Majestic South India

DURATION

14 DAYS

TYPE OF TRIP

ROAD TRIP

START CITY

CHENNAI

END CITY

COCHIN

The tour comprise of three popular states of South India. It commence with Tamil Nadu which is known for its rich tradition of literature, music and dance which continue to flourish today. It also known for its monumental ancient Hindu Temples and classical form of dance Bharta Natayam. This state is comprising of about 33,000 ancient temples, many of them over 600 to 800 years old. Then the itinerary takes you to Kerala which is also popularly known as “God’s own Country”. With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. And then finishes in Karnataka, Sedate plains suddenly rise to dizzying mist covered hilly heights, and then plunge with careless abandon in a white-watered freefall to become languid rivers that flow past cities where time has stopped altogether.


DAYS       ITINERARY & SUMMARY

01                     Arrive Chennai

02                      In Chennai

03                     Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry by road (04 Hrs drive)

04                     Pondicherry-Tanjore by surface (05 hours’ drive)

05                     In Tanjore

06                     Tanjore-Chettinad-Madurai by surface (04 Hours’ drive)

07                     In Madhurai

08                     Madurai-Munnar by surface (05 Hours’ drive)

09                     In Munnar

10                     Munnar-Kumarakom by surface (04-05 Hours’ drive)

11                     In Kumarakon

12                     Kumarakom-Cochin by surface (02 Hours’ drive)

13                     In Cochin

14                     Leave Cochin


DAY 1
Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport you will be met by a representative and will be assisted for check in at the hotel.

Afternoon proceed for the sightseeing of Chennai. Visit the Government Museum which was built around 1846 and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays). Also visit the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. The temple depicts Goddess Parvati worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of a peacock. Non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard. Later visit Fort St. George located on the banks of Bay of Bengal was built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD and San Thome Cathedral.

Spend two nights at Chennai. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.

DAY 2
In Chennai

After breakfast at hotel, proceed for the visit of Kalakshetra School of Dance, as the name suggests, is a Centre for artistic endeavor. Founded in 1936 by the vibrant visionary Rukmini Devi Arundale, the Institution stands testimony to her dream of creating a space where the essence of Indian thought would find expression through artistic education. the Kalakshetra Foundation, as it is known today, is a vital Centre for the study and performance of fine arts.

Evening at leisure

DAY 3
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

After breakfast proceed to Pondicherry (about 04 hrs drive) enroute visiting Mahabalipuram, a legacy in stone and an amazing Tamil Arts work. Visit the famous rock cut temples and the 7th & 8th century Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend one night at PONDICHERRY. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis

DAY 4
Pondicherry - Thanjavur

After breakfast proceed for a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville - the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, a Saint/Yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. Visit Matrimandir - meaning "Temple of the Mother", the geographical and spiritual heart of Auroville. The outside is plated with gold, while the inside is stark white with a gigantic crystal in the center. Also visit The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which has some beautiful stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus.

Later proceed for a private road transfer to Tanjore (about 04 hrs drive) enroute visit Chidambaram, It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. A unique feature of this temple is the bejeweled image of Nataraja. It depicts the Lord Shiva as the Lord of the dance Bharatanatyam and is one of the few temples where Shiva is represented by an anthropomorphic murthi rather than the classic, anionic Lingam.

On arrival check in at the hotel.

Spend two nights at TANJAVUR. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.

DAY 5
In Tanjavur

After breakfast visit the Tanjore including the beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadishwara, a remarkable example of Dravidian artisanship, which has exquisitely detailed Gopurams (towers), carved with images of Hindu deities on the outside, whilst on the inside the carvings are all Buddhist.

DAY 6
Tanjore - Trichy - Chettinad - Madurai

After breakfast proceed for a private road transfer to Chettinad enroute visit Trichy witnessing its rich cultural heritage manifested in its awe-inspiring temples especially the Rock Fort Temple and the Srirangam, one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad Showcases the rich heritage, striking art and grand architecture of the state. Apart from being known as a temple town, the Chettinad Cuisine is the most renowned in the repertoire of Tamil Nadu.

Late afternoon proceed for the drive to Madurai. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Spend two nights at MADURAI. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.

DAY 7
In Madurai

After breakfast proceed for an experience of the rich cultural heritage of Madurai, at the Meenakshi Temple, whose soaring towers are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours. Also visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect The imposing edifice is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and impressive arches.

Rest of the day at leisure

DAY 8
Madurai - Munnar

After breakfast proceeds for a private road transfer to Munnar (about 160 kms/ about 05 hours’ drive)

On arrival you will be assisted for check in at the hotel.

Spend two nights in MUNNAR. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.

DAY 9
In Munnar

You can go for trekking and walking through the beautiful rugged grasslands of Munnar. During these treks you will come face to face with the spectacular beauty of the wilderness and besides that while you will be passing through far flung villages you will encounter with their indigenous cultural traditions and the magnificent wildlife that inhabit the forests.

Full day at leisure with transport at your disposal.

DAY 10
Munnar - Kumarakom

After breakfast proceeds for a private road transfer to Kumarakom (about 150 kms/04-05 hours’ drive)

On arrival you will be assisted for check in at the hotel.

Spend two nights at KUMARAKOM. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.

DAY 11
In Kumarakom

After breakfast proceed for day cruising at backwaters. Enjoy a cruise on board a ‘Kettuvalam’- traditional rice boat, navigating through the emerald green backwaters. Discover the real flavour of Kerala sailing along the scenic waterways and witnessing the natural beauty and experiencing a way of life little changed through the centuries

Lunch will be arranged in the houseboat.

Evening drive back to the hotel.

DAY 12
Kumarakom - Cochin

After breakfast proceed for a private road transfer to Kochi airport (about 50 kms/ 02 hrs drive).

On arrival you will be assisted for check in at the hotel.

Evening you will witness the Kath kali Dance show, the local classical dance.

Spend two nights in COCHIN. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.

DAY 13
Cochin

After breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the Chinese fishing nets of Fort Kochi and witness an unusual form of fishing — shore operated lift nets, they look somewhat like hammocks and are counter-weighed by large stones tied to rope. St. Francis Church- the oldest European church in India that has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent; The Mattancherry Palace, also known as Dutch Palace as The credit for building this landmark monument partly goes to the Dutch, who captured Cochin city of Kerala during the pre-British period and the Jew town including the Jewish Synagogue- the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth nations. Later visit the spice markets and shop for souvenirs from the antique bazaars of the heritage Jew town

DAY 14
Leave Cochin

After breakfast proceed to airport to board your flight for onwards destination.