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Enchanting South India: From Ancient Temples to Kerala’s Backwaters

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Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Explore the rich tapestry of South India with our “Enchanting South India: From Ancient Temples to Kerala’s Backwaters” tour. Begin in Chennai, where colonial history and vibrant temples await your discovery. Journey through the sacred city of Pondicherry, marvel at its French colonial charm and spiritual sites. Witness the grandeur of Tamil Nadu’s architectural marvels in Thanjavur and Chettinad, before soaking in the historic and cultural splendors of Madurai. Embrace the natural beauty of Thekkady’s wildlife sanctuary and the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat. Conclude your journey on the serene beaches of Marari, offering relaxation and scenic beauty.

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 47.3%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 44.3%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 54.0%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 52.8%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 58.0%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 56.6%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 61.3%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

On arrival at Chennai airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest time is free to relax and enjoy personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Chennai

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD, which houses St. Mary’s Church, the oldest British church in India. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a significant Shiva shrine originally built by the Pallavas and later rebuilt by the Vijayanagar kings, known for its intricate architecture and vibrant ceremonies. Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Hindus dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its elaborate gopurams and religious significance. Discover the Government Museum, built in the Indo-Saracenic style, featuring a rich collection of artworks by Raja Ravi Varma and other historical artifacts. Tour Dakshinachitra Museum, a living-history museum that showcases the traditional arts and crafts of South India. Drive past Marina Beach, a scenic 13km-long urban beach along the Bay of Bengal, popular for its lively atmosphere and stunning sea views. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry, visiting Kanchipuram en route. In Kanchipuram, explore Kailasanathar Temple, an 8th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its elaborate carvings and historical significance. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, an ancient Shiva temple renowned for its sacred mango tree, which is believed to produce different varieties of mangoes. Explore Varadharaja Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Visit Vaikundhaperumal Temple, another significant Vishnu shrine, and Kamakshiamman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, showcasing intricate carvings and vibrant rituals. In Mahabalipuram, visit the Five Rathas, monolithic temples carved from granite representing Dravidian architecture. See Krishna’s Butterball, a gigantic granite boulder resting precariously on a short incline, a marvel of natural balance. Explore the 7th-century Cave Temples, decorated with panels and carvings in the Mamalla style. Visit Shore Temple, built in the 7th century, with two Shiva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu, showcasing early Dravidian architecture. Admire Arjuna’s Penance, an enormous rock-cut relief depicting various deities and mythological scenes. Continue the drive to Pondicherry, check in at the hotel, and overnight stay.

Day 4: Pondicherry

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an experimental community founded in 1968, featuring the Matrimandir, a spherical temple covered in gold discs, symbolizing unity and harmony. Explore Pondicherry Museum, which houses a fantastic collection of bronze sculptures, temple lamps, handicrafts, and art from various periods. Walk through the French Quarters, admiring charming mustard-colored streets, colonial villas, and vibrant Tamil settlements, showcasing the blend of French and Tamil cultures. Relax on the picturesque Pondicherry beach in the evening, enjoying the tranquil coastal environment. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Pondicherry - Thanjore (220kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, with a visit to Chidambaram en route. Explore Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s dancing form, known for its unique architecture linking art and spirituality. Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built in Tamil architectural style, with its square plan and complex of mandapas and sculptures. Explore Darasuram Temple, known for its 85-feet high vimana and chariot-shaped front mandapam, showcasing exquisite stone carvings. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at the hotel, and overnight stay.

Day 6: Thanjore

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its monumental Chola architecture, including a 216-foot high structure and detailed frescoes. Explore Vijayanagar Fort, built by Nayaks and Maratha rulers, showcasing a mix of architectural styles from different eras. Tour Thanjavur Art Gallery, located in the Thanjavur Palace, featuring an exquisite collection of ancient sculptures and coins. Visit Saraswathi Mahal Library, with over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts preserved in the palace’s library. Free time to explore nearby villages, experiencing local culture and traditions. Overnight at the hotel.

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

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Chettinad via Trichy, visiting Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functional temple globally, with 22 gopurams and a vast temple complex. Explore Rock Fort Temple, situated on an 83-meter-high rock formation, one of the oldest in the world, offering panoramic views of the city. Visit Jambukeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring five concentric walls and seven gopurams. Arrive in Chettinad, check in at the hotel, and overnight stay.

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Chettinad, renowned for its 19th-century mansions, featuring spacious courtyards, marble and teak interiors, and intricate decor from various countries. Drive to Madurai, check in at the hotel, and overnight stay.

Day 9: Madurai - Thekkady (160kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, one of India’s largest temple complexes, famous for its vibrant sculptures, endless ceremonies, and bustling market stalls. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, built in 1636 AD, blending Dravidian and Rajput architectural styles with its grand courtyards and ornate halls. Visit Alagar Koil, Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, each significant for their historical and religious importance. Drive to Thekkady, check in at the hotel, and overnight stay.

Day 10: Thekkady

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Explore a spice plantation tour, observing the cultivation of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and other spices, and visit the local market to purchase fresh spices. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Thekkady - Alleppey (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board a houseboat. Sail through the backwaters, enjoying the scenic canals, palm-fringed fields, and traditional Kerala village life. Experience a sunset from the houseboat’s sun deck, with amenities including a fully-equipped kitchen and comfortable accommodations. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey - Marari (20kms)

Breakfast on the houseboat. Disembark and transfer to Marari beach, check in at the hotel. Free day to relax on Marari beach, enjoying the serene coastal environment. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Marari

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to unwind on Marari beach, taking in the tranquil surroundings and beach activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Marari

Breakfast at the hotel. Another day at leisure on Marari beach, experiencing the peaceful coastal life and relaxing in the scenic environment. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Marari - Cochin/ Departure (Flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Cochin for a city tour, visiting Fort Cochin, known for its colonial architecture and bamboo fishing nets. Explore St. Francis Church, the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, and stroll through the historic streets of Fort Kochi. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, with its historical significance and antique furnishings, and Mattancherry Dutch Palace, showcasing Kerala’s rich heritage. Transfer to Cochin airport for your flight to the onward destination.

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 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

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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