Explore South India 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

• Kanchipuram Temple complex

• Panch Rathas, Arjuna's Penance and the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram

• In Trichy, cover Rock Fort, Srirangam and Thiruvanaikkaval

• Temple tour of Madurai

• Visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Boat Ride at Lake Periyar, Spice plantation tour & Kalari show

• Stay in Alleppey backwater and cruise in Kerala backwaters

• In Cochin, Kathakali Dance, Mattancherry palace & Jewish Synagogue

• Services of English-speaking guide during sightseeing tours

• Assistance at airport and sightseeing tours by private air-conditioned vehicle

• Start in Chennai and End in Cochin

ITINERARY

 

Day 01 Arrival in Chennai

Meet our representative upon arrival in Chennai - the capital city of Tamil Nadu is sited on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It has played a very crucial role in the traditional, historical and academic growth of the country, representing the different elements of the highest variety of the Dravidian civilization. Also, considered as the cultural hub of South India which is famous for its affluent heritage in classical dance, music, architecture, sculpture, crafts, etc. After reaching, proceed to hotel and check-in for overnight stay.

 

Day 02 Chennai – Mahabalipuram (65 kms / approx. 1.5 Hrs.)

Drive to Mahabalipuram - the major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom based at Kanchipuram, and a wander round the town’s great, World Heritage–listed temples and carvings inflames the imagination, especially at sunset. Take an excursion to Kanchipuram - Visit the Ekambaranatha Temple, Vaishnavite Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Temple, and Kailasanatha Temple. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

 

Day 03 Sightseeing of Mahabalipuram

After breakfast proceed to explore highlights of Mahabalipuram – covering Panch Rathas, Arjuna's Penance and the Shore Temple. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

 

Day 04 Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (99 kms / approx. 3 Hrs.)

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and proceed to Pondicherry- the older part of this former French colony has a lot of quiet, clean, shady, cobbled streets, lined with mustard-yellow colonial townhouses numbered in an almost logical manner. You will probably spend most of your time in this part of town, old Pondicherry may well seem a sea of tranquility. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Later, proceed to visit half-day sightseeing tour of Pondicherry covering Auroville, Aurobindo ashram, Museum and Church of sacred hearts of Jesus.  Overnight in Pondicherry.

 

Day 05 Pondicherry – Trichy (205 kms / approx. 4 Hrs.)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive towards Trichey. Arrive Trichey and check-in at the hotel. Later, proceed for the visit of visit Rock Fort, Srirangam and Thiruvanaikkaval.  Overnight stay in Tanjore.

 

Day 06 Trichy – Madurai (132 kms / approx. 2.5 Hrs.)

After early breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Madurai. Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Madurai.

 

Day 07 Sightseeing in Madurai     

Visit the Meenakshi Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Tirumalai Nayak and Koodal Azhagar Temple. In the evening, re-visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony at the temple. Overnight Madurai.

 

Day 08 Drive from Madurai – Thekkady (140 kms / approx. 4 Hrs.)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady (Periyar) and on arrival check-in at the hotel. Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Periyar. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favorite haunt for frolicking in the water. They can be witnessed bathing and swimming here. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake to view the wildlife at close quarters. Other inhabitants of Periyar include the leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear. Later, take a spice plantation tour. The aroma and pleasant ambiance of the spice and tea plantations of Periyar are fascinating. Spices found in Thekkady include pepper, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and curry leaves. In evening, watch traditional Kalari show. (Optional) - You can also enjoy an elephant ride in Periyar. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

 

Day 09: Drive from Thekkady – Kumarakom (123 kms / approx.  2 hour)

After breakfast, check-out and proceed to Kumarakom - a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the picturesque Vembanad Lake dotted with innumerable traditional country rafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake flows into the mainland, making a labyrinth of lagoons, canals and waterways. Spend the rest of the day at beautiful resort of Kumarakom. (Optional) explore the Kerala Backwaters through sunset cruise at Vembanad Lake. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

 

Day 10 Drive from Kumarakom – Alleppey (32 kms / approx. 1 Hrs.)

Proceed to Alleppey by road after breakfast. After arrival, check-in at the houseboat in backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the picturesque Vembanad Lake dotted with innumerable traditional country rafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake flows into the mainland, making a labyrinth of lagoons, canals and waterways. Spend the rest of the day cruising through beautiful backwaters. Overnight at the Alleppey houseboat.

 

Day 11 Drive from Alleppey – Cochin (60 kms / approx. 2 Hrs.)

After breakfast, proceed to Serene Cochin which is amalgam of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. Enjoy city tour covering Mattanchery Palace- gifted to the king of Cochin, by Portuguese in 1555, about 500 year old Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, local spices market followed by colorful performing art – Kathakali Dance. Later in the evening, return to the hotel for overnight stay.

 

Day 12 Departure from Cochin

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cochin airport for return flight back home.

 

SOUTH INDIA TOUR PLACE

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Chennai is one of the largest commercial and educational hubs in South India. It is the perfect location to start your South India Tour. Chennai has emerged as a premier location for the growth of IT companies and numerous other industries.

 

We're confident that you have also been to this constantly busy city for work at least once or will soon. Chennai welcomes many people every day, as it is the entry point to various historical and cultural attractions in the South.

 

There are many ancient temples and golden beaches in the city that will amaze you; you will be impressed by Chennai's warm hospitality, delicious food, and timeless natural beauty as you explore the city's fascinating South India tour place.

 

1. Coorg:

Coorg, also known as the Scotland of India, is known for its beautiful coffee farms, waterfalls, and relaxed lifestyle. It is all about rediscovering life's primary joys. With so few alternatives for nightlife, this vacation spot is perfect for anyone looking for calm.

 

Madikeri, a town in Coorg, blends history and natural beauty with breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. The short walk to Abbey Falls is surrounded by large trees on both sides. Abbey Falls makes it the ideal route to hear the sound of flowing water that grows louder as you go.

 

The sound of 70 feet of rushing water is an experience that will leave you amazed. One of the best things to do in Coorg is to have a picnic by Abbey Falls.

In the seventeenth century, Muddu Raja, the Coorg king, constructed the mud Madikeri Fort in the town's center.

 

Tipu Sultan later rebuilt it in granite. The fort is very special because it has a church, a jail, a museum, and a temple, in addition to other buildings. It's the perfect place to see a breathtaking sunset.

 

2. Mahabalipuram:

Within 100 kilometers of Chennai, Mahabalipuram is one of the most visited tourist destinations. It's an excellent place for a day trip and is well-known for its temples and other architectural structures, which were constructed by the Pallava dynasty starting in the 7th century.

 

When it comes to architecture and religion, Krishna's Butter Ball is the most attractive location here. This huge boulder defies gravity by perching dangerously on a steep rock slope.

 

The stone is known as Vaan Irai Kal or Sky God's Stone. It is thought to have been dropped by Krishna as a massive dollop of butter. Another must-see sight in Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple, located next to the Bay of Bengal coast.

 

The Shore Temple (8th century) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is thought to be one of the few remaining temples of the seven constructed in this style. It's one of Southern India's oldest stone temples. Lord Vishnu and Shiva are honored in the temple's shrines.

 

3. Nellore:

The township of Nellore is located in Andhra Pradesh state. This area of India, which is 177 kilometers from Chennai, is full of historical sites, breathtaking natural scenery, and more.

 

It is noteworthy because Nellore might be among the last locations that still evoke the Mauryan Era. You may now relive its beautiful past at Udayagiri Fort and its several decaying structures. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is another reason to go to Nellore.

 

Similar to Pulicat Lake, thousands of birds visit this sanctuary throughout the winter. Several resident species exist so that you may fulfill your curiosity throughout the year. Make sure to see Somasila Dam while you are here.

 

4. Mysore:

When one thinks of Mysore, the first thing that comes to mind is the beautiful Mysore Palace. This expansive palace is the formal royal residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, also known as Amba Vilas Palace.

 

The present palace was constructed in the fourteenth century, and reconstruction began in 1912. The Doll's Pavilion, Gombe Thotti, which holds traditional dolls from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is the most fascinating area of the building. Here, there are also wooden elephants covered in 84 kg of gold.

 

Another must-see sight in Mysore is Brindavan Gardens, which contains beautiful grounds and flowers everywhere. The more than 150 acres of gardens are ideal for a visit in the evening when the water fountains are lit.