Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kochi
The Southern Splendour Sojourn is a captivating journey through South India’s most treasured landscapes, ancient temples, and cultural crossroads. From Chennai’s vibrant urban energy to the UNESCO rock-cut marvels of Mahabalipuram, this odyssey weaves through millennia of history and devotion. It continues through Pondicherry’s French-colonial charm, Tanjore’s Chola masterpieces, Madurai’s spiritual grandeur, Munnar’s misty hillscapes, Thekkady’s wildlife, Alleppey’s serene backwaters, and Kochi’s harbour steeped in multicultural heritage.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1-2: Chennai
Explore Chennai’s rich culture by visiting historic temples like Kapaleeshwarar, colonial landmarks such as Fort St. George, and beautiful churches like San Thome Basilica. Enjoy Marina Beach, shop at T. Nagar, and explore museums showcasing South India’s heritage.
Optional: Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Authentic South Indian breakfast, Pondy Bazaar.
Accommodation:
• Premium: Taj Connemara
• Luxury: The Leela Palace
Day 3-4: Mahabalipuram
Drive 2 hours from Chennai to explore ancient wonders such as the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and cave temples with intricate carvings. Visit Krishna’s Butterball and walk along Mahabalipuram Beach.
Optional: Seashell Museum, Stone Carving Artisans, Tiger Cave.
Accommodation:
• Premium: WelcomHotels by ITC
• Luxury: Kaldan Samudhra Palace
Day 5-6: Pondicherry
Drive 2–3 hours to Pondicherry to explore its French Quarter, Promenade Beach, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Bharathi Park, and heritage museums.
Optional: French pastries, Paradise Beach, Pottery or artistic workshops.
Accommodation:
• Premium: Grand Hotel D’Europe
• Luxury: Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay
Day 7-8: Tanjore
Drive 2.5–3 hours to visit UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur Royal Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, and the Art Gallery showcasing Chola bronzes.
Optional: Tanjore paintings, Carnatic music heritage.
Accommodation:
• Premium: Great Trails Riverview
• Luxury: Svatma
Day 9-10: Madurai
Drive 3–4 hours to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, and vibrant bazaars surrounding the old city.
Optional: Rickshaw ride, heritage walk, banana leaf meal.
Accommodation:
• Premium: Gateway Madurai
• Luxury: Heritage Madurai
Day 11-12: Munnar
Drive 4–5 hours to Munnar to explore tea plantations, Tea Museum, Blossom Garden, Pothamedu View Point, Echo Point, and Mattupetty Dam.
Optional: Rose Garden, Spice Plantation, Eravikulam National Park.
Accommodation:
• Premium: Leaf Resort
• Luxury: Spice Tree Resort
Day 13-14: Thekkady
Drive 2.5–3 hours to Thekkady for spice plantations, wildlife boat ride on Periyar Lake, jungle walks, and Kalaripayattu performance.
Optional: Spice market, bullock cart ride, elephant experiences.
Accommodation:
• Premium: Greenwoods Resort
• Luxury: Hills & Hues
Day 15-16: Alleppey
Drive 3–4 hours to Alleppey for a luxury houseboat cruise, local cuisine, and views of village life along scenic canals.
Optional: Village walk, fishing activities.
Accommodation:
• Premium: Premium Houseboat
• Luxury: Luxury Houseboat
Day 17-18: Kochi
Drive 1–2 hours to Kochi to explore Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, spice markets, Chinese fishing nets, and enjoy a Kathakali performance.
Optional: Kerala Folklore Museum, Vembanad Lake cruise, local Kerala cuisine.
Accommodation:
• Premium: Dutch Bungalow
• Luxury: Fragrant Nature
Day 19: Departure from Kochi
Private transfer to Kochi Airport for onward travel.
Optional: Ayurvedic spa, Cochin Heritage Gallery
Details:
Inclusions:
- Accommodation at above mentioned Hotels/Resort
- Breakfast at all Hotels/Resort
- Accommodation with all Meals in the House Boat
- Halfday English speaking guide for sightseeing in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Cochin
- Kathakali Dance show cochin
- Spice Plantation visit at Thekkady
- Kalari Martial arts show in Thekkady
- Wildlife boating in Thekkady
- Transportation using A/c car
- Arrival assistance
- Service of an English speaking driver
- Driver’s expense, parking, toll
- Fuel Charges
- All Taxes
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Departure transfers
- Departure and airport taxes
- Visas
- All other meals
- All optional tours or activities during free time
- Transfers outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance
- Tips and items of a personal nature
Included Excursions:
- Cochin – Sunset Cruise
- Cochin – Kathakali Dance Show
- Kumarakom – Bird Sanctuary
- Munnar – Tea Museum Visit
- Munnar – Eravikulam National Park
