EXOTIC SOUTH

12 Nights/ 13 Days

India

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Madurai – Rameshwaram – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Alleppey – Thkaddy – Cochin
BREAKFAST
SIGHTSEEING
ACCOMODATION
TRANSPORT
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Marina Beach - Chennai
  • Visit the St. George Church - Chennai
  • Visit Tirupati Balaji Temple - Tirupati
  • Visit the Arjuna Penance - Mahabalipuram
  • Visit Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple - Tirupati
  • Visit Five Raths Temples - Mahabalipuram
  • Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Pondicherry
  • Visit Church Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
  • Visit the Meenakshi Temple - Madurai
  • Visit Vivekanand Memorial - Kanyakumari
  • Visit Bird Park - Kumarakom
  • Visit Spice Plantation - Periyar
  • Visit Santa Cruz Basilica - Cochin
  • Visit Jewish synagogue - Cochin

ITINERARY

DAY - 1
Arrival at India

Start your exciting tour to the land of colors – India. On arrival at Chennai meet and transfer to your pre-booked hotel. Check in to your hotel and relax. Later, get ready for sightseeing tour of Chennai including Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. Visit The St. George Fort, built in 1653, currently used as the state government's secretariat. Fort St. George was the first British fortress in India. Since Fort St. George was completed on April 23rd, coinciding with St. George's Day; the fort was christened Fort St. George, which soon became the hub of merchant activity. The fort led to the development of a new settlement called George Town. Over a period of time Fort St. George helped the British to extend their influence over the Carnatic region. At present, Fort St. George serves as the administrative headquarters for the Tamil Nadu state Legislative Assembly and also houses a garrison for troops in transit to various locations in South India. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY - 2
A trip to Tirupati.

After breakfast in the morning, get ready yourself for excursion to Tirupati. Tirupati is the name which requires no introduction. Known for embracing the world's richest temple, Tirupathi is a revered temple town, situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupathi Balaji Temple has been held high in the ancient scriptures, like Shastras, Puranas and Sthala Mahatyams. In Kali Yuga or the Dark Age, it is believed that worship of Lord Venkateswara is the sole means to obtain salvation (Mukti). In fact, Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas have suggested visiting this pilgrimage. Tirupathi Balaji Temple is the standing testimony of ages. Being a fine specimen of Dravidian style of architecture, the edifice has 'Gopuram' (tower) and gilded cupola (Vimana). In the enclosures, there are many statues of legends, including King Krishnadevraya and Todarmal (minister of Akbar). There are many more to visit like Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple etc. Later in the evening, enjoy Covelong Beach lies in a picturesque village on the State Highway that joins Chennai to the temple town of Mahabalipuram. This is one of the most beautiful and virgin beaches of India and adjoins a small but charming fishing village on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. An ancient Catholic Church, a Mosque and the Fort surround the beach. All these buildings are very old and historically important. Take a walk around the Church and the Fort if you could spare some time from sunbathing. Overnight at the hotel. CHENNAI TO TIRUPATI 133KMS

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 3
On to the temple town – Mahabalipuram

After breakfast in the morning, check out and drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival check into your pre-booked hotel. Mahabalipuram has various historic monuments built mostly between the 7th and the 9th century. The majority of these temples and monuments have been built by one or another Pallava kings. Kings of later dynasties too have done some additions and restoration works. These temples are very different from the later-Dravidian era temples that were built in the reign of the famous Chola kings Raj Raja and Rajendra Chola. Visit to the Arjuna Penance. The Arjuna's penance is one of the most famous stone carvings at Mahabalipuram. It is an enormous relief made on two massive boulders. One of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world, the Arjuna's penance is 31m long and 9m high. The surface of the rock has detailed carvings, showing the most endearing and natural renditions of animals especially the elephants and monkeys. The skillfully carved edifice, Arjuna's penance, is named after the Mahabharatha hero, Arjuna. the subject of the carving is either how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities so that he could obtain Lord Shiva's weapon to destroy his enemies or an illustration of how King Bhagiratha brought the River Ganges down to earth so that the souls of his ancestors could rest in peace. Also, visit Five Raths. These 'Ratha' temples of Mahabalipuram are commonly called the Pancha Pandava Ratha. These temples are considered pioneer of the Dravidian monolith and mark the point of transition between the earlier tradition of rock-carved temples and the later tradition of freestanding stone structures. There are actually eight Rathas at Mahabalipuram out of which five are named after the five Pandavas of Mahabharata and one after Draupadi. The five rathas that can be seen are Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha, and Nakul Sahadev Ratha. Overnight at the hotel. CHENNAI TO MAHABALIPURAM - 56KMS

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 4
Onto Pondicherry – The Window to French Culture

After breakfast this morning proceed to Pondicherry. On arrival check into your pre-booked hotel. Later ready yourself for a city tour of Pondicherry. The unmistakable French connection,the tree-lined boulevards,the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual scene, the endless stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches, backwater, a surprising choice of restaurants serving a melange of cuisines, provide a heady mix that draw travellers from near and far. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the final resting place of the founder of the Ashram, Sri Aurobindo and mother. The ashram’s influence can be felt in most of Puducherry. The main ashram building is where the mortal remains of Aurobindo and the Mother are kept. Their ‘Samadhi’ or mausoleum, which is generally surrounded by supplicating devotees, is in the central courtyard under a frangipani tree and is covered daily with flowers Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the ashram authorities. Also visit Church Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus for seeing stained glass windows, built in Gothic style. Later in the afternoon, proceed to botanical garden. The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture and it stands out from its immediate surroundings because it is smack in the middle of the old Tamil town. Enjoy your evening at Chunnambar. Chunnambar is situated 8 kms from Puducherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical paradise is flanked by a quiet-flowing creek on one side. The beach at Chunnambar also known as Plage Paradiso, is located near the mouth of the backwater. A short, pleasant cruise into the sea from here could reward you with the memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat, horsing around. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 5
Drive to Madurai – Athens of the East

After breakfast in the morning, drive to Madurai. On arrival transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Relax and fresh ‘n up yourself to enjoy the sights of this city to be a witness to some of the most awe-inspiring architectural magnanimity. Originally built around the Meenakshi temple, Madurai derives its name from the divine nectar (Madhu) that was showered from the locks of Lord Shiva according to a popular legend. Visit the Meenakshi Temple. The Meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest in India. The presiding deity at the Meenakshi temple at Madurai, the Athens of South India, is Goddess Meenakshi. The nucleus of the temple is older than the Madurai city. The Meenakshi temple complex is spread over an area of about 6 hectares. The temple has 12 gateways (Gopurams), which range in height from 45 to 50 m and the tallest Gopuram is the southern. The southern gateway is nine stories high and has images of gods and goddesses. A unique feature of the ancient Dravidian culture of South India is that people paint their gods in brilliant and bright colors. This is very much evident atop the gateways of the Meenakshi temple. This evening time is kept free for you to shop at local market. You can plan a visit to Prithu Mandapam Market that is a famous market in Madurai, based just inside the eastern entrance of Meenakshi Temple. Here you can buy cotton and batiks, for which Madurai is famous. You can sit back on the Pottramarai tank and let the essence of Madurai seep in you. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 6
Visit Banaras of South – Rameshwaram.

After breakfast in the morning today, get ready yourself for an excursion to Rameshwaram. The sea swept island is revered as the 'Benaras of the South'. According to legends and Hindu scriptures, Rameshwaram was the place from where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to Lanka to rescue his consort Sita, from the clutches of Ravana. In the Hindu mythology, it is believed that one who visits Rameshwaram attains Moksha. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, Rameshwaram has the Linga of Sri Ranganatha as the presiding deity. Spread out in an area of 61.8 square kilometers, the island is in the shape of a conch. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies a major area of Rameshwaram. An epitome of Dravidian architecture, the temple boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. The temple was built over a time by a number of rulers beginning the 12th century. The temple has 22 wells, all having waters with medicinal properties. Besides being a hot pilgrim spot, Rameshwaram is also a booming holiday spot and a terrific tourist destination. You could laze around in Dhanushkodi beach. Adam's bridge runs through the Ocean with a chain of reefs, sandbanks, and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. With wide beaches and surging Ocean, Rameshwaram offers a great tourist destination one ever craved for. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 7
To the land with multi-colored sand on the beach – Kanyakumari.

After breakfast in the morning, proceed to Kanyakumari. On arrival transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Kanyakumari weaves a magical spell over all those who visit this mesmerizing place blessed with nature's beauty in excess. Kanyakumari has that imposing splendor of striking sunrise and the soft sunset that simmer over the confluence of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the India Ocean, whose every grain seems to seep inside your body, refreshing you to the core. Vast and clear coasts with Azure Ocean lapping the shore, Kanyakumari is dotted with patches of red cliffs and valleys along with temples and churches that add to the resounding beauty of the place. Visit Vivekanand Memorial. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is built on the legendary Vivekanand Rock that juts out of the convergence of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. About 400mts offshore the two rocky islands became the seat of enlightenment for Swami Vivekanand, an Indian philosopher, and social reformer. It is believed that in the year 1892, Swami Vivekanand swam across the sea and meditated on this isolated rock island, imparting the spiritual charisma to him. Reaching Vivekanand Rock Memorial is quite easy. There are regular ferry services connecting the rock island to the mainland. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 8
Drive to Kovalam via Trivandrum to continue your trip to God’s own country – Kerala.

After breakfast this morning, drive to Kovalam. En route visit Trivandrum city, the capital city of Kerala. Kovalam is just 18 Kms away from the capital city. Lush green landscapes interspersed with crystal clear backwaters make this state the most visited tourist destination. The sightseeing of the city includes: Agastyarkoodam, A towering peak in the Western Ghats, the Agastyarkoodam rises to a height of 1868 meters and looks like a sharp cone. The peak is accessible by foot and trekking on this peak is a great experience. Aruvippuram, Located in a scenic location in Trivandrum, this place is an important pilgrim center as well as a picnic spot. Neyyar Dam, Located near the lofty ranges of Western Ghats, this dam is a popular picnic spot and the catchment area of the dam is a picturesque spot to unwind and relax. Later in the evening, arrive and check into your pre-booked hotel. Relax in the comforts of your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 9
Enjoy Kovalam – The Paradise of South.

After breakfast in the morning, get ready yourself to enjoy the beauty of beaches at Kovalam. "Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southernmost beach and the most popular is lighthouse beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laidback one and time seems stands still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Besides this natural beauty of beaches, Kovalam has lots more to see. Local sights of the city include Padmanabhapuram Palace, Located at 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram across the border in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, the palace nestles at the foot of the Veli hills. Built during the 14th century it was called Darpakulangara, but later in the 18th century it was renovated and renamed as the Padmanabhapuram palace. A place of the elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma till the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram in 1780. It contains relics of historical and artistic value. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 10
Visit Kumarakom – spend your night today onboard.

After breakfast in the morning, proceed to Alleppey. En route visit Kumarakom. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian storks that live there in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip around the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom. Visit THE BIRD PARK of Kumarakom. Later, check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner, and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. Lunch and dinner will be served on the houseboat. Overnight at houseboat.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 11
To Thekaddy (Periyar) – where you can see nature in its purest form. Visit Periyar Wildlife sanctuary.

After breakfast on board continue to cruise and disembark at Alleppey. Later drive to Thekaddy. On arrival check into your pre-booked hotel. Relax in the comforts of your hotel which is specially chosen for you. So that you can enjoy the best view of nature. Later in the evening, visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Later, driver to The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is a thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques, and Nilgiri langurs. In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the play in the lake. Proceed for enjoying a boat cruise in Periyar Lake with a lunch break. The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in a boat. From the safety of a boat, you can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside by day. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 12
Visit Cochin – The Harbor City.

After breakfast in the morning, drive to Cochin. On arrival transferred and check into to your pre-booked hotel. Cochin is popularly known as Queen of Arabian Sea. The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. Today, centuries later, the city is Home to nearly thirteen communities. Visit Santa Cruz Basilica. The Santa Cruz Basilica is a very important landmark of Cochin and has much historical significance and importance. Another church that is historically significant is the St. Francis church, which is the oldest existing European church in India. It was built during the early 16th century and it is said to be the temporary burial place of the great Vasco Da Gama. A popular place to visit in Cochin is the Jewish synagogue, which was built in 1568 A.D. Though the Jewish community is now a minority, the church is well preserved and one can see the beautiful hand painted Chinese tiles that adorn the church. This synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace, which is yet another popular tourist attraction. This palace is located on a small island just off the coast of Cochin and is accessible by the boat services that are provided for tourists. The Dutch palace is now a heritage hotel in Cochin and is a beautiful sight against the backdrop of the blue sea. Enjoy the harbor cruise in the evening. Watch the city as it lights up slowly at sunset and the dolphins play in the water of the harbor. Overnight will be at the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

DAY - 13
Fly back Home.

After breakfast check out and proceed to International airport to catch your flight back to Home. Arrive Home with pleasant memories of your India tour, which we sure you will treasure of a lifetime. Your valued suggestions are highly appreciated.

Meals : Breakfast ( ✔ ) 

INCLUSION

Inclusion
  • Accommodation using Starting Room Category of Each Hotel on Twin Sharing Basis.
  • Daily Breakfast as per the above package in the hotel.
  • Service of an English speaking guide during sightseeing.
  • Airport Transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary by Air – Conditioned Vehicle.
Exclusion
  • Personal expenses such as mini bar , travel insurance , laundry, telephone calls , spa , tips , porter-age , etc.
  • Additional sightseeing or extra usage of the vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Still camera or Video camera fee .
  • Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc. to be borne by the client directly.
  • Any other feature which is not mentioned in the "Cost includes" column.
  • Government Service Tax.
  • Airports tax and travel insurance etc.

COST

PRICE

Category Per Person Ex. Adult Ex. Child
Standard USD 1376 USD 1239 USD 963
Deluxe USD 1616 USD 1455 USD 1131

 

HOTEL

Place Nights Deluxe Standard Meal Plan
Chennai 02 The Park Ambassador Pallava Breakfast Only
Mahabalipuram 01 Grande Bay Resort & Spa Golden Bay Resort Breakfast Only
Pondicherry 01 The Promenade Anandha Inn Breakfast Only
Madurai 02 Courtyard By Marriot Hotel Heritage Breakfast Only
Kanyakumari 01 Anantya Resort Sparsha Resort Breakfast Only
Kovalam 02 Uday Samudra Travancore Heritage Breakfast Only
Alleppey 01 Deluxe Houseboat Deluxe Houseboat Breakfast Only
Thekkady 01 Cardamom County Treetop Breakfast Only
Cochin 01 Trident Cochin Starllit Suites Breakfast Only
NOTE: Rooms are subject to availability, we will provide alternate hotels if above hotels are not available.

TERMS

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking 
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel 
  • English-speaking guide. If you need another language then kindly inform us in Special Requirements upon booking 
  • The duration of transfers are approximate; the exact to will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions 
  • Avoid any clothing that is too revealing 
  • The accommodation room type (single room, double room or triple room) will depend on the availability of the hotels and the room configurations available, especially for odd-numbered groups of traveler

PACKAGES

destination $608
COLORFUL RAJASTHAN - I

Delhi – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Agra – Delhi

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destination $1376
EXOTIC SOUTH

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Madurai – Rameshwaram – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Alleppey – Thkaddy – Cochin

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destination $1070
GLIMPSE OF NORTH

Delhi – Shimla – Manali – Dalhousie – Chandigarh – Delhi

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