Discover South India’s magnificent temples, beaches, exotic wildlife, hills, houseboats and very diverse history. Classical south India group tour packages through most beautiful places of south India’s like Chennai the capital of the Tamil Nadu, and famous for its historic landmarks, buildings, long sandy beaches, cultural and art centres. Kanchipuram is an ancient city considered a holy pilgrimage site by Hindus, and home to many temples from the 8th-century such as Kailasanathar Temple, Ulagalanda Perumal Temple houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu,a mango tree in the Ekambareswarar Temple courtyard is thought to be sacred, next Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, It’s known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. Pondicherry is the capital city of The Union Territory of Puducherry andfamed for its Dravidian-style Hindu temples, Paradise Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Serenity Beach, Arikamedu, Auroville Beach, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rock Beach, Ousteri Lake etc, afterword travel toChidambaram a city in the southern state of Tamil Nadu with a population of about 82458. Of the numerous temples the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram is one of the most significant ones.Tanjore or Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture with many temples include the 11th-century Brihadeeswarar Temple, a vast Chola dynasty–era complex with a frescoed interior. Thanjavur Maratha Palace is home to the centuries-old Saraswathi Mahal Library, with palm-leaf manuscripts, and Thanjavur Art Gallery, with bronze statues. Tamil University Museum displays coins, folk artifacts and musical instruments. Cholapuramis best known for the Gangaikondacholisvarar temple in Gangaikondacholapuram, the biggest temple constructed during the reign of Rajendra–I in Ariyalur region.Trichyalso called Tiruchirappalli is an ancient city, and is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Temples dating back to the 1760s. Maduraicultural capital of Tamil Nadu and its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site.Rameshwaram is one of the holiest places in India and is located on a beautiful island. Kanyakumari is surrounded by mountains and bordered by vibrant sea shores, lined with paddy fields and coconut trees.Trivandrumis a capital of Kerala, Kovalamis a quite popular for its calm and scenic beaches, Periyar National Park is considered as the most protected area for the elephants and the tigers, Munnaris a hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century.Alleppey also called Alappuzha offers sights of lush green villages, the tranquil backwaters and the cinematic beauty of the houseboats, and Cochin or Kochi is a bustling commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years.

Day 01: Arrival Chennai
Welcome to Chennai Airport, our representative will assist and escort you by a/c car and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. During your check in, all the required documents related to the tour, will be given to you and all your queries in concern to the tour and services will be explained. If you are arriving by early flight, after relaxation you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.

Chennai (Madras): the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is the most convenient point of entry. Chennai has an international airport, a seaport and a rail and road network that links it to all major towns and cities of the region. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism, whose past endures into the present. Temples with towering spires called gopurams are a common feature of this state, seldom seen anywhere else in the country. Temples in Tamil Nadu were the fulcrum of society and even today art forms that have their origin in religious worship continue to colour daily life. Notable among these are splendid bronzes of deities, painting on glass and Bharatnatyam, and an evocative dance form.


Day 02: Explore Chennai
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Chennai; the gateway of South India will put you in touch with a different phase of India - classical, ancient, gentle. Chennai is the 4th largest city in India, spread over 50 miles and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the Bay of Bengal. Start the tour with visit to Kalashetra and join the Heritage Walking tour which starts from 0830 AM for 03 hours (closed on Saturday & Sunday) Visit The St. George Fort (closed on Friday), Santhome Cathedral & Snake Park (closed on Tuesdays) In the evening, optionally you can visit the flower and fruit market, and then explore Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. Overnight stay at the hotel.


Day 03: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
After an early breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Kanchipuram, to explore the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous for its 1000 temples, of which 124 shrines still remain. Visit the most famous temple: Kailasnathar; built during 685 A.D. to 705 A.D. Visit other temples like Vaikuntaperumal, Ekambareshwara, Kamakshiamma and Sakiswarar. Go shopping at the world-famous silk cloth markets. Later proceed to Mahabalipuram and check in at hotel. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram; a sculptor's delight boasting of some of India's most sublime rock-cut art falling under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temples, Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Varaha Mandapa and Mandapams. Overnight stay at the hotel

Kanchipuram is known as one of India's Seven Sacred cities and the historical capital of the Pallavas. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D and later became the citadel of Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries. Kanchi is also known as the centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage.

Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster! Despite the many visitors, drawn by the former Pallava dynasty town, the place is friendly, relaxed, and the villagers are remarkably unperturbed by their crowds of visitors. Mahabalipuram is renowned for its series of charming rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna's Penance.


Day 04: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (100 kms: 3 hrs)
After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Pondicherry. On arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment take a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visiting the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Ecole Françoise d’Extreme Orient, which is nearly 100 years old and offers programs in Sanskrit, Tamil and Archaeological studies. The French Catholic influence is evident in a number of churches, notably the Jesuit Cathedral (Notre Dame de la Conception’ 16941-1765),The Church of Our Lady of Angels (1855), famous for an oil painting of our Lady of Assumption given to the Church by King Louis Napoleon III, and the 17th century Chapel of Our Sisters of Cluny. Also visit Auroville, the planned city of Dawn of the new world. In the evening take a walk at the promenade by the beach. You will find here some of the most significant landmarks like the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeanne d'Arc, Duplex, the elegant War Memorial raised by the French, the heritage building "Mairie", the 27m tall old Lighthouse. After sightseeing return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05: Explore Pondicherry
Pondicherry: This attractive, former French colony exudes a Mediterranean aura with its sophisticated streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. History of Pondicherry: A former French colonial cit, located along the Bay of Bengal didn't come under Indian rule until 1954. You can still hear a fair bit of French being spoken as you stroll along its remaining seaside villas and cobblestone streets. The city is really two towns in one: La Ville Blanche, the colonials' former playground, and La Ville Noire, the crowded inland area where the native Indian population was forced to live.


Day 06: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Tanjore (165 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Tanjore, en route visit Chidambaram - one of the major Hindu pilgrimage places famous for the Nataraja Temple. It is one of the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu. The temple is located in the heart of the city, and covers an area of 40 acres, towers at a height of over 40 metres in height with the roofs covered with gold plates. The presiding deity in the temple is Akasha Lingam and is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe. Afterwards drive to Tanjore, on arrival transfer to the hotel, evening is free for rest and relaxation. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Chidambaram (also Thillai) literally means the sky permeated by an atmosphere of intelligence and wisdom. According to legend, it was once a forest of tillai, a mangrove species of trees. There was once a small shrine on the banks of a tank. The saints Vyagrapada and Patanjali are said to have worshipped at this shrine, now called Thirumoolanathar. It is believed that their penance attained fruition with the revelation of Shiva's cosmic dance by Lord Nataraja on the auspicious Thai Poosam day.

Tanjore or Thanjavur as it was earlier called, was the capital of the chola empire from the 10th century to the 14th century A.D. later is become part of the Vijay nagar kingdom political. Literary and religious centre of the South. The celebrated temple Brihadeshra built by the Chola King during the 11th century is its major attraction. The saraswati Mahal library, dating back from the time of the Marathas, containing a rare collection of books and manuscripts on paper and palm leaves.


Day 07: Tanjore – Cholapuram – Trichy – Madurai (190 Kms: 4 Hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Madurai. Enroute visit Trichy; the most famous landmark of this bustling town – the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop, the Sri Ranganathanswami Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq. km and Jambukeshwara – Mysore Temples. Later drive towards Madurai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Trichy: the rock fort surrounds the city. On the top of the rock there is a fort and a temple. After crossing 434 rocks cut steps, there is a temple called Mathrubhutewarar temple, which is dedicated to lord Siva. There is another temple called Ucchi Pillar temple, which is dedicated to lord Ganesha and located at the top of the rock. The entire city can be seen from this place. Srirangam temple and Sri Jambukeswarar temple are famous in Trichy.

Day 08: Madurai
After breakfast, visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest temple complexes in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries, visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace; a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 – foot high stone pillar, still stands, visit the Koodal Alagar Temple and Vandiyur Mariamman Teepakulam where annual boat festival takes place. In the evening visit the famous Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple to attend the Aarti (Prayers) witnessing interesting rituals and ceremonies. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Madurai with 2500 Years old history is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu both historically and myth logically. Legend says, Madurai was originally called a forest Kadambavanam. Once a merchant saw INDRA the king of Devas worshipping a Swayambhulingam under a kadamba tree in the forest. This incident was informed by Dhananjayan (the merchant) to the king Kulasekara Pandian. The king immediately cleared the forest and built a temple around the lingam. And a city was planned around the temple.


Day 09: Madurai – Rameshwaram (175 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Rameshwaram, on arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rameshwaram, often referred to as the ‘Island of Prayer’, and also considered to Varanasi of the South this major pilgrimage centre is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar. Most of the town’s places to stay and eat are cluttered around the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Built in the 12th century AD, the temple with its awe-inspiring corridors, and the longest in India. Evening visit Adam's Bridge (Ram Setu) the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Rameshwaram is an island separated from the mainland by a small strait of water. Rameshwaram is famous for the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama who, it is believed, had descended on its shores and built a bridge across the Palk Strait to reach Lanka in his quest to rescue Sita from Ravana. Additionally, the temple is famous for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Siva. Lord Rama had constructed a Siva linga in order to offer thanks to the Lord after killing Ravana. Hence, the temple is a sacred site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.


Day 10: Rameshwaram – Kanyakumari (310 kms: 6 - 7 hrs)
Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Kanyakumari. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Watching sun set from here is the big attraction, especially on the full moon day in April, when it's possible to see both the setting sun and rising moon on the same horizon. In the evening enjoy the wonderful view of Sunset from Murugan Kundram hills, after visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Kanyakumari Referred to by the British as Cape Commorin, Kanyakumari in the state of TamilNadu is located at the southernmost tip of the peninsular Indian. The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage center is famous for its beautiful sights of sunrise and sunset over the waters.


Day 11: Kanyakumari – Trivandrum – Kovalam (85 kms: 2 hrs)
Today early morning enjoy the speculative SUNRISE, just behind The Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. Kanyakumari Temple is also referred to as Bhagvaty Amman Temple and is one of the 108 Shakti Peetha in Hindu mythology. The temple is one of the major Hindu temples across India and is mentioned in almost all the ancient Hindu scriptures. Gandhi Mandapam and Vivekananda Memorial. Afterwards check out the hotel and drive to Kovalam, enroute visit Trivandrum city, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. On arrival to Kovalam, transfer to the beach resort. Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, there are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. Rest of the day is free for leisure and beach activities, overnight at the beach resort of Kovalam

Kovalam, on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village; called Kovalam is 16 kms away from Trivandrum, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. The beach resort here is of international standard. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a paradise of nature.

Day 12: Kovalam
Today morning after breakfast, enjoy the beach activities; swimming at the Kovalam beach is the rejuvenating and a relaxing experience. Water skiing is just like the snow skiing where you have the vast space to enjoy and Kovalam beach is the good option to enjoy water skiing. You may opt to enjoy Angling, Para-sailing and Surfing at the beach. Also experience world famous Ayurvedic massage and treatment offers at the resort, this is not merely to relax you, also rejuvenates your mind, body and soul. Overnight at the beach hotel in Kovalam.

Day 13: Kovalam
Ayurveda, means the science of healthy living, derives its name from the Sanskrit words, AYUSH (LIFE) and VEDA (KNOWLEDGE). It looks at healing in a holistic fashion. The physical treatment has overtones of philosophical and psychological approaches too. Any ailment in the body is viewed as a result of a combination of factors with special reference to the components of diet. It is here that Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is different and so treatment too should be customized. The Ayurvedic principles are found in detail in Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas of Hinduism.

Day 14: Kovalam – Periyar (185 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Periyar. On arrival, transfer to the Jungle Resort. After refreshment visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, discover the park, animals found here include elephant, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. Take a boating at Periyar Lake to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Afterwards take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuariescovering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq.miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centerpiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq.km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The lake is an important source of water for the many wild animals. The Best time to visit Periyar is between OCTOBER and MAY. The best chance of watching animals is during the hot months of march, April and May, when water gets low and the grass dries out, animals especially elephants come down to the Periyar lake to bath & frolic in the water with the young ones.

Day 15: Periyar – Munnar (85 Kms: 3 Hrs)
Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Munnar. During the drive to Munnar, you can see tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of miles, lush green hills, and a place so difficult to articulate. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. You can take a short tour of the Munnar hill station exploring tea gardens and the panoramic view of the hills, lakes and forests of this wonderful hill station. Overnight stay at the hotel

Munnar: the erstwhile ‘summer capital of the British’, has become the most sought-after holiday destination in South India. 5000 ft above sea level, it is the luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats located on the eastern border of Kerala. Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and major cash crop plantations cover most of this region. Munnar is rich in biodiversity, teeming with flora and fauna & abounding in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Thar

Day 16: Munnar
Today morning after breakfast explore this panoramic hill station- visit Pothamedu to enjoy picturesque view of the coffee, tea, cardamom and other spices plantations in Munnar, Devikulam (7 km from Munnar), this tranquil hill station with its velvet lawns, vibrant flora and fauna with picturesque mountains, a rare experience. Blossom International Park is about 3 km away from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from Munnar, Mattupetty is also known for the Indo-Swiss Farm and a dairy farm, Echo Point and Kundala Lake. In the evening you can take a tea and coffee and spices plantation tour visiting tea museum. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 17: Munnar – Alleppey (165 kms: 4 hrs) Backwaters tours through sailing boat
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive for Alleppey, on arrival check in to the houseboat and journey begins to explore backwaters world though sailing boat passing thorough tropical countryside, enjoying view of palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights. On the way one can see The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, groups of duck swimming around and colourful birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures treasured in our memories, you can try your hands in fishing from the houseboats. In the evening enjoy beautiful sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. Enjoy the dinner of your choice cooked and served by the Chef. Dinner and overnight at the houseboat.

Alleppey: a calm backwater town is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of water canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. Alleppy is also famous for Speculative Nehru Trophy Boat Race, celebrated every year- in month of August, the most colourful and exotic snake boat race in Kerala. The city is known for coir products Houseboat: Generated through electricity; with sitting cum dining area, private bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver)

Backwaters Tours: The mystifying intricates of forty-five rivers that creates around 900 km roundabout lakes, lagoons, canals, estuaries and deltas in the South Indian state of Kerala, This topographical persona blessed the God's Own Country with elaborate water worlds, commonly known as 'backwaters'. Cruising all along the backwaters of Kerala is an ultimate way to discern its implausible foliage, bona fide, affluent ethnicity and wildlife. The tranquil, steep and Sluggish backwaters tour is like inspiring depictions of nature’s beauty witnessed by the tourists.

Day 18: Alleppey – Cochin (55 kms: 1 hr)
Today morning after breakfast disembarks from the houseboat and drive to Cochin, on arrival, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, visit Fort Cochin & St. Francis Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday afternoons and all Saturdays & all Passover Days & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace (closed on Fridays & Saturdays). In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. After wards return to the hotel for overnight stay.


Day 19: Cochin
Kochi Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.

Day 20: Cochin – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the International airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories

Tour Package Guidelines:
Since the precise cost of a customized tour is subject to specific accommodation choices, travel period (date/month/year), number of pax travelling together and other custom preferences. However, to enable you to chalk out your holiday plan, we suggest following budget guidelines (minimum 2 people are travelling together and sharing one double room) for a customized tour:

3-Star: $150 per person per day
4-Star: $200 per person per day
5-Star: $300 per person per day


SERVICES INCLUDED:
19 Nights Double / Twin sharing Accommodation.
Daily Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel, except day 01.
All Airports pick up and drop services with our office’s representative.
Car/coach with English speaking driver throughout the tour for all transfers, sightseeing, intercity travel.
Car/ coach services are inclusive of all services; right from pick up from theairport till departure.
All road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes, and all other expenses related to the coach.
All entrance fees, Monuments, forts and Palaces etc. (One Time).
Local english speaking tour guide at the time of sightseeing and airport transfers.
Kathakali Dance tickets.
Alleppy Houseboat and Periyar accommodation inclusive of all meals.
Service of an English-speaking tour manager for 20 days (minimum 5 Pax).


SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:
Personal expenses like liquor, soft drinks, beverages, phone calls, laundry, postage, souvenirs, etc.
Tipping and Gratuities for Guides, Drivers, hotels, restaurants, rickshaw driver etc.
Per and Post-tour accommodation, transportation, or any other services.
Lunches not included unless mentioned / No Breakfast on Day 01.
Transportation during the day at leisure / sight-seeing unless specified.
Camera fee in the monuments.
International flight and Visa fees.
Any services not specified above.

Any kind of insurance such as baggage loss, damage, flight delayed, trip cancellation/ extension, medical and life. It is necessary to buy before flying to India to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Any extra expense incurred due to any unforeseen circumstances political or natural such as riots, strikes, floods, storms road blockade, delay or cancellation of trains/flights, will have to change the tour programme accordingly, which may result in missing of some part of sightseeing as per planned tour itinerary.

Any change made by the passenger in any respect the difference will have to be borne by the passenger directly in India.

All our independent itineraries are completely flexible and can be customised to your requirements.
If you would like more information please feel free to contact us: bhagirathitour@hotmail.com OR call: 0091 – 9719016952