11 Days 10 Nights South Indian Tour Package

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, 70 kms west of Mahabalipuram which is a city of thousand temples. One of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, it was the capital of the early Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. Apart from temples, the city is also famous for its silk weavers, who settled here some 400 years ago and have given it an enviable reputation. Later on we shall proceed to Mahabalipuram, driving south of Chennai on the coast which is the ancient port of Pallavas. The pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, Monolithic Rathas and Temples. Krishna Mandapam has a big bas relief, notable for its realistic representation. The world's largest bas relief measuring 27m x 9m, whale back shaped rock containsfigures of gods, demi-gods, men beasts, birds and representation of the entire creation. Shore Temple, one of the oldest in south dating back to 8th century AD is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The Five Rathas are a group of five monolithic temples, each created in different style. Later Check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. In the afternoon city tour of Pondicherry. Although the French influence is gradually fading, Pondicherry retains a few Gallic accents. Pondicherry's main sights are the Rai Nivas, the Sacred Heart Church and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram retreat was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo after whose death the spiritual authority passed to one of his disciples, a French woman known as the Mother. The Mother was also instrumental in founding the city of Dawn Auroville, 10 km from Pondicherry. Its original charter aimed at creating a city of the future where people from India and abroad could live and work together in a spiritual environment. Evening transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and drive to Tiruchchirappalli, as you arrive, check-in at the hotel and rest. Later, head out for sightseeing attractions like the Grand Anicut/Kallanai Dam (it is a popular picnic spot and the only stone dam in the world, it is 300 m long ancient dam, a perfect place for family picnics). Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rockfort Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple are also a few must visits. Return back to hotel after the tour for an overnight stay.

On day 6, you can go for an excursion tour in Thanjavur and catch a glimpse of the ancient structures built by Marathas, Nayaks and Cholas. They were also great philanthropist who supported the art and culture. Here, you can visit places like Sivagangai Garden, Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple, Mariamman Temple, Mariamman Temple and Schwartz Church. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Checkout form the hotel after early breakfast and drive to Rameswaram. You can check-in as you arrive and rest, later visit attractions like Ramanathaswamy Temple and Gandhamadana Parvatam. Overnight stay along with dinner will follow at the hotel in Rameshwaram.

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and proceed to one of the oldest Indian cities, Madurai. (Madurai is an ancient city with many temples, it derived its name from the divine nectar dripped from Shiva’s matted locks). Once here you can visit sites like Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Meenakshi Temple and Mariamman Teppakulam. Overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

Checkout form Madurai and drive to Kanyakumari, located in the southernmost part of India (it is the meeting point of three oceans, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal). Here, you can visit Swami Vivekananda Memorial, Gandhi Memorial, Kanyakumari Temple and Sunset Point from where you get a riveting sight of the sunset. Overnight stay at the hotel will follow.

Morning after breakfast drive to Kovalam visiting en-route Padmanabhapuram, (trivandrum 15 km short from Kovalam). The capital of Travancore until 1333, Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort which encloses, among other buildings, a palace and a temple. The palace has some important art relics while the Ramaswamy temple has exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana.Later transfer to Kovalam. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast drive to Trivandrum for visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace, Napier Museum, Natural History Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Science & Technology Museum and Planetarium,Kanakakunnu Palace,Ganapathy Temple and Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. Overnight at Kovalam hotel.

The last day of the tour will start with a breakfast, you can check-out later and will be escorted to Trivandrum airport for your onward journey.