Scenic South India Tour

The south of India boasts a more leisurely existence. See lush green vistas, narrow waterways and tiny villages combined with the many temples which are the heart and soul of this region.

Day 1

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Location : Madras(Chennai)
Detail Itinerary : Arrive Madras(Chennai). Transfer to your hotel for 3 nights.

Day 2

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Location : Madras
Detail Itinerary : In Madras. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour including Fort St. George, St Mary’s, the Government museum and the San Thome Basilica.

Day 3

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Location : Mahabalipuram
Detail Itinerary : Visit Mahabalipuram a tiny village by the sea, which is dwarfed by a sculpture carved into the rock.
Afternoon at leisure.

Day 4

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Location : Madras - Tanjore
Detail Itinerary : Drive early this morning to Swamimalai where upon arrival, you will have lunch at the Sterling Swamimalai Hotel. After lunch, visit an Iconography workshop in one of the local bazaars. Later drive to Tanjore.
Visiting Darasuran en route to view the Airavateshwara Temple.

Day 5

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Location : Tanjore - Madurai
Detail Itinerary : Morning sightseeing tour of Tanjore including the Brihadeeswara Temple with its exquisite sculptures and the Palace, the home of the former royal family of Tanjore. Afterwards, drive to Karaikudy where you will visit Chettinad Palace. Lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Temple for Evening Aarti, a short colourful spiritual ceremony.

Day 6

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Location : Madurai
Detail Itinerary : Half day tour of Madurai, the "Temple City", includes Meenakshi Temple and the Palace of Thirumalai Nayak. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 7

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Location : Madurai - Periyar
Detail Itinerary : Continue to Periyar. Participate in a cooking demonstration or attend a nature slide show at the hotel.

Day 8

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Location : Periyar - Kumarakom
Detail Itinerary : Boat ride on Lake Periyar to view the flora and fauna then travel overland to Kumarakom, a quaint resort on the backwaters of Kerala, a bird sanctuary.

Day 9

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Location : Kumarakom
Detail Itinerary : Day at leisure. There is an opportunity to experience an optional Ayurveda Massage. Also you may wish to participate in an optional Sunset cruise this evening or join an optional cooking demonstration arranged by the hotel.

Day 10

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Location : Kumarakom - Cochin
Detail Itinerary : Boat ride on the backwaters to Allepey then continue to Cochin. Visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jew Town and Fort Cochin.

Day 11

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Location : Cochin - Madras
Detail Itinerary : Fly to Madras Airport where the tour ends.