Splendor Of South India Tour

Breakfast at hotel. Back to Mahabalipuram and visit the Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples of South India. Arjuna Penance, the world’s largest rock bas relief. See the Five Rathas, a series of five monolithic pyramidical structure named after the five Pandava brothers. Krishna Butter ball, huge piece of round stone astonishingly well balanced at a point. Continuation to Pondicherry, ancient French territory. Arrival and check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel. 

Breakfast at hotel. Depart for the visit museum & Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the serene world of distinct spiritual vibration & thus renowned as Sacred Land. Rickshaw ride to visit French colony.

Free time to walk downs the street and promenade to have an idea about French architecture and local contact. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart by road to Darasuram en route stop at Chidambnaram and visit Natraja temple complex – The Chidambaram temple complex proudly boasts of being one of the oldest temple complexes in Southern India. The most unique characteristic of the Nataraj Temple is the be jewelled image of Nataraj. The temple has five main Halls or Sabhas namely the Kanaka Sabha, the Cit Sabha, Nritta Sabha, Deva Sabha and Raja Sabha. Continue towards Gangaikondacholapuram – was the capital built by Rajendra Chola to mark his victory over his northern neighbors. His generals brought water from the Ganges (to symbolize the territories subdued) and mixed it in a lake at Gangaikondacholapuram and thus the name Gangaikonda which literally means the bringer of the Ganges.

Then continue to Darasuram. Visit of Visit of Airavateswarar Temple (another UNESCO) – this temple is incredible with diverse culture and traditions boasts of a great many centuries-old temple that speak of the rich heritage of the country, architectural brilliance of the yesteryears, and exciting legends behind it. In this temple you lose yourself in the memories of the brave dynasty, great battles, epic stories, and the artistic brilliance of the foregone era. The village walk of Darasuram. Then continue to Tanjore. Arrival and check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart for the visit of the Brihadeshwara temple (site of UNESCO), the world’s first complete granite structure. Brihadeshwara temple is among the most prized possession of India and an outstanding example of the architectural heights reached during the Chola period. Continue by road to Trichy and visit Ranganatha Swamy Temple, is a colorful temple located in the Srirangam island between Kollidam and Cauvery river. Then continue to Chettinad and visit CHETTINAD, the land of the Chettiars, descendants of a line of great 19th century merchants who built real little palaces for themselves. Visit the  Ayyanar Temple and some fine Chettiar Bungalows, each housing its own collection of antiques, furniture and art Continue to Madurai. Arrival and check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to visit Meenakshi Sundareshwar which was built around 1000 years ago & was substantially expanded between the years (1623-55 AD). A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure known as Ayiram kaalmandapam or the Hall of a thousand pillars in the outermost corridor. Visit the Triumalai Nayak Palace, known for its rectangular dance floor. Heritage walk in the animated market around the temple. In the evening witness the splendid aarti ceremony performed in the temple. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart by raod to Kanyakumari. Arrival and check in at hotel. Visit of Vivekanand Rock memorial (access by boat) Bhagwathy aman temple and Kanyakumari beach. Enjoy sun set point. Arrival and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart by road to Alleppey and board the houseboat. The houseboat sails down gently through backwater and narrow canals. You will see palm and coconut trees and small houses, villages, paddy fields, churches, etc. Enjoy the Sunset view. You will also get a chance to go out and walk along the water body or villages and meet local people and come back. Lunch and dinner will be served on board. Overnight on board.

Breakfast on board. Get down from the boat and Drive to Periyar (Thekkady). It is the most famous nature reserve in South India. On the way visit of spice plantations. Arrival and check in at hotel. In the afternoon enjoy boat ride at Lake Periyar (subject to availability of water level). Alternate go for Jungle walk (with naturalist). The Park includes a 26 km² artificial lake, created by the British in 1895 to supply water to Madurai. It is home to bison, sambars, wild boars, monkeys, as well as a wide variety of majestic Asiatic wild elephants & distinctive Nilgiri Langur. In the evening enjoy Kalaripayattu Show. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Munnar – It is marked with some remarkable views of the mountains, tea estates, and waterfalls. Arrive and Check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free to enjoy the natural beauty or for the personal activities. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Visiting the world’s tallest tea plantations spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers, lush green hills all around – a place to be seen to be believed, and the Eravikulam National Park (the park is closed in the month of February and March), the best place to see the Nilgiri Tahr (rare species of mountain goat). Visit to the tea museum. Walk to the authentic local market in Munnar. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart for the visit of Cochin that includes visit Chinese fishing net, St. Francis’ Church, Dutch Palace (Built by the Portuguese), Jew Town, the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays) built in the year 1568, walk in the Fort Cochin area and spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices. In the evening enjoy Kathakali dance show. Overnight at Hotel. 

Breakfast at hotel. Full day personal activities / day at leisure. Post lunch transfer to the Kochin Internation aiport and connect onwards destination for flight to onwards journey.