Best of South India Tour – 10 Days

Welcome to India! Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our representative at Chennai Airport or Railway Station, who will escort you to your hotel. After some time to rest, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Chennai. The tour will include visits to the Kapaleeshwar Temple, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral, and the National Art Gallery. Chennai is a vibrant city, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore its streets and experience the local culture. After a fulfilling day, you will spend the night in Chennai.

Your tour will begin in the morning after breakfast as you head towards Pondicherry. On the way, you will stop at Kanchipuram, known as the “Golden City of a Thousand Temples.” Once home to over 1,000 ancient temples, only 70 remain today, with the 7th-century Kailasanatha Temple being the most renowned. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk weaving industry.

Next, you will drive to Mahabalipuram to explore the remarkable 7th-century Shore Temple, a stunning rock-hewn monument by the sea. You will also visit the “Five Rathas,” a group of monolithic rock temples showcasing Dravidian-style architecture. Later, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the former French colonial settlement of Pondicherry, where the legacy of French architecture and a relaxed atmosphere still thrives.

Distance from Chennai to Mahabalipuram: 200 kms.

After breakfast, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visiting some of the city’s most beautiful attractions. Your tour will include the Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam Temple, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and Auroville Township. You will also explore the popular Promenade Beach, the French War Memorial, and the Mahatma Gandhi Statue.

Next, you will drive to Tanjore, where you will visit the magnificent Maratha Palace, a maze-like complex. You can wander through the courtyard Art Gallery, which houses an invaluable collection of stunning stone carvings and Chola bronzes. Additionally, you will visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Afterward, you can enjoy some leisure time in Tanjavur. Your overnight stay, along with breakfast, is planned in Tanjore.

On this day, you will visit the renowned Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent temple, built over a thousand years ago by King Raja Raja Chola, attracts thousands of devotees daily. It stands as one of the finest examples of South Indian architecture.

Next, you will proceed to Trichy, where you will visit Amma Mandapam, a religious bathing ghat located along the banks of the Kaveri River. After your visit, you will head to the highly revered and sacred Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Following this, you will drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. In the evening, you can join the prayer ceremony at the famous Meenakshi Temple.

After breakfast, you will visit the Meenakshi Temple, a grand temple complex built in the 16th century. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and her husband Lord Shiva, this temple is known for its majestic stone walls, a hall with a thousand pillars showcasing Dravidian architecture, musical pillars, and twelve towering gateways called ‘Gopurams’.

Next, you will visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, renowned for its impressive arches and domes.

Afterward, you will drive to Munnar, once a favorite summer retreat for British monarchs. Munnar is famous for its sprawling tea plantations, picturesque mountains and valleys, diverse wildlife, aromatic spices, and rich flora and fauna. Your overnight stay and breakfast are arranged at a hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour of this charming hill station town. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking views of the hills, covered in lush tea gardens. You will also explore the dense tropical forests, home to a variety of exotic fauna and flora. One of the highlights will be the famous Anamudi Peak, the highest point in the Western Ghats and all of South India.

The cool mountain breeze, tranquil atmosphere, and silver streams create a serene setting for relaxation. The extensive tea estates, refreshing air, pleasant climate, soothing sunshine, and old-world charm offer a truly memorable experience. You will also visit the Tea Museum to learn about the region’s tea heritage. After a day full of exploration, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

You will drive to Periyar National Park, nestled high in the Cardamom Hills. This renowned wildlife sanctuary is one of South India’s most celebrated natural treasures, home to diverse species such as antelopes, elephants, deer, and a wide array of birds. The park offers a stunning display of flora and fauna, with its lush forests and serene lakes, making your visit truly unforgettable.

After settling in at the hotel, take a leisurely walk through the spice plantations. Here, you’ll learn about the various spices used in food preparation and their medicinal applications. Later, enjoy a captivating Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show, where you’ll witness dynamic martial arts forms like karate, judo, and kung fu. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Your journey will begin in the morning with a boat ride through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady). As you cruise along, you may catch sight of elephants, sambar deer, and wild boar along the water’s edge. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive to Alleppey, a serene and peaceful backwater destination. Here, you will embark on a houseboat cruise through the intricate network of lakes, canals, rivers, and lagoons, often referred to as the “Venice of the East.”

As you glide through the tranquil waterways, you’ll get a glimpse of Kerala’s rural life, passing by quaint villages and observing the daily activities of the locals. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch and dinner onboard, savoring the authentic flavors of the region. Later, return to your hotel in Alleppey for an overnight stay and meal.

In the morning, drive to the charming city of Kochi (also known as Cochin), often referred to as the gateway to Kerala. Kochi is renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, offering a glimpse into the prosperity and natural beauty of the state.

With its strategic importance, Kochi is often called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Your first stop will be St. Francis Church, the oldest European-style church in India.

Next, visit the Mattanchery Dutch Palace, which houses an impressive collection of paintings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Then, head to the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest of its kind in the Commonwealth. Finally, explore Fort Kochi, where you’ll discover ancient Portuguese and Dutch-era buildings that reflect the rich history of the region.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel in the morning, your tour guide will escort you to the airport for your homebound flight. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the wonderful memories of your unforgettable Southern India tour. This marks the end of your journey with us.