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Southern Splendor: Temples and Beaches from Chennai to Kovalam

0/5
Duration

10 Nights / 11 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Discover the essence of South India with Southern Splendor: Temples and Beaches from Chennai to Kovalam. Begin in Chennai, exploring historic sites like Fort St. George and Marina Beach before journeying to Mahabalipuram to marvel at its monolithic temples and iconic carvings. Traverse to the charming city of Pondicherry, renowned for its French Quarter and Auroville. Dive deeper into India’s rich heritage in Thanjavur and Trichy with visits to grand temples and ancient forts. Continue to Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, then travel to Rameshwaram to witness the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple and Adam’s Bridge. Conclude with the scenic beauty of Kanyakumari and the relaxing beaches of Kovalam, rounding out your journey through vibrant cultural landscapes and tranquil coastal retreats.

Highlights

  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Meals other than mentioned in day plan.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 47.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 47.1%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 56.2%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 56.6%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 60.2%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 59.9%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 64.2%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

On arrival at Chennai airport, meet your driver for assistance and transfer to your hotel. Check in at the hotel. Visit Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, known for its historical significance and colonial architecture. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, renowned for its Dravidian architecture and colorful sculptures. Continue to Vadapalani Murugan Temple, celebrated for its towering gopuram and religious importance. Visit Dakshinachitra Museum, an open-air museum showcasing traditional South Indian arts, crafts, and cultural heritage. Discover Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Thomas, featuring stunning stained glass and serene surroundings. Conclude your day at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, perfect for a leisurely stroll and sunset view. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mahabalipuram. En route, visit Kanchipuram, an ancient city known for its numerous temples and silk weaving industry. Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram, check in at your hotel. Explore the Monolithic Temples, rock-cut temples carved from single rock formations with intricate designs. See Krishna's Butterball, a giant boulder precariously balanced on a slope. Visit the Cave Temples, ancient rock-cut temples with detailed carvings and shrines. Admire the Shore Temple, an ancient temple complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, known for its beautiful architecture and stone carvings. Explore The Arjuna Penance, an enormous bas-relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, illustrating Arjuna's penance and various mythological figures. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry. Check in at your hotel. Visit Auroville, an international community dedicated to sustainable living and spiritual growth, featuring unique architecture and communal living practices. Explore Pondicherry Museum, which houses artifacts and relics from the region's colonial past. Walk through the French Quarters, known for their charming mustard-colored streets and colonial villas. Highlights include the French Consulate, with its elegant architectural style, and Raj Nivas, the residence of the Lieutenant Governor. Visit Government Square, a significant area with historic buildings, and explore local Churches and French Schools reflecting the French influence on the city’s architecture and education. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur. En route, stop at Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, renowned for its architectural beauty and traditional dance performances. Continue to The Great Living Chola Temples, including Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, notable for its grand architecture and historical significance as a Chola dynasty temple. Visit Darasuram Temple, celebrated for its intricate carvings and architectural excellence, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Chola period. Check in at your Thanjavur hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, an architectural marvel with its massive sculptures, grand central dome, and detailed carvings, built by the Chola dynasty. Explore the Palace Complex, a historic site reflecting the grandeur of the Chola rulers, featuring intricate architecture and museum exhibits. Drive to Trichy and check in at your hotel. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functioning temple in the world, known for its vast size and complex architecture. Explore The Rock Fort, an ancient rock formation offering panoramic views of the city and housing temples carved into the rock. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Trichy - Madurai (135kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, a grand temple complex with towering gopurams and intricate sculptures dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, known for its blend of Dravidian and Islamic architecture, featuring grand courtyards and halls. Continue to Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in scenic hills. Visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, a cave temple dedicated to Lord Murugan with historical and religious importance. See Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, another important shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, situated in a picturesque location. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Rameshwaram and check in at your hotel. Visit Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga Temple, renowned for its massive corridors, intricate carvings, and the sacred jyotirlinga (symbolic representation of Lord Shiva). Explore Adam's Bridge, a chain of reefs and sandbanks believed to be a historical land connection between India and Sri Lanka, offering stunning views and historical significance. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari (320kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Kanyakumari. Check in at your hotel. Relax on the beach and enjoy the sunset over the Arabian Sea, known for its breathtaking colors and serene atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Kanyakumari - Kovalam (80kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Kanyakumari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari, symbolizing purity and devotion, with its stunning coastal location. Explore Padmanabhapuram Palace, a historic royal residence featuring traditional Kerala architecture and a rich collection of artifacts. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a monument dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, situated on a rocky island with panoramic views of the ocean. Explore Vattakottai Fort, a coastal fort offering scenic views and historical significance, built to protect the region from sea invasions. Drive to Kovalam and check in at your hotel. Relax and unwind. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Kovalam

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a significant temple known for its grand architecture and intricate carvings dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore Attukal Temple, famous for its annual Pongala festival and beautiful surroundings. Discover Napier Museum, housing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and natural history, including sculptures, ancient artifacts, and relics. Visit Kuthira Malika, a historic palace known for its unique architecture, wooden carvings, and art collections. Explore Sri Chitra Art Gallery, featuring an impressive collection of Indian and international art, including works by famous artists. Drive through notable beaches such as Shankumugham Beach, Kovalam Beach, and visit Vizhinjam Lighthouse for scenic views and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Kovalam - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Trivandrum airport for your onward flight.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 10 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 10 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Chennai x 1 night: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Mahabalipuram x 1 night: Chariot Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
Pondicherry x 1 night: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
Thanjore x 1 night: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Trichy x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Rameshwaram x 1 night: Daiwik Hotel/ Vinayaga by Poppys
Kanyakumari x 1 night: Sparsa Kanyakumari/ The Seashore Hotel
Kovalam x 2 nights: Estuary Sarovar Portico / Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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