Best of South India Tour

Arrive in Chennai before being transferred to your hotel ahead of two nights in the city formerly known as Madras, where you will have time at leisure to either relax following your flight or to explore some of the sights.

Spend the day in Chennai, with a tour during the morning that kick-starts with a visit to the first British outpost in India, Fort St. George. Built back in the 1640s, the fort is now used to house part of the local government. As the tour goes on, you’ll get to visit the historical neighbourhood of George Town, San Thome Cathedral and the National Art Gallery. There will then be time at leisure to do as you wish.

Head away from Chennai and travel towards the coast to an area known as ‘The French Riviera of the East’. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, Pondicherry is known for its large number of colonial buildings and its four beaches, with your time in the area including the chance to visit the Aurobindo Ashram spiritual community, and the Church of Sacred Heart Jesus.

Pay a visit to the impressive Chidambaram Temple as you travel from Pondicherry to Tanjore, with time at leisure on arrival to explore a city that was chosen by the government as one that should help to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the country.

Take a tour of Tanjore, including a visit to the World Heritage Site that is the Brihadeshwara Temple. Now more than 1000 years old, the temple is one the largest on Indian soil and is famous for its impressive architecture. While in Tanjore, you’ll also visit the Tanjore Palace, which is home to the local Tamil University Museum. The remainder of the day is then yours to spend at leisure.

Leave Karaikudi behind as you travel to Madurai on the banks of the River Vaigai. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Madurai is home to a number of ancient temples and has become a popular destination with tourists. After an afternoon at leisure to explore some of the sights, the evening will see you visit the lavish Sri Meenakshi Temple to marvel at the stunning architecture and impressive artwork to be found within.

A full day in Madurai starts with a morning visit to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, which was built in the 1630s by the then ruler of Madurai and is famed for the different styles used in its design. You can also pay a visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum to see a range of artefacts dedicated to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi.

After breakfast drive to Kanyakumari. It is the southernmost tip of peninsular India & is surrounded on three sides by the Laccadive Sea. On arrival check in hotel & relax. Evening watch the most beautiful Sunset of Kanyakumari. Overnight in Kanyakumari.

After breakfast enjoy sightseeing of Kanyakumari with Suchithram Temple, Devi Kanyakumari Temple & Vivekanand Rock Memorial. Later drive to Kovalam. It is known as the "Paradise of the South". Kovalam is warm and clean filled with the coconut trees and the white sanded as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves. Swimming and bathing are very refreshing and exhilarating in the waves. Enjoy your stay near Beaches in Kovalam.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. It is a famous town for Backwaters & beautiful Houseboat. On arrival, check in houseboat & relax. The House boats of Kerala, offers a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of the God's Own Country. One can cruise in it through the palm-fringed backwaters, throughout a night in waxing moonlights.

After breakfast drive to Thekkady. It is well known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. There is an abundance of wildlife, from flora, birds and insects up to bears, leopards, elephants and even tigers, although they keep themselves well hidden usually. On arrival check in hotel & relax. Later enjoy various activities like Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit and Elephant Ride or sit on elephant back & enjoy shower with him & also take a walk in the market & do some spice shopping and enjoy the atmosphere O/n in Hotel.

After breakfast drive to Munnar. Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at about 1600m above sea level. This majestic hill station was once the summer resort of the British government in South India due to the fresh mountain air. The town is situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala and is surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates. Anamudi (2695m), the highest peak in south India dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walker’s paradise. On the way enjoy some waterfalls and natural scenic spots. On arrival, check in hotel & relax.

After breakfast enjoy full day local sightseeing 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 in Munnar.

After breakfast drive to Cochin. On arrival, check in hotel & relax. Later explore the oldest Christian church in the country, Chinese fishing nets, a XVIth century synagogue and a Portuguese-made palace… Kochi is also the best place to enjoy a Khatakali show, a traditional form of dance theatre. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Cochin Airport for your flight to Home.