Day 02: Chennai to Mahabalipuram
After breakfast at hotel, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Chennai. The hundreds of ancient temples and historic monuments with amazing architecture will amuse you here. Visit the famous Mariana Beach, Mylapore Temple, Gandhi Memorial, Fort Museum and Kala Kshetra and several other attractions of Chennai. In the afternoon, you will take a drive to Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is the port temple town of South India that belongs to the 7th century. Visit the famous rock cut and monolithic temple architectures here. It is also a UNESCO world Heritage Site. Visit the famous Arjuna's Penance, Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas or Five Chariots. Stay overnight at Mahabalipuram.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram is the ancient capital of the Pallavas, famous for the city of 1000 temples. Famous for silk and splendid temples, you will see the amazingly beautiful temples of Kanchipuram celebrated for their architectural affluence. The sarees of Kanchipuram are famous not only in India but also among foreign lovers of sarees. These sarees are made from pure silk in attractive colors and fine fabric. Lord Shiva temple in Kanchipuram is as old as about dating back to the 7th and 8th century. Have a sightseeing tour and lunch on way to Kanchipuram. Later, you will take a drive to Mahabalipuram.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry to Tanjore
Have your breakfast and take a drive to Tanjore. You will visit Pondicherry enroute. Pondicherry the union territory of India, was once a colony of French in the colonial period. The traces of that bygone period can still be found in the culture and architecture of Pondicherry. Make a visit to the popular Aurobindo Ashram located 10 kms in the north of Pondicherry. You will later move on to Tanjore. Check in the hotel and relax. Stay overnight at Tanjore.
Day 05: Tanjore to Trichy
Tanjore is an enchanting temple town that hosts beautiful fortifications of beautifully decorated temples. It was an ancient capital of earliest state that was once ruled by Cholas. Tanjore is famous world wide for its temples and paintings. In the morning, you will visit the famous Brihadeeshwarar temple. Pay your homage at the big and mighty Shiva lingam and the stone sculpture of Nandi bull.
Take a drive to Trichy (54km / 2hrs). Also known as Trichurapalli, Trichy is a place famous as the sacred town of South India. It is also a modern bustling city famous for being the technology hub of India. Visit the Rock Fort temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple and Sri Jambukeshwara temple. Stay overnight at Trichy.
Day 06: Trichy to Madurai
After breakfast, you will take a drive to Madurai (133km / 4hrs). Reach and check in the hotel. Madurai is an ancient town that dates back to more than two thousand years. It is famous for its temples, the most visited among all its temples, remains the Meenakshi temple. After some rest, you will visit the Meenakshi Temple and attend the evening prayer ceremony. Stay overnight at Madurai.
Day 07: Madurai
Have your breakfast and take a morning sightseeing tour of Madurai. You will visit the popular Mariamman Teppakulam or Great Tank. The Palace of Tirumalai Nayak is among all other attractions of ancient city of Madurai. In the afternoon, have your time at leisure. In the evening, make a second visit to the Meenakshi temple. Stay overnight at Madurai.
Day 08: Madurai to Kodaikanal
Post breakfast, you will take a drive to Kodaikanal (120 km / 2 hrs). It is located in between the picturesque Palani Hills. As you will climb over the mountain to move towards Kodaikanal, the scenery would begin to change. You will slowly find yourself amidst the most charming surroundings of lush green hills, charming waterfalls, great rocks and beautiful lake. Kodaikanal would instantly mesmerize its visitors. The city is set at the altitude of more than 2,100 m above the sea level. Kodaikanal is seen as the most beautiful and calm hill stations of South India.
Arrive at Kodaikanal and check into the hotel. Later, visit the famous Kurinji Andavar Temple, which offers a breathtaking view of the northern plains and the Palani Hills. Overnight stay will be at Kodaikanal.
Day 09: Kodaikanal to Periyar National Park
Post breakfast, you will take a drive to the world popular Periyar National Park. Get there and check in the Forest Lodge. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary located at Thekkady is one of the country's key sanctuaries. On the mountains of Munnar, you can witness the peaceful world of the grasslands at more than 7000 feet. In the afternoon, take an enjoyable and exciting boat cruising on the beautiful Periyar Lake. You can see here the amazing species of wildlife and birds. The herds of elephants will enjoy bathing and singing on the banks of Periyar Lake. It offers a stunning view to visitors. Overnight stay at Periyar.
Day 10: Periyar to Kumarakom
Take breakfast and move on to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is the beautiful and spectacular backwater destination of Kerala. Kumarakom is a maze of enchanting backwaters and beautiful paradise of emerald green paddy fields, mangrove forests and coconut groves intermingled with captivating waterways and canals. Kumarakom is counted as the finest bird sanctuaries of India.
Reach Kumarakom and check in the hotel. Your afternoon will be at leisure. Enjoy discovering the esthetic surroundings. You will spot the exciting range of multi color water birds in the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. See both the migratory and local birds here. Stay overnight at Kumarakom.
Day 11: Kumarakom to Alleppey to Cochin
In the morning, go on board the Kettuvallom or houseboat. You will enjoy the memorable backwater cruise to Alleppey (2 ½ hours). You will pass through the lush green surroundings that are no less than a paradise. Reach Alleppey and set down the boat. You will take a drive to Cochin (56 km).
Cochin, also famous with the name Kochi, is one of the most popular historical cities of Kerala. Cochin draws in tourists for its spectacularly beautiful backwaters and beaches. Reach here and check in the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Cochin
Have your breakfast and enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Cochin. You will visit the Bolghatty Palace, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and the St. Francis Church. Enjoy watching the huge Chinese Fishing Nets on the picturesque Vasco Da Gama Square. In the evening, you will enjoy a colorful and fascinating Kathakali Dance Show. Stay overnight at Cochin.
Day 13: Cochin to Chennai to Departure
In the morning, get an on time transfer to airport to board a flight to Chennai or Mumbai or the onward destination or way back home with memories of South India Tour.
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