SPLENDOURS OF THE SOUTH
Chennai – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Madurai – Periyar – Houseboat – Alleppey – Cochin
11 Nights / 12 Days
An extensive 12 days tour that lays before you a majestic banquet of the finest culture, art and tradition of Tamil Nadu & Kerala You will never want to end this tour for anything in the world.
Day 01: Chennai
Arrive at Chennai International Airport. You will be chauffeured to your hotel. Enjoy a sight seeing tour of the city in the afternoon. Visit Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Thomas Basilica and Kapaleeshwara Temple. Drive down the famous Marina beach before you get back to your hotel.
Day 02: Chennai – Pondicherry
After an early breakfast drive through the East Coast Road to Pondicherry; visiting Mahabhalipuram en route. Visit the famous Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance at Mahabhalipuram before proceeding to Pondicherry. Check- in at your hotel on arrival. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 03: Pondicherry
Full day at leisure to explore the French Colony.
Day 04: Pondicherry – Tanjore
Drive to Tanjore in the morning. Visit temples of Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram en route. Check- in at your hotel on arrival. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 05: Tanjore – Trichy – Tanjore
After an early breakfast enjoy an excursion to Trichy to see Sri Rangan Temple Complex and Rockfort Temple. Drive back to your hotel for lunch. Enjoy a tour of Tanjore in the afternoon visiting the Brihedeshwara Temple, Bronze Museum and a bronze idol making unit. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 06: Tanjore – Madurai
After breakfast drive to the temple town of Madurai. On arrival check – in at your hotel. Enjoy a late afternoon sight seeing tour of the town visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple, Tirumala Naik Palace and the Tepakulam Pond. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 07: Madurai – Periyar
Late morning drive to Periyar. Check – in at your hotel on arrival. In the evening enjoy a Spice Garden visit or relax at your resort.
Day 08: Periyar
You have an option to try wildlife trekking in the early hours of the morning or relax at your resort. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the small town or enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Periyar to spot herds of Wild Elephants, Bisons, Sambar Deers, Nilgiri Langurs, Malabar Giant Squirrels and variety of birds.
Day 09: Periyar – Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom visiting tea estates and rubber plantations en route. Board your houseboats (Kettuvalloms) for a cruise on the backwaters, the village canals and Vembanad Lake. These traditional rice barges have been converted to houseboats with en suite facilities and air-conditioned bedrooms. Lunch, tea & snacks and dinner will be served on board. Overnight stay is on houseboat.
Day 10: Kumarakom – Alleppey
After breakfast disembark at the boat jetty. You will be chauffeured to your hotel in Alleppey. Check – in on arrival. Stay at the resort for the night. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the quaint little town of Alleppey or relax at your resort.
Day 11: Alleppey – Cochin
Late morning drive to Cochin. Check – in at your hotel on arrival. Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin. You could visit the Chinese fishing nets along the Fort Cochin beach and also the local fish market. Proceed to Mattancherry to see the world famous Jewish Synagogue, the only functional synagogue of the Common Wealth nations; you could also visit the Dutch Palace and take a walk through the Jew Street to hunt for and antiques and spices. In Cochin you also have the option of enjoying a sunset cruise along Cochin harbour and enjoy Kathakali – the ancient dance drama of Kerala.
Day 12: Depart Cochin
In good time you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to board your return flight.
