnar) This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worth a visit.
Photo Point
Photo Point is a good place to take snaps in the tea garden. Situated at a height of 1700 Mts, Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Echo Point is another attraction where you can enjoy the natural echo phenomenon.
Shooting Point
Shooting Point is the place where many south Indian movies have been shorted. Kundale Lake is very beautiful and excellent for boating.
Overnight Hotel - Munnar
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Day 19: Munnar – Cochin (150 km / 04 Hrs)
Morning Post Breakfast, Check out from the Hotel and Drive to Cochin. Enroute enjoy the scenic beauty with marvelous waterfalls, high mountains and low flying clouds passing through.
Upon arrival Transfer and check-inn into the hotel.
Cochin always had a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe & Dutch. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world.
Overnight Hotel - Cochin
Day 20: Cochin
Post Breakfast, we will visit the following places:
Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Santa Cruise Basilica- The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica not only happens to be one of the oldest churches in Cochin, but also in the whole of India. It is one of the eight Basilicas in the country. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and impressive churches in India and visited by tourists the whole year round. It is a place of devotion as well as a center of historic significance, endowed with architectural and artistic grandeur and colours of the gothic style.
St Francis Church- St. Francis CSI Church, in Kochi, earlier called Cochin, originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon.
Bolgatty Palace- A huge Dutch Villa built in 1744 today is a heritage property under the Kerala government, which they have turned into a coveted resort and named it the Bolgatty Palace. A huge sprawling property which only the government can possess, Bolgatty Palace is a beautiful concoction of lush lawns, sweet smelling flowers, ancient Dutch building and the overlooking Vembanad Lake. A long driveway leads to the reception, which is compact with the reception on the left and the lobby on the right.
The Spice market: where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices & history that brought the world to its doorstep.
Optional: Evening Enjoy Kathakkali Dance Show - Kathakkali is the ancient classical dance from of Kerala which is a grand mix of dramatics, vocal and instrumental music, dancing and mine.
Overnight Hotel - Cochin
Day 21: Depart Cochin
Morning Post Breakfast, Check out from the Hotel and departure to the Cochin International Airport to board your flight back to home.
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Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.