The Essence of South India Tour

Package Overview

Southern Part of India, another ‘India’ for those who have already visited North or other parts of India. Its distinctive cuisine, people and temples. – colourfully dressed men and women. Your journey begins from Chennai, the British ruled ‘Madras’ city with its century old buildings. Experience the remarkable architecturally reach temples of Mahabalipuram-Tanjore-Trichy-Madurai, Visit the beachside city Pondicherry with Chennai – The 4th Largest city of India and the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
Mahabalipuram – This world heritage site is a mix of architectural wonders, sandy sea sides and a laid back atmosphere.
Pondicherry – The city presents an interesting mix of Tamil and French culture.
Tanjore – In this ancient capital of Cholan Empire the world heritage listed Brihadiswara Temple can be visited.
Trichy – This temple town boasts of the awesome Rock Fort temple and amazing Sri Ranganathswamy Complex.
Madurai– One of the oldest cities of India that represents the soul of Tamil Nadu.
Periyar – Here you can find South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary with a lake that spans 26 sq kms.
Alleppey – This town in Kerala is known for its gateway to the Backwaters
Cochin– This once ancient trading town has a blend of Medieval Portugal, Holland, China and England.
Mumbai – The financial capital of India and home of Bollywood.01-0731-03

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival Chennai Transfer to Mahabalipuram

  Arrival Chennai and visit Chennai - India’s fourth largest city. The tour begins from the ‘St. Mary’s Church’, built in 1678 – 80, was the first English Church in Chennai. The Saint Thomas Cathedral, built in 1504, and then re-built in neo-gothic style in 1893, this Roman Catholic Church is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. Also visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple, constructed in pure Dravidian style. The Sri Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, built in 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas. Drive past the High Court Building, Fort St. George and the famous film studios. Transfer Drive to Mahabalipuram (76 kms. 1,5 hrs ) . This ancient Pallava port, is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. Over Night at in Mahabalipuram.

  • Hotspots Fort St. George
• Day 2 : Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram

  After breakfast an excursion to Kanchipuram. Later afternoon at Mahabalipuram with the beautiful shore temple Overnight at Mahabalipuram
• Day 3 : Mahabalipuram

  After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Mamallapuram, an ancient coastal port, south of Chennai, world famous for its shore temple. The whole of Mamallapuram is a fabulous open-air museum of sculptures. The famous temples of the Rathas, the Penance of Bhagirath, the Shore Temple and the eight Mandapams. (Shallow, rock cut halls) are also located at the beach. Enjoy lunch at Mamallapuram. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
• Day 4 : Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

  After breakfast check-out and drive to Pondicherry, Arrive Pondicherry this morning. After breakfast, visit Pondicherry: formerly a French colony settled early in the 18th century, Pondicherry became part of the Indian Union in the early 50’s when the French voluntarily relinquished control. French is still widely spoken, and seaside villas and cobbled streets are more reminiscent of the South of France than the South of India! Sightseeing tour of Pondicherry includes visit to Auroville. Conceived as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo, Auroville is an entirely new concept in education and urban living. The Aurobindo Ashram is known to the world over as the "Centre of Integral Yoga". Overnight in Pondicherry.
• Day 5 : Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy

  After breakfast Drive to Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) - Situated on the banks of the River Kaveri, just 320 kms from Chennai, Trichy was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam Age when the Pandyas and Pallavas held sway over this region for short periods. The most famous landmark is ‘The Rock Fort Temple’, a spectacular monument perched on a rock outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Tanjore where you will visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. These later became a part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, which subsequently passed into the hands of the Marathas and went to the British. The most famous landmark is the Brihadeshwara temple, which is now a world heritage site. Overnight in Trichy.

  • Hotspots Brihadeshwara Temple
  • Themes Heritage
• Day 6 : Trichy - Madurai

  After breakfast drive to Madurai, arrival Madurau and spent free time to explore the local traditional market. Overnight in Madurai
• Day 7 : Madurai

  After breakfast full day local sightseeing. visit Madurai –an animated city packed with pilgrims, vendors, business people, bullock carts and legions of under employed rickshaw pullers. It is one of the Southern India’s oldest cities and has been a center of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai – The primary interest is the Meenakshi Temple, where Dravidian temple architecture may be considered to be at its best. Its Hall of a thousand Pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. The tour also includes a visit to the – Thirumalai Nayak Palace & Thiruparangundram temple. Overnight in Madurai.

  • Hotspots Meenakshi Temple
• Day 8 : Madurai - Periyar

  After Breakfast check-out and drive to Periyar, check-inn to hotel, free time at Leisure. overnight at hotel in Periyar
• Day 9 : Periyar

  After a leisurely morning breakfast visit the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary at Periyar is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, and the great Indian tiger. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Evening take a boat ride (Weather permitting) in the lake Periyar to watch the wild animals of the National Park. Overnight at hotel in Periyar.
• Day 10 : Periyar - Alleppey (Houseboat)

  After breakfast check-out and drive to Alleppey to board Houseboat. By noon check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style. Go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all the necessary comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. Overnight at Houseboat.
• Day 11 : Allepy - Cochin

  After breakfast check-out and drive to Cochin, check-in to hotel, overnight at hotel in Cochin.
• Day 12 : Cochin

  After a leisurely morning breakfast full day sightseeing
  Breakfast and AM Half day tour of the satellite towns of Kochi (Cochin) and Ernakulam. It comprises the visit to the Dutch Palace (closed on Mondays) , the Jewish Synagogue - (which remains closed on Saturdays), St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. While driving along the coastline, at the Harbour's mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets". These nets were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. At Fort Kochi area you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved. Later proceed to Kozhikode. It was the place where the famous sailor Vasco Da Gama landed in 1498. Historically this place has also been known for trading of spices. Arrive Kozikode & evening visit the traditional bazaar here. Overnight at Hotel in Kozikode.
  

  • Hotspots Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace
• Day 13 : Cochin to Mumbai Departure

  Post breakfast check out and transfer to Cochin airport to board flight for Mumbai from where you can take the connecting international flight to the onward destination.

Package Start From

• Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Asia

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• C-3, Navshakti Apartment, M. G. Road, Ghitorni, New Delhi, Delhi, India - 110030
• 08069247162 (Ext : 662)
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