Best of South India Tourism

Day 1 : Chennai
Location : South-eastern part of India India Tours, Visit India - India Travel
Capital City : Chennai
Major Attractions : Temples, Beaches, Tanjore Paintings, Bharatnatyam, Pongal
Delicious Cuisine : Dosa-vada-sambar, Chettinad chicken

Detailed Itinerary : As you arrive at the airport (Chennai), one of our trained representatives will assist you to reach one of the pre booked hotels. Your journey becomes comfortable right from the very first moment as you will escorted in AC car/coach. Get ready for that unprecedented warmth whereby you get enthralled by traditional Indian welcome by the female staff of the hotel. Have breakfast in your room and relax before starting our city tour next day.

Day 2 : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram
Detailed Itinerary : As we finish our breakfast, we move on for Chennai sightseeing tour. We make you visit Fort St. George of 1639, St. Mary's Church, and Museum & Wellesley House. You also earn an opportunity to witness the San Thome Cathedral, one of the sacred places meant especially for the Catholic Christians. We also make you explore the Museums representing the collection of Chola bronze & stone sculptures belonging to the Deccan era. We later take you to Mahabalipuram, revered as a World Heritage site. We include prominent places such as Arjuna's Penance, Shore Temple, five Rathasshrine, which are recognized for their antiquity going back to the reign of King Mahendravarman. Later on, we take you the temple town 'Kanchipuram', located on the Palar River, which is recognized for its gorgeous temples & silk sarees. Overnight stay is planned in one of the hotels of Mahabalipuram.

Day 3 : Chennai - Pondicherry
Location : Four non-contiguous districts in Southern part of India
Capital City : Puducherry
Major Attractions : Beaches, Pondicherry Museum, Maasi Magam Festival
Mostly Visited For : Aurobindo Ashram, Meditation
Detailed Itinerary : This day is dedicated especially to witness the beauty of Pondicherry. As it stays nearly 170 km from Chennai to Pondicherry, we check in at the hotel to get refreshed. In the afternoon as we take our lunch, we go for a half day sightseeing tour of the city. We then drive to Aurobindo ashram and witness many more attractions of the city. Staying overnight at the hotel is on charts.

Day 4 : Pondicherry - Swami Mailer
Detailed Itinerary : After enjoying our breakfast, we begin our journey from Pondicherry to Swami Mailer ethnic Village Resort. We also make you interact with prominent places such as Chidambram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The distance involved goes nearly to 166 Km. Staying overnight in one of the hotels is planned.

Day 5 : Swami Malai - Tanjore - Trichy
Detailed Itinerary : On this day, we make you witness the glorious Swami Malai-Tanjore-Trichy, that is nearly 91 KM away. We take you on a morning drive to Trichy. Trichy is a beautiful island, located in Srirangam. As it is engulfed by by the Kaveri water, this 600 acre island town enthralls even the keenest travelers. There is a gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami temple as well. We also make you visit en-route the beautiful Tanjore Temple. Thanjavur is recognized for the famous Brahadeeswarar Temple. It was a thousand years ago when this temple came into existence by the Chola King Raja Rajan. Not confining to that, the Art Gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Library also remain on the charts. As you arrive Trichy, we make you check-in at the hotel. As we take some rest, we also make you visit Srirangam and Rock Fort.

Day 6 : Trichy - Madurai
Detailed Itinerary : This is the day when we take you to Madurai. Sightseeing tour of Madurai is equated with the Athens of the East. Revered as one of the oldest cities of India, its history dates back to the Sangam period of the pre Christian era. The city is believed to be more than 2500 years old. The glory of Madurai has not been diminished as it returns in the earlier part of this millennium. As it later came under the rule of the Vijayanagar kingdom, it was ransacked by the ravaging armies of Delhi lead by Malik Kafur. As you witness the beauty of this temple, you will find that the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Afternoon is kept for leisure, which is followed by an overnight stay at one of the pre-booked deluxe / luxury hotels.

Day 7 : Madurai - Rameshwaram or Kodaikanai
Detailed Itinerary : This is the day when we, after finishing our breakfast, begin our journey in leisure. In fact, the day trip to visit Rameshwaram or Kodaikanal remains optional. One of the fascinating hill stations, it proudly stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills. Going back to its history, we find that it has been founded by one of the American missionaries in the year 1845. With its beautiful rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, the atmosphere become charged like never before. As Kodaikanal is an ideal hill destination, its beauty is indomitable. You will enjoy its every bit. Overnight at the hotel is planned.

Day 8 : Madurai - Kanya Kumari - Kovalam
Detailed Itinerary : As you finish your breakfast, we take you to Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin). This place constitutes the last end of India where three Oceans meet. We also take you to the Kumariamman temple, which is dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country. As this place is beautiful, it is surrounded by beautiful beaches and constitutes one of the recognized pilgrimages of India. You can enjoy a dip in the ocean, which is revered for its holiness. However, the sea is not fit for bathing purpose. You can watch sunset and moonrise at the same time on a full moon day. Continue to Kovalam and on arrival, stay for overnight in your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.

Day 9: Kovalam
Location : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), in the South Indian state of Kerala. India Tours, Visit India - India Travel
Popular For : The Most Popular Beach in Kerala
Highlights : Yoga and Other Health Related Activities
Best Time To Visit : September-April
Detailed Itinerary : This day is especially dedicated for visiting the stunning Padmanabhapuram palace. As this place is recognized for its marvelous sunset & moon rise over the ocean simultaneously, it is one of the most beautiful sights one could ever see. Kovalam beach is recognized for its tag of "Paradise of the South". In fact, it is equal to a dreamland, revered for the tourists all over the world. In fact, Kovalam was introduced to the public by the Maharaja of Travancore. If we look back to the past three decades, we find that it has well developed and figures prominently on the world tourism map. You will simply love its warm and clean atmosphere as it is projected by the coconut trees and the white sand bed are perfect for relaxing holidays. Overnight stay at the Hotel is planned.

Day 10: Kovalam - Periyar
District : Idukki District
Location : Thekkady - Kumily, Kerala
Famous For : Tigers, Elephants
Coverage Area : 777 Sq kms
Detailed Itinerary : This day is kept for exploring Periyar, a beautiful sanctuary spanning over an area of 777 sq km. As it homes nearly 35 tigers and leopards, usually witnessed on the banks of the river during a boat cruise, this place is simply marvelous. But chances of witnessing the wildest roaring animal are one in thousand. On the arrival at Periyar, you are transferred to the pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.

Day 11: Periyar - Kottayam
Detailed Itinerary : This day is especially kept for driving to Kottayam/backwaters, 115 km Drive to Kottayam and board Kettuvalom. One could easily sail and enjoy the beauty of nature throughout and enjoy a night on the boat.

Day 12: Alleppey - Cochin
Detailed Itinerary : As far as today’s morning is concerned, we take you on a sightseeing tour to Alappuzha, formerly named as Alleppey. Get ready for exploring one of the most enchanting backwater destinations of Kerala. What’s more, you will be delighted by thrilling boat race that awaits you at Alleppey or Alappuzha. Afterwards, as we arrive in Cochin, you will be transferred to your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. We also take you to enjoy sightseeing tour of Cochin. We also take you to Cochin (Kochi) gateway, Mattanchery Palace, St. Francis Church, Wellington Island, Bolghatty Island etc. We also make you interact with Chinese Fishing nets and Jewish Synagogue. Overnight stay at the hotel is concerned.

Day 13: Cochin
District : Emakulam
Location : Ernakulam in Kerala, 220 km from TrivandrumIndia Tours, Visit India - India Travel
Known As : Lagoon's Country.
Best Time To Visit : Post Monsoon, September to May.
Detailed Itinerary : After we finish our breakfast, we take this morning at leisure and embark on the sightseeing tour. As the Cochin is set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, you also get an opportunity to witness the beautiful port city of Cochin (Kochi) (Queen of Arabia) reflecting the eclecticism of Kerala aptly. With its rich past past and a bustling present, Cochin is one of India's largest ports and a major naval base where you can get enthralled. What’s more, the evening is kept free to enjoy the South Indian classical dance i.e. Kathakali Dance Show in a Theatre. Overnight will be at the hotel only.

Day 14: Cochin - Ooty
Detailed Itinerary : As far as this day is concerned, as we finish our breakfast, we move towards Ooty. In the later half, we enjoy sightseeing tour of Ooty. The verdant hills, the lush green valleys and the pristine natural beauty enthralls even the keenest traveler. It will not be an exaggeration to state that it will be an affair with nature. Other than coffee and tea plantations, you will be delighted with trees like confiers, eucalyptus, pine and the wattle dots, which look gorgeous as they stretch along the hillside in Ooty. By embarking on the journey involving the unassuming beauty of this heavenly hill resort, it makes your journey smooth and hassle free. Embrace the tranquility and solace that tours to Ooty India offer. We also take you places such as Botanical Gardens where you will be delighted to participate in the "Summer Festival", held in the month of May. You will also get enthralled with the artificial lake and Dodabetta Peak, the most enchanting highest point in the district standing at a height of 2623m. Rest of the day is kept for the leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel is planned.

Day 15: Ooty - Coonoor
Detailed Itinerary: This day is kept for the breakfast as you cruise along the sightseeing tour of Coonoor. Get ready for that perfect experience involving 17 km from Ooty to the gorgeous hill stations. As we know that Coonoor is a small town with an equable climate, you get enchanting and memorable views of Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose, and Lady Canning's Seat to name a few. What’s more, you can also opt for the Toy train facility and get access to a detailed view of this place. Rest of the time is free for your own activities. Overnight stay at the Hotel remains on charts.

Day 16: Ooty - Mysore
Location : Southernmost Karnataka
Famous For : Mysore Palace, Sandalwood Articles
Distance : 130 kms from Bangalore
Best Time to Visit : October (During Dussehra Festival)
Detailed Itinerary : This day is reserved for unearthing the beauty of Mysore. After check in the hotel and rest, we begin our tour of Mysore. It is the third largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka and you will be delighted by witnessing its famous sandalwood and silk vistas. As it was once the home to the royal family, you could easily relive the royal past. You will also get amazed by Chamundeshwari Temple that is perched on a hilltop and is 2000 years old. One could easily witness the beautiful Nandi Bull half way to the hill, which is a 4.8 meters monolith. Overnight stay at the hotel is planned.

Day 17: Mysore - Srirangapatnam
Detailed Itinerary : On this day we visit Somnathpur Temple. Afterwards we move towards Srirangapatnam. As we visit the Somnathpur Temple, we also take you to Somnathpur, a small village on the banks of the river Cauvery, founded by the commander of the Hoyasala army. You will simply love its elaborate and intricate sculpturing. This temple is one of the most beautiful world-renowned Belur and Halebid temples. In the afternoon, we also make you visit Srirangapatnam, the capital of the Mysore State under Tippu Sultan. You can easily enjoy visiting the Daria Daulat Palace, Masjid-e-Ala, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, and The tombs of Tippu Sultan. We also give you time to relax, to be followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 18: Mysore - Hassan
Location: In the south Indian state of Karnataka
Significance: Heritage Site
Famous For: Ancient monolithic statues and relics
Speciality: Hassan in Karnataka is the oldest town of Hoysala Empire of 11th to 13th century AD in India.
Tourist Attractions: Antique temples like - Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid
Detailed Itinerary : This is the day, which is dedicated to unearth the beauty of Hassan. You will be then transferred to one of the pre-booked deluxe / luxury hotels. In the afternoon, we take you to visit Belur and Halebid Temples. Belur temple is 103 years old and you will be delighted to note that it is built in a classic Hoysala style architecture. As it raises itself like a wedding cake in stone, its beauty is simply one of the most enchanting.

Day 19: Hassan - Bangalore – Sravanbelgola
Detailed Itinerary: This day is kept for embarking on journey to Bangalore where we visit Sravanbelgola en-route. The fascinating point of this place is that it stands as the world's tallest monolithic statue at 17 meters high. On the arrival at Bangalore, you will be then transferred to a pre-booked deluxe / luxury hotel. In the later hours, we make you enjoy sightseeing tour of Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. Overnight will be your hotel.

Day 20: Bangalore
Location : South eastern Karnataka
Famous For : Gardens, Shopping
Distance : 331 kms from Chennai India Tours, Visit India - India Travel
Best Time to Visit : October to February
Detailed Itinerary : In the morning, as we finish our breakfast, we move towards Bangalore airport in order to board flight to Mumbai. On the arrival, after reception is done, we make you check in the hotel. Afterwards, we take you to enjoy the Mumbai city, including Gateway of India. In the afternoon, we also take you on a city sightseeing tour.

Day 21: Mumbai
Detailed Itinerary : This is the last of our journey and we make sure that you get delighted on this day as well. Today’s morning, as we finish our breakfast, is kept for free time to leisure. On this day we transfer you to Mumbai airport for onward flight. The tour comes to completion but not the sweet memories bestowed by Travelogy India.