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Temples & Backwater Tour of South India

0/5
Duration

14 Nights/ 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through South India, exploring the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Witness the grandeur of UNESCO-listed ancient temples in Thanjavur, Trichy, and Madurai, stroll through the charming French quarters of Pondicherry, and experience the serene tea gardens of Munnar. Discover exotic wildlife at Periyar, enjoy a tranquil houseboat cruise through Alleppey’s enchanting backwaters, and relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam. This tour offers an immersive blend of spirituality, history, nature, and leisure, creating unforgettable memories of South India’s diverse landscapes and traditions.

Highlights

  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chola Temples
  • Marvel at Meenakshi Temple's magnificent architecture
  • Tea estate visit and scenic views in Munnar
  • Backwater cruise in Alleppey on a houseboat
  • Relax on the golden beaches of Kovalam

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 43.2%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 41.5%
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 50.5%
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 48.0%
6 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 54.3%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 51.9%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 57.2%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

• On arrival at Chennai International Airport, meet & greet, then transfer to hotel.
• After check-in, proceed for Chennai city sightseeing.
• Visit Fort St. George, built by British East India Company in 1640.
• Explore St. Mary’s Church located within the fort complex.
• Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing Dravidian architecture.
• Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, one of Chennai's most frequented temples.
• Visit Government Museum showcasing rich collections including Raja Ravi Varma's paintings.
• Explore Dakshinachitra Museum, a living-history museum of South Indian culture.
• Visit Santhome Cathedral Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.
• Drive past Prakasam Salai and enjoy views of Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram (120 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Mahabalipuram enroute visiting Kanchipuram, "City of Thousand Temples."
• Visit Kailasanathar Temple (8th-century) dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Visit Ekambareswarar Temple with its ancient 2500-year-old mango tree.
• Visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple and Vaikunta Perumal Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
• Continue drive to Mahabalipuram; check in at hotel.
• Visit the famous Five Rathas (monolithic temples).
• See Krishna's Butterball, a giant balancing rock.
• Explore Cave Temples with intricate rock carvings.
• Visit Shore Temple, built facing the Bay of Bengal.
• View the large rock-cut bas-relief of Arjuna's Penance.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (120 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Pondicherry and check in at hotel.
• Visit Auroville, the international township founded by The Mother.
• Explore Matrimandir, the golden-domed meditation center.
• Visit Pondicherry Museum, showcasing French colonial artifacts.
• Take a walking tour of the charming French Quarter, colonial buildings, churches, and vibrant Tamil streets.
• Evening free to relax at Pondicherry Beach.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur (180 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Chidambaram and visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer.
• Proceed to Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, one of the Great Living Chola Temples (UNESCO Site).
• Visit Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, famed for its exquisite stone carvings and architecture.
• Continue to Thanjavur; check-in at hotel.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 5: Thanjavur – Trichy (60 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Brihadeshwara Temple (Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit Vijayanagar Fort and Thanjavur Art Gallery for ancient sculptures.
• Explore Saraswathi Mahal Library, preserving palm-leaf manuscripts.
• Drive to Trichy; check-in at hotel.
• Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the world’s largest functional Hindu temple.
• Explore Rock Fort Temple, built on 3,800 million-year-old rock.
• Visit Jambukeswarar Temple, known for its unique water shrine.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Trichy.

Day 6: Trichy – Madurai (135 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Madurai; check in at hotel.
• Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of India's most important temples.
• Visit Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, blending Dravidian and Rajput styles.
• Visit Alagar Koil and Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple.
• Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, located amidst natural surroundings.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.

Day 7: Madurai – Munnar (160 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Munnar, a scenic hill station in Kerala.
• Check-in at hotel.
• Visit tea plantations and enjoy tea tasting sessions.
• Leisure time to enjoy Munnar’s serene environment.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.

Day 8: Munnar Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Pothamedu Viewpoint for panoramic views of plantations.
• Visit Mattupetty Dam and lake.
• Visit Rajamala (Eravikulam National Park) to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
• Visit Mattupetty Dairy Farm (Indo-Swiss Project).
• Visit Echo Point for natural echo phenomenon.
• Visit Tea Museum to explore tea production history.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.

Day 9: Munnar – Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu (110 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu, one of Asia's windiest locations.
• Visit Frog Rock and Turtle Rock.
• See Kuravan & Kurathi statues, Kerala’s highest twin statues.
• In evening, enjoy Martial Arts Show and Kathakali Dance Performance.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 10: Thekkady – Kumarakom (130 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Take a boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for elephants and diverse fauna.
• Drive to Kumarakom, a picturesque backwater destination.
• Check-in at hotel and enjoy backwater views.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 11: Kumarakom – Alleppey (35 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat.
• Cruise through the serene backwaters, passing palm-lined canals, paddy fields, and villages.
• Enjoy onboard freshly prepared lunch, evening tea, dinner.
• Watch the sunset from the houseboat deck.
• Overnight stay onboard houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey – Cochin (60 kms)

• Breakfast onboard.
• Drive to Cochin; check-in at hotel.
• Visit Fort Kochi, with its colonial charm and Chinese fishing nets.
• Visit St. Francis Church, burial site of Vasco da Gama.
• Visit Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace).
• In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin – Kovalam (200 kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Kovalam Beach; check-in at hotel.
• Day at leisure to relax on the beach.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 14: Kovalam & Trivandrum Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (for Hindus only).
• Visit Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.
• Visit Napier Museum with its collection of artifacts.
• Visit Kuthira Malika Palace and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.
• Scenic drive along Shankumugham Beach, Vizhinjam Beach, Lighthouse Beach.
• Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 15: Kovalam – Departure

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to Trivandrum Airport for onward flight.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 Night's accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels as part of the tour package. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, quality service, and prime locations to enhance your overall travel experience. In heritage towns or remote areas where luxury options may be limited, the best available quality properties, boutique retreats, heritage hotels, or eco-resorts are provided. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Chennai – 1 Night: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai OR Hilton Chennai
Mahabalipuram – 1 Night: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Mahabalipuram
Pondicherry – 1 Night: Palais De Mahe OR La Villa (Best Available)
Thanjore – 1 Night: Svatma (Best Available)
Trichy – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott OR The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Munnar – 2 Nights: Chandys Windy Woods OR Blanket Hotel & Spa (Best Available)
Periyar (Thekkady) – 2 Nights: Spice Village OR Hills & Hues (Best Available)
Alleppey – 1 Night: Luxury Houseboat (Full-Time AC, Best Available)
Cochin – 1 Night: Kochi Marriott Hotel OR Xandari Harbour
Kovalam – 2 Nights: Raviz Kovalam OR Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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