Arrival in Chennai
Arrive in Chennai, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. If time permits, explore the city with visits to Marina Beach, the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Fort St. George. In the evening, stroll through the lively Mylapore neighborhood and enjoy a local South Indian meal.
Chennai to Mahabalipuram (1.5 hours)
Drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments. Spend the day exploring Arjuna’s Penance, the Shore Temple, and the Five Rathas. Take a relaxing walk along the beach in the evening, surrounded by these magnificent architectural wonders.
Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (2 hours)
Continue your journey to Pondicherry, a coastal town with a unique blend of French colonial and Indian culture. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram for a peaceful start, then explore the French Quarter with its colorful colonial buildings and quaint cafés. Spend the evening at Promenade Beach and, if time permits, visit Auroville to experience its spiritual community and the iconic Matrimandir.
Pondicherry to Thanjavur (4 hours)
Drive to Thanjavur, famed for its ancient Chola temples and cultural heritage. Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece. Then, explore the Thanjavur Palace Complex with its art galleries and Saraswathi Mahal Library. Spend the evening discovering Tanjore paintings and other traditional crafts in the local market.
Thanjavur to Madurai (3 hours)
Travel to Madurai, a vibrant city known for its deeply rooted spiritual traditions. Spend the afternoon at the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, with its towering gopurams adorned with colorful statues. Next, visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a historic palace with impressive architecture. In the evening, you may want to attend the captivating evening prayer ceremony at the temple.
Madurai to Thekkady (3.5 hours)
Drive to Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring Spice Plantations, where you can learn about the spices for which Kerala is famous. In the evening, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance or Kalaripayattu martial arts show.
Thekkady – Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Start the day with a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, bison, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. Later, you can go for a nature walk in the forest with a trained guide to learn about local flora and fauna. Spend the evening relaxing or taking a leisurely walk around the local markets for some spice shopping.
Thekkady to Munnar (3 hours)
Travel from Thekkady to Munnar, a scenic hill station renowned for its lush tea plantations. After checking in, spend your afternoon visiting the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in the region. Enjoy a walk through the lush tea estates before visiting Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point for some beautiful views and photography.
Munnar Sightseeing
Begin your day with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, where you may see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr amidst the park’s rolling grasslands. Continue to Attukal Waterfalls and Kundala Lake, taking in Munnar’s serene landscapes. Spend the evening relaxing amidst the cool, green hills of Munnar.
Munnar to Alleppey (4 hours)
Head to Alleppey, famous for its picturesque backwaters. Embark on an overnight houseboat cruise, gliding through tranquil canals and lush coconut groves. Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board and experience the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters as you pass by quaint villages and paddy fields. Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Alleppey to Kochi (1.5 hours)
After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kochi. Spend the day exploring the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its unique Chinese fishing nets, the historic St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India), and the Jewish Synagogue in the nearby Jew Town. Stroll along the quaint streets lined with colonial architecture and enjoy the art galleries and antique shops around Princess Street.
Explore Kochi and Departure
On your final day, visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) to learn about Kochi’s rich history, and take a leisurely walk through the spice markets of Jew Town. If time permits, browse the local handicrafts and enjoy a meal at one of Kochi’s seaside restaurants. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your departure, bringing an end to your memorable South India tour.
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