Complete South India Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations Covered : Chennai-Tirupathi-Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Tanjore-Trichy-Madurai-Rameshwaram-Thekkady-Alleppey-Kumarakom-Cochin

Day 01: Chennai

On your arrival at Chennai Airport/Railway Station, our representative will welcome and assist you to the pre-booked hotel and Check-in process. He will give you the tour related papers and will tell you about the tour program. After relaxing for some time you will pay a visit to the Kapaleswarar Gopuram (tower) Temple and Parthasarathy Temple. Later visit Kala Kshetra, Fort St. George, St. Thomas Church, St. Thomas Mount and National Art Gallery and Museum. In the evening, visit the beautiful “Marina Beach”, the second longest beach in the world. Later return to hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02 : Chennai - Tirupathi

The second day of your tour will include half-day’s sightseeing of Chennai. You will go to visit the major attractions like Kalakshetra, Gandhi Memorial, Marina beach and Mylapore temple. Overnight stay will be in Chennai.

Day 03: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (by Car)

The third day of your tour will begin with a trip to the golden city of a thousand temples “Kanchipuram”. There you will pay a visit to the exquisite Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple and more. You can also purchase the finest Kanchipuram silk sarees. You will then move towards Mahabalipuram, where you will have an Overnight stay.

Day 04: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (by Car)

In the morning, you will go for a city tour which will take you through the temples of Mahabalipuram. The rock cut monolithic temples such as Arjuna’s Penance and Tiger cave are the major attractions to be visited. Post lunch you will move towards Pondicherry to visit the Mother’s Ashram and the temple complex of Pondicherry. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
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Day 05: Pondicherry – Chidambaram - Tanjore (by Car)

Your religious journey will move towards the archaeological splendors of “Chidambaram” in Tamil Nadu. You will also visit the famous Nataraja Temple and then you will continue your journey towards Tanjore known for its religion, art and architecture. You will witness the beautiful Brahadeshwara temple, Lord Murgan temple, Chandra Bhagwan temple, Thirunallar temple, Siva Ganga garden and Vijaynagar fort. The Carnatic music and musical instruments also draws the attention of the visitors. Overnight stay will be there at Tanjore.

Day 06: Tanjore – Trichy

You will leave for “Tiruchirapalli” or “Trichy” Post breakfast from Tanjore. After arriving Trichy, you will check in at the hotel. After refreshment, you will explore the churches, missions, colleges, and impressive monuments and beautiful temples. The major attractions of Trichy are –Ganpati temple, Sri Ranga Nathaswamy temple, Rock fort, Puliyancholai falls, St Joseph’s church and Kallanai dam. Overnight in Trichy.

Day 07 : Trichy -Madurai

After a perfect experience of traditional and contemporary culture at Trichy, it’s time to move toward the next holy destination “Madurai” famous for Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple or temple city. Upon arrival at Madurai our executive will help you to transfer to hotel. Fall down your soul and body a while and get ready for the sightseeing tour of Madurai covering Ayirankkal Mandapam, Maraimman Thepukullam Temple Tank,Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace,Gandhi Museum and Koodal Azhagar. In evening visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the famous night ceremony when the temple copper of Lord Siva is carried to the bed chamber of Goddess Parvathi to the accompaniment of religious prayers and music. Overnight stay will be at Madurai.
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Day 08: Madurai – Rameshwaram – Madurai

Post breakfast, you will move towards “Rameshwaram” to visit the most popular attractions like Sri Ramanthaswamy temple and beaches like Agnitheertham, Dhanushkodi Temple, Gandhamadhana Parvatham, Jada Tirtham, Jatayu Tirtham, Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Lakshmana Tirtham, Rama Tirtham (Gandamadana), Ramjharoka temple. Later in the evening return to Madurai where you will have your dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09: Madurai

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of the second largest city of Tamil Nadu situated on the banks of the River Vaigai, believed to be more than 2500 years old. One of South India’s oldest cities, it has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Madurai is called Athens of the South because of the way myth meets life here.

Originally called Madhurapuram because honey (madhu) is said to have dropped off the locks of Shiva here. Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and experience stunning architecture as the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Designed in 1560 by Viswanatha Nayaka and built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayaka, the Temple occupies an area of six hectares with 12 temple towers (Gopurams) and the outer towers are the landmark of Madurai. The temple is lavishly decorated with colourful images and carvings of numerous deities, animals and mythical creatures. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage, legends of warrior princesses, the gods falling in love and divine promises abound and glorious tradition, Madurai is grouped among the antique cities of the India. Afternoon free for your own activities with dinner and overnight at Madurai.

Day 10: Madurai - Periyar (Driving Time: Approx 4 hours)

After breakfast travel to Periyar, on arrival check in at the jungle resort. Periyar conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills, lush green trees, chirping birds, stunningly beautiful landscape and unending spice-scented plantations. The Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. Afternoon take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. On your way back you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Dinner and overnight at Periyar.
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Day 11: Wildlife Safari

After breakfast explore the Periyar wildlife sanctuary on the boat, the sanctuary centrepiece being the splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, meanders around the contours of the wooden hills, providing a perennial source of water for the wildlife and is home to tiger, bison, wild boar, sambar, monkeys, wild elephants, antelopes and a wide variety of birds. There are over 260 species of birds here, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers. Rest of the day is free to explore the area and perhaps take the option of a jungle walk with a local guide. Dinner and overnight at Thekkady.

Day 12: Private Backwater Cruise

After breakfast travel to Alleppey, on arrival embark on the houseboat; while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals, panoramic sights one can never forget. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remain an enduring picture reflecting the charm of this beautiful land. Enjoy fishing and sunset when heading towards Kumarakom. All meals and overnight on the houseboat.

Day 13: Kumarakom – Cochin (Driving Time: Approx 2 hours)

After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and travel to Cochin now known as Kochi, set on a cluster of peninsulas and islands in the Indian Ocean. It has one of the most beautiful harbours on India’s west coast, serving for centuries as an important trading post. Built along saltwater lagoon, the view of the vast stretch of the blue waters along with Chinese nets is a sight worth beholding. An interesting mix of the Hindu, Muslim and British architecture can be seen on its beaches. Its cosmopolitan spirit is visible in the temples, mosques and synagogues that rise against the city’s skyline. It has a rich network of backwaters and is the culture and heritage centre of Kerala and is called ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. On arrival check in to the hotel. Later explore and witness the town possessed by many rulers. Stay two nights at Cochin.
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Day 14: Cochin

After breakfast enjoy sightseeing tour by taking a ferry-boat across the waterway to the nearby peninsula, discover the remains of Fort Cochin and St Francis church, the oldest church in India. Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks and worshipped by Roman Catholics, Dutch Protestants and the Anglicans is a wonderful site to visit. On your way back, stop at the spice shops selling cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and a host of other spices. Evening witness Kathakali dance show in an auditorium – the famous classical dance drama of Kerala. Dinner and overnight at Cochin.