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Temple Treasures & Backwater Serenity: A South Indian Odyssey

0/5
Duration

11 Nights / 12 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through South India with our “Temple Treasures & Backwater Serenity: A South Indian Odyssey” tour. Begin in Trivandrum, exploring grand temples like Sree Padmanabhaswamy and Attukal, and vibrant museums. Discover Kanyakumari’s spiritual landmarks and scenic vistas where three seas converge. Venture to Rameshwaram to marvel at the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple and historical Adam’s Bridge. Experience the rich heritage of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and the tranquil spice plantations of Thekkady. Conclude with the lush beauty of Munnar’s tea estates and the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey, ending in the historic charm of Cochin.

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 46.3%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 42.9%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 53.8%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 52.0%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.0%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 55.3%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.0%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Trivandrum

On arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Free time for relaxation and personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Kovalam

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Trivandrum begins with Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, renowned for its gold-plated covering and ancient architecture; the sanctum is only accessible to Hindus. Visit Attukal Temple, celebrated for its cultural heritage and Tamil architectural style. Explore Napier Museum, known for its impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and musical instruments. See Kuthira Malika, built in the 1840s, housing artifacts like ethnic jewelry, wooden paintings, carvings, and royal armory. Discover Sri Chitra Art Gallery, showcasing works by Raja Ravi Verma and art objects from the Mughal, Rajput, and Tanjore schools. Drive through famous beaches including Shankumugham Beach, Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam Beach, and Light House Beach Road, known for their scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Kovalam - Kanyakumari (85kms) (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Kanyakumari and check in at the hotel. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, located on a rock island, accessible by ferry; it commemorates Vivekananda's spiritual enlightenment and includes a study hall and museum. Explore Vattakottai Fort, built from granite, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal and the Western Ghats. See Kumari Amman Temple, dedicated to Devi Kanyakumari, with views of the surrounding sea; only Hindus can enter the temple sanctum. Relax at Kanyakumari Beach, where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea converge, with distinct colors visible due to the unique confluence. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Kanyakumari - Rameshwaram (325kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Rameshwaram and check in at the hotel. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, famous for its extensive corridors and intricate carvings; the lingams were installed by Lord Rama and the temple features both Ramalingam and Shivalingam. See Lakshmana Tirtham, a shrine built in memory of Lord Lakshman, with marble sculptures and temple statues symbolizing unity. Explore Adam’s Bridge (Rama’s Bridge), a chain of reefs and sandbanks that legend says was used by Hanuman to cross to Sri Lanka. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Rameshwaram - Madurai (175kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, one of India’s largest temple complexes, noted for its stunning sculptures, elaborate ceremonies, and bustling market stalls. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, built in 1636 AD, showcasing a blend of Dravidian and Rajput architectural styles with grand courtyards and ornate ceilings. See Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to the deity Alagar; Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, known for its cave shrine; and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, another significant site for Murugan worship. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Madurai - Thekkady (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thekkady and check in at the hotel. Tour a spice plantation to see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee crops; visit a local market to buy fresh spices. In the evening, enjoy a Kalaripayattu performance, showcasing traditional martial arts, and a Kathakali dance show, featuring elaborate costumes and dramatic storytelling. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Thekkady - Munnar (110kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat, spotting elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild boar, and a variety of bird species. Drive to Munnar, passing through Ramakkalmedu, known for its wind farm and scenic views. Visit Frog Rock and Turtle Rock, natural formations, and Kuravan & Kurathi, twin statues symbolizing local legends. Arrive in Munnar and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Munnar

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Pothamedu for panoramic views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. Explore Mattupetty Dam, a concrete gravity dam known for its reservoir and hydroelectric projects. See Rajamala in Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr, and Mattupedi Dairy Farm, an Indo-Swiss project for livestock. Visit Echo Point, famous for its acoustic properties where echoes are clearly heard, and Tea Museum, showcasing the history and culture of tea in South India. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Munnar - Kumarakom (150kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Kumarakom and check in at the hotel. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migratory and resident bird species, located along the Vembanad Lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Kumarakom - Alleppey (50kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty and board a houseboat for a backwater cruise through tropical countryside. Sail through palm-fringed canals and vast paddy fields, experiencing the scenic beauty of Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East. Enjoy a sunset from the houseboat, which features modern amenities including a dining area, bedroom, and fully equipped kitchen. Overnight on board.

Day 11: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms)

Breakfast on board. Drive to Cochin and check in at the hotel. Visit Fort Cochin, a historic area with Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture, and the famous bamboo fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach. Explore St. Francis Church, the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, and enjoy upscale eateries and quaint shops. See the Jewish Synagogue, known for its antique artifacts, and the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, with its intricate murals and historical exhibits. In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance, showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance with elaborate costumes and masks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Cochin - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 11 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 11 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Kovalam x 2 nights: Estuary Sarovar Portico/ Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
Kanyakumari x 1 night: Sparsa Kanyakumari/ The Seashore Hotel
Rameshwaram x 1 night: The Residency Towers
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Periyar x 1 night: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden/ The Elephant Court
Munnar x 2 nights: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar
Kumarakom x 1 night: Gokulam Grand Resort & Spa/ Rhythm Kumarakom
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime

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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