Welcome to Kerala! Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our South India Tours & Travels representative and transferred to your hotel. Kochi is a city with a rich colonial heritage, having been influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. After some rest, head to Fort Kochi to see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, which are unique to this region. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town. In the evening, explore the vibrant streets of Mattancherry and enjoy a stroll along the beach. Overnight stay in Kochi.
After a hearty breakfast, check out and start your scenic drive towards Munnar, situated 1,600 meters above sea level. This journey takes you through winding roads with breathtaking views of lush green hills and misty valleys. Enroute, stop at the magnificent Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls, which cascade down in several tiers and offer great photo opportunities. You will also pass through vast spice plantations of cardamom and pepper. Upon arrival in Munnar, check into your hill resort. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps taking a walk through the nearby tea gardens to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Today is dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Munnar. Start with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Next, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in the region and enjoy a tea-tasting session. Proceed to the Mattupetty Dam, where you can opt for a boat ride, and visit the nearby Dairy Farm. Stop at Echo Point, famous for its natural echo phenomenon, and Kundala Lake. The day ends with a visit to Top Station or Photo Point for panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Return to the resort for an overnight stay in Munnar.
After breakfast, drive towards Thekkady, the gateway to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The drive is filled with views of rolling hills and dense forests. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit a Spice Plantation where you can see how black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg are grown. In the evening, witness a captivating Kalaripayattu (ancient martial arts) performance or a Kathakali dance show, showcasing Kerala's rich cultural traditions. You can also explore the local market for high-quality spices and handicrafts. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Early morning, you may opt for a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wild elephants, boars, and various bird species. Later, drive to Alappuzha (Alleppey), often called the 'Venice of the East'. Around 12:00 PM, board your traditional Luxury Houseboat (Kettuvallam). As the houseboat glides through the narrow canals and vast lagoons, you can observe the daily life of the villagers, lush paddy fields, and swaying coconut trees. A delicious traditional Kerala lunch, evening snacks, and dinner will be prepared by your personal chef on board. Relax on the deck as you watch the sunset over the backwaters. Overnight stay in the Houseboat.
After a peaceful breakfast on the houseboat, disembark at Alleppey and begin your drive towards the ancient city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple. This architectural marvel features 14 soaring gopurams (gateway towers) covered in thousands of colorful stone figures. Witness the 'Palli Arai' or night ceremony, where the idol of Lord Shiva is carried to the shrine of Goddess Meenakshi in a grand procession. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Start your morning with a visit to the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, built in 1636, known for its massive white pillars and beautiful courtyard. Later, drive towards Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. Kanyakumari is unique because it is the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. After checking in, head to the beach in the evening to witness the spectacular Sunset. The sight of the sun dipping into the vast ocean is a memory to cherish. Visit the Bhagavathi Amman Temple located near the shore. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking Sunrise over the ocean. After breakfast, take a ferry ride to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where Swami Vivekananda meditated, and see the towering 133-foot Thiruvalluvar Statue. Visit the Gandhi Memorial before starting your drive to Rameshwaram. The journey takes you across the famous Pamban Bridge, offering a stunning view of the blue sea. Rameshwaram is one of the holiest places in India for Hindus. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Rameshwaram.
Begin your day with a holy dip in the Agni Theertham (sea) and then proceed for the ritual bath in the 22 Holy Wells inside the Ramanathaswamy Temple premises. After darshan of Lord Shiva, explore the temple's magnificent corridors, which are the longest in the world. Later, drive to Dhanushkodi, the ghost town at the edge of the island, where you can see the ruins of the 1964 cyclone and the point where the two oceans meet. Visit Ramar Patham (Rama's footprint) and the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial, dedicated to India's People's President. Overnight stay in Rameshwaram.
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), situated on the banks of the Cauvery River. Upon arrival, visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam. This is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, spread across 156 acres with 21 grand towers. Afterward, visit the Rockfort Temple complex, which is perched on a massive ancient rock. Climb the 437 steps to reach the Ucchi Pillayar Temple at the top for a panoramic view of the entire city and the river. In the evening, explore the local bazaars around the temple area. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Today, drive to Kumbakonam, often referred to as the 'Cambridge of South India'. Enroute, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur (Tanjore), a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Raja Raja Chola I. Admire its 216-foot tall 'Vimana' and the massive monolithic Nandi statue. Continue your drive to Kumbakonam. Upon arrival, visit the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and the sacred Mahamaham Tank, where a grand festival is held once every 12 years. Kumbakonam is also famous for its traditional filter coffee and brassware. Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
This day is dedicated to a spiritual journey to the Navagraha Temples (Nine Planet Temples) located around Kumbakonam. Depending on your preference, we will visit major shrines like Suryanar Koil (Sun), Kanjanoor (Venus), and Tirunageswaram (Rahu). You will also visit the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate stone carvings and "musical steps". This temple is a masterpiece of Chola architecture and art. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
After breakfast, drive to Thiruvannamalai, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, representing the 'Fire' element of Lord Shiva. Upon arrival, visit the massive Arunachaleswarar Temple, spread over 25 acres at the foot of the Annamalai Hill. The temple's Raja Gopuram is one of the tallest in India. Later, visit the Sri Ramana Ashram, where the famous sage Ramana Maharshi lived and taught. The atmosphere here is deeply meditative and peaceful. You can spend time in the meditation hall or walk part of the path around the holy mountain. Overnight stay in Thiruvannamalai.
Check out and begin your drive towards Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. On the way, stop at the Vellore Golden Temple (Sripuram), which is coated with 1,500 kg of pure gold. The temple is located in a lush green spiritual park. After the visit, continue your journey to Tirupati, the world-famous pilgrimage destination. Check into your hotel upon arrival. Spend the evening preparing for the divine darshan the next day. You can visit the Govindaraja Swamy Temple in the heart of the town. Overnight stay in Tirupati.
This is the most spiritual day of your tour. Early morning, proceed to Tirumala Hill for the Special Entry Darshan of Lord Venkateswara (Balaji). The temple is situated amidst the Seshachalam Hills and is visited by millions of devotees. After seeking blessings, visit other sites on the hill like Akasa Ganga and Silathoranam. In the afternoon, drive down to Tiruchanur to visit the Padmavathi Amman Temple, dedicated to the consort of Lord Venkateswara. Return to your hotel in Tirupati for some rest and a peaceful night. Overnight stay in Tirupati.
After breakfast, drive to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, go for a sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit the 8th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, which showcases the classic Dravidian style. Next, visit the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas. End your grand tour with a relaxing evening at Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. Enjoy the sea breeze and the local street food culture. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Your 17-day grand South India journey comes to an end today. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to the Chennai International Airport according to your flight schedule. Depart with a heart full of divine blessings, beautiful memories of the misty hills, serene backwaters, and the incredible heritage of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next journey!
After breakfast, transfer to Chennai International Airport for your flight back home. Tour ends with divine memories.