South India Discovery - A Private Eight Day Tour From Cochin To Chennai

South India is known for wonderful lush hill towns, bustling attractive cities, mesmerizing backwaters, exotic wildlife and serene lake towns. This wonderful tour, spanning 7 nights and 8 days offers you a chance to explore and experience the states of Kerala & Tamil Nadu. During your travels you will experience popular attractions found in Cochin, Kumarakom, Periyar, Madurai and Chennai.

Highlights
• Chinese fishing nets.
• Backwaters Cruise of Kumarakom.
• Spice Plantations at Thekkady
• Meenakshi Temple at Madurai
• Temples of Kanchipuram

Day 1: Cochin Arrival

You will be met and brought to hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Casino (Superior)

Day 2: Cochin / Kumarakom

Cochin tour will visit the church built by St. Francis, the Jewish Synagogue, the Mattancherry Palace, and learn about Chinese fishing nets. Later depart for Kumarakom. (Synagogue is closed on Friday, Saturday and Jewish Holidays)

Overnight stay: Abad Whispering Palm (Garden Cottage) (B)

Day 3: Backwaters Cruise

This morning, cruise along the waterways on your Kerala Backwaters boat. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight stay: Abad Whispering Palm (Garden Cottage) (B)

Day 4: Kumarakom / Thekkady

Leave for Thekkady and the Periyar National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is famous for its evergreen forests and grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, and langurs. Thekkady is home to natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom and clove. Walk through a spice plantation and learn about the spice farming culture.

Overnight stay: Abad Green Forest (Jungle Lodge) (B)

Day 5: Thekkady / Madurai

See the flora and fauna of Thekkady on your morning cruise of this ecological reserve. Later, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This evening, watch the puja ceremony performed at the Meenakshi Temple.

Overnight stay: Hotel Sangam (Standard) (B)

Day 6: Madurai / Chennai

Visit the Meenakshi Temple. It forms the heart of the 2500 year old city. The Thirumalai Nayak Palace houses original portraits as well as unearthed stone carvings of the 17th century. In the palace of Rani Mangammal is the Gandhi Museum. Here, learn of his freedom struggle and see his bloodstained dhoti. Later, fly to Chennai.

Overnight stay: Fortune Select Grand (Standard) (B)

Day 7: Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram Excursion

Travel to Kanchipuram to visit three temples that exemplify this sacred town: Kailasantha, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ekambareshwara, which represents the earth form abode of Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal with its pillared corridors around the sanctum dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Then, gol to the ancient port of Mamallapuram. The temple structures are mostly carved out of granite and are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian architecture.

Overnight stay: Fortune Select Grand (Standard) (B)

Day 8: Chennai

Explore Chennai, the fourth most populous city in India. Visit the Victoria Art Gallery, Chennai Museum, the Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple. This completes your tour. (B)