HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit fisherman's village and do beach walk in Pondicherry.

• Visit temples with marvelous architecture.

• Visit Vaithleeswaran temple famous for its Palm Leaves Astrology.

• Enjoy the pleasant greenery of Munnar.

• Navigate the networked backwaters of Kerala in the famous houseboats.

• Spend relaxing days in the beach in Marari.

• In Cochin, visit Spice market, Chinese Fishing nets, etc.

The South Indian region is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition. From numerous temples, each holding its own sacred legends to calm backwaters providing serenity - South India has it all. The peninsular part of India remains proudly distinct from the rest of the country, yet is alike and welcoming.

On this tour, we take you around the South Indian cities, which will give us a wide view of the culture and nature of the area. We visit the architectural wonders of Mahabalipuram and drive further to Pondicherry. This beautiful and calm region, which is soaked up in the unique Franco - Indian flair takes us back to the French days. We also have the opportunity of taking a beach walk here! After visiting temples in Thajavur and Madurai, we reach the green heaven of Munnar. From Kumarakom, we take the famous houseboat and cruise the networked backwaters of Kerala. Finally, we spend some refreshing days by the sea side in Marari beach before going to Cochin and bidding farewell to the wonderful land of South India.

ITINERARY:

• Day 1: Departure
  Depart from your home country for India.
• Day 2 - Chennai/Mahabalipuram
  Arrive at the International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. From Chennai, we drive 60 km / 1 hr to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Later, we do sightseeing of the architectural wonders - Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 3 - Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry
  In the morning, we drive 90 km / 2 hrs to Pondicherry, which is still wrapped in the old world charms. We visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Maitri Mandir. Later, we witness the charm that hangs in the air of Pondicherry by visiting the French and South Indian quarters, which provide a sharp contrast.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 4 - Pondicherry
  We drive 12 km to a fisherman's village. We walk through the village absorbing the interesting sights. We do a beach walk of about 8 km to Paradise Island, where we have our Picnic Lunch. Later, do a short 10 mins' boat ride to the other side of the backwater where you will be picked up by the bus.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 5 - Pondicherry / Thanjavur
  Today, we drive 200 km / 5 hrs to Thanjavur. En route, we visit Vaithaleeswaran temple, which is famous for its ancient Palm Leaves Astrology. This art of reading the Palm Leaves have been going on for centuries. Relax on reaching Thanjavur.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 6 - Thanjavur / Madurai
  In the morning, we visit Brihadeeshwara temple. The temple is a great example of Tamil architecture and is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, we drive 195 km / 5 hrs to Madurai. On reaching Madurai, we visit Meenakshi temple. The temple is dedicated to Parvati (known as Meenakshi), and her consort Shiva.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 7 - Madurai / Munnar
  In the morning, we drive 140 km / 5 hrs to the South India's largest tea growing region - Munnar. The entire region is enveloped in a serene and calm atmosphere and provides a soothing relief with its greenery.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 8 - Munnar / Kumarakom
  We drive 150 km / 4 hrs to Kumarakom from where we take the famous Houseboat and navigate the backwaters of Kerala. We spend the night in the Houseboat.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 9 - Houseboat / Marari
  We cruise along the backwaters and enjoy the breakfast out in the deck, with the wide expanse of waters all around us. Later, we checkout from the houseboat and drive 20 km / 30 mins to Marari. Being on the side of the sea, Marari is a brilliant place to enjoy the beach and sun.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 10 - Marari
  The day is at leisure. You can spend your time by the sea side, walking on the beach and enjoying the sea waves gently hitting the shore. A short walk to the nearby village school can also be done.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 11 - Marari
  The day is at leisure to be spent relaxing by the sea side.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 12 - Marari
  The day is at leisure to be spent relaxing by the sea side.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 13 - Marari / Cochin / Departure
  This is the last day by the beach side. Enjoy the morning by the sea. Later, drive 50 km/ 1 hr to Cochin. In Cochin, visit the Jewish Synagogues, Chinese fishing nets, Spice Market, etc. Later, we transfer you to the airport for your journey back home.