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Divine South India: Temples, Heritage, and Backwater Serenity

0/5
Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Explore the spiritual and scenic wonders of South India with the Divine South India: Temples, Heritage, and Backwater Serenity tour. Begin in vibrant Chennai, where you’ll delve into historic temples and colonial landmarks before journeying to Pondicherry’s French charm and serene beaches. Discover the ancient Chola architecture in Thanjavur and marvel at Trichy’s monumental temples. Traverse through Chettinad’s opulent mansions and the sacred city of Madurai. Experience wildlife in Thekkady’s lush sanctuary, followed by tranquil backwater cruising in Alleppey. Unwind on Marari Beach and conclude with a cultural exploration of Cochin’s historic sites. This tour seamlessly blends spiritual heritage with natural beauty for a truly unforgettable experience.

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 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

On arrival at Chennai airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring personal interests. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Chennai

Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, and explore St. Mary's Church within its walls, known for its colonial architecture and historic significance. Tour the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a major Shiva temple with intricate Dravidian architecture and vibrant festivals, and Vadapalani Murugan Temple, famed for its colorful festivals and deities. Explore the Government Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts, and the Dakshinachitra Museum, showcasing South Indian art, crafts, and culture. Visit Santhome Cathedral, a beautiful neo-Gothic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, and relax at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in India, known for its lively atmosphere and local food stalls.

Day 3: Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

Drive to Pondicherry, stopping at Kanchipuram to visit its ancient temples, including Kailasanathar Temple, renowned for its detailed carvings, and Ekambareswarar Temple, known for its massive gopurams (gateway towers). Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Shore Temple, a stunning temple complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and Arjuna’s Penance, a colossal bas-relief carving depicting mythological scenes and local legends. Arrive in Pondicherry and check in at the hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the local area.

Day 4: Pondicherry

Visit Auroville, an international community dedicated to human unity and peace, and explore its unique architecture, the Matrimandir meditation center, and surrounding gardens. Tour the Pondicherry Museum, which displays artifacts from French colonial times, ancient sculptures, and local history. Drive through the picturesque French Quarters, featuring colonial-era buildings, including the French consulate, Raj Nivas, and Government Square, as well as charming French schools and churches. Spend leisure time relaxing on the beach, enjoying the serene coastal environment and clear waters.

Day 5: Pondicherry - Thanjore (220kms)

Drive to Thanjavur, visiting Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its exquisite bronze sculptures and intricate architecture. Explore The Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, known for their architectural brilliance, detailed carvings, and historical significance as part of the Chola dynasty’s heritage. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the local area.

Day 6: Thanjore

Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, an imposing temple built by the Chola dynasty, known for its grand architecture, massive central dome, and impressive frescoes. Explore the Palace Complex, which includes the Royal Palace, art galleries, and the Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to a vast collection of manuscripts and ancient texts. Spend the rest of the day exploring nearby villages, experiencing local crafts, traditional lifestyles, and rural landscapes.

Day 7: Thanjore - Trichy - Chettinad (145kms)

Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Trichy to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functioning temple in the world, renowned for its massive size, detailed sculptures, and vibrant festivals. Explore Jambukeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Rock Fort, a 230 crore years old geological formation with historical temples and panoramic views from the summit. Arrive in Chettinad and check in at the hotel.

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

Explore Chettinad’s 19th-century mansions, which feature ornate courtyards, intricate tile work, and spacious interiors adorned with marble and teak. Drive to Madurai, and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure or exploring the local area.

Day 9: Madurai - Thekkady (160kms)

Visit Meenakshi Temple, an iconic temple dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, known for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with vibrant sculptures and intricate carvings. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, renowned for its grand architecture, expansive courtyards, and historical significance. See Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, known for its historic and religious importance. Drive to Thekkady, passing through Ramakkalmedu, known for its picturesque wind-swept vistas. Arrive and check in at the hotel.

Day 10: Thekkady

Enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards, and Indian bison in their natural habitat. Take a spice plantation tour to learn about the cultivation and processing of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee. Relax at the hotel in the evening.

Day 11: Thekkady - Alleppey (140kms)

Transfer to Alleppey and board a houseboat for a cruise through the serene backwaters. The houseboat is equipped with modern amenities including a generator, dining area, bedroom, and fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the picturesque views of palm-fringed canals, lush paddy fields, and traditional village life as you sail through the tranquil backwaters. Overnight on the houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey - Marari (20kms)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Marari Beach. Check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing on the tranquil beach.

Day 13: Marari

Spend a full day at Marari Beach, taking advantage of the serene environment to relax, swim, or enjoy leisurely walks along the shore.

Day 14: Marari

Another day to unwind on Marari Beach, with free time to explore the area or simply relax in the peaceful coastal setting.

Day 15: Marari - Cochin/ Departure (Flight)

After breakfast, drive to Cochin and embark on a city tour, including Fort Cochin, with its colonial charm and historic buildings, St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, the Jewish Synagogue, known for its ancient scrolls and unique architecture, and Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing traditional Kerala murals and artifacts. Visit the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a symbol of Cochin’s maritime heritage. Transfer to Cochin airport in the evening for your onward flight.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plane.
  • 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.
  • Monuments 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 2 nights: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Pondicherry x 2 nights: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
Thanjore x 2 nights: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Chettinad x 1 night: Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
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)
Marari x 3 nights: Abad Turtle Beach Resort/ Marari Sands Beach Resort

How many person will be in the group ?

There could be upto 10 people in the group.

Does this tour include airport pick ?

Yes, you can arrive on any flight and private airport transfer will be provided.

How do travelers meet the group ?

On first day of sightseeing all group member will assemble in hotel lobby and there will be first introduction with group member.

What category of hotel accommodation will be provided ?

4star below mention or similar hotels accommodation is included in the tour.
Hotels used or similar for 10 nights accommodation

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

Chennai x 2 night
4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan

Pondicherry x 2 night
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa

Thnjore x 2 night
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

Chettinad x 1 night
4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion

Madurai x 1 night
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel

Thekkady x 2 night
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County

Alleppey x 1 night
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)

Mararikulam x 3 nights
4* - Abad Turtle Beach Resort/ Marari Sands Beach Resort

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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