Explore Spirit of South India in Southern India Tour
Tour Overview
India is simply incredible and so are its southern destinations. A perfect introduction to the relaxed lifestyle and contrasting historical and cultural identities in India’s most southerly states – Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Millions of tourists from across the globe head for South India every year to spend some quality time with mother of nature. If you like versatility, then no other tourist destination can be the best bet but South India. South India is a part of India consisting of several exciting destinations such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. These destinations have different things to offer to the travelers but one thing common among all of them is the warm hospitality with which they welcome the travelers. In this South India holiday we discover the two southern states, Tamil Nadu & Kerala. Tamil Nadu state in South of India is dotted with innumerable exquisitely carved temples instilling the sense of peace and spirituality in the hearts of the visitors & that is why it is also known as the “world-class temple destination” for its huge collection of temples. All temples are delicately designed & have unique stones or wooden carved figures. The intricate architecture and idols hold religious importance. These are sources of religious teachings, culture and divine powers. Kerala embraces the tourists in her beautiful valleys, hill stations, exotic beaches and backwaters, God’s Own Country, Kerala offers all. Book your holiday to South India with best travel agency in India to get true value for your money.
test- DURATION 10 Nights / 11 Days
- START CITY Chennai
- END CITY Cochin
- TYPE OF TRIP Cultural, Historical & Wild Life
Tour Highlights
- Spice market tour of Chennai
- Visit Arjuna’s penance and caves at Mahabalipuram
- Auroville township, French war memorial, Promenade Beach, Pondicherry
- Madurai’s magnificently carved Sri Meenakshi Temple
- Ancient architecture and temples
- Enjoy wildlife reserves and forests of Thekkady
- A night on the traditional houseboats of Kerala
- Chinese Fishing Nets & Kathakali Dance Show at Cochin
Itinerary
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.
Moving on from Madurai, you’ll take a trip to the picturesque Thekkady region, which is famous for its plantations and hill towns and can be found close to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival, the afternoons is yours at leisure to explore, or to simply relax as your accommodation, before an evening performance of the ancient martial art of Kalaripayatu.
Visit a spice plantation to get an insight into how a number of different Indian spices are produced ready for sale in supermarkets before continuing on to the city of Alleppey to join a houseboat trip around the Kerala Backwaters. Including a stay overnight on the water, the trip will allow you to gain an insight into rural Indian life as you cruise past local villages and also get to see the aquatic and birdlife that live in the area.
After departing the houseboat, head towards the commercial capital of Kerala, a bustling port city located on the west coast. On arrival check in hotel & relax. Later enjoy sightseeing tour of Cochi, starting with a visit to the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue before the opportunity to marvel at the beauty and rhythm of the famous Chinese fishing nets. Evening enjoy a Kathakali classical dance show featuring colourful make-up and costumes that make it a feast on the eyes.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to international airport for onward flight.
