South India Temple Tour with Kerala

Day 01: Arrival in Chennai

• Upon your arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
• The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore the surroundings.
• Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 02 : Chennai

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day exploration of Chennai, the vibrant capital city of Tamil Nadu, known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels.

• Marundeeswarar Temple: A fine specimen of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva as Marundeeswarar, the God of Medicines.
• San Thome Basilica: One of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus Christ. This neo-Gothic church holds significant historical importance.
• Fort St. George: Built in 1644, this was the first English fortress in India. It now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat. (Note: Fort is closed every Friday.)
• Kapaleeswarar Temple: An 8th-century Pallava temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its intricate carvings and towering gopuram.

In the evening, visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and explore T Nagar, a bustling commercial hub famous for shopping. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 03 : Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (60Kms / 2hrs)

After breakfast, depart for Mahabalipuram, stopping en route at Kanchipuram, known as the "City of Thousand Temples" and famous for its exquisite silk sarees.

• Ekambareswarar Temple: A magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring one of the tallest gopurams (gateway towers) in India, standing at 59 meters.
• Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple: The oldest structure in Kanchipuram, showcasing early Dravidian architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Continue your journey to Mahabalipuram, an ancient port city famed for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. The evening is free to relax on Mahabalipuram Beach. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 04 : Mahabalipuram

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring the remarkable monuments of Mahabalipuram:

• Shore Temple: Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this 8th-century temple is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India.
• Cave Temples: Rock-cut sanctuaries featuring intricate bas-reliefs, representing early examples of Dravidian architecture.
• Arjuna's Penance (Descent of the Ganges): A massive open-air bas-relief carved on two monolithic boulders, depicting scenes from Hindu epics.
• Pancha Rathas: Five monolithic pyramidal structures, each carved from a single granite stone, dedicated to the Pandava brothers and Draupadi from the Mahabharata.
• Krishna's Butterball: A giant balancing rock perched on a hillside, defying gravity.

Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the serene beach atmosphere. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 5: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (90Kms / 2hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony with a unique blend of Indian and French architecture. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later visit:

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram: A spiritual community founded in 1926, dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
• Auroville & Matrimandir: An experimental township promoting human unity, with the Matrimandir serving as its spiritual and architectural centerpiece.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade Beach, enjoying the sunset over the Bay of Bengal. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 06 : Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Trichy (200kms / 4hrs)

After breakfast, depart for Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), stopping en route at Thanjavur:

• Brihadeeswarar Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 11th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an exemplary example of Chola dynasty architecture.
• Thanjavur Royal Palace: Explore the palace complex, showcasing art galleries, royal memorabilia, and a mix of architectural styles.
• Continue to Trichy and visit:
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: One of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, renowned for its grandeur and spiritual significance.
• Rock Fort Temple: A historic fort and temple complex perched atop an ancient rock, offering panoramic views of the city.

Check in to your hotel in Trichy. Overnight stay in Trichy.

Day 07 : Trichy – Madurai (130Kms / 2 -3hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, often referred to as the "Athens of the East." Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later visit:

• Meenakshi Amman Temple: An iconic temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), famed for its towering gopurams and intricate sculptures.
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: A 17th-century palace showcasing a blend of Dravidian and Rajput architectural styles, known for its majestic pillars and arches.

In the evening, witness the enchanting night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, a captivating ritual steeped in tradition. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 08 : Madurai – Rameshwaram (175Kms / 3hrs)

• After breakfast, drive to Rameshwaram, an island city significant in Hindu mythology as the place where Lord Rama built a bridge to Lanka.
• Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the surroundings. Overnight stay in Rameshwaram.

Day 09 : Rameshwaram

After breakfast, explore the sacred sites of Rameshwaram:

• Ramanathaswamy Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for having the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India.
• Five-Faced Hanuman Temple: A unique temple where Lord Hanuman is depicted with five faces, representing different deities, and houses floating stones believed to be used in building the Ram Setu bridge.
• Dhanushkodi: Visit the ghost town at the southern tip of Rameshwaram, offering stunning views where the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet.

Overnight stay in Rameshwaram.

Day 10 : Rameshwaram – Kanyakumari (310Kms / 6hrs)

• After breakfast, proceed to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge.
• Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Day 11 : Kanyakumari

Begin your day with a visit to:

• Devi Kanya Kumari Temple: Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
• Vivekananda Rock Memorial: A sacred monument built on a rocky island, marking the spot where Swami Vivekananda meditated in 1892.
• Gandhi Mandapam: A memorial constructed at the spot where the urn containing Mahatma Gandhi's ashes was kept before immersion.

Witness the spectacular sunrise or sunset views unique to Kanyakumari. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Day 12 : Kanyakumari – Kovalam (80kms /2hrs)

• After breakfast, drive to Kovalam, a picturesque beach town known for its palm-lined shores and tranquil ambiance.
• Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
• The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach or indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments.
• Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 13 : Kovalam

• Enjoy a leisurely day at Kovalam. You can unwind on the beach, explore local markets, or opt for wellness treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind.
• Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 14 : Kovalam – Alleppey (175kms /4-5hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), known as the "Venice of the East" for its intricate network of backwaters. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam):

• These eco-friendly houseboats are made from bamboo poles, coconut fibers, and coir carpets, featuring furnished bedrooms, sundecks, and private balconies.
• Cruise through serene backwaters, witnessing rural life, paddy fields, and coconut groves.
• Savor freshly prepared Kerala cuisine on board, including local specialties and seafood.
• Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 15 : Alleppey – Thekkady (130kms / 3 -4 hrs)

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Periyar:

• This is an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife such as elephants, bison, deer, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
• Visit the Spice Plantations:
• Take a guided tour through aromatic spice gardens to learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon.
• Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 16 : Thekkady – Munnar (90kms / 3hrs)

After breakfast, depart for Munnar, a hill station renowned for its lush tea gardens, misty mountains, and pleasant climate. En route, enjoy panoramic views of plantations and waterfalls. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, visit:

• Mattupetty Dam: A picturesque spot ideal for boating and enjoying scenic vistas.
• Echo Point: Known for the natural echo phenomenon, a popular spot among tourists.
• Tea Museum: Explore the history of tea cultivation in the region and witness the tea-making process.
• Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 17 : Munnar

After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park:

• Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the park offers breathtaking views of rolling grasslands and shola forests. (Note: The park is closed during February and March for the breeding season.)
• In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance: Witness one of the world's oldest theater forms, showcasing elaborate costumes, makeup, and storytelling through dance and music.
• Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 18 : Munnar – Cochin (120kms / 4hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Cochin (Kochi), a city rich in history and cultural diversity. Upon arrival, explore:

• Chinese Fishing Nets: Iconic cantilevered fishing nets introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century.
• Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and renovated by the Dutch, featuring murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics.
• Santa Cruz Basilica: A historic church established in 1505, showcasing impressive Gothic architecture.
• Jewish Synagogue: The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, built in 1568, adorned with Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles.
• Jew Town: Wander through antique shops and spice markets in this historic area.
• Princess Street: Stroll along this charming street lined with European-style buildings.
• Marine Drive: Enjoy a scenic promenade along the backwaters, ideal for an evening walk.
• Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 19 : Cochin

After breakfast, the day is at your leisure:

• Option to explore Fort Kochi, visit art galleries, or take a harbor cruise to see the city's skyline and ships (optional activities).
• Experience local cuisine and perhaps indulge in some shopping.
• Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 20 : Departure from Cochin

• After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.