South India Tamilnadu & Kerala Tour

South India Tamilnadu & Kerala Tour Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive Chennai
   
   On your arrival at Chennai airport or railway station & welcome by Colourful Indian Holidays representative, you will be transferred to hotel for 01 night.
   Chennai – the capital of Tamil Nadu is the 4th largest city in India and a major commercial centre in South India. This city was the first British major settlement in India. Known as the ‘Gateway to South’, Chennai presents culture that is distinctly different from North.
2. Day 2: Chennai / Mahabalipuram drive (58 Km)
   
   cAfter breakfast, today enjoy Tour of Chennai visiting the St. Thomas’ Cathedral which houses the grave of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Bronze Museum, Mylapore Temple. Later drive to Mahabalipuram. Arrive and check in at hotel for 02 nights stay.
3. Day 3: Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram
   
   Morning breakfast at hotel and later visit Mahabalipuram – ‘the city of the seven pagodas’. Witness the breath-taking display of the pagodas or “rathas”, the “Penance of Bhagirata,” the world’s largest bas-relief in stone and the only shore temple, dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva in its sanctum. Afternoon day return trip to Kanchipuram, the city of 1000 temples is one among the 7 most sacred pilgrim centers of the Hindus. The city was the capital of the early Cholas till the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th & 8th centuries. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
4. Day 4: Mahabalipuram / Thanjavur (240 Km)
   
   After breakfast drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival check into hotel for 01 night stay. Afternoon visit the Brahadishwara Temple (Brahadeeswara temple) built by Rajaraja Chola during the 11th century. The Brahadishwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Saraswathi Mahal Library, which contains over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper. And The Palace was built partly by the Nayaks of Vijayanagar in 1550 AD, and partly by the Marathas. Overnight at hotel.
5. Day 05: Thanjavur / Madurai (188 km) via Trichy
   
   Morning drive to Madurai on route visiting Trichy, Here you will climb up the stairs to the famous Rock Fort which was built on 84 m high rock in the centre of town in about 1660. You will also visit a Shiva and Ganesha temple and enjoy a wonderful view of the surroundings from the top. After visiting continue drive to Madurai, upon arrival check in at hotel for 01 night stay. Overnight at hotel. Madurai (formerly Madura) is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Indian peninsula.It is an ancient and prestigious city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, situated on the banks of the River Vaigai in Madurai district. The city is widely known as the Temple City.
6. Day 06: Madurai / Thekkady (160 Km)
   
   Morning after breakfast visit to Minakshi Temple: which stands today as one of the India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks, was originally built by the early Pandya King Kulasekara. It is also one of the greatest Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu. And Tirumalai Nayaka Palace. This palace was built in the 1636 and represents the Indo-Mughal style. Afternoon drive to Periyar (also known as Thekkady). On arrival check into hotel for 02 nights stay. Relax & overnight at hotel.
7. Day 07: Thekkady
   
   Breakfast at hotel and later visit to Periyar wildlife sanctuary & enjoy the Elephant ride in Thekkady. Over night stay in Thekkady.
8. Day 08: Thekkady / Kumarkom (120 Km)
   
   tMorning after breakfast, drive to Kumarkom and check in at hotel, for 01 night stay. The panoramic backwaters here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy nature at its best. Afternoon visit the bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Vembanad Lake: The beautiful Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is famous for its exceptional scenic beauty, lush green surroundings and exciting boat cruises. Over night stay in Kumarkom.
9. Day 09: Kumarkom / Alleppey Drive (Houseboat)
   
   Morning drive to Alleppey, Upon arrival, check in at hotel for 01 night. Later you will board in a boat {Canoe} of Kerala style and enjoy the boat ride through the backwaters. The backwaters in Alleppey, houses a variety of fauna, flora and marine life. On the way you will see various local activities of the people living along the backwaters and also visit some of the Tourist places on the way. Boating is the fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters in Alleppey. Over night stay in Alleppey.
10. Day 10: Alleppey / Varkala (110 Km)
    
    Today you will drive to Varkala in the morning and check in at the hotel for 03 nights stay. Realx & overnight at hotel. Afternoon Varkala is also famous for the 2,000-year old Janardana Swami Temple which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi ( Benares of the South). Another major landmark in Varkala is the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The hill-top mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru is one of the most famous monuments in Kerala. Overnight at Varakala.
11. Day 11: Varkala
    
    Day is free on own to relax and enjoy the Beach of Varkala.
12. Day 12: Varakala
    
    Day is free on own to relax and enjoy the Beach of Varkala.
13. Day 13: Varkala
    
    Day is free on own to relax and enjoy the Beach of Varkala.
14. Day 14: Varkala – Cochin Drive
    
    After breakfast drive to Cochin. Tour of Cochin – the “Dutch Palace in Mattancherry known for its intricate wall paintings. The Jewish synagogue is located in the heart “of the City of ‘’Jews “. In addition, there is the church of St. Francis, the oldest European church in India. Later you will have a sightseeing Tour of The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi; they are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Over night stay in Cochin.
15. Day 15: Cochin – Onward Flight
    
    Today you will be transferred to Trivandrum airport to board in flight for your onward journey.