DELIGHTS OF SOUTH INDIA

After breakfast, proceed to visit St. Thomas Church, Kapaleshwar Temple, and Fort St. George. Drive past the Marina Beach, the natural sandy beauty, and spacious promenade and beautiful gardens of the beach attracts tourists visiting Chennai.

Overnight stay in Chennai. (B)

This morning drive to Mahabalipuram, a seaside city with a unique 7th-century Shore Temple, a lovely beach and some of the most beautiful rock-cut temples in the world. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD. Visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. Later drive to Pondicherry also known as Puducherry means ‘new settlement’

Overnight stay in Pondicherry. (B)

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and Mother lived for the most part of their lives. Later visit the Pondicherry Museum; the tricolor flutters over the grand French consulate, hôtel de Ville (town hall), and local police wear red kepis (caps) and belts. Don’t expect a sub continental Paris though – this is still India, with all the auto rickshaws, choked streets, bazaars and Hindu temples of any city.

Overnight stay in Pondicherry. (B)

It is primarily a place for the art lovers, especially for those who love temple architecture and wonder about kings who erected these magnificent monuments. During the Chola reign, they made a significant contribution to the various fields of art and architecture. The Brihadeeswara Temple, the Palace, Art Gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library are some of the interesting places in Thanjavur.

Overnight stay in Thanjavur. (B)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chettinadu, the land of Nattukottai Chettiars. This area is famous for its fortress-like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. Rural town houses many stylish heritage homes which took years to build which have courtyards, halls, and corridors beautifully decorated with intricate artwork, Burmese teak, and Italian marble. Check into your heritage home. Later proceed for a bullock cart ride (optional) through the village, visit the temples around, visit Chettinad Palace etc. Later drive to Madurai for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Chettinad. (B)

In the morning drive to Madurai to continue with a city tour. Situated on the banks of the Vaigai River, Madurai is the ancient capital of the Pandya Kings. Visit   Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rate sculptures. Some of the other major attractions are Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam etc.

Overnight stay in Madurai. (B)

After buffet breakfast drive to Thekkady’ enjoy the Boat ride through the Periyar River. Thekkady is one of the world’s most fascinating wildlife reserves. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady is spread across 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is a thick evergreen forest. In the evening you will have cultural programs presented in your honor.

Overnight stay in Thekkady. (B)

This morning visit a Tea factory and Spice Plantation where you could buy best quality spices. The rest of the day enjoy Trekking, Bamboo Rafting, Elephant Ride, Kathakali, Martial Arts etc.

Overnight stay in Thekkady. (B)

After early breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Alleppey to board your houseboat. Cruise through the beautiful Vembanad Lake and its small rivers. Lunch and evening tea will be served on board. See the slow paced life in a typical Kuttanad village on the banks of the lake. Enjoy your dinner on board and overnight stay in the House Boat.

Overnight stay in Houseboat. (L D B)

Enjoy the breakfast at the and check out and proceed to Kovalam. On the way visit Trivandrum and see the famous Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum and the Museum Complex that has the Napier Museum, Sree Chitra Art Gallery, and Zoological Park. Then drive to Kovalam and overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Kovalam. (B)

After breakfast drive to Kanyakumari, the tip of mainland India. Visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace on the way and also visit the Vivekananda Memorial Rock and Thiruvalluvar statue. Enjoy your day at the beach and then drive back to Kovalam for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Kovalam. (B)

In the morning, enjoy your breakfast and some peaceful time at the Kovalam Beach. Before lunch time, check out from the hotel and proceed to the airport for departures with wonderful memories of Gods Own Country!

After dinner, you will be transferred to Trivandrum airport to board the flight for the departure.

Short stay in the Airport hotel.