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Essence of South India:: 13D / 12N

  • Overview
  • Tour Itinerary   .

Essence of South India

The delicate scent of spices, the sound of temple bells, exotic flora and fauna and miles of beautiful beaches characterise Southern India. This tour encompasses the very best of the region on a journey that passes through colonial hill stations and tropical backwaters while discovering flamboyant temples and a rich cultural and historical heritage.

Kerala Tours

Tour Itinerary

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Day 01 :: Arrive Chennai -Mahabalipuram

Arrive Chennai airport, meet & assistance on arrival drive to Mahabalipuram (60 kms/ approx 02 hrs). Upon arrival check-in at your hotel & rest of the day at leisure.
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Day 02: In Mahabalipuram

Post breakfast proceeds for full day sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram rock-cut temples of Mamallapuram, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue visit to Kanchipuram known as the 'Golden City of a Thousand Temples', famous for both its well preserved temples and hand woven silks. Later transfer to your hotel & overnight stay.
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Day 03 :: Mahabalipuram- Pondicherry

Morning drive to the former French colony of Pondicherry (100kms/ approx 2 hrs), on arrival check-in at your hotel. Afternoon orientation tour of the city & an overnight stay.
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Day 04 :: Pondicherry - Tanjore

Today, you will drive through the lush countryside passing rice fields to Tanjore (190 kms/approx 05 hrs). Upon arrival check-in at your hotel.
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Day 05: In Tanjore

After a leisurely morning visit the Sri Brihadeshwara Temple, the grandest architectural achievement of the Chola era and a World Heritage Site. Continue with a tour of the Tanjore Palace and Museum.
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Day 06 : Tanjore- Madurai

Post breakfast drive to Madurai (250kms/ approx 06 hrs), enroute visit Trichy. Later continue your trip to Madurai, on arrival check-in at your hotel. Evening Aarti at Meenakshi Temple.
Madurai is one of the great pilgrimage centres of the South. Visit the vast Meenakshi Temple where the whole complex is teeming with pilgrims and its bazaars abound with spices and temple offerings. Afternoon is at leisure. Later that evening participate in the rituals at the Temple including the evening Aarti at the Meenakshi Temple.
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Day 07: Madurai

Morning visit Meenakshi Temple & Museum. Afternoon at leisure for independent activities.
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Day 08: Madurai- Thekkady

Today your journey continues from the temple town of Madurai, through a succession of market towns to the spice land of Thekkady (135 Kms / 3.30 hrs). On arrival check-in at your hotel & afternoon visit the Spice Garden.
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Day 09: Thekkady - Kumarakom

This morning tour you will be driven from the heart of the spice hills to the idyllic backwaters of Kumarakom (130kms/ approx 03 hrs). Enter a tranquil world of sheer magic set amidst marvellous mangrove forests, coconut canopies, swaying palms and green paddy fields, interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. On arrival check-in at your hotel. Evening sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad.
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Day 10: In Kumarakom

Full day is at leisure for independent activities. You have many option s – visit the nearby bird sanctuary, enjoy a backwater cruise through the narrow canals, rejuvenate yourself at the Ayurvedic centre or simply laze around on the beach!
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Day 11: Kumarakom - Cochin

Morning drive to Cochin (90 kms/approx 2 hrs) where you will be transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. That evening witness a Kathakali classical dance performance. Get there early and you may have a chance to witness the "Face Mask Painting" of the artist – before the performance. Overnight stay.
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Day 12: In Cochin

Morning tour of Cochin with its delightful mix of European and local cultures. Explore the fascinating sights by boat and on foot. Visit the Chinese fishing nets, the St. Francis Church, Mattencherry Palace (closed on Fridays), walk through the narrow cobbled streets lined with antique & handicraft shops of the Jew Town to the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays)- the oldest living synagogue in the world.
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Day 13: Cochin -Departure

Transfer to the airport to board flight for onwards destination.