Tour Plan
Grand South India Odyssey:Temples and Backwater - See the complete itinerary below!
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Day 1: Arrive in Chennai - Leela Palace Chennai
Arrive at Chennai International Airport, where our representative will welcome you with fresh flower garlands. Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s capital, is a vibrant city known for its rich heritage, temples, and Marina Beach. You will be transported in an air-conditioned car to The Leela Palace Chennai, a luxurious waterfront hotel overlooking the Bay of Bengal. With elegant architecture and world-class amenities, it offers a regal stay. Check-in upon arrival and relax. Overnight stay at The Leela Palace Chennai.
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Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Today, you will explore Chennai, beginning with Fort St. George, a historic British-era landmark. Within the fort, visit St. Mary's Church, the oldest Protestant church in the East. Next, explore the Fort Museum, known for its impressive collection of armory, silverware, and rare paintings.
Continue to San Thome Cathedral, believed to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. Visit the National Art Gallery, one of India's finest museums, featuring exhibits on geology, zoology, and anthropology. At the Government Museum, explore its remarkable archaeological section, showcasing artifacts from the Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala, and Chalukya periods.
In the afternoon, drive to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town famous for its ancient rock-cut temples. Check in at Taj Fisherman’s Cove, a luxurious beachfront resort. Unwind amidst serene surroundings and enjoy a relaxing evening. Overnight stay.
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Day 3: Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram
After breakfast, visit the Shore Temple, one of South India’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century AD in the Dravidian style, designed to capture the first rays of the rising sun. Explore Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief, a massive rock carving depicting gods, demigods, humans, and animals in stunning detail. Continue to the Pancha Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples sculpted as chariots.
In the afternoon, take a 2-hour drive to Kanchipuram, one of India's seven sacred cities. Visit the Kailasanatha Temple, an 8th-century architectural marvel known for its intricate carvings. Stop at Ekambaranatha Temple, home to a 3,000-year-old mango tree with four branches, each yielding a different variety of mangoes. Next, visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple, a revered 12th-century shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. In the evening, return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.
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Day 4: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (Puducherry)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey to Pondicherry, a coastal town known for its French heritage and spiritual significance. En route, stop at Auroville to visit the Matrimandir, a golden, dome-shaped meditation space symbolizing peace and inner reflection (opening hours: 15:30–16:30 hrs).
Continue to Pondicherry, home to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a haven for spiritual seekers. Upon arrival, check in at Palais de Mahe – CGH Earth, a boutique heritage hotel blending colonial charm with modern comforts. Relax and enjoy its serene ambiance. The evening is at your leisure to explore the town. Overnight stay at Palais de Mahe.
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Day 5: Pondicherry (Puducherry)
After breakfast, head out for sightseeing in Pondicherry. Begin with a visit to the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple’s interiors feature intricate carvings depicting forty incarnations of Ganesha, making it a significant spiritual and architectural landmark.
Next, explore the French Quarter, also known as White Town, with a heritage walk through its colonial-era streets. Admire beautifully preserved French-style buildings, many now heritage sites. In the evening, unwind at Promenade Beach, enjoying its serene yet dramatic coastal charm. Overnight stay at the hotel.
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Day 6: Pondicherry - Thanjavur
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and head to Thanjavur, a city known for its rich heritage and architectural marvels. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel Svathma – A Luxury Heritage Resort, an elegant retreat blending tradition with modern comforts. In the late afternoon, visit the Royal Palace Museum, showcasing ancient artifacts, paintings, and sculptures that highlight the grandeur of the Chola dynasty.
Enjoy dinner at the hotel before heading to Brihadeeshwara Temple at 8:30 PM for the pooja ceremony. This magnificent temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, offers a deeply spiritual experience. Return to the hotel by late evening. Overnight stay at Hotel Svathma.
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Day 7: Thanjavur - Madurai
Today, we depart for Madurai, the oldest city in Tamil Nadu, renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture. En route, stop at Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) to explore its iconic temples, monuments, and churches. Begin with the Srirangam Temple, a vast temple complex situated on an island in the Kaveri River, dedicated to Lord Ranganathaswamy. This sacred site is an architectural masterpiece and a significant pilgrimage destination.
Next, visit the Rock Fort, an 83-meter-high ancient rock formation, dating back 3.8 billion years, making it older than the Himalayas. Atop this geological marvel sits the Uchipillaiyar Temple, offering stunning panoramic views. After exploring Trichy, continue the journey to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at Heritage Madurai, a luxurious heritage hotel reflecting the grandeur of Tamil culture. Enjoy the evening at leisure, unwinding in the serene ambiance of the hotel. Overnight stay at Heritage Madurai.
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Day 8: Madurai - Munnar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Munnar, a stunning hill station in Kerala’s Western Ghats. Known for its vast tea plantations, misty valleys, and rugged peaks, Munnar is home to rare wildlife, including the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years.
After a 4–5 hour drive, arrive in Munnar by late afternoon and check in at Scenic, Munnar – IHCL SeleQtions, a luxury retreat with exceptional comfort. Relax in your private plunge pool, then enjoy an exhilarating Kalaripayattu performance, one of the world’s oldest martial arts. Overnight stay in Munnar.
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Day 9: Munnar
In the morning, set out on a guided soft trek, a three-hour journey covering approximately 9 km through lush tea plantations, rolling grasslands, and rocky trails. This immersive experience allows you to witness Munnar’s breathtaking landscapes up close. Carry a small backpack with sunscreen and a sun hat for comfort. Along the way, enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast, enhancing the charm of this scenic trek.
Afterward, visit the Munnar Tea Museum, which showcases the rich history and evolution of tea plantations in Kerala’s Western Ghats. Continue to Pothamedu Viewpoint, a spectacular vantage point offering panoramic views of the valley. On a clear day, you can spot the Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Dam from a remarkable height. The rolling hills, blanketed with tea, coffee, cardamom, and pepper plantations, create a mesmerizing green expanse. Return to the hotel in the evening, where you can unwind at your leisure. Overnight stay in Munnar.
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Day 10: Munnar - Periyar/Thekkady
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and set off for Periyar, a region renowned for its lush forests, rolling hills, and aromatic spice plantations. The very name Thekkady evokes images of majestic elephants, endless greenery, and tranquil wilderness. Home to one of India’s finest wildlife reserves, the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this biodiverse sanctuary offers a haven for nature lovers, with its scenic trails, dense forests, and abundant wildlife.Arrive in Periyar by afternoon and check in at your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and explore at leisure. Overnight stay in Periyar.
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Day 11: Periyar/Thekkady
Early in the morning, embark on a half-day guided jungle hike and bamboo rafting adventure in Periyar National Park, an immersive experience that lasts approximately six hours. As you explore the dense wilderness, soak in the pristine surroundings, the tranquil atmosphere, and the refreshing escape from daily life. With a bit of luck, you might spot herds of wild elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat, along with other exotic wildlife that call this biodiverse forest home.
After an exhilarating two-and-a-half-hour trek through the jungle, arrive at the serene Periyar Lake, where a bamboo rafting excursion awaits. Glide across the calm waters, taking in the lush greenery and breathtaking views that surround you. After the rafting experience, retrace your steps through the forest, making your way back to the park’s entrance. Return to your hotel by afternoon, where you can relax and unwind.
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Day 12: Thekkady - Kumarakom
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kumarakom, a breathtaking cluster of islands on the vast Vembanad Lake. This tranquil backwater paradise is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare migratory birds and unique marine life, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Upon arrival, check in to the luxurious Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, a heritage retreat offering world-class comfort amidst serene surroundings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the natural beauty and relaxing in the peaceful ambiance of this idyllic destination.
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Day 13: Kumarakom
After breakfast, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, where you can spot rare migratory birds in their natural habitat. Take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest backwater lake, and admire its breathtaking beauty. Spend the rest of the day unwinding amidst Kumarakom’s serene surroundings. Whether you choose to relax by the lake, enjoy the resort’s amenities, or simply soak in the peaceful ambiance, this day offers a perfect retreat into nature’s tranquility.
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Day 14: Kumarakom - Alleppey
After an early breakfast at the hotel, set out on a scenic journey to Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s mesmerizing backwater network. Upon arrival, board your Spice Route Luxury private houseboat and embark on a serene cruise through the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque villages. Relax as you glide past coconut groves and paddy fields while indulging in delicious Kerala cuisine prepared onboard. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and a truly immersive experience with an overnight stay on your luxury houseboat.
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Day 15: Alleppey - Kochi
After breakfast, check out from the houseboat and transfer to Kochi, a historic port city blending Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences with Kerala’s rich culture. Arrive by noon and check in to Brunton Boatyard - CGH Earth.
In the afternoon, explore Kochi’s heritage, starting with the Old Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, built in 1567. Visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), renowned for its Kerala murals and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. Continue to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Stroll through the Cochin Spice Market and witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a testament to Kochi’s trading past. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerizing Kathakali dance show, showcasing Kerala’s traditional storytelling through expressive movements and music.Return to the hotel for a restful night.
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Day 16: Kochi
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to board your flight for your onward journey. This marks the conclusion of your memorable tour, leaving you with wonderful experiences and cherished memories. Safe travels!
