Culturally and historically affluent Tamil Nadu is undoubtedly the reflection of India’s cultural wealth. Occupying the South Eastern belt of the country, the state is a delight for pilgrims and travel enthusiasts alike. The state boasts of temples that date back to almost two millennia and that pretty much explains everything.
Cities like Madurai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram and island situated Rameswaram are the usual haunts of the pilgrims. However, it is not only the temples that overwhelm visitors here, making the tip of Indian peninsula; Kanyakumari is also one of the most visited places in Tamil Nadu.
The state also flaunts its lush green forests that it borrows from the Western Ghats. Sprawling in a large area; these forests make the home to several wildlife species. Offering respite from the sweltering heat and noise are the hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal. Adorned with scenic landscape and salubrious climate, these hill stations are ideal for holiday in Tamil Nadu.
Day 01 Arrive Chennai (By Flight)
Arrive Chennai meet-assist at airport with fresh flower garlands & transfer to hotel.
After breakfast full day Sightseeing of Chennai.
Chennai: formerly called Madras, Originally Chennai was a cluster of villages, perched amidst paddy fields, bordered by palm trees. Attraction, Fort ST. George: was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. Marina Beach: ANNA Memorial: the memorial for ARINZAR ANNADURAI. San Thome Basilica: at the south end of Marina Beach was named after Saint Thomas “doubting apostle of Jesus Christ”.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day 02 Chennai – Kanchipuram (By Road) (138 kms / 3 hrs approx)
After breakfast leave by private car to Mahabalipuram on the way stop at Kanchipuram. On arrival city tour of Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram: Situated in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is the city of thousand temples and one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. Tourist Attractions: The Ekambaranathar Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Varadaraja Temple, Kailasanathar Temple and the Kamakshi Amman Temple.
Mahabalipuram: The temple town of Mahabalipuram is famous for its various temples and other attractive features. This 7th century city of the Pallavas is considered pioneer in the Dravidian architectural style. The city was earlier called Mallapuram and was a famous trading port of Pallavas. During your Mahabalipuram tour, you will come across many interesting tourism spots. Some of the best ones are as follows.
Arjuna’s Penance – Arjuna’s Penance is the pride of not only Mahabalipuram and Tamilnadu but also of India. Arjuna’s Penance is the world’s largest bas-relief that measures 27 meters and 9 meters along its length and breadth respectively. This huge whaleback shaped rock contains figures of Gods, Demigods, Men, Beasts and Birds. The whole structure looks like the penance of Arjuna, the Pandava prince and one of the protagonists of Indian epic Mahabharata; hence the name.
Five Rathas – Five Rathas are the one of the most magnificent tourist attractions at Mahabalipuram Beaches. Five Rathas are actually five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are modeled around chariots that are called ‘Rathas’ in Hindi. They are also known as the ‘Pancha Pandava Rathas’, which means that each one of them represent 5 Pandavas, the protagonists of Indian epic Mahabharata..
Dakshinachitra – A must visit site on the Mahabalipuram beach is Dakshinachitra, a heritage village that is the brainchild of the Ministry of Culture. The village falls to your left when you start moving from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
Shore Temples – Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples in South India and the oldest one based on the Dravidian style architecture. It belongs to the early 8th century AD and is considered a pioneer in the Dravidian temple art. The monuments are floodlit at night in order to make it visible in the night. In fact, the temple looks great in moonlit night. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day 03 Mahabalipuram– Kumbakonam–Tanjore (By Road) (235 Km/ 6H 55M)
After breakfast leave by private car to Tanjore.
Enroute visit Pondicherry, Chidambaram and Kumbakonam.
Pondicherry: It is a city of southeast India on the Bay of Bengal south-southwest of Chennai (Madras). Pondicherry Temples: Most of the temples around Pondicherry are dedicated to Ganesh, the Destroyer of all Obstacles. The Pondicherry Museum: It showcases an eclectic collection of art, Pallava sculptures, handicraft, weaponry, archaeology, geology and the old French Governor Duplex’s bed, an old palanquin and other interesting things.
Later continue drive towards Tanjore.
Arrive and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Tanjore.
Day 04 Tanjore – Trichy – Chettinadu – Madurai (By Road) (226 Kms. / 5H)
After breakfast city tour of Tanjore and then leave for excursion by private car to Trichy.
At Tanjore, the capital and spiritual heart of the Chola, the brightest of the dynasties of southern India, the temple of Brihadishvara celebrated with pomp his protector, Shiva. Served by substantial resources, architects of the year by miles conjuguèrent rigor symbolic spatial organization and the monumental, building the tallest tower Vimana of India, crowned by a monolith of 80 tonnes and perfection art, dazzling in the multitude of reliefs that decorate the walls of the temple.
Religious work unmatched in South India, bold continuation of the prestigious heritage of the Pallava art, the temple was also intended as a monument to the glory of Chola Kings, celebrating their power stretching, a rare example in history of India, beyond the seas. Nayak’s palace we visit the museum, which exhibits a remarkable collection of Chola bronzes.
Afternoon drive towards Trichy and on arrival sightseeing of Trichy.
Apart from Trichy, dominated by its citadel located on a rocky outcrop, the temple of Ranganatha Swamy is the immense sanctuary of India. On an island designed by the river Kaveri, the temple city, including the outer wall defines a perimeter of 60 hectares divided by seven successive ramparts, traces the history of the country. This is where the Vishnu has developed, particularly under the leadership of the great philosopher Ramajuna.
Since time immemorial, each sovereign wished to honor Vishnu by increasing his wealth by successive additions. If the heart of the sanctuary remains inaccessible to non-Hindus, you will discover, immersed in the crowd of the faithful, the magic of exploring the plethora of speakers, door gopuram, courses hypostyle temples and annexes to the above, between high the thirteenth and eighteenth century, especially in the Madurai Nayak dynasty.
Along the way, we stop at Chettinad, a small town museum where you can discover very nice “houses palace” abandoned or inhabited, built in the nineteenth century by wealthy families of merchants or bankers. It is a small interlude out of the ordinary and that we can see another architectural aspect of this region.
Later, transfer to Madurai.
Overnight in Madurai.
Day 05 Madurai
After breakfast, city tour of Madurai.
Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Alagar Kovil.
The cultural capital of the Tamil country which opens like a fan delta of the Kaveri, which was the capital of the Cholas, the most brilliant ever known kingdom in South India .
Arrive and transfer to hotel.
Madurai – Originally known as Madhurapuri got its name from the falling of divine nectar from Lord Shiva’s rocks. This ancient city has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Madurai is believed that this is more than 2500 years old ancient city, situated on the banks of the river Vaigai Madurai is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara.
PM: Visit Meenakshi temple and watch night ceremony.
This temple is the city’s main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town – a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structures know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Madurai – Kodaikanal (By Road) (117 Kms. / 3H 15M appx.)
After breakfast, you leave for Kodaikanal.
Fondly known as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodaikanal is a beautiful and serene hill station of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. As you reach Kodaikanal, check-in at the hotel.
Your day is now at leisure.
You can visit the nearby attractions, can enjoy a leisure walk or can visit the local market.
Day 07 Kodaikanal
The day is scheduled for exploring this lovely place, enjoying the lovely weather and treat your eyes to the lush scenery. Some of the attractions that are worth-visiting here include Coaker’s Walk (a beautiful exquisite walk enveloped by mist-clad mountains), Kodaikanal Lake or Kodai Lake (a manmade lake where tourists can enjoy boating) and Pillar Rocks (natural 400-foot-high vertical column of 3 rocks). Spend the day in exploring the stunning views from the popular viewpoints and splendid attractions.
Day 08 Kodaikanal – Munnar (By Road) (167 Kms. / 5H 15M appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Munnar.
You enter the mesmerizing territory of Kerala. Set your foot in Munnar, probably the most popular hill station of Kerala. This lovely place has a lot to boost of such as beautiful lush scenery, refreshing surroundings, amazing weather, cool breeze, various wonderful tourist attractions, verdant tea and coffee estates, and so on. Arrival in Munnar and completion of check-in formalities. You can now explore the place on-foot, enjoy long pleasurable walks. Do not miss visiting the Christ Church.
Day 09 Munnar
After breakfast, the tour is for city tour including the major attractions of Munnar- the extremely popular Eravikulam National Park, home to a decent population of Nilgiri Tahr (a mountain goat found in the region) and over 132 avifauna species. The national park is located at a distance of 15 km from Munnar.
Day 10 Munnar – Periyar NP (By Road) (92 Kms. / 3H 15M appx.)
After breakfast, sightseeing of Munnari.
Later, drive by private AC vehicle to Periyar.
On arrival check into your respective hotel.
Periyar: tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq. km. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. The ancient Mangala Devi temple is perched atop a thickly wooded hill and affords a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings. The temple is located 15 km from Thekkady.
Later, city tour of Periyar.
Visit Elephant Junction, Spice Gardens.
Boat ride in Periyar wildlife sanctuary.
Overnight in Periyar.
Day 11 Periyar – Alleppey (138 Km/ 4H) / Alleppey – Kumarakom (Houseboat)
Breakfast and departure by road to Alleppey.
On arrival, we go into the cruise which take you the backwater for 2.5 hours and get down in Kumarakom.
Kumarakom – is an enchanting backwater destination in Kerala. This village is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, in the Kuttanad region of Kottayam district. The place is just the perfect choice for a traveler to enjoy the beauty of nature, while relaxing amidst tranquil backwaters. The beauty of the place is captivating and would a leave lasting impression on your mind. From the mystical water to the evergreen trees, the experience of visiting Kumarakom is worth having. The mangrove trees, paddy fields and blue lagoons give a pictorial beauty to the place. Basking in the blissful glory of sunlight, fishing, canoeing or sightseeing, whatever you chose to do in Kumarakom, everything will add to its appeal and attraction.
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 12 Kumarakom – Marari (By Road) (28 Kms. / 42M appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Marari.
On arrival, transfer to beach resort.
Beach relax in Marari. Overnight in Marari.
Mararikulam is a village in India, in the district of Alappuzha, Kerala state. Previously it was a constituency in Kerala Legislative Assembly represnted by notable legislators like T. M. Thomas Isaac V. S. Achuthanandan etc. Famous tourist attraction marari beach is at Mararikulam
Day 13 Marari
Day 14 Marari
Beach relax in Marari.
Overnight in Marari.
Day 15 Marari – Cochin (By Road) (42 Kms. / 1H 20M appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Cochin.
Visit Fort Cochin, Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Jew Town, Marine Drive, Ernakulam Market.
Cochin – the palm green commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Known as commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi is also offers forts, palaces, beaches, backwaters, old churches, snakes boat races, Kathakali, and museums etc. Kochi is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas which makes it more attractive for nature lovers. Cochin is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’
Santa Cruz Basilica -This monumental church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful paintings on the ceiling.
St. Francis Church – Built in 1503 by Portuguese Friars, it is the India’s oldest European church. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India.
Mattancherry -Palace It was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. The Dutch renovated the palace in 1663. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the Puranic legends.
Evening, Kathakali dance show.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 16 Depart Cochin (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Bangalore airport for flight to onward destination.
| Place | Night (s) | 5* Hotels |
| Chennai | 01 | The Accord Metropolitan |
| Mahabalipuram | 01 | Radisson Blu Mahabalipuram |
| Tanjore | 01 | Svatma Hotel |
| Madurai | 02 | Heritage Madurai |
| Kodaikanal | 02 | The Tamara Kodai |
| Munnar | 02 | Fragrant Nature Munnar |
| Periyar | 01 | The Elephant Court |
| Kumarakom | 01 | Ramada Resort |
| Marari | 03 | Marari Beach Resort |
| Cochin | 01 | Fragrant Nature Cochin |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 15 nights accommodation as per the program.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Entrance fee to any monuments.
– Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
– Boat Ride at Periyar Lake.
– All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by an air-conditioned Transport
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.