Glimpses of South India Tour

Chennai/Mahabalipuram/Madurai/Periyar/Kumarakom/Houseboat/Cochin
11 NIGHTS AND 12 DAYS

Highlights -Chennai -the capital city of Tamil Nadu and gateway to South India; Kanchipuram -the city of temples and hand woven silk sarees; Mahabalipuram -the shore temple, Five Rathas (chariots) and the beach; Madurai -Meenakshi temple; Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary -tour of spice plantations and boat cruise on lake Periyar while spotting the wildlife (elephants, bison, antelope, monkeys….); Kumarakom -the famed resort on the banks of lake Vembanand; Overnight backwater cruise in a Kettuvallam(Houseboat); last but not the least, Cochin -sunset boat cruise at Cochin harbor with a absorbing view of Chinese Fishing nets, Mattancherry or Dutch Palace and Kathakali dance performance.

Kapaleeshwara Temple Chennai,South India Tour
Kapaleeshwara Temple, Chennai

Day 01 Arrive Chennai.
You will be received on arrival followed by transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 02 Chennai.
Full day sightseeing tour of Chennai, gateway to the South India. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 03 Chennai/Mahabalipuram.
Travel to Mahabalipuram en route visiting Kanchipuram (64 km from Chennai), famous for its temples and silk. On arrival in Mahabalipuram check in at the hotel.

Day 04 Mahabalipuram.
Morning excursion tour of Mahabalipuram including the shore temple, Five Rathas (chariots) and the beach.

Day 05 Drive Mahabalipuram /Madurai.
Morning travel to Madurai. On arrival check in at the hotel. No temple travel to India is complete without visiting Madurai.

Day 06 Madurai/Periyar.
Morning visit Meenakshi Temple, one of the most famous temples of India, followed by drive Madurai/Periyar (137 kms/4 hours). Check in at the wildlife resort.

Day 07 Periyar.
Travel to Periyar and cruise on the Periyar Lake, in the cool surroundings Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the most spectacular game reserves of India. Game viewing of Elephants, antelope, Indian Gaur, Monkeys, spotted Deer, barking deer, wild boar and birds of myriad varieties.

Day 08 Drive Periyar / Kumarakom (120 kms/3 hours).
On arrival check-in at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 09 Kumarakom.
Transfer to boat jetty to board Kettuvallam (Houseboat) for backwater cruise towards Alleppey.
Periyar Lake,South India Tour
Periyar Lake

Cruise the backwaters on one of these beautifully crafted vessels with your attentive crew - a relaxing and romantic way to explore this remarkable area.
Lunch & dinner on board.

Day 10 Cochin.
Arrive at Alleppey boat jetty, and drive to Cochin (63 kms/1.5 hous). On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Day 11 Cochin.
Sightsee Cochin city by visiting its natural harbor, Mattancherry or Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets etc. Before retuning to the hotel proceed to see Kathakali dance. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12 Proceed for your ongoing destination.