South India Culture Tour with Backwater

Post breakfast, under the guidance of a local guide set out on a full day sightseeing tour of Chennai. Make a stop at the first English fortress in India- Fort St George which is the modern-day home of the state’s legislative assembly. Explore the galleries of the Chennai Museum which is home to the largest collection of Roman antiques outside of Europe. Get an up close look at coins, sculptures and rare works of art while their guide provides commentary. Later head towards the Kapaleeshwar Temple. In the evening visit Marina Beach - one of the best places to visit in Chennai for viewing a spectacular sun rise or sun set. With food stalls, rides on ponies, to entertain you, a visit to here must be included on your trip to this city. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Chennai.

In the morning after an early breakfast, start for Mahabalipuram. En-route you will visit the holy city of Kanchipuram-once home to thousands of temples. This small town is also famous for its thriving handloom industry. Once in Kanchipuram, offer prayers at Kailasanatha Temple popularly known as KanchiKailasanathar. The closeness of temple’s enclosing wall, lend a feeling of intimacy to the surroundings. Continue the drive to the Mahabalipuram- an ancient port town known for its stone carvings and stone temples. A wander round the town’s magnificent, World Heritage–listed temples and carvings inflames the imagination, especially at sunset.Upon arrival, check in the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or free for your own activities. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Post breakfast, set out for local sightseeing of Mahabalipuram - the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks can be seen. At the mouth of the river Palar, on large granite hall about 1 km in length from north to south is the site of many monuments, like The Descent of Ganges also known as Arjuna’s Penance, this open air sculpture showing the descent of the holy River, Krishna Mandap, The Rathas and the Shore temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

In the morning after an early breakfast, start for Tanjore- the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu and famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. Upon arrival, check-in the hotel and relax for some time. Later do the local sightseeing tour of Tanjore. During the tour, first visit Brahadeeswarar Temple – the major landmark in the south Indian temple architecture. The Brahadeeswarar temple is a monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. Next proceed to Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum- home to beautiful stone sculptures of the Pandya, Chola, Nayaka and Pallava periods. The bronze idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is so stunning that it cannot be described in the words. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Tanjore.

Morning after the breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Madurai. En-route visit Trichy Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, Tiruchirappalli is the fourth largest city in the state. Upon arrival, do the sightseeing tour of the city that offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The first stop is Rock Fort Temple is a complex which is home to 3 more temples, namely: Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, at the top of the hill the Ucchi Pillayar temple and the Taayumaanavar KoyilShivastalam, a rock cut temple dedicated. To reach the Shiva Temple one has to climb 417 steps to the top to take in the great panoramic views from there. Later continue the drive to Madurai. Check in to the hotel for relax and overnight stay.

Morning after the breakfast, Visit the ancient and one amongst the most important temples of India- Meenakshi Amman Temple. Renowned for its astonishing architecture, Meenakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva & famous for its towering ten tall Gopurams. From here, proceed to Thirumalai Naik Palace - a gracious building in the Indo Saracen style, famous for the stucco work on its domes & arches. In the evening, do not miss the visit to Tiruparankundram rock temple, and try to catch a glimpse of white peacock. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

In the morning, after an early breakfast you will be driven to Thekkady a well known wildlife destination in Kerala. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Later do the boat ride in Periyar Lake to explore the wildlife. Evening spend at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today leave for Alleppey a fabulous backwater destination. This place is also known as “Venice of The East”. Arrive at Alleppey House Boat boarding point where our House Boat staff will be awaiting for your welcome. House boat tour of Alleppey is an amazing experience. It is the best way to explore the lush greenery and the real life of Kerala People. All meals will be served during your stay at House Boat. Relax and overnight stay will be at House Boat.

Today leave for Kochi. Visit the famous Dutch Palace Palace (Closed on Friday and Sunday, opening time 9:30 am to 4:00 pm), Jewish Synagogue, Jews Street, St. Francis church, Chinese fishing net. Later drive to Munnar. Munnar is one of the best hill stations in South India. Check in to the hotel. Later spend the evening at leisure. Relax and overnight stay at the hotel in Kochi.

After breakfast we will transfer you to Kochi International airport to Board the flight for onward the flight for onward destination.