Pride of South India

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Chennai. Begin with a visit to Marina Beach, famous for its expansive shoreline and vibrant atmosphere. Next, explore the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, renowned for its intricate Dravidian architecture, followed by a stop at Fort St. George, the oldest British fort in India. Continue to Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, and then head to the National Art Gallery to admire a range of Indian art. Visit St. Mary’s Church, one of the oldest Anglican churches in India, and explore Anna Zoological Park, home to a variety of wildlife. Next, discover the wonders of the Birla Planetarium, where you can enjoy educational exhibits on astronomy. Stroll through People’s Park, a popular spot for relaxation, and then visit Kalakshetra, a renowned cultural academy dedicated to preserving traditional Indian arts. Finally, explore the serene Theosophical Society before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Mahabalipuram. En route, visit Kanchipuram, known as the "City of a Thousand Temples" and one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred cities) in India. Explore notable temples such as Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Ekambareswarar Temple, each showcasing intricate architecture and spiritual significance.

Continue your journey to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to rest and freshen up. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, renowned for its 7th- and 8th-century Hindu rock-cut monuments. Explore the Pancha Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples carved in the shape of chariots. See the Ganesha Ratha, Cave Temples, and the famous Descent of the Ganges, a massive bas-relief depicting a mythological event. Don’t miss the Shore Temple, an iconic structure overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and the Olakkannesvara Temple with its unique architecture. Visit Mukunda Nayanar Temple, Pidari Ratha, and the intriguing Krishna's Butterball, a giant balancing rock. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out for a drive to Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Later, begin your exploration of Pondicherry with a visit to Aurobindo Ashram, a serene spiritual retreat founded by Sri Aurobindo. Stroll through the lush Botanical Garden, a peaceful escape with diverse flora. Explore the Memorial House, which offers insights into the town's history, and visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Vedapureeswarar Temple, both renowned for their unique architecture and vibrant religious practices. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, where you can savor the pleasant sea breeze and capture memorable moments against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal. For some local shopping and a taste of the local culture, explore Nehru Street Market, known for its variety of shops and stalls. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Auroville, a unique experimental community founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa. The town is dedicated to human unity and peace. Visit the Matrimandir, a striking spherical temple covered in gold discs, symbolizing the center of Auroville. Explore the Auroville Botanical Gardens, which preserves the area's tropical dry evergreen forest, and Auroville Beach, known for its serene, sandy stretch and gentle surf. Return to Pondicherry for an overnight stay at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Thanjavur. On the way, stop in Chidambaram - The town belonged to the Cholas of Southern India and is one of the most famous and sought-after travel destination when it comes to culture tourism,  here you visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest and Backwaters for a scenic views. Explore the Thillai Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Thillai Kali Amman Temple. Don’t miss the Tirunallurpperumanam Temple for its architectural significance. Continue your drive to Thanjavur and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a day of exploration in Thanjavur. Start with a visit to the Schwartz Church, an important historical site, and the serene Sivaganga Gardens. Explore the Lord Murugan Temple and the Sangeetha Mahal, known for its musical significance. Later, drive to Kumbakonam for an afternoon of cultural sightseeing. Visit the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Dravidian architecture, built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century. Also explore the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and the Nageswaraswamy Temple, known for their historical and architectural value as some of the earliest Chola temples. Return to Thanjavur for an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Madurai with a stop in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). Begin with a visit to the Rock Fort Temple, offering panoramic city views. Next, explore the Jambukeshwara Temple, renowned for its unique water shrine, and Srirangam Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples. Continue your journey to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. In the evening, head to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the special evening Aarti, a vibrant and spiritual experience. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Madurai. Start with a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar, renowned for its intricate carvings and vibrant ceremonies. The temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, every year millions on pilgrims visit this sacred shrine. Next, visit Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, significant for their religious and cultural importance. Explore the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, known for its grand architecture, and the Gandhi Museum, which offers insights into India's struggle for independence. Also, visit Alagar Koil, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Early morning, drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India and a confluence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekanandad, who meditated here. Explore the Sarvani Shaktipeeth Shri Bhagavathy Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari. Also visit the Tri-Samudra Milan, Gandhi Mandapam, and Suchindram Temple, known for its unique architecture. Enjoy the evening sunset before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Kovalam. En route, visit the Nagaraja Temple in Nagercoil, a revered site known for its vibrant architecture and spiritual significance. Continue your journey to Kovalam, and check in at your resort upon arrival. After freshening up, head out to explore the local attractions. Visit the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium to see an array of marine life, and the Fishing Harbour to experience the local fishing culture. Explore Vizhinjam Village, Samudra Beach, and the Rock Cut Cave. Enjoy the serene waves of the Arabian Sea and the sunset from the lighthouse near Kovalam Beach. Overnight stay at the resort.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the resort, set out to discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of Trivandrum. Begin your exploration with a visit to the majestic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a stunning example of architectural grandeur. This sacred site showcases an exquisite blend of Chera and Dravidian architectural styles, with towering walls and a beautifully adorned 16th-century gopura. Next, immerse yourself in the cultural and historical treasures of the Napier Museum. As the afternoon unfolds, head to Shankumugham Beach to unwind and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Known for its scenic beauty, this beach is also a revered site for festivals, particularly as the Arattukadavu of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan, the city’s patron deity. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the historic Halcyon Castle, constructed in 1932 during the princely era of Travancore. This charming castle provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the time and stands as a testament to the region’s royal legacy. Return to your resort in Kovalam for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast at the resort, head to Alappuzha (or Alleppey), renowned for its scenic houseboat cruises through the serene backwaters of Kerala, where a network of peaceful canals and lagoons awaits. Embark on a mesmerizing overnight backwater cruise in beautifully adorned houseboat. Check-in begins at 1:00 PM, with the cruise commencing after a delicious lunch. As you navigate these floating retreats, marvel at the unique sights, glide past Chinese fishing nets, lush paddy fields, local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, quaint homes, ancient temples, and swaying coconut groves. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore Alappuzha’s vibrant local market. Return to your houseboat for a peaceful overnight stay.

After breakfast on the houseboat, travel to Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar National Park. Check in at your resort upon arrival and unwind before heading out to explore the park. Periyar National Park, nestled in the lush Western Ghats, is known for its dense evergreen forests and rich wildlife, including tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards, and Indian bison. Established as a Tiger Reserve in 1978, it remains open throughout the monsoon season. Optional activities include boating on Periyar Lake and elephant rides (additional cost). Also visit the nearby spice plantations in Kumily, a scenic and popular tourist spot. Return to the resort for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the resort, drive to Munnar. Check in at your hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, visit Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park, where you can spot the rare Nilgiri Thars, a unique mountain goat species. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring the picturesque rolling hills of Munnar, renowned for its lush tea plantations. Nestled at the junction of three mountain streams—Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundale—Munnar is celebrated for its verdant landscapes and dramatic peaks. Once the summer retreat of the British government in South India, this charming hill station offers a range of local sights. Visit the Mattupetty Dam, enjoy the serene beauty of Kundale Lake, and experience the unique acoustics at Echo Point. Return to the hotel for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, journey to Kochi. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and settle in. In the afternoon, embark on a tour of Cochin’s vibrant landmarks. Start with the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial charm and ancient architecture. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and explore the Dutch Palace, famed for its exquisite murals and historical exhibits. Continue to the Santa Cruz Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and then head to Bolgatty Island, known for its picturesque views and serene ambiance. Don’t miss the Indo-Portuguese Museum, which showcases a rich collection of artifacts from the colonial era. Return to the hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.

In the morning, our local representative will assist you with your transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward journey. Safe travels and best wishes for your next destination!