(14 Days / 13 Nights)
Enchanting South India
As the name states the Southern Part of India comprising of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka has so much to offer to a tourist. Besides the well carved coastline with pristine beaches there are monuments that speak of rich history and culture.
DESTINATIONS
Tour Overview
Arrive Chennai
Chennai
First of all visit Fort St. George, It was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. St. Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church in India built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India.
Later on visit The Fort Museum which is the repository of the exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British period. Also visit Santhome Cathedral, at the southern end of Marina derives its name from St Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 AD.
In the afternoon visit Kapaleswarar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Fragmentary inscriptions date back to 1250 A.D. The majestic 37metere gopuram is profusely carved depicting Puranic legends. The present structure was renovated by the Vijayanagara Kings in the 16th century. It has some beautiful sculptures among which are the bronze idols of 63 Saivite saints or the Nayanmars. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
In the afternoon continue drive to Mahabalipuram which is famous for the seven pagodas. On arrival check-in into Resort. Rest of the day free to explore Mahabalipuram. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur
Later on check-out from the hotel and drive to Thanjavur. En-route visit Pondicherry - the undiscovered land. Later on continue drive to Thanjavur which was the ancient capital of the Chola kings whose origins, go back to the beginning of the Christian era. On arrival check-in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Thanjavur - Srirangam – Trichy
Then, drive to Trichy. En-route visit Srirangam which is a living example of a temple town where all life centres round the temple. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD and is counted as the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.
Later on continue drive to Trichy which is located on the banks of the Cauvery river and is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival check-in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Trichy – Madurai
In the evening visit Meenakshi Temple, where thousands of priests and worshippers come daily, temple elephant people are blessed and astrologists read the stars and hands. You can also get your fortune read by parrots that pick tarot cards out of a pile. All the believers bathe themselves in the temple baths. The temple also has a museum with beautiful bronze statues. In the evening sermons are held within the walls of the temple and concerts are often given in honor of the gods. The one thing that you must not miss is the evening ceremony with a fanfare, where the god Shiva is lead to the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Madurai - Rameshwaram – Madurai
Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple - A remarkable example of late Dravidian architecture, this temple is most noted for its excellent corridors lined with massive sculptured pillars with their elaborate design, style and rich carving. Legend has it that Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Siva here after the battle of Sri Lanka. In the evening come back to Madurai. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Madurai – Kovalam
After arrival you will check-in into Resort. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Kovalam beach on your own. You can also take a walk along the rustic countryside. Photograph your family with the back ground of beach and waves. Watch sun set in the Arabian sea. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Kovalam - Pandmanabhapuram - Kanyakumari – Kovalam
visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial which is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built between 1963 and 1970 in red and blue granite.
Also visit Kumari Amman Temple whichis dedicated to virgin Goddess Parvathi & is located on the shore. The Diamond nose-ring of this deity is famous for its sparkling splendor, which is supposed to be visible even from the sea. Later on visit Mahatma Gandhi Memorial which is one among the frequented tourist attractions in Kanyakumari. The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial was built to honour Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.The Memorial was built in 1956, in the Orissa temple architectural style.
In the evening watch the most beautiful Sunset of Kanyakumari.Leave Kanyakumari by dusk and back to Kovalam. Overnight at resort.(Breakfast)
Kovalam – Alleppey (Kerala Houseboat)
On arrival board a houseboat for a cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. On the boat ride, enjoy magnificent scenery of these palm-shaded backwaters. Spend the evening on board the house boat enjoying the exciting night life in the lake, the outstanding food and royal service. Enjoy a good night sleep under star and moon light in the house boat. Overnight on the houseboat. (Breakfast/Lunch/dinner)
Alleppey – Thekkady
On arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon, you will go for boating in the Periyar lake. From your motor boat, you can watch wild elephants, wild boars, bisons and dears. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Thekkady - Munnar
After check-in visit to a tea plantation and factory. See how Assam tea is grown, hand-picked and processed and taste some of the best Assam tea there is. Rest of the day free to explore Munnar which is an important high-point on our Kerala photography tour. It's picture-book pretty, it's authentic Kerala; it has history (the British used to escape to these hills to get away from the heat of the Mysore plains just north-east of here) and it has tea - mile upon mile of dense, lush tea-bushes. Organically cultivated, too. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Munnar - Cochin
In the evening enthrall yourself with a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali Dance Drama. This mask dance form is originally from Kerala and 1500 years old. This classical dance has 24 mudras expressing the nine emotions of serenity, wonder, kindness, love, valour, fear, contempt, loathing and anger. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Cochin (Departure)
Car with driver will be at your disposal until transfer to International airport to catch flight back to home. (Breakfast)
Tour Cost Includes:
- 12 Nights hotel accommodation on twin share basis.
- 1 night in Kerala Houseboat withall meals.
- Double bedded room with private bath or shower .
- Daily breakfast in hotel as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Air-conditioned Private Car with an expert driver as per the itinerary.
- All transfers and sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Fuel, Insurance, Toll Taxes, All State Taxes, All transport related Expenses and Driver Services.
- Assistance by our representatives at the airport on arrival as per the itinerary.
- Services of a local English speaking guide in Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Kovalam, Munnar & Cochin for city sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary.
- City sightseeing in as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrances to the monuments & museums as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Evening Kathakali Dance show in Cochin as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Half day excursion to visit Rameshwaram as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Full day excursion to Kanyakumari & nearby places as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All other excursions as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All taxes and service charges.
Note:
– International/domestic Airfare. – Meals and beverages not listed in itinerary. -Movie/video camera fee at monuments. – Tips and gratuities. -Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, portage etc. – Any other service that has not been included into “cost inclusions”.
Hotel Selection
City | Premium Package | Standard Package | Economy Package |
Chennai | Vivanta by Taj Connemara | Radha Regent | Crystal Residency |
Mahabalipuram | Vivanta by Taj Fisherman’s Cove | MGM Beach Resort | Sea Breeze |
Thanjavur | Ideal River View Resort | Sangam | Hotel Gnanam |
Trichy | Sangam | Sangam | Breeze Residency |
Madurai | The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai | Fortune Pandiyan | Hotel Supreme |
Kovalam | Vivanta by Taj Kovalam | Turtle On The Beach Resort | Beach & Lake Resort |
Alleppey | AC Deluxe Houseboat | AC Deluxe Houseboat | AC Deluxe Houseboat |
Thekkady | Thekkady Wild Corridor | Aranya Niwas | Ambadi |
Munnar | Windermere Estate | Madhumantra Resort | Hill View |
Cochin | The Gateway Hotel | Avenue Regent | Abad Plaza |
Also Available on request:
- This tour is ex-Chennai. If you are arriving from a different destination, we can help you arrange the flight to and from Chennai.
- Ayurveda Treatments & Massage.
- Early morning Yoga lesson.
Testimonial
Dear Mr Anil
We have now settled down back in our home and I have attached the feedback form as requested.
Once again we want to thank you for organizing our dream holiday with such efficiency making it a great pleasure for us.
We will recommend Pioneer Journeys whenever we can.
Thank you very much for inviting us to dine with you; it was a treat!
Please pass our warm regards to Mrs Sharma.
Many thanks
Ron and Stevie Dee
United Kingdom