South India Temples and Backwater

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Chennai, the gateway to South India, offers a blend of colonial heritage, traditional culture, and modern development. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore nearby areas or simply enjoy the comfort of your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai Sightseeing & Excursion to Kanchipuram (75 km / 2 hrs one way)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your city tour of Chennai with a visit to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Continue to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, followed by the Government Museum showcasing a rich collection of art and archaeology.
Later, drive to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, known for its temples and silk weaving tradition. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple, both renowned for their architectural beauty and religious significance. Also visit a silk weaving center to observe traditional craftsmanship. Return to Chennai in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 3: Drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram (160 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pondicherry along the scenic East Coast Road. En route, stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. Visit the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Five Rathas carved from single rock formations.
Continue to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its charming streets and colonial architecture. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and spend the evening exploring the promenade or relaxing by the beach. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the unique cultural blend of Pondicherry. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, known for its peaceful ambiance and spiritual teachings. Walk through the French Quarter, lined with colonial buildings, cafes, and boutiques. Continue to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and enjoy a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach.
Later, visit Auroville, an experimental township focused on sustainable living and community harmony. Return to the hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 5: Drive to Thanjavur via Chidambaram (220 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Thanjavur. En route, visit the famous Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form.
Continue to Thanjavur, once the capital of the Chola dynasty, and visit the Great Living Chola Temples including Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their architectural excellence. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 6: Thanjavur Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, explore Thanjavur’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and one of India’s most magnificent temples. Continue to Thanjavur Palace and its art gallery, showcasing ancient sculptures and artifacts.
Later, visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, known for its collection of rare manuscripts. Return to the hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 7: Drive to Chettinad via Trichy (145 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Chettinad. En route, stop at Trichy to visit the Rockfort Temple, perched atop a massive rock offering panoramic views of the city.
Continue to Chettinad, a region known for its heritage mansions and unique architecture. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and explore the surroundings, including traditional homes and local culture. Overnight at hotel in Chettinad.

Day 8: Drive to Madurai (90 km / 2 hrs)

After breakfast, explore Chettinad’s heritage mansions, known for their intricate woodwork, courtyards, and European influences. Later, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South India.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 9: Madurai Sightseeing & Drive to Thekkady (160 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its towering gopurams and intricate carvings. Explore the temple complex and experience its vibrant atmosphere.
Later, drive to Thekkady, located in the Western Ghats and known for its wildlife and spice plantations. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance and martial arts performance. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 10: Thekkady Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot wildlife such as elephants and birds.
Later, visit a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. Return to the hotel and relax amidst the scenic surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 11: Drive to Alleppey & Houseboat Experience (140 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat and begin your cruise through the tranquil backwaters.
Sail through canals lined with coconut palms, villages, and paddy fields while enjoying freshly prepared meals onboard. Relax on the deck and enjoy the scenic beauty as the sun sets over the backwaters. Overnight on houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 12: Drive to Marari Beach (20 km / 30 mins)

After breakfast onboard, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Marari Beach. Upon arrival, check-in at the resort and spend the day at leisure enjoying the peaceful beach environment. Overnight at hotel in Marari.

Day 13 & 14: Marari Beach Leisure

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy two full days at leisure in Marari. Relax on the beach, explore nearby fishing villages, or indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments. The tranquil setting provides an ideal escape for relaxation and rejuvenation. Overnight at hotel in Marari.

Day 15: Marari – Cochin Departure (60 km / 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, begin a city tour visiting Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue. Later, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey, concluding your South India tour with lasting memories.

• Assistance on arrival and departure
• 14 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Houseboat stay with all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
• Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
• English-speaking local guides during sightseeing
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water in vehicle
• All applicable taxes

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

Chennai x 2 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thnjore x 2 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Chettinad x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth

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

Thekkady x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

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)

Mararikulam x 3 nights
3* - EL Oceano Beach Villas/ La Plage Marari
4* - Abad Turtle Beach Resort/ Marari Sands Beach Resort
5* - Xandari Pearl/ Marari Beach Resort

• International and domestic airfare
• Camera/video fees at monuments
• Meals not mentioned in inclusions
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, beverages, etc.
• Optional tours and activities
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions