Pearl of South India Tamil Nadu & Kerala

13 Nights / 14 Days

Overview

Two beautiful states of southern India, Tamil Nadu and Kerala tours giving you the opportunity to explore ancient Dravidian culture where silk, spices, beaches, temples and wildlife life combine. The Tour starts with Chennai where you get to see the ancient churches, museums and Beach. The next destination is Mahabalipuram where you can visit theold temples, explore the sculpted rocks and relax on the beach overlooking the golden sunset. Moving from on we go to the French town of Pondicherry to explore the Ashrams and Museum. The journey in South India takes to Tanjore to visit the art gallery and the famous Sri Brihadeeswara temple and to Madurai where you witness the procession of Lord Siva taken in a palanquin in the evening ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. From here we will enter Kerala and our stop is Periyar National Park to see some wildlife. We then travel to the Alleppey jetty to board our overnight experience on traditional rice barge or the house boat and cruise along the tranquil Backwater canals for their mesmerizing and alluring charms spread across the whole area and finally ending in Cochin where you can see Portuguese houses, old churches and Chinese Fishing nets.

Highlights

  • Marina Beach
  • The Shore Temple
  • Royal Palace Museum
  • French Town of Pondicherry
  • Rock Fort Temple
  • Aarti Prayer Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
  • Boat Ride on Lake Periyar
  • Gavi Jeep Safari
  • Cruise through Backwaters of Kerala
  • Kerala Traditional Meals on House Boat
  • Traditional Dance Show – Kathakali
  • 2 Hours Cochin Sunset Harbour Cruise

Chennai

Pondicherry

Mahabalipuram

Tanjore

Madurai

Periyar

Alleppey

Cochin

Tour Route

1 Night

Chennai

1 Night

2 Nights

Mahabalipuram

2 Nights

1 Night

Pondicherry

1 Night

2 Nights

Tanjore

2 Nights

2 Nights

Madurai

2 Nights

2 Nights

Periyar

2 Nights

1 Night

Houseboat

1 Night

2 Nights

Cochin

2 Nights

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport you are met by our company executive who would assist you to the Car and then transfer to your pre booked Hotel.

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India. Located on the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition. This β€˜capital of the south’, is one among the four metropolitan siblings of India, having a rich cultural history which it perfectly balances with its metropolis lifestyle.

Afternoon city tour of Chennai visiting the National Art Gallery, Fort St. George is the 17th-century fort built by British in the city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai. The building now houses Tamil Nadu state legislative assembly. Government Museum - The second oldest museum in India, the Government Museum or Madras Museum showcases human history and culture. Kapaleeswarar Temple is a 7th century Lord Shiva temple with a huge gopuram built in typical Dravidian architectural style in Mylapore area of Chennai & then to the Marina Beach the most popular beach and a top tourist attraction in Chennai city. It is a natural beach famed to be the second-longest natural beach in the world.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Chennai

Chennai – Mahabalipuram (By Private Vehicle 78 Kms 2Hrs Drive) enroute visit Kanchipuram

Breakfast in the Hotel and check out

Later depart by Private vehicle for Mahabalipuram

Enroutevisit Kanchipuram also known as the, β€˜city of a thousand temples. The most famous of these are The Ekambeshwara Temple a Hindu temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram check in at your pre booked Hotel.

Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu. The serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting with many beautiful white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town.

Overnight stay at Hotel in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

Breakfast in the Hotel

Later proceed for a Private guided tour of Mahabalipuram visiting The Shore Temple – the oldest Structure in the arc. This temple has been here for more than 1400 years. The Five Pagodas or Chariots. The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is a exemplary set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. These temples are built in the same shape as pagodas, and greatly resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries. The rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata. Sculpture Museum - The following structures like Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butterball, Mahishamardini Cave.
Later chill on the sandy beach for relaxation or can optional you can enjoy Boat rides in the Bay of Bengal with life guards, fishing trips to the sea & Turtle walk at the sea shore

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (By Private Vehicle 138 Kms 3 Β½ Hrs Drive)

Breakfast in the Hotel and Checkout

Later depart by Private Vehicle for Pondicherry officially known as Puducherry, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds. Upon arrival in Pondicherry check in at your pre booked Hotel

Afternoon proceed with your English speaking guide to do city tour of Pondicherry visiting Auroville a universal city in the making in south-India dedicated to the ideal of human unity based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. This universal township was inaugurated on 28 February 1968 with the agenda that it will be a place with people willing enough to make this a hub of uninterrupted education and progress, regardless of their caste, creed, nationality or race, Shri Aurobindo Ashram Founded in 1926, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram has grown from a small group of two dozen disciples into a large and diverse community of almost 1600 members, French Colonial Town – The city has many colonial buildings, churches, temples and statues which, combined with the town planning and French style avenues in the old part of town.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Pondicherry

Pondicherry – Tanjore (By Private Vehicle 295 Kms 6 Hrs Drive)

Breakfast in the Hotel and Checkout

Later depart by Private Vehicle for Tanjore. Upon arrival check in at your pre booked Hotel.
Thanjavur is about 10 km from the south of the Cauvery River. The name Thanjavur is derived from the name of Tanjan who is the demon, killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Sri Neelamega Perumal. Because of Tanjan’s last request, the city has the name of him. Thanjavur is famous for its ancient handicrafts, making of bronze icons. Tanjore is famous for its Dancing doll (Thanjavur thalaiyattibommai), Art plates, bell metal castings, bowels, powder boxes, artistic in laying and engraving work of motifs well known in Tanjore paintings.

Overnight stay at Hotel in Tanjore

Tanjore

Breakfast in the Hotel

Later proceed for a guided tour of Tanjore visiting The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex. The original name of Thanjavur Palace is Sivaganga Fort, which is rarely used these days. It is more popularly called Thanjavur Aranmanai by the people of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur Art Gallery houses in the Nayak hall of the palace, has an eclectic collection of stone and bronze idols, mostly from the Chola period, Royal Palace Museum – The royal objects that are on display in the museum include royal clothing, headgear and hunting weapons. On the upper floor is a skeleton of a 92-feet whale that washed ashore near Tranquebar in 1955.
Later visit to Brihadeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur. It is also known as Periya Kovil, Raja Rajeswara Temple and Rajarajesvaram. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period.

Overnight stay at Hotel in Tanjore

Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (By Private Vehicle 150 Kms 5 Hrs Drive)

Breakfast in the Hotel and Checkout

Later depart by Private Vehicle for Madurai. Madurai the largest temple town of Tamil Nadu state. It is bounded on the North by the districts of Dindigul, Thiruchirapalli and on the East by Sivagangai and on the West by Theni and South by Virudhunagar. It is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India. Ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history

Enroute Visit Trichy to visit the Rock Temple is a historic fort and temple complex built on an ancient rock Sri Rangnathaswamy Temple, Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu . It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples.

Later drive to Madurai which is also known as the Temple City and is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival in Madurai check in at your pre booked Hotel

The evening will be spent at the Meenakshi temple to witness β€˜aarti’ ceremony. Meenakshi Temple one of the oldest and most important temples in India. Located in the city of Madurai, the temple has a great mythological and historical significance.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai

Madurai

Breakfast in the Hotel

Later visit the weaver’s colony to learn how the famous Madurai cotton is woven, visit the Gandhi Museum, the building that houses the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai is the historic Tamukkam Palace belonging to Rani Mangammal of Nayak Dynasty built about 1670 A.D. It was in 1955 the palace with about 13 acres of land was gifted by the Tamil Nadu State Government to the All India Gandhi Smarak Nidhi for the purpose of housing Gandhi Memorial Museum. The Museum was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on 15 April 1959. and explore The Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, It was built in 1635, by the King Thirumalai Nayak who had the vision of creating a masterpiece for royal stay. It was designed as a residence for the king by an Italian architect. This palace is a must visit for history lovers and those who love to explore architectural fineness of bygone eras. Enjoy the sound and light show which gives a musical glimpse into the rich history of Madurai.

Later in the evening, explore the colorful markets of Madurai.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Madurai

Madurai – Periyar (By Private Vehicle 185 Kms 4 Β½ Hrs Drive)

Breakfast in the Hotel and Check Out

Later depart by Private Vehicle for Periyar (Thekkady), Also known as Thekkady. It is a National Park and one of the Tiger Reserves in India. Upon arrival in Periyar check in at your pre booked Hotel.

Afternoon take a Boat Ride on Lake Periyar in Common Boat to explore the Wild Life.
Periyar Lake boating experience is one of unique among all boating while in Kerala. Here the steamer will take you to the ride inside the lake where you can see lots of birds and other species in nearby Periyar Park.

Then visit to spice plantation. As you take a walk along the streets of Kumily or the winding pathways among the plantations, the thing that strikes you first is the lingering aroma in the air. The scent may be of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon or cardamom and sometimes a fragrance that combines the scents of two or more spices. The geographical and climatic peculiarities of Kumily such as the cool climate and its elevation from the sea level make it ideal for spice cultivation.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Periyar

Periyar

Morning Breakfast in the Hotel

Full Day Jeep Safari in Periyar (Breakfast, lunch, evening tea snacks, trekking, jeep safari, pedal boating included)

Gavi Jeep Safari is conducting by the KTDC and it starts by 05:30 AM and ends at 05:00 PM only. Gavi is an eco-tourist spot in Kerala which has widely become popular after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centresand one of the must-see places in India. A must visit place for all nature lovers as Gavi is preserved in its natural scenic beauty untainted by the mighty hands of modernity. Gavi is mainly known for its wildlife. Endangered species including the NilgiriTahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. Kerala’s very own treasure elephants can be sighted abundantly. If you are the bird watcher, Gavi is the place for you. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers. A splendid spot to be visited at least once for all those who love nature.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Periyar

Periyar – Alleppey (By Private Vehicle 145 Kms 3 Β½ Hrs Drive)

Breakfast in the Hotel and Checkout

Later you are transferred to Alleppey Jetty to board House Boat floating on the Kerala backwaters. Cruise through the back waters and palm fringed waterways and you would be able to breeze past the water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves.
Houseboat starts at around 12pm. After introductions and a welcome drink cruise along the lakes and canals for an hour or two before docking the boat at a beautiful spot for lunch. Here your crew will prepare delicious Keralite meals from freshly brought vegetables from the market.
After lunch, you will set away again for an afternoon of cruising covering the Pallathuruthy river, Pukaitha river and Pullangady for sightseeing or photo sessions and maybe stopping at a local village or going for a canoe ride. The boat will dock overnight at around 5:30pm (overnight cruising is not permitted) just before the sun goes down, which makes for the perfect time for a walk along the banks by the rice paddies before dinner. (Delicious Traditional Kerala Meals Lunch and Dinner included)
Overnight stay at the House Boat

House Boat disembark at Alleppey & Alleppey – Cochin (By Private Vehicle 75 Kms, 1 Β½ Hrs Drive)

Breakfast in the Houseboat

Later Houseboat disembarks at Alleppey at 09:30 Hrs and you will be picked up from Jetty point and proceed for Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin check in at your pr booked Hotel.

Kochi or Cochin is a bustling commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Called as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Upon arrival in Cochin Airport you are met and transferred to your pre booked Hotel

In the Evening enjoy Kathakali Dance - The Traditional Dance show in local theatre. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Cochin

Cochin

Morning Breakfast in the Hotel

Later proceed for city tour of Cochin visiting Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace. This palace is also famous for depicting Kerala mural paintings. The palace is built in the traditional style of Kerala architecture. Jewish Synagogue Also known as Paradesi Synagogue. It is the oldest synagogue in the entire Commonwealth of Nations and was built in 1568 by the Malabar Yehudan people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. Chinese Fishing Nets are the most iconic and popular attractions of Kerala peculiar to Kochi located next to Fort Kochi. One of the significant cultural symbols of Kerala, the spot is also one of the most photographed places in all of town, attracting hordes of tourists and photographers on an everyday basis. The image of the beautifully silhouetted fishing nets against the backdrop of clear waters at sunset is really appeasing and makes up for a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The great Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who discovered the sea route from Europe to India died in Kochi. His body was buried in this church.

Also walk in Fort Kochi’s seaside promenade, and get a glimpse of daily life in Kochi

Evening Enjoy a two hours boat cruise during sunset in the Cochin Harbor with spectacular views of the Marine Drive, and Bolgatty Island. See the sunset from the boat where the Kochi Lagoon opens out into the Arabian Sea.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Cochin

Leave Cochin

Breakfast in the Hotel and Check Out Our executive would assist you and transfer you to Cochin International Airport to board Flight for Onward Journey

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Pricing*

The Prices for the All Our Tours are on Request Only .
Kindly fill the Request Form Below for the Price of the TOUR.
Price available till 30th April 2024 , Prices will be Quoted in Sterling Pounds or US Dollars & based in Standard Hotels

Price will Included

  • Accommodation on Twin / Double Sharing basis
  • Houseboat on Full Board basis
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Private Transfers
  • City Sightseeing
  • Air Conditioned Private Car with Driver
  • Local English Speaking Guide
  • Entrances to Monuments
  • GST

Price will Not Included

  • International Flight
  • Insurance
  • Expenses of Personal nature
  • Meals -Lunch and Dinner (except Houseboat)
  • Camera and Video charges
  • Tips
  • Visa Charges

* Terms and Conditions Apply

  1. Prices applicable for standard hotels, luxury accommodations available on request.
  2. Christmas and New Year supplement applicable extra.
  3. Local taxes apply.

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