A Heritage & Nature Journey from Tamil Nadu to Kerala's Backwaters
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Kumbakonam - Tanjore - Trichy - Munnar - Kochi - Alleppey - Trivandrum - Kanyakumari - Tiruchendur - Madurai - Tiruvannamalai - Kanchipuram
Welcome to Chennai! Upon arrival at Chennai Airport or Railway Station, our South India Tours & Travels representative will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. After a brief relaxation, we embark on a city tour. We visit the historic Mylapore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, followed by the vibrant Vadapalani Murugan Temple.
Later, we visit the Vivekananda House (Navratri Mandapam), where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1897. The day concludes with a refreshing breeze at the world-famous Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy the local street food and the sunset. Overnight stay in Chennai.
After breakfast, we checkout and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabalipuram. Explore the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas, and the magnificent bas-relief Arjuna’s Penance. Don't miss the gravity-defying Krishna’s Butter Ball and the Varaha Cave Temple. We also visit the India Seashell Museum and the historic Lighthouse.
After immersing in the stone carving workshops, we continue our journey to Pondicherry. Known as the French Riviera of the East, Pondicherry welcomes you with its charming streets. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel for a peaceful night stay.
Start your day with a spiritual visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the experimental township of Auroville's Auroville Beach. Walk through the French Quarter, visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and the lush Botanical Garden. After exploring the Puducherry Museum, we drive to Chidambaram.
At Chidambaram, we seek blessings at the Natarajar Swamy Temple, representing the element of Sky. Later, we drive to the temple hub Kumbakonam. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Kumbakonam is famous for its powerful temples. We visit the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Chakrapani Temple, and Kasi Viswanathar Temple. After a divine morning, we drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore) to witness the architectural wonder, the Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple), built by Raja Raja Chola I.
In the evening, we proceed to Trichy. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. Trichy is a city that perfectly blends history with modernity. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Morning visit to the iconic Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple, perched on a massive rock. From the top, enjoy a 360-degree view of Trichy city and the Cauvery river. Then, we begin our scenic drive to the lush green hills of Munnar in Kerala.
On arrival, check-in and visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala Cultural Show (Kathakali or Kalaripayattu). Overnight stay in the misty clouds of Munnar.
A day dedicated to the natural wonders of Munnar. We visit the Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the serene Kundala Lake. Experience the heights at Top Station View Point, offering a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. We also visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing.
Post lunch, enjoy the Attukad Waterfalls and a stroll in the Blossom Hydel Park. Munnar's sprawling tea estates provide the perfect backdrop for photography. Return to the hotel for a cozy night stay.
Morning visit to Pothamedu View Point and the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest. Then, we descend the hills toward the port city of Kochi. On arrival, check-in and explore Fort Kochi, famous for its Chinese Fishing Nets and Jewish Synagogue.
Spend your evening at Cherai Beach, where the backwaters meet the sea. The colonial influence in Kochi's architecture is a delight to witness. Overnight stay in Kochi.
After breakfast, visit the Hill Palace Museum and the Kerala Folklore Museum to understand the rich traditions of the state. Later, drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), the Venice of the East.
Check-in to a traditional Houseboat. Sail through the peaceful Backwaters, witnessing the local lifestyle, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Enjoy traditional Kerala meals prepared on board. Night stay in the Houseboat.
After breakfast on the houseboat, drive towards Trivandrum. En route, visit the world's largest bird sculpture at Jatayu Earth Centre. It’s a marvel of modern engineering and mythology.
Arrive at Trivandrum/Kovalam and check-in. Evening visit to the Shangumugham Beach and the world-famous Kovalam Beach with its iconic lighthouse. Enjoy the Arabian Sea breeze. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Morning spiritual tour of Trivandrum: visit Attukal Bhagavathy Temple and the world's richest temple, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Also explore the Trivandrum Zoo and the hidden Poovar Island. We visit the Azhimala Siva Temple featuring a massive Shiva statue.
En route to Kanyakumari, we visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace and Suchindram Thanu Malayan Temple. Arrive at Kanyakumari, check-in, and witness the Sunset at the Triveni Sangamam. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.
Early morning witness the majestic Sunrise. After breakfast, take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam before driving to Tiruchendur.
Visit the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, situated right on the seashore. Take a holy dip at Nalli Kinaru. The divine vibrations of this temple are unique. Overnight stay in Tiruchendur.
After breakfast, we drive to the legendary city of Madurai. Upon arrival, check-in and proceed to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. We visit the rock-cut Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple.
The evening is dedicated to the Sree Meenakshi Amman Temple and Chokkanathar Temple. Explore the vibrant markets around the temple. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Visit the Alagar Vishnu Temple and the Pazhamudhir Cholai Murugan Temple located on the scenic hills. Then, we drive back to Trichy. Afternoon check-in at the hotel.
Evening visit to the massive Sree Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam and the Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswarar Temple (Water element). Overnight stay in Trichy.
After breakfast, we drive to the spiritual hub of Tiruvannamalai. This city is home to the Arunachaleswarar Temple (Fire element). On arrival, check-in and visit the temple.
In the evening, you can perform the 14km Girivalam Path (circumambulation of the holy hill). It is a soul-cleansing experience. Overnight stay in Tiruvannamalai.
Drive to the Silk City, Kanchipuram. Known for its thousands of temples and exquisite silk sarees. After check-in, visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple (Earth element).
Spend your afternoon Shopping for authentic Kanchipuram Silk Sarees directly from weavers. Overnight stay in Kanchipuram.
On your final day, visit the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple. After capturing the heritage of the Pallava dynasty, we checkout and drive to Chennai Airport.
Our representative will drop you off for your return flight. The 16-day grand journey ends with happy memories and divine blessings! Tour Ends.