Duration : 20 Night / 21 Days
Destination Covered : CHENNAI - KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY - TANJORE - TRICHY – RAMESHWARAM - MADURAI - KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM - KUMARAKOM - COCHIN – HOUSEBOAT - THEKKADY – MUNNAR - OOTY - MYSORE - BANGALORE
DAY 01 : ARRIVE CHENNAI
Upon arrival, traditional welcome and transferred to hotel. Afternoon city of Madras. Visit national art gallery fort St. George, St. Mary's Church and the St. Thomas Cathedral and drive along the marina. Walk with guide through some colourful market areas. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 : CHENNAI - KANCHIPURAM -MAHABALIPURAM BY ROAD 80 KMS 3 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram via visiting Kanchipuram, city of a thousand temples, Once the capital of Pallava, Kanchipuram still contains no less than 124 shrines. The temples were built mainly by two rulers, Mahendray and Mamalla Narashimha Parman. Typical of their architecture is the Kailasnatha Temple dedicated to Siva, believed to be 1200 years Old . Other important ones include the 16th Century Ekambasreshwar Temple, Kamakshi Temple, and Vaikunta Perumal. Kanchipuram is the centre of Silk weaving and is famous for its saris and materials. Afternoon we undertake a tour of Mahabalipuram, once the principal port of the Pallavas who ruled between the 06th and 09th Centuries AD. "The City of Seven pagodas" is nothing less than a breathtaking display masterful sculpture carved out of solid rocks of granite, the Shore Temple - a plendid example of early temple construction in the south. Penance of Bhagirata the worlds largest bas - relief also known as "Argon's Penance'. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03 : MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY VIA TIRUVANNAMALAI BY ROAD 140 KMS 4 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast, continue drive towards Pondicherry, via Tiruvannamalai. Pondicherry formarly a French colony which has settled in the early part of the 18th century. Places of interest are Sri Aurobindo Ashram Auroville - the brain child of the mother and designed by French Architect roger Anger, AuroVille was meant to be an experiment in international living where man and women could live in peace and progress harmony with each other above all creeds. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 04 : PONDICHERRY - TANJORE BY ROAD 185 KMS 4 HOURS DRIVE
Depart for Tanjore by road . Upon arrival check in at pre-booked hotel. Thanjaur was the seat of the Chola Empire from 10th to 14th centuries and it was a Chola King, Rajah Chola who built the greatest of its 74 temples, the Birhadeswara Temple which is more than 200 feet tall in the Dravidian truncated pyramid form, and has a huge lingam in its sanctorium. In the inner shrine of the temple, one sees India's second largest statue of Nandi the bull, the mount of the God Shiva. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 05 : TANJORE - TRICHY BY ROAD 50 KMS 01 HOUR 30 MIN DRIVE
After breakfast, continue drive towards Trichy. Upon arrival, check in at pre-booked hotel. Trichy's historic associations stretch from chola times to the 18th Century karnataka Wars, When Britain and France espoused the aspirations of rival princes. Afternoon go for a city tour of Trichy visiting Rock Fort, Sirangam and Jambukeshwar temples.Overnight at hotel.
DAY 06 : TRICHY – RAMESHWARAM 230 KMS 05 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive to Rameshwaram, a city of swell and gentle sand dunes, embellished with the delicacy of casurina trees and stark palms. Visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple, a famous temple dedicated to God Shiva ,Tirthas of Rameswaram, Gandamadhana Parvata and Rama's bridge etc. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 07 : RAMESHWARAM – MADURAI 175 KMS 05 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive to Madurai. On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon visiting the Meenakashi Temple, Palace of King Triumalay, the great tank, Gandhi Museum and Temple at Alaghat Koli enroute visiting Elephant Rock. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 08 : MADURAI - KANYAKUMARI BY ROAD ) 242 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast leave for Kanyakumari. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Vivekanda Rocks and temples etc. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 09 : KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM BY ROAD 93 KMS 3 HOURS DRIVE
After morning breakfast, depart for Kovalam. Kovalam is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is most people's idea of paradise : a lazy blue sea lapping against golden sands fringed by swaying palms.Overnight at beach resort.
DAY 10 : KOVALAM
Morning City tour of Cochin and after free at Lesiure. Overnight at beach resort.
DAY 11 : MADURAI - KANYAKUMARI BY ROAD ) 242 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast continue drive towards Kumarakom. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Kumarakom. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 12 : KUMARAKOM – COCHIN 60 KMS 02 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive to Cochin ( Kochi ). On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon half day City tour of Cochin. Visiting Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish synagogue etc. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 13 : COCHIN – HOUSEBOAT
After breakfast, transfer to the Houseboat Embarkation point. The Kerala houseboats used to form an inseparable ingredient of the way of life in Kerala, this traditional boat is locally called as Kettuvallom. Check-in to the exclusive houseboat. Your private boat will be facilitated with bed rooms, bath rooms, living area, sun deck, dining and beautiful corridor. This full day cruise will include all your meals and an overnight stay on board. A Journey through the curving and winding Kerala backwaters in houseboats of Kerala is an experience of returning to nature. Full day cruise and over night stay onboard. The boat will be anchored in the lake for overnight stay.
DAY 14 : HOUSEBOAT – THEKKADY 135 KMS 05 HOURS DRIVE
Morning disembark Houseboat and later drive to Periyar on the way visiting Idukki dam. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more. Evening go for boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 15 : THEKKADY – MUNNAR 110 KMS 03 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast, drive to Munnar enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. In the evening you can go for sight seeing of Munnar which includes the Raja Malai - a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats).Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 16 : MUNNAR - ANAMUDI - MUNNAR
Morning, after breakfast, visiting tea plantations, Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park, Devikulam, Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Pothamedu, Attukal etc. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 17 : MUNNAR - OOTY BY ROAD 260 KMS 7 HOURS DRIVE
As the sun rises, we begin our day with an early breakfast in Munnar. The road beckons us for a scenic drive towards the charming town of Ootacamund, affectionately known as Ooty. Nestled amidst the Nilgiri or Blue Mountains, Ooty has earned its title as the "Queen of the Southern Hill Stations." The hills have been shrouded in a mystical blue haze for over 850 years, creating an enchanting aura. Our journey covers a distance of 260 kilometers and takes approximately 7 hours.
As we reach Ooty, the captivating beauty of this hill station unfolds before us. We check in to our pre-booked hotel and settle in for a comfortable evening's stay, ready to explore Ooty's allure in the days ahead.
DAY 18 : OOTY
Full Day: Today, Ooty unveils its splendor in a full day of sightseeing. From the verdant landscapes to the charming colonial-era architecture, Ooty offers a tapestry of experiences. We embark on a journey to discover its botanical gardens, lakes, tea gardens, and vibrant markets. The day is dedicated to embracing the cultural and natural wonders that make Ooty a cherished destination.
DAY 19 : OOTY - MYSORE BY ROAD 155 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
Our journey continues as we bid farewell to Ooty and drive towards the historic city of Mysore. The road trip spans 155 kilometers and takes approximately 5 hours. As we reach Mysore, we check in to our hotel, ready to explore the rich heritage and cultural treasures that await.
The afternoon is dedicated to a sightseeing tour of Mysore, a city known for its opulent palaces, intricate architecture, and vibrant markets. The highlight of the evening is a visit to the Brindavan Gardens, where the symphony of lights and water dances in perfect harmony, creating a magical spectacle.
DAY 20 : MYSORE – BANGALORE 135 KMS 04 HOURS DRIVE
We set forth from Mysore and embark on a journey to the bustling city of Bangalore. The road trip covers a distance of 135 kilometers and takes approximately 4 hours. Upon reaching Bangalore, we check in to our hotel, where the blend of history and modernity is palpable.
The afternoon unveils a sightseeing tour of Bangalore, a city that seamlessly weaves together its colonial past with its status as a technology hub. We explore its architectural landmarks, cultural hubs, and vibrant markets, experiencing the dynamic spirit of this cosmopolitan metropolis.
DAY 21 : LEAVE BANGALORE
Our final day dawns, and after a leisurely morning, we bid adieu to Bangalore. We transfer to the airport, carrying with us memories of scenic hills, regal palaces, and the vibrant tapestry of South India. As we board our flight for onward journeys, we leave with hearts full of experiences and a yearning to return to the captivating landscapes and cultural gems that have enriched our journey.
