Destinations covered: Chennai – Mahabalipuram/Kanchipuram – Puducherry –Trichy – Tanjore – Chettinad – Madurai – Periyar – Alleppey – Kochi

Day 01: Chennai: You will be received at Chennai airport, assisted and transferred straight to your hotel. Remaining time is at leisure till next morning. Southern Delights

Day 02: Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram: Morning proceed for a full day excursion to Mahabalipuram which is famous for its rock carvings and the beautiful Shore Temple. Later visit Kanchipuram- the ancient capital of the Pallavas also famous as the city of 1000 Temples. Kanchipuram is home to the famous silk and cotton weaving industry.

Day 03: Chennai – Puducherry: Morning enjoy the half-day sight seeing tour of Chennai. Later you will be driven to reach the former French colony of Pondicherry (recently renamed as Puducherry). Palm-fringed beaches, backwaters, fishing villages, luxury beach resorts, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, a coastline of 32 kms, great sea-food, quality wine and colonial feel are just few reasons to visit Pondicherry. Stay overnight in your hotel.

Day 04: Puducherry: Morning visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later visit the Pondicherry Museum and Auroville- a unique township dedicated to human unity.

Day 05: Trichy (Via Tanjore & Darasuram): Explore one of the most famous temple cities of India i.e. Darasuram- home of the UNESCO World Heritage Airavetisvara Temple and Tanjore which has a magnificent history dating back more than 1500 years. Visit the Brihadeeswara Temple (a World Heritage site) before continuing to Trichy. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Remaining time is at leisure.Southern Delights

Day 06: Trichy: During the day visit the Rock Fort & its impressive temples.

Day 07: Chettinad: Drive to Chettinad which gives a feeling of old world charm and heritage. Chettinad is home to some fine mansions, each housing its own collection of antiques, furniture and art. Chettinad region is also famous for its appetizing cuisine.

Day 08: Chettinad – Madurai: Morning after visiting the Chettinad Palace and Museum, you will be transferred to Madurai. After brief leisure, enjoy a half day city tour of Madurai including the magnificent Meenakshi Temple which is famous for its unique architecture. Later also visit Tirumalai Nayaka Temple and Temple Art Museum.

Day 09: Madurai – Periyar: Morning drive to reach Periyar wildlife sanctuary, situated into the cool Western Ghats. After brief leisure, proceed for a wildlife cruise over Periyar Lake. If lucky, you may spot Wild Elephants on the grassy banks.

Day 10: Thekkady (Elephant ride and Spice Plantation tour): Early morning proceed for an Elephant ride in the periphery of the jungle. Also enjoy a guided tour to spice plantations. You may enjoy optional activities like Bamboo Rafting, Trekking, Jeep safari, tribal tour and hiking inside the jungle during the day.

Day 11: Periyar – Alleppey (Backwaters): Enjoy the sumptuous breakfast at your resort. Later you will be transferred to Alleppey to embark in your beautifully decorated houseboat (Kettuvallam). The houseboat cruise in backwaters is among the most exciting tourism products of Kerala. Since Kerala has large stretches of backwaters with plenty of natural sceneries (but only few interesting monuments for sightseeing), sailing through the houseboat makes it a wonderful experience. Enjoy the day sailing through the narrow emerald backwater canals of Alleppey.

Day 12: Alleppey – Kochi: Morning houseboat will again start sailing and you will be transferred back to the jetty point. After breakfast, disembark from your houseboat and you will be transferred to the historic port city of Kerala i.e. Cochin.

After brief leisure, you may visit the colourful old spice market and markets on M.G. Road. Evening you may enjoy Sunset cruise followed by a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Southern Delights

Day 13: Kochi: Morning proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kochi which includes your visit to Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Matancherry, St. Francis Church with the grave of Vasco Da Gaama and Chinese Fishing nets. Stay overnight at your hotel.

Day 14: Departure: Morning after breakfast at appropriate time you will be transferred to Kochi (Cochin) airport for your onward journey back to your home destination. The tour ends.

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