Tour Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days Places Covered : Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Madurai – Munnar – periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kochi
Day 1: Chennai Airport Pick-up
Welcome upon arrival at the Chennai airport, you will be picked up and be transferred to your hotel, where our representative will help you with the check-in and brief you about the following tours. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Chennai (4 stars) or similar
Day 2 : Chennai City & Drive to Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, you will be escorted to visit Chennai. The first stop is Santhome Church, the International Shrine of St. Thomas Basilica with an underground tomb chapel where pilgrims can pray in front of the sepulcher of St. Thomas. Then you will continue to Kapaleeshwarar Temple in the typical Dravidian architectural style featuring the splendid gopuram. After finishing the visit, you will be transferred from Chennai to Mahabalipuram by private vehicle. On arrival, you will check into your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ideal Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram (4 stars) or similar
Day 3: Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram Highlights
First we go to Kanchipuram, the “Varanasi of the south”, and visit the Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy featuring exquisite carvings and sculptures in Dravidian architectural style. Then we go to the Shore Temple, an 8th-century granite temple complex touted as the best example of the architectural style in Pallava dynasty. Next we head to Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief completed in the 7th century, and the Five Rathas, a perfect manifestation of the evolution of Dravidian architectural style.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ideal Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram (4 stars) or similar
Day 4: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
After breakfast, your journey will proceed to the pretty seaside Pondicherry, known as the former capital of the French territories in India. On arrival, you will check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will take a walk through the French Quarter of Pondicherry to soak up the French flavors and feel the city’s leisurely approach to life when strolling past charming colonial architecture and street-side cafes. You may also take a bicycle if you prefer. Later, you will visit the Aurobindo Ashram that promotes the ideas to bring about a synthesis of yoga and modern science. Finally, you will visit The Lord Ganesha Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a popular Hindu Temple.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Accord, Pondicherry (4 stars) or similar
Day 5: Pondicherry – Tanjore
After breakfast, a 5-hour drive will bring you to Tanjore, which is also known as Thanjavur. On arrival, you will check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, your Tanjore city tour will start at a UNESCO World Heritage site – Brihadeeswara Shiva Temple, which was built by King Raja Raja Chola in the 11th century AD. Then you will proceed to Thanjavur Maratha Palace, constructed by the rulers of Thanjavur; the Saraswati Mahal Library with more than 30,000 manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper; and the Raja Raja Chola art gallery with a huge collection of stone and bronze idols dating back from the 9th to the 12th centuries.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sangam, Tanjore (4 stars) or similar
Day 6: Drive to Madurai & Stop at Trichy
After breakfast, you will enjoy a 4-hour ride to Madurai. En-route, you will stop to visit Trichy (Tiruchirapalli), the citadel built in the Chola Dynasty in the medieval period. Trichy is located at the banks of the Cauvery River and is the fourth largest city of Tamil Nadu. From here you will first head to Srirangam, located at a distance of around 5 km from Trichy, to visit Sri Ranganathaswami temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and boasts as one of India’s largest temple complexes. Then you will visit Lord Robert Clive’s house, the Danish Church, and Rock Fort, a complex on a hillock where you can reach two famous Hindu temples, this fort complex had witnessed the fierce battles in between the Bijapur and Madurai Nayaks, Marathas, and Carnatic forces.
After the visit, you will continue to Madurai – South India’s greatest temple town and a significant pilgrim site. On arrival, you will check into your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Madurai (4 stars) or similar
Day 7: In Madurai
After breakfast, you will be guided to explore Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in the world with a recoded history dating back to the 3rd century BC. The attractions include 2000-year-old Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest and oldest temples in India, 17th-century Tirumala Nayak Palace with splendid domes and arches, Alagar Hills, and the Gandhi Museum. Today’s guided tour will then end at a bustling local market, and you can spend the rest time shopping, drinking coffee, or exploring the city on your own.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Madurai (4 stars) or similar
Day 8: Madurai – Munnar
After breakfast, a 4.5-hour drive will take you to Munnar. On arrival, you will check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure. You can stroll around and enjoy the peace and freshness of mountain air along with its breathtaking beauty.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: White House or similar
Day 9: In Munnar
After breakfast, you will head to Eravikulam National Park, one of the most popular main attractions near Munnar. This park is famous for its endangered inhabitant – the Nilgiri Tahr and also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. After this, you will proceed to the Tea Museum housing curios, photographs, and machinery, all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. From here, you will continue to Echo Point. This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. This amazing place is also a stopover for tourists visiting the Top Station – the highest point in Munnar where rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) bloom. The last stop is a delight for nature lovers – Mattupetty situated at a height of 1700 meters.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: White House or similar
Day 10: Munnar – Periyar
After breakfast, you will be escorted to Periyar by a 3-hour drive. After checking into your hotel, you will have some time to stroll through one of the spice plantations this area famous for and learn about the many different uses of spices, both in medicine and food.
In the afternoon, you will take a cruise on the picturesque Periyar Lake at the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Periyar Lake is a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. The 1-hour boat trip around the lake is the main way to tour the sanctuary. You might see deer, boar and birdlife.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Moutain Valley or similar
Day 11: In Periyar National Park
In the early morning about 07:00, your guide will accompany you to enjoy a forest trek inside the National Park, where you can watch various birds, butterflies and other wildlife through a range. Back to hotel for breakfast. The full day is to spot Elephants at a park, the ancient Kalaripayattu and take a shared boat to view the charming scenery of this jungle.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Moutain Valley or similar
Day 12: Bird Sanctuary in Periyar & Fairyland Kumarakom
We will have a Bird Sanctuary trip in the morning. And then drive to Kumarakom. South India can be regarded as a fertile land, with Lake Vembanad being a landmark. Visit there and stay overnight in Kumarakom.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lake Song or similar
Day 13: Drive to Alleppey & Board Houseboat
After an early breakfast, a 4-hour drive will take you to Alleppey (Alappuzha), a picturesque town known as Venice of the East that is crisscrossed with canals, offering tourists backwaters, beaches, and lagoons to enjoy. A cruise in the backwaters is an unforgettable experience. On arrival, you will board a houseboat to enjoy a cruise on Kerala’s backwaters passing by peaceful villages and beautiful rice fields. You will also stay overnight in the houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lakes & Lagoon, Alleppey (Houseboat) or similar
Day 14: Drive to Visit Kochi (Cochin)
After breakfast, you will check out from your houseboat and take a 1.5-hour drive to Kochi (Cochin). Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel.
After a break, you will be guided to visit this city. You will first stroll along the quaint narrow lanes of Jew Town to appreciate the ancient buildings and alleys with various architectural styles. Then you will head to Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace. You will also visit the 16th-century St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India with great historical significance. Your next stop is India’s oldest Jewish Synagogue, the only one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use. Then you will visit the harbor where local fishermen manipulating the old Chinese fishing nets, which were introduced and erected centuries ago.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Cochin (4 stars) or similar
Day 15: Kochi (Cochin) Airport See-off
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Bon voyage!
Our professional travel consultant is very happy to customize this private tour to your needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you!
Meal: Breakfast
!! Tour Concludes with happy memories of Incredible South!!
Total Package cost: USD 2550/- Per Person on Twin sharing with following hotels and inclusion:
Hotel Undertaken:
Chennai : Courtyard by Marriott Chennai (4 stars) or similar
Mahabalipuram : deal Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram (4 stars) or similar
Pondicherry : Accord, Pondicherry (4 stars) or similar
Tanjore : Hotel Sangam, Tanjore (4 stars) or similar
Madurai : Courtyard by Marriott Madurai (4 stars) or similar
Munnar : White House or Similar
Periyar : Crown Valley or Similar
Kumarakom : Lakesong or similar
Alleppey : Lakes & Lagoon Houseboat
Kochi : Radisson Blu or Similar
Please be aware that the hotel supplement for public holidays and festivals is not included in the tour price. If your travel date happens to meet any holidays, please contact us for the tour quotation.
Package cost includes:
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- Accommodation on twin sharing as per selected hotel category or similar in same category for the mention night
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- Meeting and assistance on arrival/departure at Airport/hotel by our representative.
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- Accommodation in standard room on bed & breakfast basis except in Alleppey (Houseboat) where stay will be on full board basis.
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- Spice plantation visit with local naturalist in Periyar.
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- Regular shared boat ride on Lake Periyar in Periyar.
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- Monument entrance fee for the city tours mentioned in the itinerary.
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- 02 Bottles drinking water per person per day & wet tissues in vehicle.
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- All presently applicable taxes.
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- All Hotel taxes & Service charges.
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- English speaking guide (Locally)
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- Should there be any further levy of Govt. / statutory taxes / charges, the same shall be chargeable extra as and when applicable.
Tour Cost does not include :
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- Any domestic or international airfare
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- Items of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, Room service, Lunch / Dinner, etc.
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- Any Service not mentioned in Inclusions.
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- The payments for additional services taken at the hotel are to be settled directly at the hotel.
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- Weekend or Holiday Surcharge (if applicable)
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- The airfare of arrival in Trivandrum and departure from Kochi.
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- Lunches and dinners except in Alleppey, but advice freely available.
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- India visa fee.
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- Personal expenses (travel insurance, drinks, camera fee etc).
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- Tips for guides and drivers.
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- Kathakali dance show in Cochin @ USD 6 Per Person
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- Kalaripayattu martial art show in Periyar @ USD 5 Per Person.