Chennai to Cochin Temple, Beach & Backwater Overland Tour

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Begin the city tour visiting Kapaleeswarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture with vibrant gopurams. Continue to Fort St. George to understand the colonial history of the British era. Later visit Marina Beach to experience the lively coastal atmosphere and local life. Return to the hotel after sightseeing and overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai – Mahabalipuram (120 kms / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, stopping en route at Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India known for temples and silk weaving. Visit Ekambareswarar and Kailasanatha Temples showcasing ancient architecture and religious significance. Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram and begin sightseeing of Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas. Explore the rock-cut caves and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. Check in at hotel and overnight at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (120 kms / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Pondicherry, enjoying coastal views. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and begin exploring the French Quarter with colonial buildings and boulevards. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram to experience a peaceful spiritual environment. Later walk along Promenade Beach and enjoy sunset views over the Bay of Bengal. Return to hotel and overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry – Thanjavur (180 kms / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur visiting Chidambaram Temple en route, dedicated to Lord Shiva in Nataraja form. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO-listed Chola temple known for its grand architecture. Visit Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram famous for intricate stone carvings. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at hotel and relax after the journey. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 5: Thanjavur – Trichy (60 kms / 2 hrs)

After breakfast, begin sightseeing in Thanjavur with a visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore local art and culture including Tanjore paintings and traditional crafts. Later drive to Trichy and check in at your hotel. Visit Rock Fort Temple offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding plains. Return to hotel and overnight at hotel in Trichy.

Day 6: Trichy – Madurai (135 kms / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Later drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Begin city exploration with Meenakshi Amman Temple known for its colorful towers and intricate carvings. Explore bustling markets around the temple showcasing local handicrafts and cuisine. Attend evening Aarti ceremony before returning to hotel for overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 7: Madurai – Rameshwaram (170 kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Rameshwaram crossing scenic bridges and coastal landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and begin temple visit. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple famous for its long pillared corridors and sacred significance. Explore Agni Theertham where pilgrims perform rituals by the sea. Return to hotel and overnight at hotel in Rameshwaram.

Day 8: Rameshwaram – Kanyakumari (320 kms / 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India where three seas meet. Enjoy scenic views during the long coastal journey. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Visit the viewpoint to witness the confluence of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Enjoy sunset views and overnight at hotel in Kanyakumari.

Day 9: Kanyakumari – Kovalam (80 kms / 2 hrs)

After breakfast, visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. Later drive to Kovalam, a famous beach destination in Kerala. Upon arrival, check in at your beach resort and relax. Spend time on the beach enjoying the serene coastal environment. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 10: Kovalam – Trivandrum Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Trivandrum for a city tour. Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple known for its architectural grandeur and spiritual importance. Explore Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery showcasing cultural heritage. Visit Kuthiramalika Palace displaying royal artifacts and history. Return to Kovalam and overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 11: Kovalam Leisure

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Kovalam. Relax on Lighthouse Beach or enjoy optional water activities. You may opt for Ayurvedic treatments or explore nearby markets. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and scenic beauty of Kerala’s coastline. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 12: Kovalam – Alleppey (160 kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, known for its tranquil backwaters. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat for an overnight cruise. Sail through canals, lagoons, and villages experiencing Kerala’s rural life. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard while cruising. Overnight stay on houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 13: Alleppey – Cochin (60 kms / 2 hrs)

After breakfast, disembark from houseboat and drive to Cochin. Check in at your hotel and begin sightseeing. Visit Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Mattancherry Palace reflecting colonial heritage. Explore local markets and cultural streets of the city. Return to hotel and overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 14: Cochin Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Cochin airport for your onward journey. Depending on flight timing, you may explore nearby markets or relax at the hotel. Reflect on your journey through temples, beaches, and backwaters of South India. Tour concludes with memorable experiences.

• Assistance on arrival and departure at airports
• 13 Nights accommodation in hotels + 1 night houseboat stay
• Daily breakfast at hotels and all meals on houseboat
• Private AC vehicle for entire tour with professional driver
• English speaking local guides during sightseeing tours
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• Backwater cruise experience in Alleppey houseboat
• Bottled drinking water throughout the journey
• All toll taxes, parking, fuel, and driver allowances
• Government taxes (GST) included

Hotels used or similar for 13 nights accommodation

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Mahabalipuram x 1 night
3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort
4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thanjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4 & 5star - Sangam Hotels

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Rameshwaram x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Kanyakumari x 1 night
3* - Sea Shore/ Hotel Seaface
4* & 5* - Anantya Resorts/ Annai Resorts and Spa

Kovalam x 3 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

• Any domestic or international flight tickets
• Camera and video charges at monuments
• Lunches and dinners (except houseboat stay)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages, etc.
• Travel insurance and medical expenses
• Optional tours, activities, or upgrades not mentioned
• Expenses arising due to delays, weather, or natural causes
• Any increase in government taxes or entrance fees
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions