South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters

Travel to the two southern most states of India, neighboring each other yet incredibly different. While Kerala is known for its backwaters and palm fringed areas, Tamil Nadu is an exemplary example of temple architecture. On this remarkable tour, explore the years old temples at Madurai, Thanjavur and Mahabalipuram; walk through the tea and spice plantations in Munnar and praise the pristine beauty of Kerala as the houseboat cruises through the backwaters in this tour of 12 Nights/ 13 Days.

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

On arrival at Chennai International airport, our representative will meet and assist you in transfer to the hotel. Check in and relax. Stay in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai-Mahabalipuram

Post breakfast, drive to Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On reaching Mahabalipuram, visit the rock-cut temples, Arjuna’s Penance and Shore temple. Stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry

Post breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, proceed for the sightseeing of Pondicherry, divided into two neighborhoods - French "White City" and the Indian quarter "Black City". Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram,Auroville, Sri Ganesha Temple and Manakula Lord Vinayagar. Stay in Pondicherry.

 

Day 4: Pondicherry-Thanjavur

Post breakfast, drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore),famous for Tanjore paintings, silk weaving and the Bharatanatyam classical dance form. On arrival,check in. Stay in Thanjavur. 

Day 5: Thanjavur-Trichy

Post breakfast, drive to Trichy.On reaching, visit the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam temple, walk through China Bazaar,Grand Bazaar and side streets. Stay in Trichy.

Day 6: Trichy-Chettinad

Post breakfast, drive to Chettinad- well known for its houses embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards and spacious rooms. As the legend goes,the usual walls are polished with a paste made of egg white for a smooth texture. Visit the Chettiars mansions and the Museum. On arrival, check-in . Stay in Chettinad.

Day 7: Chettinad-Madurai

Post breakfast, drive to Madurai. On arrival, visit the Meenakshi temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam and Thirumalai Nayak Palace. In evening, witness the Aarti ceremony at the temple. Stay in Madurai.

Day 8: Madurai-Munnar

Post breakfast,drive to Munnar,meaning three rivers - Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly,offering spectacular view of tea plantation hills.Stay in Munnar.

Day 9: Munnar Sightseeing

Post breakfast, visit the Atukkad Cascades ,Chithirapuram tea plantations, Floriculture center and tea museum. Stay in Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar-Periyar

Post breakfast,drive to Thekkady for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival, check in and then take a boat ride in the Periyar lake. Stay in Periyar.

Day 11: Periyar-Kumarakom 

Post breakfast,drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Day free at leisure. Stay in Kumarakom. 

Day 12: Kumarakom-Alleppey [Housbeoat]

Post breakfast, drive to Alleppey. On arrival, board the houseboat. Stay in a houseboat at Alleppey.

Day 13: Cochin [Departure] 

Post breakfast, get transferred to the Cochin International Airport for your flight back home.