Best of South India

DAY 01: ARRIVE CHENNAI BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT (-) 

Arrive Chennai International Airport. Note: If you are travelling on an evisa please ensure you are carrying a hardcopy of the approval with you and you should go to the counters at the end of the Immigration hall. You will meet our travel executive after collecting your luggage & passing customs at arrival hall who will assist you with your transfer to hotel. On arrival check in at hotel (Check in time would be 1400hrs) Briefing of the tour by the executive. Overnight stay at hotel. 

DAY 02: IN CHENNAI (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel Today half day sightseeing of Chennai. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a dynamic metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and vibrant arts scene. The city blends tradition with modernity, featuring ancient temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple, colonial architecture such as Santhome Basilica, and bustling markets. Chennai is also an economic hub with thriving industries, including IT, automotive, and healthcare. Its coastline, highlighted by Marina Beach, offers scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. As a cultural epicenter, Chennai hosts numerous festivals and events, making it a fascinating destination for visitors. Bronze Museum: The Bronze Gallery at the Government Museum in Chennai is renowned for its extensive collection of South Indian bronzes, primarily from the Pallava (6th to 9th century) and Chola (9th to 13th century) periods. These artifacts are masterpieces of South Indian craftsmanship, showcasing the artistic excellence and religious fervor of the time. St. Thomas Church: Santhome Basilica, also known as Santhome Cathedral Basilica, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. It is a prominent pilgrimage site for Christians in India. Kapaleshwar Temple: Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Mylapore. The temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, characterized by its towering gopuram (gateway tower) and intricate carvings. Marina Beach: Marina Beach is the longest natural urban beach in India, stretching for about 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the coastline and a lively atmosphere. Overnight stay at hotel. 

DAY 03: CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM BY ROAD (140 KMS / 03-04 HRS DRIVE) (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram, en-route visit of Kanchipuram known as the "City of Thousand Temples." Visit Kailasanathar Temple: Explore the Kailasanathar Temple, renowned for its architectural grandeur and intricate carvings. This Pallava-era temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest structures in Kanchipuram. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple: Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, a significant Shiva temple with a thousand-pillared hall. It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams representing the element earth. Visit Kanchi Kamakshi Temple: Explore the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati. This temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Later continue drive to Mahabalipuram, on arrival check in at hotel. MAHABALIPURAM, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic coastal town in Tamil Nadu, famed for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments from the 7th and 8th centuries. It showcases stunning rock-cut temples, monolithic sculptures, and intricate stone carvings, with highlights including the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance. This town, reflecting the artistic prowess of the Pallava dynasty, also offers beautiful beaches and hosts the annual Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, making it a captivating blend of history, art, and natural beauty. Overnight stay at hotel. 

DAY 04: MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY BY ROAD (95 KMS / 02-03 HRS DRIVE) (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today half day sightseeing of Mahabalipuram. Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas): Start your tour at the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic rock-cut temples named after the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Each ratha is unique in design and dedicated to different deities. These structures showcase the architectural brilliance and creativity of the Pallava dynasty. Shore Temple: Visit the iconic Shore Temple, situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This temple complex is one of the earliest examples of Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple's stunning location and intricate carvings make it a must-see. Arjuna’s Penance (Descent of the Ganges): Explore the massive open-air rock relief known as Arjuna’s Penance or Descent of the Ganges. This intricate carving depicts the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth, led by King Bhagiratha, and features a multitude of gods, animals, and celestial beings. Later drive to Pondicherry by road, on arrival check in at hotel. PONDICHERRY, also known as Puducherry, is a charming coastal town in South India, renowned for its unique blend of French colonial heritage and Tamil culture. The city features picturesque colonial architecture, serene beaches, and vibrant streets. Key attractions include the tranquil Aurobindo Ashram, the experimental township of Auroville, and the scenic Promenade Beach. With its delightful mix of historical charm, spiritual sanctuaries, and seaside beauty, Pondicherry offers a captivating escape for travelers. Overnight stay at hotel. 

DAY 05: IN PONDICHERRY (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today full day sightseeing of Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo Ashram (Auroville): Begin your day with a visit to the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother). Also visit Auroville, an experimental township founded by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. This unique community aims to realize human unity and sustainable living. Explore the Matrimandir and the visitor's center. Manakula Vinayagar Temple: Visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This vibrant temple is known for its beautiful golden chariot and intricate carvings. The temple's elephant, Lakshmi, is a major attraction. Botanical Garden: Explore the Botanical Garden, established in 1826. This lush green space features a variety of exotic plants, a musical fountain, and an aquarium. Visit the Sacred Heart Basilica, an impressive Gothic-style church known for its stained-glass windows and beautiful architecture. It is one of the most significant landmarks in Pondicherry. Enjoy the rickshaw ride tour at through the French colony, also known as White Town, to admire the colonial architecture and charming streets. This area is famous for its brightly colored buildings, bougainvillea-covered walls, and quaint cafes. Overnight stay at hotel.  

DAY 06: PONDICHERRY – TANJORE BY ROAD (170 KMS / 03-04 HRS DRIVE) (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast drive to Tanjore, en-route visit Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple: Visit the famous Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. This temple is a significant pilgrimage site and an architectural marvel with its intricate carvings and grand gopurams (temple towers). Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple: Visit the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victorious expedition to the Ganges. This temple is known for its massive structure and intricate stone carvings. Darasuram: Visit the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is renowned for its detailed stone carvings and well-preserved structure. Later continue drive to Tanjore, on arrival check in at hotel. TANJORE, or Thanjavur, is a historic city in Tamil Nadu known for its UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, iconic for its towering architecture and intricate stone carvings. It's a cultural hub famed for classical music, dance, and Tanjore painting, showcasing rich heritage and artistic traditions. Overnight stay at hotel.  

DAY 07: TANJORE – TRICHY – MADURAI BY ROAD (200 KMS / 04-05 HRS DRIVE) (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel Morning sightseeing of Tanjore and later drive to Madurai, via Trichy. Brihadeshwara Temple: Begin your day with a visit to the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest temples in India. Admire its towering vimana (temple tower), intricate sculptures, and the massive Nandi (bull) statue. Explore the inner sanctum dedicated to Lord Shiva and soak in the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Later drive to Madurai, en-route visit of Trichy, Rockfort Temple. Visit the Rockfort Temple complex, perched on a massive rock formation. Climb the 434 steps to reach the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. Enjoy panoramic views of Trichy city from the top. Continue drive to Madurai, on arrival check in at hotel. MADURAI, a cultural hub in Tamil Nadu, is famous for the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its towering gopurams and vibrant sculptures. The city is celebrated for its rich heritage, bustling markets, and traditional festivals, embodying the essence of Tamil culture and spirituality. Overnight stay at hotel.

 

DAY 08: IN MADURAI (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel Today a full day sightseeing in Madurai. Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Begin your day with a visit of Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and grandeur. Explore the main hall with its impressive dome and intricate stucco work. Gandhi Memorial Museum: Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, showcasing exhibits on Mahatma Gandhi's life, teachings, and the Indian independence movement. Explore galleries displaying historical artifacts and photographs. Meenakshi Amman Temple: visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Explore its grand architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant sculptures depicting mythological stories. Attend the evening prayer ceremony (Aarti) at Meenakshi Amman Temple, experiencing the divine atmosphere and cultural rituals. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 09: MADURAI - PERIYAR BY ROAD (160 KMS/03-04 HRS. APPROX.) (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel This morning drive to Periyar, en-route enjoying the beautiful hills and valleys of Western Ghat. On arrival check-in to the hotel. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is a renowned nature reserve centered around the picturesque Periyar Lake. Known for its rich biodiversity, it is home to elephants, tigers, and a variety of other wildlife, as well as lush forests and spice plantations. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, guided treks, jeep safaris, and cultural performances. The sanctuary also focuses on conservation efforts, particularly through Project Tiger. Accessible via nearby airports in Madurai and Cochin, and well-connected by road, Periyar offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. This afternoon boat rides are ideal for spotting wildlife such as elephants, sambar deer, and various bird species. The serene environment of the lake amidst the forest is a perfect start to your day. Spice Plantation Tour: Visit nearby spice plantations to learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like cardamom, pepper, and vanilla. Overnight stay at hotel. 

DAY 10: PERIYAR - MUNNAR BY ROAD (110 KMS/03-04 HRS. APPROX.) (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel This morning drive to Munnar, en-route enjoying the beautiful hills and valleys of Western Ghat. On arrival check-in to the hotel. Munnar is Kerala’s premium hill station, & is surrounded by gently undulating hills swathed in the soothing green of vast tea estates. At an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, its bracing climate with laidback atmosphere and its delightfully refreshing air make it the most sought-after destination. Enjoy walking Tour of Eravikulam National Park - Embark on a guided walking tour through Eravikulam National Park. Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including the Nilgiri Tahr, which is endemic to the area. Overnight stay at hotel.  

DAY 11: IN MUNNAR (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel This morning, visit a Tea plantation & nearby factories where you can see the process of picking and packaging tea. Tea Gardens Munnar’s top attraction is its scenic tea gardens and is a top priority on any travel itinerary in this area. There are around 30 tea estates, all are privately owned (about 27 of them owned by Tata Tea Company), but most estate managers will allow visitors to wander around the estate for free. Tea factories at the estates offer a great opportunity to witness the entire process by which tea changes from being a fresh, hand-picked leaf to the fragrant product that makes it to breakfast tables across the world. Some tea factories also offer tea on sale. Also proceed for visit to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake. Mattupetty Dam is a concrete gravity dam built across the Mattupetty River. It is nestled amidst picturesque surroundings with rolling hills, tea plantations, and a serene lake formed by the dam. Echo Point offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and the Shola forests. Take some time to enjoy the scenic beauty and capture memorable photographs. Kundala Lake, located approximately 20 kilometers from Munnar. The route offers picturesque views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and dense forests. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 12: MUNNAR - ALLEPPEY BY ROAD (170KMS/4-5HRS) (B,L,D) 

Breakfast at the hotel Drive to Alleppey & board your Rice Houseboat. Relaxation time this afternoon, sailing in the canals of the massive lake, where you can see people living their day-to-day lives. Overnight on Houseboat. 

DAY 13: ALLEPPEY – COCHIN BY ROAD (55 KMS/1-2HRS) (B) 

Breakfast at the houseboat Later drive to Cochin by road, on arrival check in at hotel. Later sightseeing tour of cochin city. COCHIN, located in Kerala, is a historic port city with a rich cultural tapestry shaped by diverse influences. Fort Kochi, known for its colonial charm, houses iconic landmarks like the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. Jew Town, with its spice markets and the Paradesi Synagogue, adds to the cultural allure. Marine Drive offers a scenic waterfront, and the Kerala Kathakali Centre showcases traditional art. Culinary delights, island exploration, and a blend of history and modernity make Cochin a captivating destination. Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturday) for white Jews, lies at the heart of what is locally called Jew Town. Built in 1568, the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth stands adorned with a gold pulpit, Belgian chandeliers & hundreds of exquisite hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles from Canton. Mattancherry Palace (closed on Fridays) The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in AD 1555. The palace acquired its present name in 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in it. Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here, & now Kochi is the only place outside of China where they are found. St. Francis Church- is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India by sea from Europe, fell ill and died in Kochi on his 3rd visit. He is buried in the St. Francis Church. Kathakali Performance: Experience Kerala's traditional dance-drama, Kathakali. The performances, characterized by elaborate costumes and makeup, depict stories from Hindu epics. Arrive early to watch the artists apply their makeup. Overnight stay at hotel. 

DAY 14: COCHIN BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel Later in time transfer to international airport to board the flight for onward destination. 

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