SOUTHERN JEWELS OF INDIA BUDGET TOUR PACKAGE

11 Nights / 12 Days

A sweeping tour of the South hitting all the tourist highlights along the way - from the beaches of the Bay of Bengal to the shores of the Arabian Seacoast with hill stations, backwaters, and architectural marvels along the way. Stunning South India at its best.

Chennai – Mamallapuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Madurai – Periyar – Cochin – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum

SOUTHERN JEWELS OF INDIA BUDGET TOUR RATES

Tour Price Includes

Accomodation / Daily Breakfast
Transportation by AC car for entire tour as per itinerary
All applicable taxes

Tour Price Excludes

Meals which are not specified in the itinerary
Additional expenses related to strikes, natural calamities, etc.
All other than those listed in above inclusions

SOUTHERN JEWELS OF INDIA BUDGET TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Chennai to Mamallapuram (2 hour drive)

You will be greeted by a Tour Packages India Representative and then driven to Mamallapuram where you'll spend the next two nights. Venture down to the beach and treat yourself to fresh fish in beachside restaurants while listening to the sounds of the surf.

Day 2: Mamallapuram

Spend the day sightseeing. By far and away, the most popular tourist attraction is Arjuna's Penance - one of the largest bas relief works of art in existence - carved out of the hillside rock it never fails to impress. Mamallapuram is famous as a pilgrimage town as well as being the seat of stone carving in South India and you'll see evidence of this especially on the way to the Five Rathas. Don't miss the Shore Temple, a rare item as it's the only monument in Mamallapuram "constructed" as opposed to being carved out of the rocky terrain of the town.

Day 3: Mamallapuram to Pondicherry (2 hour drive)

Take a drive down the coast to the former French colony of Pondicherry. Along the way, stop in Auroville and pay a visit to the Matrimandir - an architectural marvel as well as the point from which all things in Auroville radiate - solar-powered, peaceful, welcoming, beautiful surroundings. In Pondicherry, enjoy the rocky beachfront which leads down to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a beautiful example of French-influcenced architecture.

Day 4: Pondicherry to Tanjore (5 hour drive)

Proceed to Tanjore - the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu - which also enjoys the reputation of being the cultural center of Tamil Nadu. Tour the town and see the Brihadishwara Temple (Big Temple) - the most important place to see due to it's marvelous architecture and gardens. Pay a visit to the Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library which houses ancient Tamil and Sanskrit manuscripts. The Siva Ganga Garden is wonderful little park for family outings - train rides and boat rides are available.

Day 5: Tanjore to Madurai (3 hour drive)

Arrive in Madurai and spend the day touring the city. Don't miss the Meenakshi Temple, the Koodal Alagar Temple, Thiruparankundram, Gandhi Museum, and the Kazimar Big Mosque and Maqbara. Catch the evening Sound and Light Show at the Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

Day 6: Madurai to Periyar (4 hour drive)

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Periyar. Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. Spend the evening exploring nearby Kumily where every spice grown in Kerala is sold - you'll know you've arrived by the aromatic atmosphere.

Day 7: Periyar to Cochin (6 hour drive)

Drive down through the Cardamom Hills to the lovely heritage harbor town of Cochin. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali Dance overlooking the Cochin Harbor.

Day 8: Cochin

Spend the day seeing the sights which may include a visit to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica or a boat tour of the harbor islands

Day 9: Cochin to Alleppey (2 hour drive)

Enjoy the downhill drive into the backwaters of Alleppey where you'll spend the next two nights. Kick back and relax on the shores of this beautiful backwater slice of paradise.

Day 10: Alleppey to Kovalam (4 hour drive)

Continue your travels down the coast to the world famous beach resort town of Kovalam. Long an international draw, you'll find it a fascinating and enjoyable way to spend a few days..

Day 11: Kovalam

A day of leisure, a night of pleasure...stroll the boardwalk, explore the lagoons hidden behind the beachfront shops, hang out on the beach watching the fishermen bring in their fresh catch, relax at a rooftop restaurant and watch the sunset...a nice finishing touch to your extended week in the wonderland of Kerala.

Day 12: Kovalam to Trivandrum Departure

You will be driven to up to your point of departure in Trivandrum.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

TOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

All hotels are in the Standard range - all modern amenities are provided including attached private bathrooms with hot/cold water.

Note: If you prefer higher standard accommodations we would be happy to make the arrangements.