Exploring South India is all about the fun and unforgettable travel experiences that your heart always desires. This South India tour package is a perfect combination of historic culture and serene backwaters that will leave you with joy. Not only it is a perfect blend of cultural and natural wonders, but this Southward Ho tour also lets you immerse yourself in the essence of spirituality. Enhance your travel experience with pilgrimage tourism in South India and dive into the mystical aura of the temples in Madurai. Enjoy the scenic boat ride on Lake Periyar and encounter wild elephants amidst lush greenery. Glide through serene backwaters aboard a houseboat and witness the rural life that helps you unwind and rejuvenate your soul. From the historic treasures of Kochi to the ravishing beauty of Ooty, this South India holiday package takes you to everything that leaves a lasting impression on your soul. Indulge in the true pleasure of this Southward Ho tour and let the natural wonders leave you spellbound at every turn.
This trip includes exploration in the 14 major tourist destinations Munnar Kumarakom Chennai Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram Trichy Madurai Kochi Periyar Alappuzha Thanjavur Ooty Mysore Bangalore
Activities:
Hotels:
Tour pace:
Arrive in Chennai. Meet our representative
at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Day of leisure.
Night stay in Chennai.
WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach/ Coral Beach Resort or similar,Welcomhotel Kences Palm Beach - Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104 Coral Beach Resort- Old No.62 New No. 109 Kancheepuram - Chengalpattu, Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
In the morning after breakfast, proceed for
a sightseeing tour of Chennai covering St. Thomas Church, Kapaleeshwar Temple,
and Fort St. George. Drive past Marina Beach, the natural sandy beauty, spacious
promenade and beautiful gardens of the beach attract tourists visiting Chennai.
Night stay in Chennai.
Meal: Breakfast
Ramada by Wyndham Chennai Egmore/ The Residency/ Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels or similar,Ramada by Wyndham Chennai Egmore - Gandhi Irwin Rd, Ansari Estate, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008 The Residency - 49, Gopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Rd, Lakshimi Colony, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017 Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels - 120, Sir Thyagaraya Rd, Drivers Colony, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
In the morning, drive to Kanchipuram--
known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, is one of the oldest towns in
India. It is famous for both its temples, many of them remarkably well
preserved, and for its hand-woven silks. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred
cities of India and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu.
Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, and the
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a
weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal
cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk saris,
embellished with stunning patterns. Visit the local homes of the weavers and
watch them create magic out of silk thread into saris. Continue to drive to
Mahabalipuram & transfer to the hotel. Later, proceed for city sightseeing.
Mahabalipuram - This is a small, quiet seaside
resort with a unique 7th-century Shore Temple, a lovely beach, and some of the
most beautiful rock-cut temples in the world. Situated on the shore of the Bay
of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD.
This town was a workshop for temple building. Visit the seven pagoda-style Shore
temples, lashed by the waves of the sea, and the seven rathas or temple
chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of
solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed
in a single century-long burst of creative enthusiasm, starting in the reign of
Narasimhavarman 1 (AD 630- 68). End the visit by photography of the beautiful
Shore temples at sunset.
Night stay in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, drive to Trichy, the short
name of Tiruchirappalli, situated on the banks of the Kaveri River is a blend
of history and tradition as well as a pilgrim center, it is famous for
Ranganath temple at Srirangam. Later, a city tour to visit Rock Fort and its
temple at a height of over 23 mts. Also, visit Srirangam and Jambukeswarar
Temple.
Night stay in Trichy.
Meal: Breakfast
In the morning, drive to Thanjavur
(Tanjore)(104kms/03hrs) en route and visit the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Thanjavur,
once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Brihadeshwara Temple (or the big
temple of God). The temple tower rises to a height of 15 mts from a square base
of 29 mts and then tapers off, making a total of 66mts. Continue driving to
Madurai. The ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old, is laid out on the
banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the center.
Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Night stay in Madurai.
Madurai is over 2500 years old and is the
second largest city of Tamil Nadu- the ancient seat of learning. The city is
planned in the shape of a lotus. Situated on the banks of the Vaigai River,
Madurai is the ancient capital of the Pandya Kings. Legend has it that the divine
nectar falling from the locks of Lord Shiva gave the town its ancient name,
Madhurapuri—the land of nectar. Today, it is an important business center. The
crowning glory of Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Complex, which
is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, her consort Lord Sundareshwara, and her
celestial brother, Lord Vishnu. The Meenakshi Temple has a thousand-pillared
hall. Also, enjoy a ’light & sound Panorama’ in Thirumalai Nayak Temple or
visit Alagar Hills & Tripura Rock Temple. In the evening, listen to the
distinctive temple music at Thiruparankundram.
Night stay in Madurai.
In the morning, drive on a scenic route
dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom, cocoa, green pepper, and areca
nut, to the wildlife reserve at Periyar. Arrive in Periyar and transfer to the
hotel. The rest of the day is free to walk around in the peaceful town known
for various Spices and coffee plantations.
Night stay in Periyar.
Meal: Breakfast
Early in the morning, enjoy a boat ride on
Lake Periyar to see wild elephants. In the afternoon, drive to Munnar, the
famous hill station of Kerala. Arrive in Munnar and transfer to the hotel.
Night stay in Munnar.
The day is free to relax and to walk
around. Munnar is situated near the Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in the
Western Ghats. Also, visit Rajamalai & Eravikulam National Park, 15 Km from
Munnar, this is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat
(Hemitragus Hylocrius). 2. Marayoor, 40 Km from Munnar, is the only place in
Kerala that lays claim to the natural growth of Sandalwood. The Muniyara caves
with murals and relics from the New Stone Age Civilization. A Children’s Park
spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a Single Banyan Tree, is of
great interest to tourists.
Night stay in Munnar.
In the morning, drive to Kumarakom near
Kottayam and stay in one of the backwater resorts. The panoramic backwaters
here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy nature at its best.
Night stay at Kumarakom.
In the morning, drive a short distance before
switching over to a boat through many canals and waterways up to Alleppey. The backwater
cruise in a country boat is the best way to explore the villages and rural
life. In Alleppey, you will be taken aboard your floating houseboat, a
different boat with a bedroom and en-suite restroom for your comfort. Enjoy
unlimited surfing on backwaters, sip a coconut, get disturbed by only the chirping
of birds and occasional ripples in water, and savor mouthwatering delicacies
prepared in front of you by your Kitchen crew. Spend the night on board the
houseboat. Enjoy a cruise on the backwater through a maze of canals and lagoons
and enjoy freshly caught freshwater fish cooked to your taste on board.
Night stay in Alappuzha.
In the morning, drive to Kochi (225 Km
drive). The Commercial Capital of Kerala, and the most cosmopolitan of Kerala’s
cities, Kochi is a fascinating blend of cultures. Arrive & transfer to the hotel.
Later, proceed for sightseeing in Kochi that covers:
1. The Hill Palace Museum, a fully-fledged
archeological museum, and Kerala’s first-ever Heritage Museum are the main attractions
(closed on Mondays).
2. Chinese Fishing Nets, this unique style
of huge cantilevered fishing nets, was erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders
from the Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese King.
3. Santa Cruz Basilica, this historic
church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV
in 1558. Pope John Paul II proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984.
4. The Jewish Synagogue, constructed in
1568, is the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth (closed on Saturdays &
Jewish Holidays). The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town, is the center
for Spice & Handicraft shops.
5. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace),
built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Regent of Kochi (closed on
Fridays).
Night stay in Kochi.
After breakfast, drive to Ooty. Arrive and
transfer to the hotel. The evening is free to explore the beautiful &
ravishing beauty of Ooty. Also, visit the Botanical Garden: A variety of exotic
and ornamental plants adorn this garden which is the venue for the Flower show
held in May every year.
Night stay in Ooty.
Meal: Breakfast
The day is free to relax and explore the
surroundings. It is one of the most popular hill resorts in Southern India at
an elevation of 7216 ft. above sea level. The Eastern Ghats are mighty and
attractive while the Western Ghats have wooded loveliness. Nature unfolds
itself in and around Ooty in a myriad of profiles, each one with a distinctive
grandeur and individuality.
Night stay in Ooty.
In the morning, drive to Mysore. The city
got its name from Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon king. Chamundeswari, an
incarnation of Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, killed the demon. It is also the
capital of sandalwood, musk, and rosewood. Mysore emerged as the capital of the
Wodeyar kings, in 1399 AD. The original wooden palace was destroyed in a fire
in 1897 during a marriage ceremony. Henry Erwin, a British architect, designed
the new palace and handed it over to the king in 1911-12, at a cost of Rs. 4.2 million.
Though royalty no longer exists in its accepted form, the descendants of the
royal family still live here. The palace is a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Mughal,
and Hindu architectural styles. The entire effect is magnificent. Other
attractions include the Lalit Mohan Palace, at the foot of the Chamundi Hill.
E. W. Fritchley, a British architect, built it in 1931. Then, there is the
Jagan Mohan Palace, built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV in 1861 as a royal
auditorium. Today, it is a famous art gallery, containing royal paintings.
Night stay in Mysore.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the places you must
have been longing to visit: Sir Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery - Housed in the Jag
Mohan Palace, this gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back
to 1875. St. Philomena’s Church – Built in the Gothic style, one of the largest
churches in the country. Chamundi Hills - Right on the top of the hill,
Brindavan Gardens - Witness the exuberant beauty of Brindavan Gardens.
Night stay in Mysore.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Bangalore en route
to visit Srirangapatna - the capital of warriors - King Hyder Ali & his son
Tipu Sultan, have magnificent monuments that are well worth a visit. Set &
refresh in the hotel then go to visit Mysore Palace: Once the residence of the
Wodeyars, built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace exudes a
grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Elephant, the Durbar Hall. Arrive
and transfer to the hotel.
Night stay in Bangalore.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel
and proceed to visit the city of Gardens: You will see Vidhan Sudha - which
houses the State’s Legislature and Secretariat, Nandi Temple - One of the oldest
temples, popularly known as the Bull Temple, etc. Later, transfer to the airport
to board the flight back home.
Meal: Breakfast
Ramada by Wyndham Chennai Egmore - Gandhi Irwin Rd, Ansari Estate, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008 The Residency - 49, Gopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Rd, Lakshimi Colony, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017 Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels - 120, Sir Thyagaraya Rd, Drivers Colony, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Welcomhotel Kences Palm Beach - Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104 Coral Beach Resort- Old No.62 New No. 109 Kancheepuram - Chengalpattu, Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
1, Rockins Rd, near Central Bus Stand, Melapudur, Cantonment, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620001
168, Alagar Kovil Main Rd, next to Circuit House, KK Nagar, Ramaond Reserve Line, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625002
2nd Mile, NH185, Thekkady, Munnar, 685509/Kumily Thekkady Rd, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509
The Leaf Munnar - Chithirapuram PO, Anachal - Aamakandam, Munnar, Kerala 685565 The Panoramic Getaway - Munnar Bypass, Chithirapuram, Kerala 685565
Athikkalam Ammankari, Road, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563/V/240 A, Amankari Road, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563
Pallathuruthy Bridge, Pallathuruthy, Alappuzha, Kerala 688003
Le Meridien, Windsor Pl, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001/Bristow Rd, Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 6 Casino Building, KPK Menon Rd, Willingdon Island, Kochi, Kerala 68200382003/
123, Selbourne Road, near Rose Garden, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001
Campus 345/A, near, Infosys Rd, Hebbal Industrial Estate, Hebbal Industrial Area, Mysuru, Karnataka 570016
The Chancery Pavilion - 135, Residency Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025 Palm Meadows Resort - Varthur Main Rd, Phase 1, Ramagondanahalli, Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066
Cancellation Charges
If you cancel less than 60 days before the travel date & destination is open Deposits are non-refundable and cannot be shifted to a later date.For the balance amount, the below cancellation fee will be applicable.
hrs
Less than 72 hrs
or no show
days
06 days - 72 hours
prior to arrival
days
30 - 07 days
prior to arrival
days
60 - 31 days
prior to arrival
hrs
%
Less than 72 hrs
or no show
days
%
06 days - 72 hours
prior to arrival
days
%
30 - 07 days
prior to arrival
days
%
60 - 31 days
prior to arrival
6 Days / 5 Nights