(Best Of South India Tour) Chennai – Covelong – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai/Chettinad – Kodaikanal – Munnar – Cochin – Mararikulam – Cochin Tour Package

ABOUT DESTINATIONS

Chennai – On the Bay of Bengal in eastern India and it is the capital city of Tamil Nadu state. Chennai city is home to Fort St. George, which was built in 1644 and now a museum. Its old name was Madras. The city is famous for its beaches and religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican Church. With its historic landmarks and buildings, long sandy beaches, cultural, art centers and parks, Chennai's tourism offers many potentially interesting locations to visitors. A notable tourist attraction in Chennai is actually in the neighbouring town of Mahabalipuram, with its ancient temples and rock carvings of the 7th century Pallava kingdom is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Chennai is the sixth most populous city of India and it is most visited city in India by foreign tourists.  

Covelong Beach – This beach is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal near Covelong village in Chennai. This is a fishing village about 38 Km from Chennai. Beach is on the way to Mahabalipuram near the East Coast Road. This Beach is one of the beautiful and finest beaches. As it is just near to Chennai and is located on the way to Mahabalipuram, it is visited by thousands of people each day. Mostly the local crowd is higher in the beach. Along with beach, there are some another tourist attraction as an ancient Catholic Church, Dharga & Temple nearby the beach.

Kanchipuram – The city is located on the banks of the Vegavathy River, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, 72 Km from Chennai city (The capital of Tamil Nadu, south India. The town's historical monuments are Kailasanathar Temple and the Vaikunta Perumal Temple and also known as one of the seven scared city of India. The town is well known for its hand woven Silk Sarees and most of the town's workforce are involved in the weaving industry.

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram – It is one of the oldest cities in India, located at the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the Kanchipuram district of south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is on the coastline 58 KM south of the city of Chennai. City is known for its ancient temples and monuments, built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries, with a group of Hindu monuments declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most visited towns in South India. The seafront Shore Temple comprises 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple.

Pondicherry – Is a most popular tourist destination in South India. Pondicherry city is situated in the Puducherry district of the union territory in South India. There are number of old and large churches in Pondicherry, most were built in the 18th & 19th centuries. A number of monuments and heritage buildings are present around the Promenade Beach such as the 19^th Century Light House, French War Memorial, Nehru Statue, Gandhi Statue, Le Café, Children's Park & Dupleix Statue, Bharathi Park, Governors Palace, Romain Rolland Library, Legislative Assembly, Pondicherry Museum and the French Institute of Pondicherry at Saint Louis Street.

Tanjore or Thanjavur – Tanjore is a city (Also referred as Thanjavur), located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The most visited monument in Thanjavur is 11th-century’s Brihadeeswara Temple is located in the heart of the city, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples are located in and around Thanjavur which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. Thanjavur is also important center of South Indian religion for an Art and Architecture. It is home to Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region. The city is also known for its Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur Art Gallery and Tamil University Museum. Thanjavur is an important pilgrim centre and a major tourist destination of Tamil Nadu. 

Trichy/Tiruchirapalli – (Also known as Tiruchirapalli) is an ancient city, located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, on the banks of Kaveri River. City is famous for its temples and Fort such as Ranganathaswamy Temple, with intricately carved gopurams (Towering gateways) and Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple, dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The Rock Fort Temple complex towers over the city center. The most famous land mark of this bustling town is the Rock Fort Temple. Trichy city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is famous for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass and wooden bangles and clay toys.

Madurai – Is an ancient city, located on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India and was ruled by Pandya kings over most of its history. The city is famous for its rich heritage and promoting Tamil language through "Sangams". Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (Gateway Towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. Madurai is famous for the Chithirai Festival which takes place during mid April-May, during the Hindu month of Chithirai. Madurai is also famous for its yearly bull run "Jallikattu" which coincides with Pongal festival in the month of January.

Chettinad – The land of Heritage and Devotion. Chettinad is a region located mainly in the Sivaganga district of Pandya Nadu and has a small portion extending into the Pudukottai District of Chola Nadu in Tamil Nadu, India. Chettinad is known for its unique art and architecture, Nagarathar temples and Aromatic and tasty local cuisine.

Kodaikanal – Is a hill town, at an altitude of 2,000 Meters above from the sea level, located in the hills of Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu in South India. Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations". Kodaikanal is a popular hill tourist destination along with several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination for newly married couples. 

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala at height of 1,600 Meters above from sea level. Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in Idukki district of Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.

Cochin (also known as Kochi) is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. Kochi also known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries.

Mararikulam – It is a beach village, located about 41 Km from Cochin, in the district of Alleppey (Also referred to Alappuzha). It has the famous temple Mararikulam Mahadevar temple, dedicated to Lord Siva. It is the fertile land of communism and it has a very beautiful beach which is known by the name Marari Beach or Mararikulam beach. It is one of the most beautiful destinations of Kerala for the tourists who visit Kerala.

Tour Code : WHHI/TN 035

Tour Duration : 16 Nights / 17 Days

Places to visit : Chennai – Covelong – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai/Chettinad – Kodaikanal – Munnar – Cochin – Mararikulam – Cochin

Day 01: Arrival at Chennai – Covelong (38 Km) Travel time 1 hour (Approx)

Arrive at Chennai, our representative will pick you from Chennai Airport/Railway station and will assist you to transfer to Covelong. Drive to Covelong Beach en route visiting Dakshina Chitra –Dakshina Chitra meaning "A picture of the South") is a living-history museum, located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, it is dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture. Upon arrival at Covelong Beach, check in to your pre booked hotel. After refresh, free for your own activities and overnight stay at Covelong hotel.

Day 02: Covelong Beach Tour

After breakfast, go to Covelong Beach – It is one of the finest and beautiful beaches by nature. As it is near to Chennai and is located on the way to Mahabalipuram, it is visited by thousands of people each day. Relax at Cavelong beach, enjoy water sports and adventure activities. Later, return back to your hotel and free for your own activities and overnight stay at Covelong hotel.

Day 03: Covelong – Mahabalipuram Temple Tour – Pondicherry (173 Km) Travel time 4 hour (Approx)

After breakfast check out Covelong hotel and drive to Pondicherry en route visiting Mahabalipuram (Also known as Mamallapuram), upon arrival at Mahabalipuram, proceed for sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram and explore tourist attractions of Mahabalipuram and visit to Arjuna’s Penance or Descent of the Ganges – The Arjuna relief is in the centre of Mahabalipuram, facing the sea at a short distance from the shores of the Coramandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal where the Shore Temple is situated. The Arjuna's penance is one of the most famous stone carvings at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram). It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas) – Is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram, located at the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in the Kancheepuram district of South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. This complex is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shore Temple – Is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with granite blocks. It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of South India. It is also one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later continue drive to Pondicherry, upon arrival at, check in to hotel and overnight stay at Pondicherry hotel.

Day 04: Pondicherry + Gingee Fort Sightseeing Tour

Early morning, proceed for sightseeing tour of Gingee Fort – Is famous for its Fort. It lies in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, close to the Union Territory of Puducherry (Pondicherry). The fort is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Villupuram district. Later return back to Pondicherry, after lunch proceed for Pondicherry sightseeing tour and visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Is a spiritual community (Ashram), located in Pondicherry, in the Indian territory of Puducherry. Today, Pondicherry has become an important destination for spiritual seekers as well as tourists. Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to the ashram. Later return back to hotel and overnight stay at Pondicherry hotel.

Day 05: Pondicherry – Tanjore / Thanjavur (160 Km) Travel time 4 hour (Approx)

After breakfast check out Pondicherry hotel drive to Tanjore (Also known as Thanjavur). On the way to Pondicherry explore the temple tour of Chidambaram and Kumbakonam. Upon arrival at Tanjore, check in to your pre booked hotel. After refresh, take some rest, later free for your own activities or explore local market of Tanjore, return back to hotel and overnight stay at Tanjore hotel.

Day 06: Tanjore/Thanjavur Sightseeing Tour – Trichy Sightseeing Tour – Tanjore (58 Km) Travel time 1.30 hour (Approx)

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Tanjore city and visit to famous Brihadishvara Temple – Also known as Rajesvara Peruvudaiyar or Brihadeeswarar Temple, it is a Hindu temple and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest temple of South India and an exemplary example of a fully realized Tamil architecture. This temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and most visited place of Tanjore city. Shiva Ganga Garden – It is a recreational park, located in the Thanjavur city in the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. It just close to Brihadishvara Temple and a popular tourist sport in the city along with a toy train, motor boating facilities and a miniature zoological garden. Vijayanagar Fort – Is one of the most popular historical monuments in India. This splendid fort is situated at a distance of 2 Km from the North Eastern Part of exotic Brihadishvara Temple. Afternoon, post lunch drive to Trichy (Also known as Tiruchirappalli), upon arrival explore popular tourist destinations of Trichy and visit to Jambukeswarar Temple or Thiruvanaikal or Jambukeswaram – It is a famous Shiva temple in Tiruchirapalli (Also known as Trichy) in the south India state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was built by Kocengannan. It is located in the Srirangam Island, which has the famous Ranganathaswami temple. Jambukeshwarar temple is one of the five major Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu. Sri Ranganathaswami Temple or Srirangam Temple – It is a Hindu temple (Also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati), dedicated to Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu). The temple is located about 12 Km north of the city, on a large island bounded by the Cauvery River and Kollidam River in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu. The Srirangam temple is the largest temple compound in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Also visit Rock Fort Temple – It is a historic fortification and temple complex built on an ancient rock. It is located in the Tiruchirappalli city in the south India state of Tamil Nadu. In the evening return back to Tanjore and overnight stay at Tanjore hotel.

Day 07th – Tour/Destination are optional, you may opt to Madurai either Chettinad as per your interest. 

Day 07: Tanjore – Madurai Sightseeing Tour (195 Km) Travel time 4 hours (Approx) 
After breakfast check out from Tanjore hotel and drive to Madurai. On arrival at Madurai, check in to your pre booked hotel. After refresh and some rest proceed for sightseeing tour of Madurai and explore popular tourist places of Madurai and visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple – Is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is about 460 Km southwest from Chennai city, the state capital of Tamil Nadu. The temple is a major pilgrimage destination, dedicated to Meenakshi Devi and Shiva. It is a large temple complex is the most prominent landmark in Madurai and attracts tens of thousands visitors a day. King Thirumala’s Palace – The palace is a 17th-century palace, situated is 2 Km south east of the Meenakshi Amman Temple in the city of Madurai. This Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles. Gandhi Memorial Museum – Established in 1959, is a memorial museum for Gandhi, located in the Madurai city of Tamil Nadu. It is known as Gandhi Museum, now one of the five Gandhi Sanghralayas (Gandhi Museums) in the country. Also visit to Great Tank – Located near to Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and situated at a distance of about 2 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The tank is connected to Vaigai River through an ingenious system of underground Channels. In the evening return back to hotel and overnight stay at Madurai hotel.

OR (Optional)

Day 07: Tanjore – Chettinad Sightseeing Tour (100 Km) Travel time 2 hours (Approx) 
After breakfast check out from Tanjore hotel and drive to Chettinad. Upon arrival at Chettinad, check in to your pre booked hotel. After refresh and some rest proceed for sightseeing tour of Chettinad and explore popular tourist place of Chettinad and visit to Chettinad Palace – This palace built in 1912 by Raja Sir Annamalai CHETTIAR, located in the Sivaganga district of south India state of Tamil Nadu, the majestic architecture of Chettinad Palace is a beautiful example of the indigenous Chettinad architecture. You may also visit to some famous temple of Chettinad such as Athangudi, Chettiar Clan Temple and Athmanathaswamy Temple. After visiting this palace don’t miss to taste the sumptuous delicacies of Chettinad local cuisine. The chettiars are known to be traders in salt and spices and this is reflects in the Chettinad cuisine. Meals also consist of cooked lentils, Brinjal curry, drumstick sambar, ghee for flavouring rice and sweet meats like payasam and paal paniyaram. Later return back to Chettinad hotel and overnight stay at Chettinad hotel.

Day 08: Madurai/Chettinad – Kodaikanal (110 Km from Madurai – Travel time 3 hours & 340 Km from Chettinad 8 hours) Travel time is approximate

After breakfast check out from Madurai or Chettinad hotel and drive to Kodaikanal. On arrival at Kodaikanal, check in to hotel. Kodaikanal is one of the beautiful hill stations in South India. It lies at an attitude of 2100 Meters above from the sea level. After refresh, free for your own activities or explore local market of Kodaikanal and overnight stay at Kodaikanal hotel.

Day 09: Kodaikanal Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Kodaikanal and explore prominent tourist attraction of Kodaikanal and visit to Pillar Rocks – Is 8 Km away from the Kodaikanal bus stand, Pillar Rock is a set of three giant rock pillars which stand at a height of 122 Meters. There is an excellent public garden adjacent to the viewpoint. This spot offers captivating view of lush green surroundings, it also offers magnificent view of the Vaigai Dam. Bear Shola Falls – Located 3 Km from the Kodaikanal bus stand and 2 Km from Kodaikanal Lake, is a tall waterfall in a Reserve forest. It is believed that bears come here to drink water which led to this name of the waterfalls as Bear Shola Falls. The final approach to this quiet area is a gently climbing foot-path. Pine forest or Bryant Park – Mr. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal in 1906 with a view to growing valuable timber. The Pine forest is a paradise for photographers and also beauty full place for nature lovers. Horse riding and walking is quite popular here. Coaker's Walk – Is a 1 Km paved pedestrian path built in 1872 by Lt. Coaker, running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. Walking here is a unforgettable experience of life, which providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. Telescope House – Located at mid of Coaker's Walk on the northern tip, Telescope House is the best place, where you can take panoramic view of the surrounding areas such as Vaigai Dam, Sothupparai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha River. Also visit to famous Kodaikanal Lake – Is an artificial lake, built in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. The 5 Km path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favorite walk for the locals and tourists alike. Boating, horse riding, bicycling are a few of the popular activities around the lake. In the evening Shopping – You are free for shopping in Kodaikanal and explore Kashmir Handicrafts Centre, Khadi Emporium, Government Sales Emporium and Handloom Co-Operative Stores. You can also buy homemade chocolates, cheese and marshmallows. Aromatherapy products and herbs are also bought by almost every tourist. Later return back to your hotel and overnight stay at Kodaikanal hotel.

Day 10: Kodaikanal – Munnar (156 Km) Travel time 4/5 hours (Approx)

After breakfast check out from Kodaikanal hotel and drive to Munnar with the mesmerizing view of Tea Plantations, Spice Plantations and the number of Waterfalls, you can stop over here and can capture some natural moments in your camera. On arrival at Munnar, check in to your pre booked hotel. After refresh and some rest proceed to visit Pothamedu View Point – Located 6 Km away from Munnar, it is a best place for nature lovers. Pothamedu offers panoramic view of Munnar and adjoining valleys. It is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar for tea, coffee as well as cardamom plantations. Later return back to hotel and overnight stay at Munnar hotel.

Day 11: Munnar Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Munnar and explore the most popular tourist places of Munnar and visit to Eravikulam National Park at Rajamalai (Optional) – Eravikulam National Park is a 97 km national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala in India. Here you can watch the rare specious of Nilgiri Tahr and an exotic flora & fauna. Return back to Munnar en route visiting Eco Point. Upon arrival at Munnar visit to Munnar Tea Gardens – There are more than 50 tea estates in and around Munnar. Most of the plantations are taken over by the Tata Group. The Tea Estates of Munnar are beautifully spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers and are surrounded by lush green hills. Also visit to Christ Church, Rose Garden and Munnar Tea Museum. In the evening explore local market of Munnar and overnight stay at Munnar hotel.

Day 12: Munnar – Cochin (126 Km) Travel time 3/4 hours (Approx)

After breakfast check out from Munnar hotel and drive to Cochin (Also referred to Kochi). Upon arrival, check in to your pre booked hotel. Cochin is an important city of Kerala and it also state capital of south Indian state of Kerala. After refresh explore the city by your own and enjoy the local food and also explore local market of Kerala city. Later come back to hotel and overnight stay at Cochin hotel.

Day 13: Cochin (Kochi) Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Cochin city and explore popular tourist places of Cochin city and visit to Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi beach, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Chinese Fishing Net, Bolgatty Island, Bolghatty Palace, Willington Island, Marine Drive and Broadway. In the evening enjoy the performance of Kathakali. Later return back to hotel and overnight stay at Cochin hotel.

Day 14: Cochin – Mararikulam (41 Km) Travel time 1 hour (Approx)

After breakfast, check out from Cochin/Kochi hotel and drive to Mararikulam. Upon arrival at Mararikulam, check in to your pre booked hotel. Mararikulam is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Kerala with its beautiful beach by the name of Marari Beach or Mararikulam Beach in south India. It was rated as one of the world’s top five HAMMOCK BEACH by National Geographic survey. You can enjoy water sports and adventure activities such as Para-Sailing, Sport Fishing, Swimming, Snorkeling and Harpoon fishing. After refresh and rest, in the evening take a leisurely walk at Mararikulam Beach. Later return back to hotel and overnight stay at Mararikulam hotel.

Day 15: Mararikulam Beach Tour

After breakfast, full day relax at Mararikulam Beach and you are free to enjoy water sports and adventure activities such as swimming, wind surfing and snorkeling. In the evening take a leisurely walk at Mararikulam Beach. Later return back to hotel and overnight stay at Mararikulam hotel.

Day 16: Mararikulam Temple Tour / Shopping

After breakfast, proceed for temple tour of Mararikulam and visit to Mararikulam Mahadevar Temple – It is a famous temple of Mararikulam, dedicated to Lord Siva. Later free for your own activities or explore local market of Mararikulam and buy some best quality of spices. In the evening take a leisure walk at surrounding. Later return back to hotel and overnight stay at Mararikulam hotel.

Day 17: Mararikulam – Cochin Departure Airport

After breakfast check out from Mararikulam hotel and transfer to Cochin Airport to board the flight for your further journey back to home or onward destination.

 

Tour End...!!!!

But Sweet Memories Always Remain...!!!!

 

Above package available with the best Chennai Covelong Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Pondicherry Tanjore (Thanjavur) Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) Madurai /Chettinad Kodaikanal Munnar Cochin (Kochi) Mararikulam Budget Hotels (2 Star Standard Hotels/Resorts), Chennai Covelong Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Pondicherry Tanjore (Thanjavur) Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) Madurai / Chettinad Kodaikanal Munnar Cochin (Kochi) Mararikulam 3 Star Hotels (Deluxe Hotels/Resorts), Chennai Covelong Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Pondicherry Tanjore (Thanjavur) Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) Madurai / Chettinad Kodaikanal Munnar Cochin (Kochi) Mararikulam 4 Star Hotels (Luxury Hotels/Resorts) and Chennai Covelong Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Pondicherry Tanjore (Thanjavur) Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) Madurai / Chettinad Kodaikanal Munnar Cochin (Kochi) Mararikulam 5 Star Hotels (Premium Hotels/Resorts).

 

 

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