Backwaters, Temples and Coastal Charm South India Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi

1. Kochi (Cochin)
   1h
   Arrive in Kochi, a lively port city known for its old churches, spice markets, and the famous Chinese fishing nets. On arrival, our representative will assist you with hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey.
2. 1h · Admission ticket included
   In the evening, you may choose to watch a Kathakali Dance Performance, a traditional art form of Kerala with colorful costumes and expressive movements. Overnight stay in Kochi.
   
   Please Note: Hotel check-in will be available after 2:00 PM.

Day 2: Kochi – Alappuzha (Houseboat Experience)

1. Alleppey Backwaters
   12h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, drive to Alappuzha, also called the “Venice of the East.” On arrival, board your private houseboat and enjoy a calm cruise through Kerala’s beautiful backwaters. As the houseboat moves slowly through narrow canals, green paddy fields, and small villages, you will see daily village life along the water. Freshly prepared meals will be served on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alappuzha.

Day 3: Alappuzha – Periyar (129 km)

1. Periyar
   1h
   After leaving the houseboat, continue your journey to Periyar, a place famous for forests, wildlife, and spice gardens. On arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.
2. Kauveri Spices Farm & Ayurveda Plantation
   1h · Admission ticket included
   You may visit a Spice Plantation to learn about spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon, or enjoy a gentle guided walk through the forest.
3. Periyar Lake
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Later, take a shared boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may see birds and animals near the forest edge. Overnight stay in Periyar.

Day 4: Periyar – Madurai (150 km)

1. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India and an important cultural center. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a beautiful and lively temple known for its tall towers and detailed carvings, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva.
2. 30m
   Continue to the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a historic palace with large pillars and open halls that reflect royal life of the past.
3. 1h
   Later, visit the peaceful Alagar Hills, followed by the Tiruparankundram Temple, an ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 5: Madurai – Thanjavur (190 km)

1. Brihadeeswara Temple
   30m · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, travel to Thanjavur, a city well known for its temples, art, and history. Visit the Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over one thousand years ago and admired for its massive structure and fine stone work.
2. Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Continue to the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, a large palace complex that once belonged to the Maratha rulers.
3. The Serfoji Sarasvati Mahal Library
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Saraswati Mahal Library, which preserves many old books and manuscripts,
4. 30m · Admission ticket included
   and later see the Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery, displaying fine bronze and stone statues from the Chola period. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

Day 6: Thanjavur – Puducherry (169 km)

1. French Quarter
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Drive to Puducherry, a calm coastal town known for its French-style buildings and peaceful atmosphere. Walk through the French Quarter, where clean streets, colorful houses, and colonial buildings reflect its European past.
2. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a quiet place for peace and reflection,
3. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
   30m · Admission ticket included
   and the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a popular temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
4. 30m
   In the evening, you may enjoy a relaxed walk along Promenade Beach facing the sea. Overnight stay in Puducherry.

Day 7: Puducherry – Mamallapuram (96 km)

1. 8h
   After breakfast, drive to Mamallapuram, a seaside town famous for its ancient stone temples and monuments. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.

Day 8: Mamallapuram Sightseeing

1. Shore Temple
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Spend the day exploring the famous monuments of Mamallapuram. Visit the Shore Temple, a beautiful temple by the sea dedicated to Lord Shiva.
2. Arjuna's Penance
   30m · Admission ticket included
   See Arjuna’s Penance, a large stone carving that shows scenes from Indian stories and daily life.
3. 30m · Admission ticket included
   Explore the Pancha Rathas, five small temples carved from single rocks, each with a unique design,
4. 30m
   and also visit the Mandapam Cave Temples with impressive rock carvings. Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.

Day 9: Mamallapuram – Chennai (53 km) Departure

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Drive to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, and enjoy a short city tour on arrival. Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a colorful and lively temple dedicated to Lord Shiva,
2. Santhome Cathedral Basilica
   30m · Admission ticket included
   followed by San Thome Church, built over the resting place of St. Thomas the Apostle.
3. Marina Beach
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Stop briefly at Marina Beach, one of the longest city beaches in the world, for photographs. After sightseeing, proceed to Chennai Airport for your onward journey.
   
   End of Tour.

Pickup details

Kindly provide your exact pick-up location with complete address at the time of booking so we can arrange your pick-up smoothly and on time.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• No Health Restrictions