Delightful South Indian vacation15 Days & 14 Nights

Upon arrival at the Chennai Airport our representative will welcome you and assist you by road to Mahabalipuram (65 km, 1 ½ hr drive); on arrival check-in into hotel . The rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After a refreshing breakfast embark on an exciting sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. The historic town of Mahabalipuram, famous for its stone carvings, is situated on the shores 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 Pondicherry (115 km, 2 ½ hr drive); on arrival check-in into hotel. Day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Following breakfast, proceed for a local 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 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 the hotel.

Depart for Tanjore (180 km, 3 ½ hr drive) after an early morning breakfast at the hotel; on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to expend at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After a refreshing breakfast embark on a whole day 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 stay at the hotel.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Madurai (180 km, 3 ½ hr drive); on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Following a filling breakfast proceed for a whole day 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. Return for an overnight at the hotel.

After the morning breakfast check-out from Hotel and drive to Kodaikanal (125 km, 3 ½ hr drive); on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to expend at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After the morning breakfast embark on a day-long sightseeing tour of Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal, at a distance of 120 km from Madurai, lies on the southern crust of the Palani Hills. The town is centered-around the star shaped Kodai Lake covering an area of sixty acres. Kodaikanal has thickly wooded slopes, well laid out stroll paths through picturesque landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls and steep rocky drops. Places of tourist interest include the Lake, Solar Physical Observatory, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Kurunji Andavar Temple, Green Valley View, Pillar Rocks and Shembaganur Natural History Museum. Return for an overnight stay at the hotel.

After an early morning breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady (160 km, 4 ½ hr drive); on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day is at your disposal to enjoy at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, proceed for an exciting 2 hr long trekking session. Afternoon your will be taken for a Spice Plantation visit. Cultural programs will be organized to add a further dash of color to your evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Early in the morning, before breakfast, proceed for a boat cruise through the scenic Periyar Lake. Return to the hotel for a refreshing breakfast; after which you will be taken for an elephant-back ride (subject to availability). 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. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Cochin (200 km, 05 hr drive); on arrival check-in into hotel. Afternoon embark on an exciting 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.

After brakefast checkout from the hotel and drive to cochin airport for your onward journey.