13 Days South India vacation package

After landing in Chennai, you will be greeted by our tour representative who will take you to the hotel and help you in the check-in process. Then at the afternoon, you will commence your half-day tour, which will drive you to places such as Kapaleeswarar Temple, St. George Fort, Santhome Church, Art Gallery, St. Thomas Mount and last but not the least, Marina Beach. Then you will return to your hotel for having dinner and you will be spending the night at Hotel Grt Grand, Chennai.

You will be leaving for Mahabalipuram in the early morning. On the way, stopover at Kanchipuram, which is located at a distance of 64 km from Mahabalipuram. Kanchipuram used to be the ancient capital of the Pallavas and is famous now for the presence of 1000 temples and 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built here in the 7th and 8th centuries. The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful paintings. Other notable temples of the city are Ekambaswara, Sri Kamakshi, Kailasanatha, and Varadarajaswamy.

The souvenirs can be bought for the dear ones from Kanchipuram as it is a highly renowned city for silk sarees, stoles, and other apparels.

Later, you will be ending at Mahabalipuram, which is a port city of the South Indian Pallavas Dynasty, built in 7th century. Rock-cut and monolithic monuments make the city appealing. The monuments serve as examples of Dravidian architecture, which also showcase the Buddhist influence. Then, you will be encountering chariots, ancient temples, and caves. These temples and caves beautifully exhibit the Pallava art.

Stay at Radisson Resort Temple Bay in Mahabalipuram for the night.

After taking breakfast, you will be proceeding towards Pondicherry. Also known by the name of Puducherry, it is the city which remained under French rule for around 280 years. Therefore, the French influence is still on show in the architectural work of the city. This can be viewed best through promenades, boulevards, street signboards, and even the colonial mansions. Further, you will be at ease in the soothing atmosphere of Shri Aurobindo Ashram. The revolutionary turned yogi, Shri Aurobindo and The Mother (a French painter and sculptor) laid the foundation for this center in 1926.

The center is known in the world as the hub of education and cultural beliefs as well. Memorials of The Mother and Shri Aurobindo continue to bedeck the ashram building even today. Lush gardens, a few small-scale industries, libraries, printing press, and farms are present in the different areas of the ashram, with all the facilities.

You will also be allowed to have a look at the collection of Government Museum before returning to Hotel Maison Perumal, Pondicherry for night stay.

You will be starting your day with a drive aiming to reach Trichy. On the way, you will be visiting Chidambaram Temple. Built as a dedication to Lord Shiva, this temple illustrates his grandiose dance form. Chidambaram, the legendary of the five dancing halls of Nataraja, is also known by the name of Kanaka Sabha (Golden Hall).

Next, you will be coming across Gangaikondacholapuram, the capital of the Cholas declared by Rajendra Chola I. He was the son of Rajaraja Chola, who won over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kadaram, Sumatra, and South India at the onset of the 11th century. The place has significant place in Indian history.

Then, you will be dwelling at the Hotel SRM n Trichy.

Inquire into the city of Trichy. In the medieval period, Trichy was the fortress of the Chola dynasty. The famous Carnatic wars between the French and the English were fought here in the 18th century. The major tourist attractions of the city are the Danish Church and the house of Lord Robert Clive. Another site that you must not miss is the Rock Fort. Also, devote time at the hilltop situated ancient temple of Ganpati for which you will need to climb up to 434 steps and offer prayers at Shiva Temple.

Then, you will be taken to Madurai by road. Get transferred to the hotel and enjoy your day according to your own desires and stay for night at the Hotel GRT Regency.

You will be spending the whole day in touring Madurai. Meenakshi Temple being the major tourist spot of the city makes the city known as temple city of South India. Settled down at the banks of river Vaigai, the city was the ancient capital of the Pandya Rulers. In the early 550 AD, it used to be eminent commercial and cultural center.

Considered as the heart and the lifeline of 2500 years old city, Meenakshi Temple will surely leave you spellbound with its majestic colors and architecture. The complex features 14 Gopurams (towers) out of which two are devoted to the main deities. It can be found in the Tamil classics that the temple used to be at the center of the city from where the city used to like like a lotus and its petals channelized.

The next stops of your journey will be at the Gandhi Memorial Museum located at the Tamukkam Palace and Koodal Azhagar Temple, one of the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You can delight your eyes with the lime mortar made architectural works. Three different postures (standing, sitting, and reclining) of Lord Vishnu have been depicted on three separate altars.

Overnight stay is scheduled at the Hotel GRT Regency.

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven towards Periyar by road. Covering an area of 777 sq km, The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is profuse with thick evergreen forests. In 1978, the sanctuary earned the title of a Tiger Reserve. Adding to the charm of the park, artificial lake set up by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River is also there.

Depending on luck, a herd of wild elephants can also be spotted at the lake. You can opt for jeep safari or walk or boating to pass through the sanctuary.

Accommodate yourself for the night at Hotel Spice Village, Periyar.

You will be shifted to Kumarakom in the morning and check-in at the hotel. The entire day is at your disposal. You can enjoy backwater cruise in the evening taking delight in the sunset. Night stay at Hotel Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom.

Get directed to Marari by road after having breakfast in your hotel. Then, you will be transferred to Hotel Marari Beach Resort where you can relax. You will get a chance to plan your day as you want. Either choose for savoring the delicacies or opt for shopping.

You will be passing your day at your own will in Marari. It is recommended to avoid visiting distant places due to the unavailability of transportation in Marari. But you can choose to walk around the nearby beach or rest in your hotel. Rest at Hotel Marari Beach Resort, Marari for the night.

You will be leaving to reach Cochin in the morning. Make yourself comfortable at Hotel Casino, Cochin and draft your day as per your wish.

Be a guest at the harbor designed by the underwater Malabar mud-banks. It is considered that the rougher the sea is on the outside, the calmer the water on the harbor. Vasco-da-Gama has to be thanked for discovering this elegant city. Jewish synagogue, mosques, Hindu Temples, and Portuguese churches are among the attractions of the city. Have fun with the Chinese Fishing Nets and uncommon technique of fishing.

Stay at Hotel Casino, Cochin for the night.

You will be dropped at the international airport to proceed for your further journeys. It is to be noted that the accommodation will not be offered on this day.