South India Beauty
13 Nights / 14 Days
Highlights :
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Trichy – Madurai - Kanyakumari – Kovalam - Alleppey – Cochin
Welcome to ‘God’s Own Country’, a stunning corner of India replete with lush tropical landscapes of backwaters and beaches. Take a guided tour of the old colonial port town of Cochin, a fascinating introduction to south Indian culture. Walk through the hills of Munnar, with opportunities for birdwatching or tea tasting. Take a cruise on a traditional rice barge before having some time on the beach to relax.
Package Includes:
Accommodation
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Sightseeing
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Meal
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Transfer
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive Chennai (By Flight)
On your arrival in Chennai, you will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel.Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican church.Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 2
Chennai
Morning half day city sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Government Museum and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays) and also a visit to the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. Non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard. Later drive past Fort St. George, Marina Beach and San Thome Cathedral. Evening drive to Marina Beach.Marina Beach is a natural urban beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, along the Bay of Bengal. The beach runs from near Fort St. George in the north to Foreshore Estate in the south, a distance of 6.0 km, making it the longest natural urban beach in the country. Rest day at leisure.Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 3
Chennai – Kanchipuram (By Surface approx. 2 hrs drive)
After breakfast you will be taken to Kanchipuram by drive. On arrival check in to hotel.
Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven most sacred cities and this “Golden City of a Thousand Temples” dates back to the early Cholas in the second century. Only around 70 temples of the original temple complex are still intact and the most famous is the Kailasanatha Temple built of sandstone in the early seventh century. Kanchipuram is famous for silk weaving.Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 4
Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (By Surface approx. 2hrs drive)
Today morning you will be transfer to Mahabalipuram by surface. On arrival check in to hotel.Mahabalipuram, which occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic ” Rathas”, three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels and a Bass Relief and largest in the world. The Shore temple built on the water’s edge with an east-facing alter designed to catch the rising sun, has now been declared a World Heritage Site.Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 5
Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Surface approx. 2hrs drive)
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check in to hotel.Half day city tour of Pondicherry whose association traces its origin to saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram – the final Resting place of Sri Auribindo, a saint-cum-yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. Also visit the Museum which has rooms furnished with period furniture of French India : church of Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 6
Pondicherry – Trichy(By Surface approx. 3.5 hrs drive)
Morning depart for Trichy by surface. On arrival, check-in at hotel. Visit the citadel of the Chola Dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars of thought between the French & the English, Lord Olive’s house is still there to see and so is the Danish Church. The Rock-Fort is the Landmark of Trichy. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and further climb to a Shiva temple.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 7
Trichy – Madurai (By Surface approx. 3.5 hrs drive)
Morning depart for Madurai by surface. On arrival, check-in at hotel.
Visit the beautiful Great Meenaskhi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towersing Gopurams, rising high above the surrounding township. Later visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace – a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work in its domes and arches. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 8
Madurai – Kanyakumari (By Surface approx. 4 hrs drive)
Morning depart for Kankyakumari by surface. On arrival, check-in at hotel.Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu on India’s southern tip. Jutting into the Laccadive Sea, the town was known as Cape Comorin during British rule and is popular for watching sunrise and sunset over the ocean. It’s also a noted pilgrimage site thanks to its Bagavathi Amman Temple, dedicated to a consort of Shiva, and its Our Lady of Ransom Church, a center of Indian Catholicism. Rest day at leisure.Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 9
Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, the ‘Land’s End ‘ of India is at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. It is famous for its peaceful and stunning natural environment and the multi-colored sand is a unique feature of the beach. Enroute stop at the famous wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram spread over a sprawling area of 6 acres. On display in this palace are many antiquities, including the armoury of the royal family of Travancore. Capital of Travancore until 1798 A.D. Visit the Vivekananda memorial, dedicated to the Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have meditated here before setting out as one of India’s most important religious crusaders. There is a Dhyana (meditation) Mandapam for one to sit in a serene atmosphere and meditate. This memorial is on two rocky islands projecting from the sea about 400 m offshore. On return, visit the Gandhi Memorial.Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10
Kanyakumari – Kovalam(By Surface approx. 2.5 hrs drive)
Today after breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Kovalam. On arrival check in to hotel.Kovalam is a small coastal town in the southern Indian state of Kerala, south of Thiruvananthapuram. At the southern end of Lighthouse Beach is a striped lighthouse with a viewing platform. Palm-backed beaches also include Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach. Heading south, VizhinjamJuma Masjid mosque overlooks the busy fishing harbor. Inland, Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium displays technology used in pearl production. Rest day at leisure.Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 11
Kovalam – Alleppey (By Surface approx. 3.5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, Checkout from the hotel and proceed to Alleppey. By noon board your private houseboat for overnight stay.
Quote “Houseboat “experience through backwaters are very unique, but we suggest not to compare the facilities / luxury amenities with any of the star hotels. “
“Houseboat or Kettuvallams “are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and d other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels
Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view.
Cruise through the tranquil backwaters, wider and narrow canals passing by lush green paddy fields, villages, temples, churches, rustic houses etc. giving you opportunity to view the life on the backwaters –it beats at its own gentle rhythm. You will step into a different world altogether – this will surely be the highlight of the tour.
The meals will be served on board.
Terms & Conditions at Houseboat-Alleppey
Ø Normal Houseboat cruise start from 12:00 Noon to 17:30 hrs.& next day from 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM
Ø Between 1730 hrs. and 06:30 hrs. the boat will be anchored in safer place (in the lake or canal) for dinner and overnight stay
Ø Meal plan applied on full board basis (i.e.; inclusive of breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Ø The Menu will be Traditional Kerala with 01 non- veg for lunch & 01 Non- veg for dinner
Ø Beverages like soft drinks & any additional dishes items apart from normal menu to order will be charged extra on actual.
Ø Air conditioners in the bedroom will be switched on only from 9 PM to 6 AM
Overnight at Houseboat.
DAY 12
Alleppey – Cochin (By Surface approx. 2 hrs drive)
Morning depart for Cochin by surface. On arrival, check-in at hotel. Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries. Rest day at leisure.Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 13
Cochin
Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin, a city till today influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England. You visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisvon. His tombstone still stands. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace”. The central hall on the Ist floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic legends connected with Hindu gods. Amazing are the Chinese fishing nets. These cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. They were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan. You also see the Jew City with the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 14
Leave Cochin (By Flight)
In time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Some More information
Beaches
If you visit south and didn’t explore the fun activities and the adventurous beach life, it will be really like missing out the best. Some of the best beaches of the country can be found in south India such as Kovalam, Goa, Mangalore, Gokarna etc. These beaches offer its visitors to sit and relax; and enjoy the peaceful as well the adventures aquatic life.
Houseboats Rides
One would definitely have heard about the boat race of Kerala and must also have seen the same many times in our bollywood movies. Well, Kerala is a place where you can see the long – Houseboats participating in the competition to knock down each other. Other than that, the boat house ride is something to be added in the list where you can enjoy and relax at the backwaters of Kerala.
Wildlife Safari
Some of the best wildlife creatures can be witnessed in the green forests of south India. The wildlife safari at some of the national parks like Mudumalai National park and the Bandipur National Park are something to be not missed out. Take a glimpse of the wildlife inhabitants such as elephants, deer, tigers, lions, bears, and mongoose while in a trip.
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