Fascinating South India

Explore South India is a fascinating region known for its rich culture.

  • 17 Days, 16 Nights
  • Itinerary: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppy – Kochi.
ITINERARY
Namaste and welcome to India. Upon your arrival at Chennai Airport, you will be met by an agent and then transferred to the hotel. After checking in you have the time to recover.
After breakfast, you will explore the city of Chennai today. Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is located on the east coast of southern India on the Bay of Bengal. On the guided tour of Chennai, you will experience the well-preserved architectural legacy of the colonial era in Chennai, including Fort St George, India's oldest English fortress, created in 1640 by the British at the beginning of the East India Company. On the other side is the Catholic Basilica of St Thomas. Originally built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century to mark the burial place of the apostle. Afterwards, visit the ornate Kapaleeshwara Temple and notice the deep-rooted religiosity of South India. In the evening you can walk along the longest beach of India's Marina Beach.
After breakfast, drive approximately 70 km towards Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is also known as 'The City of a Thousand Temples'. The city has around 150,000 inhabitants. You will visit the Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva. Then, explore the Kailasanatha Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, built in the early 8th century. In the afternoon, drive approximately 65 km to Mahabalipuram. Dinner and overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Today you visit the temples of the place, which belong since 1985 to the UNESCO world cultural heritage. Coastal temples, monolithic temples and also the cave temples were built here. In the afternoon you have free time. Relax on the beach and be tempted by the cool water. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Today you drive along the coast to Pondicherry, also called Pondi. Pondicherry is the former French colony on the east coast of India. The French anchored their merchant ships in these beautiful Indian shores around 300 years ago to do business, but ended up blending their ways with the ancient Indian lifestyle. Upon arrival in Pondicherry you will visit the Aurobindo Ashram and, about 10 km away, the planned city of Auroville, which was inaugurated on 28 February 1968. Overnight in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur today. On the way you will visit the Nataraja Temple. Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The history of the temple goes back about 2,000 years. After the tour you will continue to Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Thanjavur.
Today you will visit the Brihadishwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thanjavur and further you will explore the Palace Museum. In the afternoon take a trip to Trichy. You drive about 1 hour to the Srirangama Temple in Tiruchirapalli, called Trichy for short. The temple with 21 temple towers is one of the largest temples in India. Just a stone's throw away is the Rockfort Temple perched on a massive rocky hill. Those who climb the steps will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the city. In the evening you drive back to Thanjavur and spend the night in the city.
Today your journey takes you to Madurai. On the way to Madurai you will visit the village of Chettinad and experience the village life. Chettinad is known for its rich architecture and heritage. In addition to architecture, Chettinad cuisine is also increasingly famous throughout India. A meal is served on the banana leaf and a spicy chicken curry is the best known. In the afternoon continue to Madurai. Overnight in Madurai.
Today we are in the home of the gorgeous Sri Meenakshi Temple. Here, the goddess rules as the supreme deity and the city has grown around the temple. The temple was built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak in the 17th century, but its origins go back 2000 years. After visiting Meenakshi Temple, you will explore Nayaka Palace and the Museum of Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening you experience the evening ceremony in the Minakshi Temple and let yourself be captivated by the never-ending pilgrimage, the magnificent images of the gods and religious Hindu music. Overnight in Madurai.
Today you leave Madurai and drive to Periyar. In addition to the city of Madurai, you leave the state of Tamil Nadu and enter Kerala, God's own Country. The motto for Kerala, "God's Own Country," refers to its rich heritage, vibrant culture, lush topography and positive socio-political climate. On arrival transfer to the hotel. They are now in the hills and should notice the difference in temperature and humidity of Tamil Nadu. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to Periyar Game Reserve. From the tranquility of the lake you can enjoy the lush scenery around you and see the animals that may come down to the edges of the water. Watch a Kalaripayattu performance tonight, a traditional form of martial arts. The show of Indian martial arts, performed with perfection and precision, testifies to the ancient Indian culture that needs years of dedication, training and focus. Overnight in Periyar.
Before leaving Periyar visit a tea and spice plantation. During the visit you can see for yourself where the pepper grows. Then drive about 100 km to Kumarakom. In the evening you have free time. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Today we continue to Alleppey. Here you will board a traditional houseboat, which will take you through the fascinating waters of the backwaters. On board you will find everything you need for a pleasant trip / overnight stay: a bedroom with a comfortable bed, a modern toilet with shower, a breezy lounge on the deck and a small on-board kitchen where local dishes are freshly prepared for you. Overnight in houseboat in Alleppy.
Get up in the backwaters with the sunrise and enjoy the enchanting morning atmosphere on board. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you will experience palm groves and paradisiacal silence, before you make your way to Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin you will check in at the hotel. In the evening you have the opportunity to experience a traditional Kathakali dance show. Overnight in Cochin.
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Cochin. In the old town you can visit Fort Cochin, the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and the tomb of the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama in St. Francis Church. The famous Chinese fishing nets in the harbor look like from a bygone era. Also, stroll through the colorful spices and antiques markets. Dinner at the hotel in Kochi. Departure Cochin - Homeland Today was dedicated to sightseeing in Cochin. In the evening after dinner you will drive to the airport in time for your return flight. Here ends your round trip.

GALLERY / PHOTOS

IMG_0556-e1587465721986-2
IMG_0752-e1587471200703
IMG_0627-e1587471346498
IMG_6885-e1587467552811
DSCN1334-e1587470073841
DSCN1328-e1587469738747
IMG_0584-e1587466167264
Chat On WhatsApp

BOOK A CALL BACK WITH AGENT TODAY

GET A QUOTE
MORE PACKAGES

OTHER TRAVEL PACKAGES

  • Aligarh, UP

LET'S CONNECT US FOR MORE DETAILS!!

WHATSAPP CHAT