Chennai to Kovalam Temple & Beach Tour

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival in Chennai, meet our representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After some rest, begin the city tour visiting Kapaleeswarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Continue to Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, showcasing colonial history and artifacts. Later, visit the Government Museum to explore its rich collection of art and archaeology. Conclude the day with a visit to Marina Beach to witness the lively coastal atmosphere and local life. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

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

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram along the scenic East Coast Road. En route, visit Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, famous for its temples and silk sarees. Explore Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanatha Temple, known for their intricate carvings and religious importance. Continue the drive to Mahabalipuram and check in at your hotel. Begin sightseeing with Shore Temple and the famous Five Rathas, showcasing ancient rock-cut architecture. Overnight at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

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

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry enjoying coastal views along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax briefly. Begin your exploration with a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual retreat known for its peaceful ambiance. Continue to the French Quarter, characterized by colonial architecture, colorful streets, and cafes. Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple, one of the oldest temples in the region. In the evening, take a walk along Promenade Beach to enjoy sunset views. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

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

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur with multiple cultural stops en route. Visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, known for its magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple built during the Chola dynasty. Proceed to Darasuram to explore the Airavatesvara Temple, famous for its intricate stone carvings and UNESCO recognition. After exploring these heritage sites, continue your drive to Thanjavur. Check in at your hotel and overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

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

After breakfast, begin sightseeing in Thanjavur visiting the Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola dynasty. Explore the temple complex, murals, and towering vimana structure. Later, drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) and check in at your hotel. Visit Rock Fort Temple, perched atop a rocky hill offering panoramic views of the city. Continue to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Return to hotel and overnight at hotel in Trichy.

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

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Begin city tour with Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its towering gopurams and detailed sculptures. Explore the temple corridors, halls, and vibrant rituals. Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture. In the evening, witness the Aarti ceremony at the temple. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

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

After breakfast, drive to Rameshwaram, crossing the famous Pamban Bridge offering scenic sea views. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and begin temple visit. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, known for its long corridors and sacred wells. Explore Agni Theertham, a holy seashore where pilgrims perform rituals. Visit other local sites associated with the Ramayana. Overnight at hotel in Rameshwaram.

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

After breakfast, embark on a long drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. Enjoy scenic landscapes and coastal views during the journey. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Visit the confluence point of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular sunset over the ocean. Overnight at hotel in Kanyakumari.

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

After breakfast, visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue located offshore. Later, drive to Kovalam, a popular beach destination known for its scenic beauty. Upon arrival, check in at your beach resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy beaches and enjoying the tranquil environment. You may also explore Lighthouse Beach and nearby coastal areas. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 10: Kovalam – Trivandrum Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) for a city tour. Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest and most sacred temples in India. Explore Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery showcasing Kerala’s heritage and art. Visit Kuthiramalika Palace, known for its wooden architecture and royal collections. Later return to Kovalam and relax at the beach. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 11: Kovalam – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time at the beach or relax at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Trivandrum airport for departure. Reflect on your journey through South India’s temples, heritage sites, and coastal landscapes. Tour concludes with memorable experiences

• Assistance on arrival and departure at airport
• 10 Nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle for entire tour with driver
• English speaking local guides during sightseeing
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• All transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per program
• Bottled drinking water throughout the journey
• All toll taxes, parking charges, fuel, and driver allowance
• Government taxes (GST)

Hotels used or similar for 10 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 & 5* - 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 2 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

• Any domestic or international flight tickets
• Camera and video charges at monuments
• Lunches and dinners not mentioned
• Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, tips, etc.)
• Travel insurance and medical expenses
• Optional tours or activities not mentioned
• Expenses due to delays, weather, or unforeseen circumstances
• Any increase in entrance fees or taxes
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions