South India Trip and Kerala Backwaters
South India Trip will give you the chance to take the adventure beyond the many stone walls of Cochin, along the backwaters of Kerala and deep into the heart of the South of India. Across the spice plantations of Thekkady and around the streets of the Lotus city of Madurai are many secrets just waiting for you to Discover India through our India Travel Package!
- Facilitator for assistance on initial arrival and final departure
- Accommodation at listed hotels in Twin / Double sharing basis
- 2 Nights accommodation in Kochi at listed hotel on bed and Breakfast basis
- 1 Night accommodation in Houseboat -Alleppy at listed hotel on full board basis
- 2 Nights accommodation in Thekkady at listed hotel on bed and Breakfast basis
- 2 Nights accommodation in Madurai at listed hotel on bed and Breakfast basis
- 1 Night accommodation in Thanjavur at listed hotel on bed and Breakfast basis
- 2 Nights accommodation in Mahabalipuram at listed hotel on bed & Breakfast basis
- Enjoy the world famous Backwaters of Kerala
- Experience the spice plantation tour, Thekkady
- English speaking local guides as per the program
- 01 Bottled mineral water during long drives
- Monument entrance fees and permits
- Garlanding upon arrival in India
- Taxes
- International Airfare
- Entry visa to India
- Any optional tours
- Personal spendings
- Tipping
Day 1: Kochi Arrival
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our representative and get transferred to your hotel at Kochi, also known as Cochin and overnight there.
Day 2: Kochi City Tour
Discover our South India Tour Package by enjoying a city tour of Kochi.
First, you will visit The Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday & Saturday). Then, you will visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555. This Palace was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. This was also known as the Dutch Palace (Closed on Friday). On the beach near the church, you will see the so-called Chinese Fishing Nets, strung out along the tip of the peninsula. Later on, you will be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Alleppey Houseboat
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and will be driven to Alleppey and board the Houseboat (Kettuvallom) on the World famous Backwaters of Kerala. Traveling on backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to Kerala. Then, you will overnight in Alleppey Deluxe Houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Thekkady Wildlife Tour
Your South India Tour Package will give you the chance to discover the wildlife at Thekkady.
After enjoying your breakfast, you will disembark the houseboat and drive to Thekkady. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Thekkady. After that, you will move to The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary, which is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India and is amongst the most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
Since boat travel is the only way of traveling through this sanctuary, one can cover large areas in a short time and experience the wilderness like never before. There is probably no sanctuary in the world where elephant behavior can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety. Overnight in Thekkady.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Proceeding Thekkady
Add spices to your India Travel Package by visiting the aromatic spice plantations of Thekkady after your breakfast. You will see various species of spices and other aromatic plants/herbs. The guide will explain the use of different spices in the Indian cuisine. Overnight at your Hotel in Thekkady.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Madurai Tour
After enjoying your breakfast, you will be driven to Madurai, a city shaped like a lotus and is the destination of thousands of pilgrims. On arrival, check in at your hotel.
In the evening, you will visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony at the temple. Then, overnight at your hotel in Madurai.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Continuing Madurai
This morning, you will visit the beautiful Meenakshi Temple. Its enormous domes covered with gaily-colored statues dominate the landscape and are visible from all over Madurai. The temple has 4 entrances and 12 towers. The temple is famous for its 1000 pillar corridor.
Enjoy a paddle rickshaw ride through the temple bylanes of Madurai. Then, return to your Hotel and overnight in Madurai.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Thanjavur Tour
After enjoying your breakfast, you will be driven to Tanjore (Thanjavur). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel to check-in. Then, you will visit Sri the Brihadeshwara Temple built by the great Chola king, Raja Raja I in the 10th century AD; this temple is an outstanding example of the Chola architecture. This superb monument has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. After that, you will return to your hotel and overnight in Tanjore.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Welcome Mahabalipuram
After enjoying your breakfast, you will be driven to Mahabalipuram. This tiny seaside village of Mahabalipuram is set in a boulder-strewn landscape. On arrival at Mahabalipuram, you will be transferred to your hotel, check in, and overnight there.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Mahabalipuram Tour
After breakfast, you will visit the historical sites of the seaside resort of Mahabalipuram - City of Seven Pagodas. Then, you will visit the Five Rathas (chariots) ceremonial chariots, rock-cut monoliths, named after the 5 Pandavas heroes of the Mahabharata epic and Draupadi their wife.
Next, you will proceed to the Shore Temple by the sea surrounded by gardens designed according to descriptions of the original layout from ancient times. Then, you will visit Bhagirathas Penance, which is a bas-relief sculptured on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks. Rest of the day is free at leisure. After that, you will be back at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Chennai - Final Departure
The day is at leisure. Later, you will meet our Memphis Tours representative and get transferred to the airport to connect to your onward flight.
