Charismatic spots of South India12 Days & 11 Nights

Upon arrival at the Cochin Airport our representative will welcome you and take you to the hotel. In the afternoon you will be taken for a sightseeing tour of Cochin. Cochin, popularly known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, is the cosmopolitan commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin boasts of a rich historic legacy as a prime hub of trade and commerce dating from the pre-colonial times. Visit the 16th century Dutch palace with beautiful murals, the oldest Jewish Synagogue in the commonwealth countries, St. Francis Church - the oldest European church in India housing the tomb of Vasco Da Gama, and the 10 m high Chinese Fishing Nets that dot the Fort Cochin beach. Return for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Depart for Munnar following an early morning breakfast at the hotel; on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast you will be taken for a sightseeing tour of Munnar. Munnar, a hill station abounding in green forests and tea plantations, is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams. Located at an altitude of 1600 m above MSL, Munnar was once the summer resort for the erstwhile British government in South India. Your morning itinerary includes visiting the Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo point. Afternoon you will be taken to Rajamalai - home to an endangered species of mountain goat called the "Nilgiri Tahrs". Return for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Following an early breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady; on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon you will be taken for a local sightseeing tour of Thekkady. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 777 sq. km. including 360 sq. km of dense evergreen forest tract, is one of the most fascinating wildlife reserves in Kerala. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, the sanctuary is noted for its geomorphology, abundance of wildlife and abounding scenic beauty. Optional activities including - Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit, Bamboo Rafting, Trekking and Elephant Ride, can be arranged at an extra cost. Return for an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Madurai; on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Madurai. The temple town of Madurai, situated on the banks of river Vaigai, is one of the most ancient cities in India with a history dating back to the pre-Christian times. It was the imperial capital of the Pandyan Empire in the 14th Century AD. Madurai was the seat of Tamil learning and the last of the Tamil Sangams (Academies) was held here nearly 2000 years ago. Places of tourist interest include the imposing Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Vaigai Dam, Thirupparankundrum, Athisayam Water Theme Park, Azhagar Koil and the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. Overnight at the hotel.

Depart for Trichy after an early morning breakfast at the hotel; on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon you will be taken for a local sightseeing tour of Trichy. The historic city of Trichy is the fourth largest in Tamil Nadu; offering a fine blend of modernity and tradition. The city, serving as a stronghold bastion for many mighty empires from the Chola Kings to the British Raj, has many impressions frozen in time left by each of these empires. The great Nayaks are considered the founders of the modern city and its majestic Rock Fort. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Tanjore; on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon embark on a sightseeing tour of Tanjore. Tanjore, was once the imperial capital of the Cholas, a dynasty that ruled over South India, parts of Sri Lanka, and the Maldives Islands for four centuries (900 – 1300 AD). These mighty emperors were great patrons of art, architecture, music and literature. During their reign countless magnificent temples were built all over the kingdom including many great ones in their capital city of Tanjore. The prime attraction of Tanjore is the imposing Brihadeeswara Temple built by king Rajaraja Chola in A.D 1010 – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places of tourist interest include Sri Brahadeeswara Temple, Palace, Art Gallery, Saraswathy Mahal Library, Schwartz Church, Thirukandiyur, Thiruvalyaru, and Kumbakonam. Return for an overnight at the hotel.

Following an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Pondicherry; on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon you will be taken for a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry. Pondicherry, known as ‘The French Riviera of the East’, was a French colony until it was integrated into India as a Union territory in 1954. The town still remarkably preserves its distinct French heritage in its many colonial monuments, cuisines, language, customs and traditions. Places of tourist interest include the Sree Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, The French Institute and the Raj Nivas. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Mahabalipuram; on arrival check-in into hotel. In the afternoon your will be taken for a local sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. The town, famous for its stone carvings, is situated on the shore of Bay of Bengal, 58 km south of Chennai. Once a thriving port city under the Pallava Empire this UNESCO world heritage site has many rock-cut monuments dating from 7th – 9th century AD. Places of tourist interest include the Shore Temples, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishnamandapam, Mandapams, Rathas, Crocodile Farm, Covelong beach, and Thirukkazhukundram. Return for an overnight at the hotel.

After an early morning breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Chennai via Kanchipuram; on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon proceed for a local sightseeing tour of Chennai (Madras) - the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. The city apart from being a major commercial hub of South India is also a centre for South Indian art, architecture, music, dance, culture, traditions and festivals. There are many places of tourist attraction in and around the city - Marina beach (a gorgeous 11 km shoreline), Kabaleeswarar Temple, Santhome Cathedral, Sree Parthasarathy Temple, Government Museum, Fort Museum, National Art Gallery, St. Thomas Mount, Valluvar Kottam, Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church, Guindy Deer & Snake Parks, Little Mount Shrine, Kalakshetra, Sittratangam and Zoological Park. Return for an overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Chennai Airport for your onward journey.