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Explore South India

ITINERARY

  • Duration: SOUTH INDIA HOLIDAY PACKAGES 22Days/21Nights
  • Starting Point:Chennai
  • Ending Point:Chennai
  • Contact :+91 9282 417 101
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Introduction

Discover South India with this comprehensive tour package covering all major attractions in the southern states of India. The tour commences from Chennai, a major Gateway in South India and traverses the peninsular India covering the states of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala and Karnataka.

Major Attractions in the tour include the following:
Pondicherry : Or Puducherry, was a French colonial settlement in India until 1954. Its French legacy is still well preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. Just outside the French Quarter, a seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal which is one of the most visited parts in this city.

From its beaches to historical monuments and from its temples to churches, Pondicherry is a tourist’s delight with its laid-back charm and a melange of cultures and cuisines. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Rock Beach, Ousteri Lake and Varadaraja Perumal Temple are some of the popular tourist places. Water sports like surfing, scuba diving etc. are popular activities during the season. Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville also attract thousands of tourists round the year.

Kumbakonam, the Capital of Chola Kings in the 7th Century, is one of the famous temple towns in South India, and picturesquely located amidst the two rivers, Cauvery & Arasalar. The world renowned Hindu festival of “Mahamaham”, that happens once in every 12 years, is associated with the Mottai Gopura Vasal Aadhi Kumbeswarar Temple, one of the oldest temples here. This temple is believed to be at least 1300 years old and its mentioned in the hymns written by Saiva Nayanars, who were the 7th century poet saints of Tamil Nadu. The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of the Thanjavur Nayaks of the 16th century.

Thanjavur is famous for Brihadeeswara Temple also known as Big Temple, built in the year 1010 AD by the mighty Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola. It remains one of the greatest glories of Indian architecture. It is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons, which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights during a visit to South India. This temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'Great Living Chola Temples'.

The largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam Island was built between the 6th and the 9th centuries by the Azhwar Saints. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the 1st of the 108 Divya Desams or Vishnu Temples in the world. Rockfort Ganesha Temple refers to an ancient fort and the temple which is situated in the fort’s highest reaches. Rock‐ Fort is the landmark of Tiruchirappalli. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple (Thayumanaswami and Ucchi Pillayar Temples). The temple built by the Pallavas in 508 AD are the oldest structure in the fort.

Kodaikanal is one of the most popular and sought after hill stations in South India. This hill station stands 7200 feet above sea level and situated in upper Palani hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. With cool and misty weather throughout the year, Kodaikanal mesmerizes any visitor with its beautiful hills, many waterfalls, lakes and wooded forests. The Kodai Lake around which the town was developed offers many activities in and around the area including boating in the lake, cycling and horse riding around the lake. One of the best hill stations in the country.

Madurai, known as Athens of the East, is the second largest city on the banks of the River Vaigai. The city is believed to be more than 2500 years old. As per Hindu mythology, the city got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva's locks when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. The Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, was considered an architectural marvel during its construction. It has a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture, a gracious building in the Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Another famous landmark is Meenakshi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, housing a thousand pillared hall with eye‐catching sculptures. The complex is adorned with many shrines and sculptures. Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stand at the outer walls of the temple. The 48.8 m high southern gopuram is the most spectacular and have over 1500 sculptures. In the Ashta Shakthi Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva.

Visit Rameshwaram, one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India. Located on Pamban Island, at the tip of the Indian peninsula, Rameshwaram is separated from mainland India. No pilgrimage is over without taking a trip to this holy island of Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram is a part of Hindu pilgrimage of the Char Dhams and a major pilgrim spot for the Saivaites and the Vaishnavites. Ramanathaswamy Temple here has its name in history books as it has the largest hallway anywhere in India. The construction of Ramanathaswamy Temple, which started in the 12th century, was contributed to by many rulers. During its construction, many dynasties came and fell and each of them gave their input to the temple. The list of unique features in its construction seems endless. There is this huge hallway that is of approximately 1220 meters in length. Throughout the length of the hall, there are brilliantly carved pillars, the alignment of which will leave you totally mesmerized. The temple has 22 holy springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties.

Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland located in the confluence of three major water bodies – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Gandhi Memorial, constructed at the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept for public view in an urn before a portion was immersed into the three seas, is a major attraction. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial has been built to commemorate the visit of Swami Vivekananda, the Hindu saint. The Memorial Statue of Thiruvalluvar is located here. Visit Kanyakumari Amman Temple, dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country. The temple was built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Siva. View the Sunset behind the confluence of the water bodies!

Kovalam - One of India’s World famous beaches, this seashore on the Arabian Sea is very popular among tourists. Known for its shallow waters and water sports, Kovalam beach offers one of the most spectacular sunset views. Thiruvananthapuram (previously, Trivandrum), nearby, is the capital city of Kerala and famous for Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple.

Alleppey is famous for centuries as a spice trading hub and also known as the 'Venice of the East' due to its vast network of backwaters and canals. Experience the backwaters and its lifestyle in a Houseboat Cruise, a traditional rice-boat converted to accommodate guests, overnight. Present day houseboats are provided with all modern amenities including Air-conditioning and a fully functional kitchen. An experience of a lifetime, never to be missed.

The Periyar National Park in Thekkady is famous for its abundance of wildlife as well as the boat safari inside the sanctuary. Plantation trekking is another activity which fascinate tourists here. Munnar is the most sought after and frequented hillstation in the country. With its sprawling tea gardens, majestic hills, picturesque valleys and lakes this small hillstation attracts tourists throughout the year.

Cochin or Kochi, is also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea. Being a natural harbour, this ancient city has attracted traders over hundreds of years. Rich in diverse cultural heritage, Kochi is a delight for tourists with some of the landmarks still remaining intact. The Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets and Santa Claus Basilica are some of the well preserved monuments dating back many centuries. The Marine Drive and walkway with its parks are the modern day attractions. One of India's famous waterfalls, the Athirappilly Waterfalls, is near Kochi.

Ooty is another hillstation in Southern India, which has been popular over the years. Developed during the British era, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway has played an integral part in the popularity of this 'Queen of the HIlls'. The Mountain Rail still has one of the oldest operating rail engine in the World. Ooty was developed around the lake with many beautiful parks and gardens. The Botanical Garden is one of the popular and the Rose Garden houses more than 2000 varieties of Roses.

Mysore has long been the seat of power in Indian history, with many a rulers commanding strong presence in the historical and cultural heritage of South India. As a testament stands the grand palace of the Wodeyars, known as Mysore Palace, and the imposing fort of Tipu Sultan at Srirangapatna. The beautiful city of Mysore is also famous for its silk, one of the finest. Come October, the city dons a different look - its decorated like a bride, with the palace illuminated and dozens of elephants herded together for the grand celebrations of Dussehra, which lasts for almost a month.

Chennai, previously Madras, is one of the most modern Cosmopolitan cities in the country. Chennai is a mix of traditional and modern cultures with its history dating back to more than 500 years. Chennai was developed by the British and the buildings and many monuments stand witness to the contribution of the Raj. Testimony to the colonial heritage are the Ripon buildings, Central Railway Station, Southern Railways Headquarters, Fort St. George and the Government Museum. Pilgrims of every faith has reasons to celebrate this Metropolis - the famous Santhome Basilica is the place where St. Thomas was buried, Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore and Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane being the famous landmarks. Marina Beach, World's second longest beach, is one of the busiest in the evenings. Many Watersports activities including Surfing and Catamaran ride are available along the long coastline of Chennai.

A route map of the above tour is given below. Depending on the convenience, travellers could fly in to any of the International gateways in the itinerary. This is a round trip tour and the tour ends at the same city from where you commence the trip. Once you contact us with your requirements, we shall provide you a tailor-made tour programme as per your convenience.

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • ♦ Accommodation in a 3Star equivalent hotel or resort throughout
    ♦ Exclusive Air - Conditioned transportation as per the itinerary
    ♦ English speaking driver
    ♦ All expenses related to the transportation
    ♦ All applicable taxes

     

TERMS

♦ This is a custom-made package and could be altered according to requirements.
♦ Number of days could be increased or decreased
♦ Places or temples could be added or removed