Day 1
Arrival Chennai → Mahabalipuram By Surface (60 Kms/02 Hrs)
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Upon arrival at Chennai International
Airport, you will be met and greeted by our representative and assisted with
your transfer to Mahabalipuram. This coastal town is renowned for its UNESCO
World Heritage monuments and ancient rock-cut architecture. On arrival, check
in at your hotel and take time to relax after your journey. The remainder of
the day is free to unwind, enjoy the sea breeze, or take a leisurely walk along
the beach.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 2
Mahabalipuram Sightseeing
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After breakfast, begin a full-day
sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. You will visit the iconic Shore Temple
overlooking the Bay of Bengal, followed by the Pancha Rathas, a
group of monolithic rock temples carved from single stones. Continue to Arjuna’s
Penance, one of the largest open-air stone reliefs in the world and explore
Krishna Cave and the famous Krishna’s Butterball. Later in the
day, enjoy time at the beach for relaxation, photography, or simply soaking in
the coastal atmosphere. Late afternoon is free for leisure or shopping for
local stone handicrafts.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 3
Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry By Surface (100 Kms/03 Hrs)
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After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry,
a charming former French colony known for its tranquil streets and
colonial architecture. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Later, visit Sri
Aurobindo Ashram, Bharathi Park, and the Basilica of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, subject to opening hours. Continue to Manakula Vinayagar
Temple before exploring the French Quarter on foot or by bicycle. In the
evening, enjoy a relaxed walk along the Promenade and watch the sunset by the
sea.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 4
Pondicherry → Kumbakonam By Surface (140 Kms/03 Hrs)
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Depart early in the morning for
Kumbakonam, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important temple towns. En route, visit
the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the
cosmic dancer, and/or the UNESCO-listed Gangaikonda Cholapuram
temple, depending on interest and time. Upon arrival in Kumbakonam, check in at
your hotel. In the evening, visit the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and stroll
through the local markets.
Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 5
Kumbakonam Sightseeing
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After breakfast, enjoy a full day
exploring Kumbakonam, known for its rich spiritual heritage. Visit the Sarangapani
temples and see the Mahamaham Tank, where a grand religious festival is
held once every twelve years. The town is also famous for its traditional
filter coffee, silk sarees, and bronze craftsmanship, offering excellent
opportunities for cultural exploration and shopping.
Overnight
stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 6
Kumbakonam → Trichy By Surface (100 Kms/0230 Hrs)
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After breakfast, drive to
Tiruchirappalli. Upon arrival, visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at
Srirangam, one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world.
Continue to Rockfort Temple for panoramic city views and then visit Jambukeswarar
Temple, associated with the water element among the Pancha Bhoota
temples. The evening is free for leisure or local shopping.
Overnight stay in Trichy.
Day 7
Trichy → Madurai By Surface (130 Kms/0230 Hrs)
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After breakfast, proceed by road to
Madurai, one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. On arrival, check
in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman
Temple and attend the evening Aarti ceremony. Later, explore the
bustling streets and markets surrounding the temple.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 8
Madurai Sightseeing
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After breakfast, continue sightseeing
in Madurai. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple early in the morning if not
covered the previous day, followed by the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
Later, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Vandiyur Mariamman
Teppakulam. The rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 9
Madurai → Periyar By Surface (150 Kms/04 Hrs)
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Early morning departure to Periyar,
known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. The scenic drive
includes optional stops at spice gardens. On arrival, check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon at around 2:30 PM, proceed for a boat ride on Periyar Lake
inside the wildlife sanctuary, offering chances to spot elephants, birds, and
other wildlife along the forested banks.
Overnight stay in Periyar.
Day 10
Periyar → Alleppey (Houseboat) By Surface (140 Kms/04 Hrs)
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After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and
check in to a traditional Kerala houseboat. Enjoy a leisurely cruise through
the backwaters with all meals served on board. Relax as you pass through serene
canals, village life, paddy fields, and coconut groves.
Overnight
stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.
Day 11
Alleppey → Cochin By Surface (60 Kms/0130 Hrs)
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After disembarking from the houseboat
around 9:00 AM, drive to Cochin. Check in at the hotel upon arrival. In the
afternoon, visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church,
and Marine Drive in Ernakulam. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali
dance performance.
Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 12
Cochin Sightseeing
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After breakfast, enjoy a full day of
sightseeing in Cochin. Visit the Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace, Paradesi
Synagogue, and Jew Town, followed by a walk through the spice
markets. Explore the city’s colonial architecture and nearby backwaters at a
relaxed pace.
Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 13
Cochin Departure
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After breakfast, enjoy free time for
personal activities, local shopping, or short sightseeing depending on your schedule.
Later, you will be transferred to Cochin Airport to board your departure
flight. Please note that standard hotel check-out time is 12:00 noon.