12 Days South India Tour

• Airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will escort you to your pre-booked luxury hotel. After check-in, relax and unwind before beginning your half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin.
• Afternoon Exploration of Cochin: Breakfast at the hotel at designated time (07:00 – 10:00) and meet your tour guide
• at the hotel”s lobby to start the sightseeing tour of Cochin which was the centre ofthe spice trade for many centuries in South India with European nations.
• Old Cochi refers to a group of Islands like Willingdon, fort kochi, Mattencherry, etc.  
• Kochi was the confluence of the first European settlements in India by Portuguese. It was then followed by the Dutch.
• Later visit : Jewish Synagogue: Explore the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, adorned with exquisite Belgian chandeliers and Chinese floor tiles.
• Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Visit this palace, with its fascinating murals depicting scenes from Indian epics, blending Kerala and European architectural styles.
• Chinese Fishing Nets: Witness these iconic cantilevered fishing nets in action, a symbol of Cochin’s trade history.
• Fort Kochi: Stroll through this historic neighborhood, known for its colonial-era buildings, vibrant street art, and cultural heritage.
• Overnight: Stay in a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi, immersed in the city’s eclectic atmosphere.

(MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER)

• After breakfast in the hotel embark for the journey towards houseboats in Alleppey where you will board the traditional rice boats.  
• Alleppey (Alappuzha): Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," Alleppey is known for its network of canals, backwaters, and houseboats. It’s one of the best places to experience the backwaters of Kerala.
•  Houseboat Cruise: Kerala’s houseboats, traditionally known as ‘kettuvallams,’ are a unique way to explore the backwaters. These floating houses are equipped with modern amenities and offer a serene journey through the waterways, giving you a close-up view of the rural life, paddy fields, and coconut groves that line the
• banks. In the evening you have an option to have a short walk in nearby villages.
• Traditional fishing rods with wire with flour dough can be provided if fishing interests you.

(MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST- COCHIN, LUNCH – HOUSE BOAT ALLEPPEY, DINNER – HOUSE BOAT ALLEPPEY)

• This morning after your scrumptious breakfast, leave the house boats to drive towards Thekkady AKA Periyar. Periyar comes up with Elephants, unending chains of hills, chirping birds on lush green trees, beautiful landscape and never
• ending spice scented plantations.
• Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of Carddamom, Cinnamon, Pepper, Coffee, Tea, Cocoa and many other spices, on the way back you can also buy some spices from here.
• Overnight at Periyar

(MEALS INCLUDED – BREAKFAST AND DINNER)

• Today after breakfast, explore the Periyar wildlife sanctuary on the boat.  
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread over 925 square kilometers, this sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, and over 260 species of birds including Nilgiri Wood Pegions, Blue-winged Parakeets, White Bellied Tree Pies, Laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers. It offers opportuities for trekking, bamboo rafting, and wildlife photography too.
• Periyar Lake: A man-made lake created by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam, it is the centerpiece of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake offers a peaceful boat ride where you might spot elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species coming to the water's edge.
• Later start your journey to drive towards Madurai. Upon arrival in Madurai, check into the hotel and evening at leisure.
• Overnight stay at hotel.

(MEALS INCLUDED – BREAKFAST AND DINNER)

• Madurai, often known as the Athens of the East, the city located on the river Vigai is believed to be 2500 years old and is one of the oldest continuous inhabitated cities in the world.It is famous for its rich cultural heritage and is home to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a key pilgrimage site in India.
• Meenakshi Amman Temple: This iconic temple complex covers 14 acres and is a major architectural marvel. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and Lord Shiva, the temple is known for its towering gopurams covered in elaborate carvings and sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, and mythological figures. The temple's hall of a thousand pillars, known as the ‘Aayiram Kaal Mandapam,’ is renowned for its intricate sculptures and granite columns.
• Thirumalai Nayakar Palace: Built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, this palace is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It once served as the king’sresidence and today, only a quarter of the original structure remains, featuring
• grand arches, domes, and colossal pillars.  
• Afternoon at leisure as we have planned an evening Aarti ceremony for you in the Meenakshi temple.
• Night to be spent at the hotel.

(MEALS INCLUDED – BREAKFAST AND DINNER)

• After a healthy breakfast, start your journey towards Thanjavur, en route we will explore Trichi-Srirangam which is a popular place of interest that is located approx. 5 KMs from the city. The beautiful Ranganathaswamy temple is bound to command your veneration.  
• Later drive to Thanjavur and check in to the hotel.  
• Tanjore (Thanjavur): Once the capital of the mighty Chola Empire, Tanjore is a center of South Indian art and architecture. The city is especially renowned for its classical South Indian paintings, music, dance, and the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple.
• Brihadeeswarar Temple: Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the greatest examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its massive vimana (temple tower) which soars to a height of 66 meters. The temple's Kumbam (the apex structure) is carved from a single stone and weighs around 80 tons, a marvel of ancient engineering.
• Among the other popular tourist highlightsare also included the Art gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Library.
• Overnight stay at hotel.

(MEALS INCLUDED- BREAKFAST AND DINNER)

• After scrumptious breakfast, drive towards Pondicherry, en route stop to visit the town of Chidambaram. Chidambaram is the seat of the cosmic dancer which is dedicated to lord Nataraja laterally meaning the God / king of Dance, and is also one of the forms of god Shiva. The temple sprawling over 40 acers of land and is flanked with gopurams, the temple is distinguished by the 5 sabhas or counts.
• After temple exploration, drive to Pondicherry, you will reach by late afternoon, check into the resort and evening can be spent on beach.
• Overnight at resort hotel.

(MEALS INCLUDED BREAKFAST AND LUNCH)

• Today we have a full day sightseeing of Pondicherry along with Auroville. Among the popiular tourist draws are included the Rai Niwas, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.  
• Pondicherry: A former French colony, Pondicherry (Puducherry) is a blend of Tamil and French cultures. The city’s  unique charm lies in its colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and serene beaches.
• French Quarter: Known locally as ‘White Town,’ this area is characterized by its colonial architecture, with buildings painted in soft pastel hues and featuring ornate facades, wooden doors, and grand balconies. It’s a place where you can feel the lingering influence of the French in India.
• Auroville: Auroville is an experimental township founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also known as "The Mother." It was designed as a universal town where people of all nationalities, castes, and creeds could live in harmony. The
• centerpiece of Auroville is the Matrimandir, a golden-domed meditation center. (the most recommended place to visit when in Pondicherry)
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Established in 1926, this ashram is one of the most well-known and wealthiest ashrams in India. It was founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, and is a center of spiritual activity and learning.
• Overnight stay at resort hotel

(MEALS INCLUDED- BREAKFAST AND LUNCH)

• After breakfast we start our journey towards Mamallapuram AKA Mahabalipuram.
• On arrival, we check into the hotel and prepare for a sightseeing by afternoon.
• Mahabalipuram, driving south of Madras on the coast lies the town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), the ancient port of Pallava dynasty. The Pallavas have created many marvelous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, monolithic Rathas (chariots) and temples.
• Krishna mandapam, has a big bas relief, notable for it’s realistic representations. The world’s largest bas relief  measuring 27M X 9M, whale back shaped rock contains feagures of Gods, Demi-gods, Men, Beasts, birds, animals and representation of entire creation.  
• Shore temple, one of the oldest temples in South India dating back to 8th centuary also a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian Style. Built around 700-728 AD, this temple is one of the oldest
• structural stone temples in India. It stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Pallava kings and is situated overlooking the Bay of Bengal, giving it a dramatic setting.
• The five Rathas (chariots), a group of five monolithic temples, each created in different styles These are five monolithic temples, each carved out of a single large rock. Each "ratha" (chariot) is named after the Pandavas and Draupadi from the Mahabharata. These structures are significant for their intricate carvings and their role as precursors to later temple architecture in South India.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

(MEALS INCLUDED – BREAKFAST AND DINNER)

• After breakfast we drive towards Chennai AKA Madras, en route we will be visiting the town of Kanchipuram located approx. 70 KMs to the west of Mahabalipuram. Regarded as one of the 7 sacred cities of Hinduism and also served as the capital for the Chola dynasty in the 2nd centuary BC. Kanchipuram has the distinction as one of the major seats Tamil literature learning apart from being an important place of pilgrimage for the Buddhists, Jains and the Hindus.
• Besides the presence of the holy temples, it is also famous for its silk weavers, who settled at this place approx. 4 centuries ago.
• Later drive to Chennai, on arrival, check into the hotel and evening at leisure.
• Overnight stay in hotel.

(MEALS INCLUDED – BREAKFAST AND DINNER)

• Today we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chennai also known as the ‘gateway to the south’. A vibrant coastal city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity.
• Start your day by exploring the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of this bustling metropolis.
• Morning Exploration Fort St. George: Your day begins at Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, established in 1644 by the British East India Company. This fort marks the foundation of modern Chennai and serves as a testament to the colonial era's architectural prowess.
• Walk through the fort's corridors, which now house the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. Visit the Fort Museum, where you'll find an impressive collection of artifacts, including paintings, coins, and weapons from the British
• period.
• St. Mary’s Church: Located within Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church is the oldest Anglican church in India, consecrated in 1680. It’s often referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of the East."
• Admire the church’s simple yet elegant architecture, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and a serene atmosphere. The church's altar piece, pulpit, and silverware are noteworthy remnants from the colonial era.
• Afternoon Spiritual Journey:Sri Parthasarathy Temple:
• After a historical morning, delve into Chennai’s spiritual side with a visit to the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, one of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his role as Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. The temple, built in the 8th century by the Pallavas, is renowned for its intricate carvings and vibrant gopurams (tower gateways). The temple’s inner sanctum houses deities of Lord Krishna, along with other avatars of Vishnu, each housed in beautifully adorned shrines.
• Kapaleeswarar Temple: Next, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Mylapore neighborhood. This temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture, with its towering, colorful gopuram. The temple, believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Pallavas, is known for its exquisite carvings, depicting various legends from Hindu mythology.
• Don’t miss the temple’s sacred tank, and take a moment to soak in the spiritual ambiance of the place, especially during the evening puja (prayer) ceremonies.
• Evening Tranquility :San Thome Cathedral Basilica:Conclude your day with a visit to San Thome Cathedral Basilica, a Roman Catholic minor basilica built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The cathedral, originally built in the 16th century and then rebuilt in the 19th century, is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Explore the peaceful interiors of the church and visit the tomb of St. Thomas in the crypt. The stained glass windows and the serene environment provide a perfect setting for reflection at the end of your day.
• Later transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

(MEALS INCLUDED – BREAKFAST AND LUNCH)

• In time transfer to the international airport for your onward journey.