Highlights of South India

International arrival,Drive from Chennai to Mamallapuram (58 km, 1 hr)

Mamallapuram

A magical realm of historical beauty Virtuous Mamallapuram’s claim to fame lies in the exquisite Pallava architecture seen in its temples, caves, rathas and monuments along with unspoiled sunny beaches, casuarina trees and handmade crafts. The famous Dance Festival is conducted every January and February.

Activities

Tour the stunning Shore temples dedicated to Lord Shiva;the temple of Anantasayana or ‘reclining Vishnu’;Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Pandava Rathas, the Varaha Cave, Krishna’s Butterball; relax by the beach.

Hotel Option 1

Ideal Beach Resort
Deluxe Cottage

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Vivanta by Taj-Fishermans Cove
Superior Charm Garden View

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Mamallapuram to Pondicherry (130 km, 2.5 hrs)

Pondicherry

A slice of France Joseph Dupleix who built Pondicherry, created 2 different cities – the Indian side..busy, bustling and dirty; the European side..cleaner, quieter and beautiful. French is spoken on the streets and the policemen wear kepis in the style of M’sieu De Gaulle – remnants of that colonial memory.

Activities

Explore this quaint French town, its colonial buildings and its most popular edifice – the Aurobindo Ashram; visit the famous temples of Vedapureswarar, Varadaraja Perumal and Manakula Vinayakar.

Hotel Option 1

Maison Perumal
Standard Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Maison Perumal
Standard room

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive from Pondicherry to Thanjavur (190 km, 5 hrs)

Thanjavur

The ‘rice bowl’ of India Thanjavur was once the cultural capital of the country. The cultural, architectural and scholarly pursuits of rulers like the Cholas, Nayaks and Maratha who nurtured art and culture, are reflected in the great monuments like the Grand Anaicut, the Big Temple and Serfoji Mahal Library.

Activities

Visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of the Brihadeshvara Temple or Bull Temple – home to India’s largest lingam; enjoy the natural splendor that surrounds the Panchanatheesvarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Hotel Option 1

Ideal River View Resort
River View Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Ideal River View Resort
River View Room

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Thanjavur to Madurai (182 km, 4.5 hrs)

Madurai

Of incense sticks and chiming cymbals! Known to be the epicenter of cultural activity, it has a history that is both dynamic and sometimes mind-boggling. This city is one of the major districts of the state of Tamil Nadu, surrounded by glorious mountains and famous for the jasmine flowers that are transported all over India.

Activities

Visit the thousand pillared Madurai Meenakshi Temple; the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple; Koodal Alagar Temple; Thirumalai Nayak Mahal; Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex; Gandhi Museum.

Hotel Option 1

GRT Residency
Superior Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Heritage Madurai
Luxury Villa

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Madurai to Munnar (176 km, 4.5 hrs)

Munnar

A haven of peace and tranquility! This picturesque scope of the lofty Western Ghats first came into prominence as a favorite summer resort of the British government. The town of stands at the confluence of three mountain streams. Enjoy trekking, boating, riding, angling or just laze about and fill your soul with peace.

Activities

Enjoy nature walk through the tea, coffee and cardamom estates in Pothamedu; go on long mountain walks or even trekking in the glorious natural expanse of the hills and mountains here.

Hotel Option 1

Tea County
Deluxe Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

The Windermere Estate
Garden Room

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Munnar to Cochin (160 km, 4.5 hrs)

Cochin

Queen of the Arabian Sea Cochin (Kochi), is a commercial town comprising mainland Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry, Fort Cochin, Vypeen and Bolghatty Island. Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish Synagogue, a Dutch Palace, Portuguese architecture and Bolghatty Palace enrich Kerala’s heritage.

Activities

Enjoy murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace & Cemetery; appreciate the stunning views of the harbour at Fort Kochi; explore Matancherry, the Pardesi Synagogue, Jewish town, St. Francis Church with the grave of Vasco da Gama; stroll through the spice and antique markets and see the Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy a sunset cruise; visit the Hill Palace and Tripunithura ; enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performances or a kaleidoscope of martial arts and traditional dance forms.

Hotel Option 1

Tea Bungalow
Heritage Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Malabar House
Deluxe Room

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Cochin to Alleppey / Kumarakom (65 km, 1.5 hrs)

Alleppey / Kumarakom

Emerald backwater paradise Here you have the unique opportunity to view typical Kerala lifestyle. Alleppey, rightfully stakes claim to its nickname ‘Venice of the East’, with its network of inland canals and houseboat cruises along the tranquil backwaters.Kumarakom enchants with viewing Kerala at work and at play.

Hotel Option 1

Punnamada Houseboat
Houseboat

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Option 2

Lake Resort Houseboat
AC Houseboat-(1 Bedroom)

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner