Day 01: Chennai
Arrive in Chennai and be met by our Tour Executive and your driver. Transfer to your hotel.
Royal South India Tours
Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days
Destinations Covered : Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Backwaters – Alleppey – Cochin.
Day 02: Chennai – Mahabalipuram
Stop en route at Dakshinachitra cultural centre dedicated to the art, architecture and culture of the Southern Indian states. Continue onto Mahabalipuram and relax at the beach side resort.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram
Morning sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram noted for the seven monolithic temples, each carved from a single granite boulder standing on the seashore. In the village you will see a huge frieze, known as Arjuna’s Penance, which is cut on to a flat granite rock face. Afternoon free. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
After breakfast drive 90kms/2hrs to Pondicherry the former French colony; the centre of the town still retains a French atmosphere in its architecture and planning. Stay at Beach Resort.
Day 05:Pondicherry
After breakfast visit the Aurobindo Ashram founded by a Bengali philosopher in the early 20th century. Afternoon option to visit Auroville or relax on the beach. Overnight Pondicherry
Day 06: Pondicherry – Tanjore
Today drive via the temple towns of Chidambaram and Kumbakonam to Tanjore to stay at the Ideal River Resort which is situated overlooking the Cauvery river outside of the town.
Day 07: Tanjore – Trichy
This entire area is rich in South Indian temple architecture. Today visit the great Brihadeshwara temple in Tanjore, which is considered to be one of the most magnificent Chola temples in India . Visit the Art Gallery and Saraswati Mahal library houses in the Tanjore Palace . After lunch in Tanjore drive 55kms/1.5hrs to Trichy.
Day 08: Trichy – Madurai
The Trichy skyline is dominated by the Rock Fort Temple . Also visit SriRangam a superb temple complex spread over an island in the Cauvery River . The Sri Ranganathaswami temple dedicated to Vishnu is one of the biggest temples in India.After lunch drive to Madurai , which has been a centre of learning, and pilgrimage for many centuries. Overnight in Madurai.
Day 09: Madurai
Life in this bustling pilgrimage city is centred on the great Meenakshi Temple , which dominates the old city. This temple with its gopurams (pyramidal gateway towers) is covered with a profusion of multi coloured images of mystical figures, animals and gods. Also visit Tirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Museum . Stay overnight in Madurai.
Day 10: Madurai – Kanyakumari
After breakfast drive 5hrs to Kanyakumari, the Southern most tip of India . A sacred spot where the 3 oceans meet and thousands gather each evening to watch the sunset and following day sunrise.Take a short boat ride out to the Vivekenanda Rock memorial and Tiruvallavur Statue. Visit the Gandhi Memorial. Overnight at Kanyakumari.
Day 11: Kovalam
After sunrise and breakfast drive via Padmanabhapuram Teak Palace to Kovalam Beach . Arrive at lunchtime and the rest of the day relaxing at the beach . Overnight Kovalam
Day 12: Kovalam Beach
Relax and enjoy an Ayurvedic Massage at Kovalam.
Day 13: Backwaters of Kerala
After breakfast, drive 3.5 hrs to Thottapally and board your Houseboat. Your crew will pamper you with delicious Keralan food as you cruise through the peaceful, palm-fringed backwaters. Overnight on board the houseboat.
Day 14: Alleppey
After breakfast you will arrive in Alleppey and disembark the Houseboat. Your car will transfer you to Alleppey Beach.In the afternoon take a Heritage Tour of Alleppey town. Overnight at the beach.
Day 15: Alleppey – Cochin
After breakfast drive 65kms/1.5hrs to Cochin . Morning sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin area. This morning visit the synagogue, Dutch Palace , St Francis’ Church and the spice market. In the take a Sunset cruise to see some of the nearby islands and the legendary Chinese fishing nets. Overnight in Cochin .
Day 16: Onward Destination
Morning transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to home.
Request Note: The above proposed tour can be customized as per your need and requirements.