Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Places Covered: Cochin Arrival - Munnar - Sightseeing - Thekkady - Madurai - Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari - Trivandrum sightseeing - Kovalam - Alleppey
The places in south India are some of the famous places in India. One can explore the rain forest, green tea plantation, beautiful beaches, attractive temples, the beautiful backwaters during the Tamil Nadu and Kerala tour. The tour starts from Chennai. The Tamil Nadu and Kerala tour starts at Chennai and finishes at Cochin. After reaching at Chennai go for the sightseeing of the city and drive towards Mahabalipuram. After arriving at Mahabalipuram visit the famous Shore temple, 5 rathas. Take rest at Mahabalipuram and continue to Pondicherry. After reaching visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Ganpati temple. After visiting these places continue towards Tanjore and visit the Brihadeshwara Shiva temple, famous for the nandi. During Trichy tour visit the largest Lord Vishnu temple.
Then take rest at Trichy and drive towards Madurai. During Madurai tour visit Meenakshi temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then drive towards Periyar to witness the wildness of the Periyar National Park and enjoy the natural beauty of this place. After Periyar visit to Alleppey, famous for backwaters. Stay one day in the boat house and enjoy the nature. After Alleppey drive to Cochin. Explore the city market here and next day depart and finish the tour.
Arrival at Cochin airport/railway station and drive to Munnar (04 Hrs drive). On the way enjoy some waterfalls and natural scenic spots. On arrival at Munnar check into Hotel and relax for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at the hotel will be arranged.
After breakfast spend the day with local sightseeing. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale, Munnar is 1600 Meter above sea level. This majestic hill station was once the summer resort of the British government in South India. Local sightseeing of Munnar includes visit to Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo point. Afternoon proceed to Rajamalai were the rarest species of mountain goat, “Nilgiri Thars”, can be spotted. Overnight stay is arranged at Munnar.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady (04 Hrs); on arrival check in to the hotel. Proceed for the sightseeing tour of Thekkady – one of the world’s most fascinating wild life reserves. The Periyar wild life sanctuary in Thekkady is spread across 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is thick ever green forest. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Optional activities like Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit and Elephant Ride can be done at an extra cost. Overnight stay is arranged in Thekkady.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Madurai; on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon, proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Madurai. The temple town of Madurai, situated on the banks of river Vaigai, is one of the most ancient cities in India with a history dating back to the pre-Christian times. It was the imperial capital of the Pandyan Empire in the 14th Century AD. Madurai was the seat of Tamil learning and the last of the Tamil Sangams (Academies) was held here nearly 2000 years ago. Main tourist attraction is Meenakshi Temple. Overnight is at hotel.
Enjoy a full day sightseeing at Rameshwaram. The temple here is highly famous among Hindu pilgrims all round the globe. Your itinerary here will also include other places of attraction in an around this temple town.Overnight stay is at Rameswaram.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Kanyakumari (07 Hrs Drive); on arrival check into Hotel. Proceed for local sightseeing tour in the afternoon. Kanyakumari is located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent and represents the site where the spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda spent days in meditation upon a rock off of the coast. Padmanbhapuram Palace, Suchithram Temple, Devi Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Memorial, Gandhidham and Trivenisagam are some of the sightseeing attractions in Kanyakumari. Enjoy the sunset in the evening and overnight stay is arranged at the hotel.
This capital city of Kerala is a beautiful seaside metropolis built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India spreading over a total of 2,192 sq.km. Sightseeing tour is comprehensive with the visits to Padmanabhaswami Temple, Srichitra Art Gallery, Napier Museum and Zoo. Overnight stay is arranged in KovalamKovalam is one of the prime beach destinations in India. Enjoy the evening watching a spectacular sunset or swimming at the picturesque Kovalam Beach. Overnight is to be spent at hotel.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey. Set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboats. Check in time is 01:00 PM and cruise starts with lunch. While cruising, let your eyes settle for the bowed-down paddy fields, local inhabitants, rustic homes, ancient churches / temples and swaying coconut groves. Food will be served onboard. Overnight stay in the houseboat.
After breakfast check out from the House Boat / Hotel and drive to Cochin Airport / railway station (depend on your departure place) for your flight / train back home, feeling contented about a wonderful holiday you spent in the God’s Own Country.
