Southern Splendor (Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Marari – Cochin)

Duration: 13 Days and 12 Nights

Description: The magic of South India awaits you. Let us take you into ancient temple towns and vibrant cities; spend a night on a houseboat in the romantic backwaters. Experience the sparkling creativity of arts and crafts and enjoy the beautiful, sandy beaches.

Day 01: Arrival in Chennai (-/-/-)
Upon arrival at the airport in Chennai, you will be met by our representative and accompanied to the hotel. On the way, take your first look at this vibrant city, in which tradition and modernity exist in vivid contrast.

After a rest, go on a tour of Chennai. The mighty Fort St. George is now a museum that exhibits belongings from the colonial period. Admire the delicate and intricate carvings at the Kapaleeswarar temple. Explore DakshinaChitra – an exciting cross-cultural living museum. Make yourself familiar with the classical Indian arts in the Kalakshetra and then enjoy the famous Marina Beach, the second longest sand beach in the world.
Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 02: Chennai – Mahabalipuram (B/-/-)
After a hearty breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. We make a detour to Kanchipuram to visit the city of 1000 temples, and to revel in shimmering silk, a specialty of Kanchipuram. Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas and other monuments of stone. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (B/-/-)
Today’s journey takes you on a relaxing ride along the coast to Pondicherry. The beaches, the calm and serenity of this place will amaze you. Visit the world famous ashram of Aurobindo and become familiar with the special lifestyle in Auroville. And experience shopping in Pondicherry – a real pleasure!
Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Pondicherry – Tanjore (B/-/-)
Today, after a leisurely breakfast proceed to Tanjore. On the way, visit and explore the interesting temple of Chithambaram. Upon arrival in Tanjore, check in to hotel. After lunch, you can delve into the ancient world of Tanjore. Explore the magnificent temple Swamaimali. Its more than sixty levels represent the 60 years of the Tamil calendar. The fascinating temples in Darasuram and the massive temple of Sri Brahadeeswara transport you to the era of the great Chola kings of Tanjore. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (B/-/-)
Explore today, on the way to Madurai, the imposing Rock Fort Temple in Trichy, a spectacular monument. Stroll through the streets of this vibrant city. Later, on arrival at Madurai, check in at hotel. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 06: Madurai (B/-/-)
After a hearty breakfast, you will experience the exciting city of Madurai on the banks of river Vaigai. Its brightly painted temple will thrill you. Your tour includes a visit to the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and Tirumalai Nayakar Mahal Palace, built by an Italian architect. You feel transported into an Italian Renaissance palace! Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Madurai – Periyar (B/_/_)
On this day, the journey leads you into the nature reserve of Periyar, a true paradise for nature lovers. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the ride. Upon arrival in Periyar, check in at hotel.

Thekkady has the famous Tiger Reserve. Observe wild animals in the evening with a leisurely boat ride on Lake Periyar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Periyar – Kumarakom (B/-/-)
A wonderful place awaits you, the village of Kumarakom in the backwaters. It hides under the palm trees on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad at the mouth of the River Kavanar. Enjoy this wonderful place and catch a glimpse of authentic village life. After the ride, the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Kumarakom – Alleppey (F/M/A)
A cozy house on the water, the houseboat is waiting for you today. Go aboard at 12.30 for a unique experience. A trip on a houseboat is a great way to capture the amazing beauty of the backwaters, take a look at rice fields and fish, if you like. Enjoy the traditional cuisine of Kerala on board the houseboat, and an enjoyable evening.
Overnight at the houseboat.

Day 10: Alleppey – Marari (B/-/-)
In the morning, you leave the house boat in Marari. On arrival, check in to hotel. Marari is a small, picturesque fishing village. Let the wonderful sandy beaches and the waves send you to a world of simple happiness.
Overnight at the resort.

Day 11: Marari (B/-/-)
Day at your leisure. Relax on the gorgeous, palm-fringed white sand beach.
Overnight at the resort.

Day 12: Marari – Cochin (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we proceed to Cochin. Enjoy this vibrant city on the Malabar Coast. First, you observe Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi, which are in use only here outside China. It is believed that traders from the court of Chinese ruler Kublai Khan presented these nets here. Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. Enjoy this special sight in the morning light. Church of St. Francis is the oldest church built by Europeans, in India. The Portuguese trader Vasco da Gama was buried at St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. Nevertheless, his tomb was in the church and it is clearly labeled. Visit the interesting Jewish Synagogue with their Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers and explore the Jewish Quarter in Mattancherry. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Departure from Cochin (B/-/-)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight from Cochin.