Description
Southern Treasures: Temples, Spices & Backwaters
Chennai / Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry / Tanjore / Trichy / Madurai / Periyar / Alleppey / Cochin / Chennai
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chennai. Explore the city’s temples and Marina Beach. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 2: Travel to Mahabalipuram. Visit Shore Temple. Continue to Pondicherry. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 3: Discover Pondicherry’s French charm, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and Ganesha Temple. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 4: Visit Tanjore’s Brihadeeswarar Temple en route to Trichy. Overnight in Trichy.
Day 5: Explore Srirangam Temple and Rock Fort in Trichy. Overnight in Trichy.
Day 6: Travel to Madurai. Visit Tirumalai Nayak Palace and Meenakshi Temple. Free time for shopping. Overnight in Madurai.
Day 7: Free day in Madurai. Overnight in Madurai.
Day 8: Travel to Periyar. Relax and enjoy an Ayurvedic massage. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 9: Boat ride on Periyar Lake, visit spice and coffee plantations. Free time for shopping. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 10: Travel to Alleppey. Overnight on a houseboat.
Day 11: Disembark in Cochin. Visit Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and Chinese fishing nets. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 12: Free day in Cochin. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 13: Morning free. Fly to Chennai. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 14: Free day in Chennai. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 15: Departure from Chennai.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Chennai
Arrive in Chennai and head to your hotel. Dive into the vibrant city life, exploring its rich cultural heritage. Visit a sacred Shiva temple, and a historic church, and take a stroll along Marina Beach. Don’t miss the Government Museum’s Bronze Gallery. Enjoy dinner and settle in for the night at your hotel.
Fun Fact: Chennai’s Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world and was named after the Marina locality where it is situated, which was once a French colonial area.
Day 2: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
Hit the road to Pondicherry, with a fascinating stop in Mahabalipuram. Discover the seaside temples and stunning stone carvings, including the Panch Rathas and the Shore Temple. Arrive in Pondicherry, check into your hotel, and relax for the evening.
Fun Fact: In Mahabalipuram the Panch Rathas, or Five Chariots, are unique because they are carved from a single rock. The intricate carvings on these monolithic structures are thought to represent the chariots of the Pandavas, heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata.
Day 3: Pondicherry
Explore the charming French Quarter of Pondicherry, known for its colonial architecture. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a centre for Integral Yoga, and the vibrant Ganesha Temple. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Government Museum. Enjoy another cosy night at the hotel.
Fun Fact: Pondicherry’s French Quarter retains its colonial charm due to its well-preserved architecture. The city was a French colony until 1954, and its urban design reflects its French heritage, with streets named after French cities.
Day 4: Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy
Head towards Trichy, with a stop in Tanjore to marvel at the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a jewel of Chola architecture. After a delicious lunch, continue your journey to Trichy. Check into your hotel and unwind for the evening.
Fun Fact: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is notable for its enormous dome, which weighs approximately 80 tons and is said to have been transported to the top using a combination of elephants and wooden ramps.
Day 5: Trichy
Spend your day discovering the highlights of Trichy, including the impressive Srirangam Temple and the historic Rock Fort. Return to your hotel for a restful night.
Fun Fact: The Rock Fort Temple in Trichy is built on a massive rock that rises 83 meters above the surrounding plains. The temple complex is so old that it predates the city’s establishment and offers panoramic views of Trichy.
Day 6: Trichy – Madurai
Travel to Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s religious heart. After checking into your hotel, visit the majestic Tirumalai Nayak Palace and the revered Meenakshi Temple. Enjoy some free time to shop or explore. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Fun Fact: The Meenakshi Temple is famous for its intricately sculpted towers, called ‘Gopurams,’ which are adorned with thousands of colourful figures. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, and her consort, Shiva.
Day 7: Madurai
Enjoy a full day at your own pace in Madurai. Whether you choose to explore more or simply relax, the day is yours to enjoy. Overnight at the hotel.
Fun Fact: Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. It’s known for its vibrant culture and was an important centre of learning and trade in ancient times.
Day 8: Madurai – Periyar
Journey to Periyar and check into your hotel. Unwind with a traditional Ayurvedic massage to refresh your body and mind. Spend the night at the hotel.
Fun Fact: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Periyar River, which flows through the sanctuary. It is renowned for its efforts in tiger conservation and was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Travancore.
Day 9: Periyar
Experience a serene boat ride on Periyar Lake, keeping an eye out for wildlife like elephants and tigers. Visit a local spice and coffee plantation, and enjoy some free time in the evening for shopping or relaxing. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Fun Fact: The spice plantations around Periyar were historically used by the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, who traded spices like black pepper and cardamom through extensive maritime routes.
Day 10: Periyar – Alleppey (overnight on Houseboat)
Travel to Alleppey, often called the “Venice of the East.” Board a houseboat, transformed into a floating hotel with all the comforts you need. Cruise through the picturesque backwaters and enjoy dinner and a night on the boat, which will stay moored for a peaceful overnight stay.
Fun Fact: The houseboats in Alleppey are called “Kettuvallams,” which means “tied boats” in Malayalam. Traditionally used for transporting rice and spices, these boats have been converted into luxurious floating accommodations.
Day 11: Alleppey – Cochin
Head to Cochin, Kerala’s oldest city. Explore its historical sites, including the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Browse through a local market for some shopping before heading to your hotel for the night.
Fun Fact: The fishing nets in Cochin were introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century. These large, cantilevered nets are an iconic symbol of Cochin and are unique to the region.
Day 12: Cochin
Take a leisurely day to explore Cochin or simply relax. Enjoy your free time at your own pace and stay overnight at the hotel.
Fun Fact: Cochin‘s local markets are not only a great place for souvenirs but also offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history of trade, which dates back to the ancient times when it was a prominent trading port on the Malabar Coast.
Nearby, you’ll find the Paradesi Synagogue, a historic gem dating back to 1568. Just a short walk away are the charming antique shops lining the winding alleys of Jew Town. While many of the original residents have since moved to Israel, these shops keep the spirit of the area alive, offering unique souvenirs that are perfect for taking a piece of history home with you.
Right behind the Mattancherry Palace, you’ll come across the Mattancherry jetty and bus stand, making it easy to navigate this fascinating neighbourhood. The whole area is a magnet for tourists, with countless shops offering everything from local crafts to antique treasures.
Nestled between the Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue is the Pazhayannur Bhagavathy Temple, the ancestral shrine of the Cochin Royal Family. The proximity of these diverse religious sites offers a tangible reminder of the inclusive spirit that once defined this vibrant community.
Day 13: Cochin – Chennai (Flight)
Spend your morning shopping or exploring more of Cochin. In the afternoon, fly back to Chennai. Check into your hotel and unwind for the evening.
Fun Fact: Chennai is known for its bustling arts and cultural scene. The city hosts the annual Chennai Music Season, one of the world’s largest cultural festivals, celebrating South Indian classical music and dance.
Day 14: Chennai
Enjoy a full day in Chennai at your leisure. Discover more of the city or simply relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Fun Fact: Chennai is home to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features stunning Dravidian architecture. It is believed that this temple was originally built around the 7th century.
Day 15: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, filled with memories of your South Indian adventure.
South India is renowned for its unique cultural blend of tradition and modernity, offering rich experiences that linger long after the journey ends.
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