Welcome to Coimbatore, the vibrant 'Manchester of South India'! Upon arrival at Coimbatore International Airport or Railway Station, you will be warmly received by our South India Tours & Travels representative and transferred to your hotel. After refreshing, start your spiritual journey by visiting the Marudhamalai Murugan Temple, perched on a scenic hill. Later, drive to the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains to witness the magnificent 112-foot Adiyogi Shiva Statue at the Isha Foundation, a symbol of yoga and inner well-being. Spend some time in the meditative atmosphere of the Dhyanalinga. Overnight stay in Coimbatore.
After a delicious breakfast, check out and begin your scenic drive towards Munnar, Kerala's most famous hill station. As you ascend the Western Ghats, the air becomes cooler and the landscape transforms into endless tea plantations. Enroute, stop at the beautiful Lakkam Waterfalls, tucked away inside the sandalwood forests. You will also visit the Eravikulam National Park, where you might spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr amidst the rolling hills. Upon arrival in Munnar, check into your resort and enjoy a quiet evening overlooking the misty mountains. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Today is dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Munnar. Start your day with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy an optional boat ride while admiring the surrounding reflection of the hills. Proceed to Echo Point, a natural phenomenon spot, and the serene Kundala Lake. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum (Tata Tea) to learn the fascinating history of tea processing in this region. End your day with a visit to the Rose Garden or a stroll through the local spice markets. The panoramic views of the Western Ghats from various viewpoints will leave you spellbound. Overnight stay in Munnar.
After breakfast, proceed to Thekkady, the land of spices and wildlife. The drive through winding roads offers spectacular views of cardamom, pepper, and coffee plantations. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's most popular tiger reserves. Enjoy a peaceful boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot wild elephants, boars, and various bird species coming to the water's edge. In the evening, witness a thrilling Kalaripayattu (traditional martial arts) performance, followed by a walk through a local spice plantation to learn about the herbs and spices of Kerala. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Today, travel to the 'Venice of the East' – Alappuzha (Alleppey). Around noon, board your traditional Luxury Houseboat (Kettuvallam) for a journey through the world-famous Kerala backwaters. As the boat glides through narrow canals, lagoons, and the vast Vembanad Lake, you can observe the daily life of the locals living along the banks. Enjoy authentic Kerala meals prepared fresh on board by your personal chef. Watching the sunset from the deck of your houseboat while surrounded by coconut groves is a truly magical experience. Overnight stay in the Houseboat.
After a peaceful breakfast on the houseboat, disembark at Alleppey and drive to the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). Start your city tour with a visit to the magnificent Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known as the richest temple in the world, featuring intricate stone carvings and a massive idol of Lord Vishnu. Later, visit the Napier Museum and the Chitra Art Gallery, which houses a rare collection of Raja Ravi Varma paintings. In the evening, head to the world-famous Kovalam Beach to enjoy the lighthouse view and the sound of the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Trivandrum.
Check out and drive towards Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. Enroute, visit the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace, a stunning example of traditional Kerala wooden architecture. Upon reaching Kanyakumari, check into your hotel. In the evening, head to the beach to witness the spectacular Sunset at the 'Triveni Sangam', where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. The sight of the sun dipping into the vast ocean is an unforgettable experience. 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 and see the towering 133-foot Thiruvalluvar Statue. Visit the Bhagavathi Amman Temple before starting your drive to the holy island of Rameshwaram. The journey is highlight by the crossing of the iconic Pamban Bridge, which offers a stunning view of the blue sea. Reach Rameshwaram in the evening and check into your hotel. 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. After seeking blessings from Lord Shiva, explore the temple's world-famous long corridors. Later, drive to Dhanushkodi, the abandoned town at the tip of the island, where the two oceans meet. Visit the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial, a tribute to India's great scientist and former President. In the evening, visit Ramar Patham for a panoramic view of the island. Overnight stay in Rameshwaram.
After breakfast, depart for Palani, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for devotees of Lord Murugan. Palani is famous for the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, located atop a hill. You can reach the temple by climbing the steps or by taking the scenic Rope Car or Winch. The temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and a grand view of the surrounding plains. After your darshan, explore the local streets famous for 'Palani Panchamirtham'. Overnight stay in Palani.
Drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), a city known for its rich history and ancient temples. Visit the massive Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Next, visit the Rockfort Temple complex, which is built on a 273-foot high ancient rock. Climb the steps to reach the Ucchi Pillayar Temple at the summit, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city and the Cauvery River. Spend the evening exploring the bustling markets of Trichy. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Today, proceed to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of the Chola Dynasty. Visit the architectural masterpiece, the Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage site built over 1,000 years ago. Marvel at its massive Vimana and the monolithic Nandi statue. Later, visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace, which houses a library of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts (Saraswathi Mahal Library) and a stunning Art Gallery with bronze idols. You can also witness the making of the famous Thanjavur Paintings. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Drive to Kumbakonam, the 'Temple Town' famous for its spiritual significance. Start your tour with the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and the sacred Mahamaham Tank. Visit the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite stone carvings and musical steps. Kumbakonam is also famous for its traditional filter coffee and fine silk saris. Spend your evening visiting some of the ancient Navagraha temples located in the vicinity. Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Leave the temple town and drive to the charming French colonial town of Pondicherry. Start your visit at Auroville, the international township, and the Matrimandir (viewing point). Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a place of peace and spiritual learning. Explore the French Quarter with its yellow-walled colonial buildings and quiet streets. Visit the ancient Manakula Vinayagar Temple, famous for its temple elephant. End your day with a relaxing walk along the Promenade Beach (Rock Beach) as the cool breeze sets in. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, drive towards Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Enroute, stop at the magnificent Vellore Golden Temple (Sripuram), which is covered with 1,500 kg of pure gold. The temple's intricate design and spiritual atmosphere are truly awe-inspiring. Continue your journey to Tirupati, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare for the divine journey to the Tirumala hills the following morning. Overnight stay in Tirupati.
This is a day of deep devotion. Early morning, travel to Tirumala for the Special Entry Darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. After experiencing the divine presence, visit the Padmavathi Amman Temple in Tiruchanur. Later, begin your drive to Chennai, the gateway to South India. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, head to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, to enjoy the local street food and the lively atmosphere of the shore. Overnight stay in Chennai.
On your final day, explore the cultural highlights of Chennai. Visit the 8th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, showcasing beautiful Dravidian architecture. See the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas. After some last-minute shopping for silk and spices, our representative will transfer you to Chennai International Airport or the Railway Station for your onward journey. Your 17-day grand South India tour ends here with a heart full of divine blessings and beautiful memories.