Backwaters, Temples and Coastal Charm South India Tour

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Kochi⌄

   Arrive in Kochi, a lively port city known for its old churches, spice markets, and the famous Chinese fishing nets. On arrival, our representative will assist you with hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey.

   In the evening, you may choose to watch a Kathakali Dance Performance, a traditional art form of Kerala with colorful costumes and expressive movements. Overnight stay in Kochi. Please Note: Hotel check-in will be available after 2:00 PM.

   Overnight: 3* - Hotel Broadbean / Similar

2. 2Kochi – Alappuzha (Houseboat Experience)⌄

   After breakfast, drive to Alappuzha, also called the “Venice of the East.” On arrival, board your private houseboat and enjoy a calm cruise through Kerala’s beautiful backwaters. As the houseboat moves slowly through narrow canals, green paddy fields, and small villages, you will see daily village life along the water. Freshly prepared meals will be served on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alappuzha.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: 3* - Standard Houseboat

3. 3Alappuzha – Periyar (129 km)⌄

   After leaving the houseboat, continue your journey to Periyar, a place famous for forests, wildlife, and spice gardens. On arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.

   You may visit a Spice Plantation to learn about spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon, or enjoy a gentle guided walk through the forest.

   Later, take a shared boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may see birds and animals near the forest edge. Overnight stay in Periyar.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Jungle Park Resort / Similar

4. 4Periyar – Madurai (150 km)⌄

   Drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India and an important cultural center. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a beautiful and lively temple known for its tall towers and detailed carvings, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva.

   Continue to the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a historic palace with large pillars and open halls that reflect royal life of the past.

   Later, visit the peaceful Alagar Hills, followed by the Tiruparankundram Temple, an ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Overnight stay in Madurai.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - MMR Gardens / Similar

5. 5Madurai – Thanjavur (190 km)⌄

   After breakfast, travel to Thanjavur, a city well known for its temples, art, and history. Visit the Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over one thousand years ago and admired for its massive structure and fine stone work.

   Continue to the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, a large palace complex that once belonged to the Maratha rulers.

   Visit the Saraswati Mahal Library, which preserves many old books and manuscripts,

   and later see the Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery, displaying fine bronze and stone statues from the Chola period. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Hotel Gnanam / Similar

6. 6Thanjavur – Puducherry (169 km)⌄

   Drive to Puducherry, a calm coastal town known for its French-style buildings and peaceful atmosphere. Walk through the French Quarter, where clean streets, colorful houses, and colonial buildings reflect its European past.

   Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a quiet place for peace and reflection,

   and the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a popular temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

   In the evening, you may enjoy a relaxed walk along Promenade Beach facing the sea. Overnight stay in Puducherry.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Anandha Inn / Similar

7. 7Puducherry – Mamallapuram (96 km)⌄

   After breakfast, drive to Mamallapuram, a seaside town famous for its ancient stone temples and monuments. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Mammalla Heritage / Similar

8. 8Mamallapuram Sightseeing⌄

   Spend the day exploring the famous monuments of Mamallapuram. Visit the Shore Temple, a beautiful temple by the sea dedicated to Lord Shiva.

   See Arjuna’s Penance, a large stone carving that shows scenes from Indian stories and daily life.

   Explore the Pancha Rathas, five small temples carved from single rocks, each with a unique design,

   and also visit the Mandapam Cave Temples with impressive rock carvings. Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Mammalla Heritage / Similar

9. 9Mamallapuram – Chennai (53 km) Departure⌄

   Drive to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, and enjoy a short city tour on arrival. Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a colorful and lively temple dedicated to Lord Shiva,

   followed by San Thome Church, built over the resting place of St. Thomas the Apostle.

   Stop briefly at Marina Beach, one of the longest city beaches in the world, for photographs. After sightseeing, proceed to Chennai Airport for your onward journey. End of Tour.

   Meals: Breakfast