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Cultural Splendor of South India and Kerala Backwaters

0/5
Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Discover the rich tapestry of South India’s heritage and the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s backwaters on the “Cultural Splendor of South India and Kerala Backwaters” tour. Begin in Chennai with visits to historic forts, vibrant temples, and colonial landmarks, before exploring the ancient city of Kanchipuram and the rock-cut wonders of Mahabalipuram. Journey through Pondicherry’s charming French quarters and the architectural marvels of Thanjavur and Trichy, then delve into Madurai’s sacred temples and grand palaces. Experience the natural beauty of Thekkady, including a spice plantation and wildlife safari, followed by a serene houseboat cruise in Alleppey. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Cochin’s historic sites, a scenic ride through Ooty, and the royal splendor of Mysore before ending in Bangalore.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 46.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.8%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 53.1%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 52.3%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.0%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 55.9%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.4%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

On arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Visit Fort St. George, an important historical fort housing St. Mary Church, offering insight into colonial history and early British administration in India. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings. Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, famous for its colorful festivals and detailed sculptures of Lord Murugan, a significant deity in Tamil Nadu. Explore the Government Museum, featuring an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, and ancient relics from various Indian dynasties. Visit Santhome Cathedral, an important church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, showcasing European architectural style. Drive past Madras High Court, an iconic building with a striking red facade, and Rippon Building, renowned for its impressive neo-classical design. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mahabalipuram, with a stop in Kanchipuram, known for its ancient temples and silk weaving. Visit Kanchipuram’s notable temples: Kailasanathar Temple, celebrated for its intricate carvings and Dravidian style; Ekambareswarar Temple, a major Shiva temple with impressive gopurams; Vaikunta Perumal Temple, renowned for its exquisite sculptures and architecture; and Kamakshi Amman Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. Check in at the hotel. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Monolithic Temples, remarkable for their rock-cut architecture and historical significance. Marvel at Krishna’s Butterball, a giant granite boulder seemingly precariously balanced on a hillside. Visit the Cave Temples, noted for their elaborate carvings and sculptural artistry. Admire the Shore Temple, a stunning structure overlooking the sea with intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities. View The Arjuna’s Penance, a colossal bas-relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata with detailed carvings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry and check in at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an international township dedicated to human unity, featuring unique architecture and sustainable living practices. Explore Pondicherry Museum, displaying a range of historical artifacts, sculptures, and artworks from the region. Stroll through the French Quarters, with charming mustard-colored streets and colonial-era buildings. Visit key French landmarks including the French Consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, and churches such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (185kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur with a visit to Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, famous for its intricate bronze statues and dynamic dance poses of Lord Shiva. Explore The Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, noted for their massive sculptures and Chola architectural brilliance, and Darasuram, known for its detailed carvings and well-preserved temple structures. Check in at the hotel in Thanjavur. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Palace Complex, a grand Chola-era temple complex with a massive dome, intricately carved sculptures, and a stunning entrance gopuram. Drive to Trichy and check in at the hotel. Explore Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with expansive courtyards and numerous shrines. Visit The Rock Fort, a historic fort atop a 230 crore-year-old rock, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Trichy - Madurai (135kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, an iconic temple complex renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant sculptures, and the impressive Hall of Mirrors. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a grand palace known for its majestic architecture, large courtyards, and historical significance. Visit Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located on a hill, offering scenic views and spiritual significance. Explore Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, an ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its historic and religious importance. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, situated in a picturesque setting amidst lush greenery, and known for its tranquil atmosphere and spiritual significance. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Madurai - Thekkady (160kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu, known for its windy climate and panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Enjoy an evening Kalaripayattu show, featuring traditional Kerala martial arts and dance forms. Check in at the hotel in Thekkady. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Thekkady

Breakfast at the hotel. Experience bamboo rafting and a nature walk in the lush greenery of Thekkady, offering an opportunity to observe the region’s flora and fauna up close. Tour a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cloves, and their significance in local cuisine and culture. Enjoy an evening boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, observing diverse wildlife including elephants, deer, and various bird species amidst picturesque landscapes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Thekaddy - Alleppey (135kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board a houseboat and sail through the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy the picturesque tropical countryside, with serene waterways, lush paddy fields, and traditional village life observed from the comfort of the houseboat. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Cochin and check in at the hotel. Visit Fort Cochin, known for its historical colonial architecture, quaint streets, and vibrant cultural scene. Explore St. Frances Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, with its historical significance and simple yet elegant design. Discover the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace, showcasing Cochin’s rich multicultural heritage, including antique furniture, historical artifacts, and vibrant murals. Admire the Chinese fishing nets, traditional fishing apparatus used along the coast, offering a glimpse into local fishing practices. Enjoy an evening Kathakali Dance performance, featuring traditional dance, drama, and vibrant costumes that depict classical stories. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Cochin - Ooty (280kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ooty and check in at the hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure to relax and explore the surrounding hill station, with its pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Ooty - Mysore (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the botanical gardens in Ooty, renowned for their diverse plant collections, manicured lawns, and scenic beauty. Ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a charming train journey offering stunning views of the Nilgiri Hills and lush landscapes (Ooty to Coonoor). Visit key points in Coonoor including Sim’s Park, a well-maintained garden with a variety of plant species; Dolphin's Nose, a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys; and the Tea Gardens, showcasing tea cultivation and processing. Enjoy sightseeing in Ooty including Ooty Lake, a picturesque spot for boat rides, and the Rose Garden, featuring a vast collection of roses in various colors and varieties. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Mysore

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mysore and check in at the hotel. Visit Mysore Palace, a grand royal residence known for its opulent interiors, ornate furnishings, and historical significance. Explore Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the patron deity of Mysore, featuring a towering gopuram and the Nandi Bull statue, a revered symbol. Tour the City Palace, with its richly decorated halls and museums showcasing royal artifacts, and St. Philomena’s Church, known for its neo-gothic architecture and grand facade. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Mysore - Bangalore (150kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bangalore and check in at the hotel. Visit Lal Bagh Garden, a lush botanical garden known for its extensive greenery, floral displays, and historical glasshouse. Explore Cubbon Park, a large and tranquil park offering a serene escape with walking paths, fountains, and a variety of trees. Discover Bangalore Fort and Tippu’s Summer Palace, showcasing historical architecture, royal artifacts, and the legacy of Tipu Sultan. Visit Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, and drive past Vidhana Soudha and the Secretariat, notable for their grand architecture and administrative significance. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Bangalore - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport as per flight schedule for your departure.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 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 14 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
Thanjavur 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
Thekkady x 2 nights: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden/ The Elephant Court
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime
Ooty x 1 night: Fortune Resort Sullivan Court/ Accord Highland Ooty
Mysore x 2 nights: Fortune Park JP Palace/ Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden
Bengaluru x 1 night: Lemon Tree Premier/ Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa

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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