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Temples and Tea Trails: A South India Journey from Chennai to Cochin

0/5
Duration

9 Nights / 10 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Experience the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures of South India on the Temples and Tea Trails: A South India Journey from Chennai to Cochin tour. Begin in Chennai with visits to Fort St. George, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the lively Marina Beach. Travel to Mahabalipuram to explore its ancient monolithic temples and rock carvings. Immerse yourself in Pondicherry’s unique blend of French and Indian heritage before visiting the grand Chola temples of Thanjavur. Discover the architectural splendor of Chettinad and the spiritual richness of Madurai. Enjoy the picturesque tea estates of Munnar and a tranquil houseboat cruise through Alleppey’s backwaters. Finish your adventure in Cochin, discovering its historic forts, synagogues, and vibrant cultural scene.

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 46.7%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 45.3%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 54.8%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 54.3%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 58.9%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 58.0%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 62.4%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrival at Chennai airport with assistance and transfer to the hotel. Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, showcasing colonial military architecture and housing the Fort Museum with relics of British history. Explore St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, known for its serene ambiance and historical significance. See Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its grand Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings. Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, celebrated for its vibrant color and rich religious heritage, dedicated to Lord Murugan. Discover the Government Museum, featuring extensive collections of ancient sculptures, bronze artifacts, and natural history exhibits. Explore Dakshinachitra Museum, a cultural center with traditional South Indian arts, crafts, and architecture from various states. Relax at Marina Beach, a long stretch of sandy beach known for its lively atmosphere, beachside stalls, and beautiful sunsets.

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Kanchipuram, known for its ancient temples including the Kailasanathar Temple, famous for its early Dravidian architecture with exquisite carvings and historical significance. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, a grand Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with its massive gopuram (gateway tower) and sacred mango tree. Arrive in Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. Explore the Monolithic Temples, including the Five Rathas, rock-cut temples sculpted as chariots for different deities, showcasing ancient artistry. Admire Krishna’s Butterball, a giant boulder balancing on a slope, and the Cave Temples, known for their intricate rock-cut shrines and carvings. Visit the Shore Temple, an 8th-century marvel overlooking the Bay of Bengal, known for its exquisite architecture and historic significance. See The Arjuna’s Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting mythological scenes and stories, carved into a rock face.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry and check in at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an international township focused on sustainable living and community integration, featuring a distinctive dome-shaped meditation center. Explore the Pondicherry Museum, which houses artifacts from the French colonial period, ancient sculptures, and various historical exhibits. Walk through the French Quarters, known for their charming colonial-era buildings, including the French consulate, Raj Nivas, and distinctive French architecture. Visit Government Square, featuring historical buildings, churches, and French schools that reflect Pondicherry’s colonial heritage.

Day 4: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, visiting Chidambaram to see the Nataraja Temple, renowned for its bronze sculptures and the depiction of Lord Shiva performing the cosmic dance. Explore The Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its grand Chola-era architecture and detailed sculptures. Visit Darasuram, another Chola-era temple with remarkable architectural features and intricate carvings that highlight the Chola dynasty’s artistic achievements. Check in at the Thanjavur hotel.

Day 5: Thanjavur - Chettinad (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its grand architecture, massive dome, and detailed carvings. Explore the Brihadeshwara Palace Complex, showcasing the grandeur of Chola-era royal residences with elaborate murals and architectural details. Drive to Chettinad, visiting Trichy to see the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a sprawling temple complex with impressive gopurams and detailed carvings. Explore the Rock Fort Temple, a temple complex situated atop a rock outcrop, offering panoramic views and historical significance. Visit Jambukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its serene setting and intricate carvings. Check in at the Chettinad hotel.

Day 6: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Chettinad’s 19th-century mansions, known for their grand architecture, wide courtyards, and decorative marble and teak interiors. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site known for its colorful gopurams (gateway towers) and elaborate sculptures. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, known for its grand architecture, including massive columns and intricate stucco work. Visit Alagar Koil, a scenic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated in the foothills with a serene environment. See Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, an ancient rock-cut shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering panoramic views and historical significance. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, another important temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its peaceful surroundings.

Day 7: Madurai - Munnar (160kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Munnar and check in at the hotel. Visit Pothamedu for stunning views of tea plantations and the surrounding hills. Explore Mattupetty Dam, known for its picturesque setting, boating opportunities, and scenic beauty. Visit Rajamala Hill, a sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Explore Eravikulam National Park, famous for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Discover Mattupedi Dairy Farm, showcasing dairy farming practices and offering a glimpse into local agriculture. Enjoy the views at Echo Point, where sounds reverberate off the hills, and visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea cultivation and processing.

Day 8: Munnar - Alleppey (165kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board a traditional houseboat. Sail through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, enjoying the lush greenery, scenic landscapes, and traditional village life. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board, savoring Kerala cuisine while cruising through the picturesque backwaters. Overnight stay on the houseboat, experiencing the serene environment and traditional hospitality.

Day 9: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin. Check in at the hotel and visit Fort Cochin, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Explore St. Frances Church, the oldest European church in India, with its historical significance and serene ambiance. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, famous for its ancient Torah scrolls and intricate tile work. Explore Mattancherry Dutch Palace, featuring murals and artifacts from the colonial period. See the Chinese fishing nets, a unique and traditional fishing method along the coast. In the evening, attend a Kathakali Dance show, a traditional dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes and expressive performances.

Day 10: Cochin - Departure

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

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 9 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 9 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: Palais De Mahe/ La Villa
Thanjore x 1 night: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Chettinad x 1 night: Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Munnar x 1 night: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime

From which city will my tour start?

The tour will start from Chennai and end in Cochin. Alternatively, it could start in Cochin and end in Chennai.

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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