14 Days- South India Tour & Kerala Backwater Trip

Duration

13 NIGHTS/14 DAYS

Tour Type

Adventure
City Tour
Couple
Enjoy
Family

Group Size

Min 2 Max 10

Tour Guide

INDIA, South India Tours

14 Days- South India Tour & Kerala Backwater Trip

The picturesque beauty of India can be best defined through the magnificent hill stations, beautiful temples, lush forests and pristine beaches. All four of these natural marvels are sprinkled in plenty in South India. The southern region of India is famous.

PLACES COVERED

CHENNAI-MAHABALIPURAM- PONDICHERRY-THANJORE-MADURAI-PERIYAR-MUNNAR-ALLEPPEY-COOCHIN

DURATION OF TRIP

13 NIGHTS/14 DAYS

MINIMUM REQUIRED

2 PAX

ACCOMMODATION

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

PICKUP CHENNAI /DROP COCHIN

RETURN TIME

Approximately 6:30 PM/Depends on onward Journey

WEAR

Comfortable athletic clothing, sunscreen.

BASIC INCLUSION

13Night Accommodation as per tour plan

Arrival Departure By private Transport Aircon

Jeep Safari In Periyar

All sightseeing & Taxes

Bed and Breakfast

Overnight Houseboat premium Class 24 HrsAircon With meals

BASIC EXCLUSION

Entrance Tickets

Lunch & dinner

Personal Expenses

General Inclusion:

For India:-

A safe and comfortable air-conditioned Private car with driver, all inclusive. (Fuel for Bus, road and state taxes, toll fees, parking fees, and driver’s food and lodging).
The car will be with you from your arrival to departure with as many stops to sight see as you want.
A Driver with excellent skills and record, a good knowledge of the area you are visiting and sufficient English to communicate.
Transfers and land transportation according to itinerary.
Accommodation Double or Twin rooms with Bed and Breakfast
Arrival Departure By private Transport Aircon
Boat Ride in Periyar
Overnight Houseboat premium Class 24 Hrs Aircon With all meals.

General Exclusion:

Tips, laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling and Beverages.
Meals unless specified
Any monument entrance tickets
Personal Expenses

Details

On Arrival Chennai airport meet and greet our representative later transfer to Chennai Hotel. On arrival check in Hotel. Stay overnight at Hotel In Chennai.

After breakfast proceed to sightseeing tour of Chennai and visit:

Fort St George (or historically, White Town): is the name of the first English (later British) fortress in India, founded in 1644 at the coastal city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai. The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land. Thus, it is a feasible contention to say that the city evolved around the fortress. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings.
St. Mary’s Church (Tamil):-located at Fort St George, is the oldest Anglican church (Church of South India) East of Suez and also the oldest British building in India. The church is popularly known as the ‘Westminster Abbey of the East’.From 1639, when Madras was founded, until 1678, when Streynsham Master was appointed the English East India Company’s Agent at Madras, religious services were conducted in the dining-room of the Factory House.
The Fort St. George Museum:-was organised and opened to the public from 31st January 1948. The museum began with a small collection of objects of the British Raj donated by the then Madras Presidency Government, the St. Mary’s Church authorities, the disbanded army units and others.
The Government Museum or Madras Museum :-is a museum of human history and culture located in the neighbourhood of Egmore in Chennai, India. Started in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. It is particularly rich in archaeological and numismatic collections. It has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe.
Stay overnight at Hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Today after breakfast start sightseeig in Mahabalipuram and visit:

Rock Temples:-The Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram are located on the hillock of town, overlooking the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in Kanchipuram District in Tamil Nadu, India. Also called mandapas or rock-cut caves, they are sanctuaries or temples covered with bas-reliefs. The earliest period of use of these caves as sanctuaries is traced to Buddhist and Jain periods.
Five Rathas and Shore temple:-Pancha Rathas (also known as Five Rathas or Pandava Rathas) is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I (630–680 AD; also called Mamalla, or “great warrior”) of the Pallava Kingdom.
Arjuna’s Penance / Rock relief:-Rock reliefs of the Descent of the Ganges, Rock reliefs are carved on rocks or on independent boulders. The most famous rock relief or bas-relief work seen in Mahablipuram is titled the Descent of the Ganges (also known as Arjuna’s Penance or Bhagiratha’s Penance), the largest open-air rock relief.
Later drive to Kancheepuram, and overnight stay at hotel in Kancheepuram.

After breakfast proceed to Pondicherry and visit:

Pondicherry Museum:-Pondicherry Museum has a gallery with sculptures and has the remains of archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. The museum also has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties and artifacts excavated from Arikamedu (an ancient port just 7 km from city that had trade links with the Roman empires).
Notre Dame des Anges:-Our Lady of Angels Church (also called Eglise de notre Dame des Anges, White Chapel, Kaps Koil) is the fourth oldest church in Puducherry, a Union territory in South India. The original structure was built in Greco Roman architecture by Napolean III in 1855, with the architect being Louis Guerre.
GoubertAvenue:-is a monument for those soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Annual commemoration is celebrated every year on 14th July during the period the memorial gets illuminated beautifully. It is really a pleasant experience here, where the new generation pays their respect to those served the society and country. We as the visitors owe to visit this place and offer our tributes.
Later Check into hotel overnight stay at Hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast Day With Driver to Explore City at Your own Choice Stay includes:

Mahatma Gandhi statue in Pondicherry:-13 ft height stands on the Beach Road, surrounded by eight magnificent granite carved monolithic pillars, built by the famous sculptor Roy Choudhary from Madras School of Art and Crafts. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the pre-eminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement.
Sri Aurbindo Ashram:- One of favoured tourist places in Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is where people come to seek spiritual harmony and enlightenment. It once served as a spiritual community and is known for being the abode of spiritual guru, Sri Aurobindo.
Rock Beach:- Accentuated by the beauty of rocks sitting against the serene waters, Rock Beach is a beautiful getaway among places to see in Pondicherry. Whether you’re looking for a pleasant stroll while the splashing waters drench your feet or grab a bite while watching a beautiful sunrise, Rock Beach is among the most recommended Pondicherry tourist places for everyone.
Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast Later proceed to Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore:

Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore:-is a city in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the centre of the city. Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region. En-route visit Chidambaram. Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest of the thillai, botanically known as excecariaagallecha shrubs.
later proceed to Thanjavur after visit places check in Hotel. Stay overnight at Hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast proceed to sightseeing tour of Thanjore and visit:

Brihadishwaru Temple:-(locally known as “Big temple”) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as RajaRajeswara Temple Rajarajeswaram and Peruvudayar Temple. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period.[2] Built by Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 CE, the temple turned 1000 years old. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”, with the other two being the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.
Later visit this temple proceed to Tiruchirappalli, check-in to the hotel, later visit:
Sri Rangannathaswamy Temple:The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Thiruvarangam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of the Hindu deity Vishnu, located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India . Constructed in the Tamil style of architecture, this temple is glorified in the Thiviya Pirabandham, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD and is counted among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.
Rajagopuram:-This forms a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian style. They are topped by the kalasam, a bulbous stone finial. They function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex. The gopuram’s origins can be traced back to early structures of the Pallava kings; and by the twelfth century, under the Pandya rulers, these gateways became a dominant feature of a temple’s outer appearance, eventually overshadowing the inner sanctuary which became obscured from view by the gopuram’s colossal size.
Rockfort Temple :-This forms a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian style. They are topped by the kalasam, a bulbous stone finial. They function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex.
Lourdes Church :-The church is decked out in Gallo-Catholic design, from neo-Gothic spires to anguieshed scenes of crucifixion and matrydom painted inside. In a note of cross-religious pollination, icons of Virgin Mary are garlanded in flower necklaces. constructed in the year 1840 AD. The church is situated near the rock fort
Later back to the hotel, Overnight at hotel in Thanjore.

Today after breakfast proceed to Madurai, visit:

Meenaski Amman Temple: City’s main attraction is the 2000 years old famous Meenakshi temple in the heart of the old town – a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. The present temple was designed in 1560 by VishwanathaNayak and subsequently built during the reign of TirumalaiNayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meter. The PotramaRaikulam or the Golden Lotus Tank is the place where the Tamil literacy society, called Sangam used to meet to decide the merits of the work presented to them.

Later check into hotel, overnight stay in Madurai.

Today after breakfast visit:

TirumalaiNayakMahal:This Indo – Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times as large as today. Sound and light show on the life of the TirumalaiNayak and the story of the Silapathikaram are conduced daily.
GandhiMuseum:The 300-year-old palace now converted into Museum has a picture gallery, a library of personal memorable of the Mahatma Gandhi and an exhibit of South Indian handicrafts and village industries.
VandiyurMariammanTeppakulam:This enormous temple tank is fed by water from the Vaigai River. The tank has a mandapam at the centre enshrining Lord Vigneshwara.A colorful float festival is held in this tank every year on Thaipoosam day (Jan – Feb).
Later back to the hotel, Stay overnight at Hotel in Madurai.

Today after breakfast Proceed to Periyar Wildlife Reserve, upon arrival in Periyar Check-in to the hotel. Later visit to the Periyar wild life sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. later visit Lake & national park. EARLY Evening free for boat ride on Periyar Lake. Stay overnight at Hotel in Periyar.

Today after breakfast at hotel proceed to Munnar. Visit en-route:

Mattupetty Dam:Mattupetty Dam, near Munnar in Idukki District, is a storage Concrete Gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala, India to conserve water for hydroelectricity.
Kundale Lake:Kundala is located approximately 20 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station and it is at a height of 1700 meters above the sea level. People love to see the Cherry gardens here, that blossoms twice in a year and make the surroundings of the lake even more attractive. However, the famous Neela Kurunji flowers, which bloom once in twelve years and change the green valleys of Kundala into refreshing blue beauties, are hard to see, because of their rare availability.
Echo point:This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point, situated on the way to Top Station from Munnar is a stop over for tourists visiting Top Station – the highest point in Munnar and the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) blooms here.
Later Check into hotel in Munnar, stay overnight in Munnar.

After breakfast early morning check out from hotel and proceed to Alleppey on arrival check in Houseboat. Following a lunch board the Houseboat for a unique experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala. The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is “Anjali “. The Houseboat provides all comforts – Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. Spend the day cruising on boat. through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience. (You will be getting the meals as per your desires, we assure you that Houseboat don’t serve pork/beafs) Stay overnight at in Houseboat in Alleppey.

After breakfast today at houseboat check out and proceed to Cochin visit following tourist attractions:

Mattancherry Palace & Jewish Synagogue:The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala which features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. The Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the king of Cochin around 1555.

Above monument Timings: Dutch Palace/Mattancherry: Timings 10:00am to 5pm, Closed on Fridays and National holidays / Jewish Synagogue: 10 am to 5pm, Break Time – 12pm to 3pm, Closed on Friday & Saturday & Jewish Holidays.

Chinese Fishing Net:In India, Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. While commonly known as “Chinese fishing nets” in India, the more formal name for such nets is “shore operated lift nets”. Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end.
The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India and visited by tourists the whole year round. It is a place of devotion as well as a center of historic significance, endowed with architectural and artistic grandeur and colours of the gothic style.
Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, located at Tripunithura, Kochi, near Karingachira area. It was the Imperial Administrative offices and official residence of Cochin Maharaja. Built in 1865, the Palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style, spreading across in 54 acres (220,000 m2). The complex has an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park and a children’s park.
Later Check into hotel in Cochin, stay overnight in Cochin.