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South india travel from chennai

IOYO - 54

South india travel from chennai
CHENNAI

MAHABALIPURAM

PONDICHERRY

THANJAVUR

TIRUCHIRAPALLI

MADURAI

PERIYAR

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ALLEPPEY-COCHIN

Tour Overview

Explore the depths of Southern India with our exciting 11-day Kerala Pondicherry Tour from Chennai.

The southern part of India is a sight to see. With majestic temples, proud mountains and wonderful sights that captivate all, with us, you will visit the two of the most beautiful South Indian states, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. With our 11-day Kerala Pondicherry Tour from Chennai, there is no sight that you cannot see. Helping you make the most of your trip to India, we help you travel to the hidden gems of the city as well as help you travel to the mainstream places such as temples, beaches,and ports of the various states.

Furthermore, our journey will begin in the city of Chennai, from where we will slowly work our way throughMamallapuram, the ancient port that connected India to the Romans, Pondicherry, which used to be a French colony and many other places.


Tour highlights

  • Tour the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey.

  • Your trip will help you understand the intricate history of southern India.

  • On your 11-day Kerala Pondicherry Tour from Chennai, you will visit various historical cities in Southern India, from Chennai to Madurai, Pondicherry and explore the most influential cities of the region.


Itinerary

Show details
Day 01 Arrival at Chennai and drive to Mamallapuram

When you land at the Chennai Airport, one of our representatives will meet you and greet you. Once we introduce ourselves and you are comfortable, we will help you kickstart your day by driving to Mamallapuram. We will help you explore the beauty of this ancient port city. Known as Mahabalipuram or Mamallapattana, this port city has found various references in the Indian history and used to be quite well-known in the past. Furthermore, the city has been known throughout history for the presence of "Seven Pagodas," out of which only one, Shore Temple, survives today.

The city is known for its trading routes that date back to centuries, the monuments here have images that depict the Mahabharata,and this city has been referred to as Sea Mountain, where the anchors of the ships were bent to the point of breaking, in many ancient texts.

Day 02 City tour of Mamallapuram and then drive to Pondicherry

Next day we explore the beauty of Mamallapuram; we begin our day by exploring the wonderful cave temples and mandapams, that are carved out of stone in the city. The temples and mandapams are relics that depict various instances from Indian Epic poems, from tales of Gods and Goddesses and depict instances from Hindu Legends and Mythology.

The temples in the city were built under the reign of Narasimhavarman and Rajasimhavarman, while the entire city developed under the reign of Narasimhavarman. Furthermore, the city’s popular Bas-relief, where Arjuna’s penance has been depicted carefully,and the establishment has 5 chariots carved out of the rock, is a place worth visiting. The Shore Temple’s twin structure is one of the most well-known places in the city and offers a beautiful sight to every tourist. Furthermore, the structure is covered in bas-relief structures that make the temple worth visiting.

After a long day of visits on your holiday, we will drive to Pondicherry after visiting Mamallapuram.

Highlights: Mamallapuram - Visit the Shore Temple, The bas relief Arjuna's Penance, The five chariots, etc.

Day 03 Touring the various places of Pondicherry and drive to Thanjavur.

Puducherry is popularly known as Pondicherry or Pondy. The city is most popular for its breathing and well-designed French Colonies. The city was acquired by the French in 1674, and the aftereffects of the acquisition are still quite visible in the cityscape. The avenues, parks, etc. still give off the colonial vibe. Furthermore, there are many buildings and monuments that have been preserved and are open for tourists to view and marvel at. Auroville Beach, Paradise Beach, and Serenity Beach are some of the best places to relax at if you are in Pondicherry.

The morning in Pondicherry will begin by exploring the origin of one of the most known sages in the country, sage Saint Agasthya. Sage Saint Agasthya was known for his vast knowledge and is known to be a scholar of various things. The city is divided into two sections, theFrench Quarters "Ville Blanche" and the Indian Quarters"Ville Noire." Some of the parts of the city are still called by their French Names. The city is popular for various French-styled bungalows, villas, etc. The Auroville town is where all people of various nationalities live and Sri Aurobindo Ashram is quite famous.The Lord Ganesha Sri ManakulaVinayagar Temple, one of the most visited Hindu Temple in the city.

After sightseeing in Pondicherry, we will help you travel to Thanjavur.

Highlights: Pondicherry - visit the French Quarters, Sri Aurobindo Ashram & Lord Ganesha Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

Day 04 Visiting Thanjavur and drive to Tiruchirapalli

Thanjavur, the capital of the Chola dynasty, is also known as Tanjore. The city is said to be the birth-place of Bharatanatyam and is famous for Tanjore paintings. The Brihadeeswara Shiva Temple, built by King Raja RajaChola in the 11th century ADand a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the most popular places to visit in the city. The temple is made of the monolithic cupola, which weighs more than 80 kgs and is made of single a single granite block. The architecture of the temple also includes a 6-kilometer ramp on top and is made by using a technique the Egyptians used for building their pyramids. The walls of the temple are laid with depictions from the Chola and Nayak periods.

Other attractions of the place are the SaraswatiMahal Library with more than 30,000 manuscripts written on palm leaves or paper, Thanjavur Maratha Palace, which was constructed by the rulers of this place, and the Raja RajaChola art gallery, which is known for its bronze idols which date back to centuries.

After visiting the city of Tanjore, we will drive to Tiruchirapalli.

Highlights: Tanjore - visit the Brihadeeswara Shiva Temple, Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Saraswati Mahal Library and Raja Raja Chola art gallery.

Day 05 Visiting Tiruchirapalli and drive to Madurai

Tiruchirapalli is also referred to as Trichy in short. This city played an important part during the French and British war in India. The city is located on the banks ofCauvery River and is the fourth largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city served as the citadel of the Cholas and was built by the Nayaks of Madurai. In the ancient times, the city was known for its Tamil Scholars.

We will help you explore the Danish Church, the Rock Fort Temple complex and take you to the fort built on a rock with more than 400 steps, which also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The fort complex has witnessed many battles between the Bijapur and Madurai Nayaks, Marathas and Carnatic forces and played an important role during the Carnatic wars, during which it was the foundation of the British Empire.

After sightseeing in Trichy, we will drive to Madurai.

Highlights: Tiruchirapalli - visit the Danish Church and Rock Fort temple complex.

Day 06 Tour of Madurai

Madurai is known as one of the holiest cities in India and is also considered as one of the oldest living cities in the country. Various majestic temples, as well as the natural beauty of the city, are quite well-known. Madurai’s attractions include the Meenakshi Temple, Tirupara Kundran Rock temple, Alagar Hills and the Tirumala Nayak Palace. Out of all, the Meenakshi temple is the most famous attraction of all. With being built at least 2000 years ago, this temple has more than 1000 pillars and is constructed beautifully with interiors and carvings. This temple is one of the largest temples in the country. Furthermore, these pillars make musical sounds when the pillars are tapped.

We also help you explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, which was built in 1636 by the king Thirumalai Nayak. The afternoon here is free; you can go sightseeing on your own or choose to shop in the city.

Highlights: Madurai - Visit Meenakshi Temple, Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple.

Day 07 Drive to Periyar National Park or Thekkady.

On the 7th day, we will drive from Madurai to Periyar. The Periyar National Park is a famous national park and is most famous for tigers and elephants. This place offers a roof to Bengal tigers, Indian Elephants, leopards, wild dogs, and many other types of animals. A boat ride on the Periyar Lake offers you an opportunity to look at various other birds and animals in the park. Furthermore, the park is surrounded by various tea and coffee plantations; we will help you visit the same if you wish to visit the plantations. Overnight stay at Periyar.

Highlights: Periyar - Boat ride (common boat) on the lake Periyar to watch the wildlife.

Day 08 Drive from Periyar to Alappuzha

The city of Alappuzha, also commonly referred to as Alleppey, is one of the most beautiful places for you to visit in South India. Rightfully known as the Venice of the East, the city is crisscrossed by various canals and backwater lakes. Every second Saturday of August, the August the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held at the Punnamada Lake, which is worth watching. Furthermore, the Kuttanad is famous for its paddy fields and coconut trees and is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala. There are only a few places where rice is cultivated below sea level, and this is one of those places. Coir is one of the most important commodities that is produced here.

The Kerala backwaters are a network of large lakes and various canals run throughout the city. You can spend some time here by boarding the houseboats and enjoying the beautiful waters of the city.

Highlights: Overnight in a houseboat.

Day 09 Drive from Alappuzha to Kochi

Next day, we drive to Kochi from Alappuzha. Kochi used to be known as Cochin before and is popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea. The city of Kochi is known for its ancient links to various cities and was a hub for trading various goods, commodities and spices. The name Kochi comes from a Malayalam term Kochazhi, which means a small lagoon. The city was put on the map by Vasco-da-Gama. The city was a stronghold for The Arabs, Portuguese, British, Dutch,etc. and have left an impression on the city. The city of Kochi is the second most important city after Mumbai.

Day 10 Tour of Kochi

Kochi is known for its beautiful scenic beauty and is known for its religious places. The city is also known for its temples, churches, mosques and Jewish synagogue. Apart from this, you can observe the Chinese styled fishing nets, which is common in Kerala. Additionally, you can even visit Cherai Beach, Kochi Fort, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi International Marina, etc. in Kochi.

Highlights: Kochi - Visi the Portuguese churches, mosques, temples and a Jewish synagogue.

Day 11 Departure

On the 11th day of Kerala Pondicherry Tour from Chennai, we will help you get to the Kochi Airport, from where you can board your homebound flight. We hope you enjoyed your tour with Services International private limited. We wish to see again to explore some other parts of India.


SELECT YOUR OWN HOTELS - CONTROL YOUR BUDGET.

Day Wise Hotel Details

Select your own hotels

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  • Day 01
    10/10/2024

    Mahabalipuram

    hotel
  • Day 02
    11/10/2024

    Pondicherry

    Le Pondy

    hotel
  • Day 03
    12/10/2024

    Tanjore

    hotel
  • Day 04
    13/10/2024

    Trichy

    SRM Hotel Khajamalai

    hotel
  • Day 05
    14/10/2024

    Madurai

    GRT Regency

    hotel
  • Day 06
    15/10/2024

    Madurai

    GRT Regency

    hotel
  • Day 07
    16/10/2024

    Periyar

    Carmelia Haven Resort

    hotel
  • Day 08
    17/10/2024

    Alleppey

    Lakes N Lagoons

    hotel
  • Day 09
    18/10/2024

    Cochin

    Radisson Blu

    hotel
  • Day 10
    19/10/2024

    Cochin

    Radisson Blu

    hotel

+ Inclusions

  • Accommodation with breakfast

  • Transfers/visits by chosen vehicle

  • Taxes and assistance

+ Exclusions

  • Insurance

  • Lunches

  • Dinners

  • Domestic airfares

  • Local guides

  • Entrances

Private & Custom Tours: These tours can be customized for you to suit your needs.

Click to add optional activities

Add additional activities in your itinerary [OPTIONAL]

Madurai

Vanakkam Madurai (Namaste India walking tour)

Duration :2 hours

Periyar

Forest trek with local naturalist in Periyar

Duration :2.5 hours

Regular shared boat cruise in Periyar

Duration :2 hours

Spice plantation tour with local naturalist in Periyar

Duration :2-3 hours

Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show in Periyar

Duration :2 hours

Cochin

Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin

Duration :2-3 hours


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South india travel from chennai

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