Overview

South India consists of the five southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar. Explore southern India on a thirteen-day journey that begins from Chennai and ends Trivandrum. Travel around the temples of South India. The journey starts from Chennai and takes you to the holy places where the Hindu religion developed its identity. Next, you will travel to Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram, where you can visit famous temples such as Kailashnath and Ekambareswarar, and become familiar with world-famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Last but not least, you will visit Tanjore, Madurai. Enjoy visiting tea plantations and spice gardens. Observe tigers at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and look for rare Nilgiri tahr mountain goats at Eravikulam National Park. Stay overnight on a houseboat cruise from Alleppey. Enjoy sightseeing of visiting Kovalam Beach at sunset and more on this comprehensive tour.

12 Nights 13 Days Available on request

Highlights

What makes this tour special.

Thirteen-day South India tour from Chennai to Trivandrum.
Visit the highlights of holy temples.
Experience backwaters of Alleppey by houseboat.
Lounge on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam.
Stay overnight in Munnar, a picturesque hill station surrounded by tea plantations.
See Kochi's historic Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and Santa Cruz Basilica.
Includes 12 nights of accommodation, transportation, local guides, and activities.
Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Get inside tips from a local.
Step back in time on a history tour.
Travel by boat and see the sights from the water.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrival in Chennai with the intercontinental flight. After customs formalities, baggage claim, and meeting with the representative of MoreIndia travels transfer to hotel (check-in at 1200).
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 2: Chennai/Kanchipuram/Mamallapuram

After breakfast start sightseeing of Chennai - the gateway to southern India, later drive to Mamallapuram, and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 3: MamallapUram/ Tiruvannamalai/ Pondicherry

After breakfast visits the city - built in the 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipuram, Later proceed to Pondicherry (131kms/ 3.5hrs), which carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 4: Pondicherry/Chidambaram/Tanjore

After breakfast drive to Chidambaram (65kms/1.5hrs) also called Thillai, Afternoon drive to Tanjore(104kms/03hrs).
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 5: Tanjore/Trichy/Marudai

After breakfast visit the palace which also houses an art gallery, a library, a hall of music, and the Schwartz Church. By noon drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). After lunch in a restaurant, a guided visit to the Rockfort and Srirangam Temple. Proceed for Madurai and on arrival check-in hotel. Enjoy the sound and light show at Tirumalai Nayak Palace.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 6: Madurai/Thekkady (Periyar)

After breakfast guided city tour visiting the Meenakshi temple built in the Dravidian style and Teppa Kulu, a tank with an island temple.
Evening drive to Thekkady and check-in resort.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 7: Thekkady/Munnar

After breakfast boat safari on Periyar Lake. Afternoon checkout from hotel and drive to Munnar - 110 Kms/04 hours through the lush green tea and coffee plantations.
On arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the time free for leisure. Evening visit the lakeside surrounded by hills and tea plantations.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 8: Munnar

After breakfast go for a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar visiting the Kannan Devan, Eravikulam wildlife sanctuary where one can find the Ibex (the only place in India where one can find the Ibex).
Evening free to enjoy the surrounding of Munnar.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 9: Munnar/Cochin

After breakfast drive to Cochin (Kochi). On arrival visit, The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 10: Cochin/ Mararikulam

After breakfast drive to Marari (02 ½ Hrs drive) on arrival check-in into the resort.
Mararikulam is Kerala’s cleanest beach sand, Mararikulam (Marari) is a typical fishing village, located on the southwest coast of Central Kerala. Explore the stunning backwaters, the tranquility of the village, and the spectacular sceneries that promise a relaxing and inspiring experience. Enjoy the evening watching a spectacular sunset or swimming at the picturesque Marari Beach.
Overnight stay at the resort.

Day 11: Mararikulam /Alleppey

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha) and transfer to jetty point to embark on the 'Kettuvalloms' - a traditional rice boat of Kerala, which gives a romantic way to explore the unique web of lagoons, lakes, canals & rivers. Lazy cruising towards Thottapally. Lunch and dinner on board.
Overnight on the Air-conditioned Houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey/Kovalam

Breakfast at houseboat. Drives to Kovalam. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach is the most popular. Kovalam is much sought for sunbathing, watersports, yoga, meditation, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.