South India Tour, South India Tour Packages, 26 Days South India Tour

26 Days South India Tour

(26 Days / 25 Nights)
(Chennai - Kanchipuram - Chennai - Mamallapuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Kodaikanal - Munnar - Periyar - Kovalam - Alleppey - Cochin - Ooty - BR Hills - Mysore - Hassan - Bangalore - Tirupati - Chennai)

(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)

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26 Days South India Tour is the complete intensive tour of South India. South India is made up of the 4 states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They all lie in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula. During the 26 Days South India Tour you will visit all these parts of South India, finest beaches, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, backwaters and some of the finest temples in South India like Kodaikanal, Ooty, BR Hills, Munnar, Periyar, Kovalam, Alleppey, Mysore, Pondicherry, Bangalore and Chennai.

Day 1: Chennai
Around Midnight arrival in Chennai (formerly Madras). The cosmopolitan City and capital of TamilNadu is the main gateway for travellers to South India. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your Hotel.

Day 2: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Chennai (about 145 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Kanchipuram. This temple town was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. Kanchipuram is one of the India's Seven sacred cities. The silk sarees produced here are famous throughout the world. In the afternoon we visit the Vaikuntam Perumal Temple. This temple is one of the important Vishnu temples which was built by Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th century A.D. The presiding deity Lord Vishnu is depicted in sitting, standing and reclining postures. After visiting this temple we visit the Kailasanathar Temple. This Pallava temple was constructed in the 8th century and has an attractive panel depicting Shiva and Parvathi in the midst of one of their innumerable dance competitions. The architecture of this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram. After visiting the temple drive back to Chennai.

Day 3: Chennai - Mamallapuram (about 55 km / 1 hours)
Today we drive to Mamallapuram. Mamallapuram situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments, caves, monolithic Rathas and Temples. Today we visit the Arjuna's Penance. This skilfully carved rock is the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world. This sculpture derived its name from Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, who performed a penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. After visiting the Arjuna's Penance we visit the Five Rathas, also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas. There are five monolithic temples, each created in different style. Four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock formation. In the evening we visit the Shore Temple. This temple is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th Century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style.

Pondicherry Mahabalipuram Temple
Pondicherry Mahabalipuram Temple
Day 4: Mamallapuram - Pondicherry (about 100 km / 2 hours)
After having breakfast we proceed to Pondicherry. Pondicherry was retained as French colony until 1954. Pondicherry has even today the French atmosphere amidst the surrounding Tamil country. We visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which is a world famous Yoga and philosophy center.

Day 5: Pondicherry
The whole day at leisure in Pondicherry.

Day 6: Pondicherry - Tanjore (about 175 km / 3 hours)
We drive through the tropical mountains to Chidambaram. Chidambaram lies on the north edge of the coleroon river. In Chidambaram we visit the Natraja Temple which is dedicated to the dancing Lord Shiva, a famous Hindu deity of the Chola Kings. On the way to Tanjore we have a stop over in Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is famous for its 18 temples in the town centre. The city Tanjore (Thanjavur) is our last destination today. Tanjore was the capital of great chola empire who built more than 70 temples between 10th and 14th century. We visit here one of the world heritage monument, Brihasdisvara Temple (11th century), which is also known as big temple.

Day 7: Tanjore - Trichy (about 75 km / 1 hours 20 mins)
Today we drive to Srirangam and visit the Ranganathasvami Temple which is one of the largest temples in India dedicated to god Vishnu. After the visit of Srirangam we proceed to Trichy. Trichy, the land near the delta is very fertile and productive. This town Trichy is so ancient that it was mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century BC by Alexandrian geographer. We climb stairs to the famous Rock Fort which was built on 84 m high rock in the centre of town in about 1660. We also visit a Shiva and Ganesha temple and enjoy a wonderful view of the surroundings from the top.
Tanjore Temple Temple Tiruchirapalli, Srirangam
Tanjore Temple Temple Tiruchirapalli, Srirangam
Day 8: Trichy - Madurai (about 135 km / 2 hours)
Today we leave Trichy and drive to Madurai. Madurai, situated on the bank of river Vaigai is also referred to as the Athens of the East. Madurai has the most outstanding examples of Vijayanagar temple architecture in the Minakshi Temple, a standing monument to the temple builders of the 16th and 17th century. We spend enough time in Minakshi Temple and afterwards have a walk through the bazaars of this 2500 years old town before we drive back to our hotel.

Day 9: Madurai - Kodaikanal (about 120 km / 3 hours)
Today we drive from Madurai to Kodaikanal. In the evening arrive in Kodaikanal.

Day 10: Kodaikanal
The whole day at leisure in Kodaikanal.
Meenakshi Temple Madurai Kodaikanal
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai Kodaikanal
Day 11: Kodiakanal - Munnar (about 165 km / 5 hours)
Today we drive from Kodaikanal to Munnar. Munnar is a beautiful hill resort situated in the cradle of tea plantations. Munnar, the queen of hill stations is located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, along the western Ghats on the eastern border of Kerala and was once the summer resort of the British government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns and winding lanes make this a popular resort. On arrival drive to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. 

Day 12: Munnar
In the morning you will have sightseeing in Munnar and visit the tea plantation, Rajmalai, the top peak of Munnar and Mattupetty. Rajmalai is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, located about 15 km from Munnar. Half of the world population of the rare mountain goat, which is becoming extinct, is now found here. Mattupetty is located about 15 kms from Munnar and known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. 

Day 13: Munnar - Periyar (about 80 km / 2 hours)
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Periyar (Thekkady). On arrival drive to the hotel. Thekkady is a naturalist's paradise of unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. It has unspoilt tropical forests and incredible wealth of animal and plant life. Thekkady is well known for the Periyar National Park and the elephants are the major attractions here. In the afternoon, drive to the Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world and also one of the largest and finest wildlife reserves in India. Periyar National Park covers an area of 780 square km and was designated a part of project Tiger in 1973. In the evening we have a boat ride on the Periyar lake and observe the activities of elephants, tiger, bison, wild oxen, wild boar and spotted deer. 
Munnar Tea Garden Periyar Wildlife
Munnar Tea Garden Periyar Wildlife
Day 14: Periyar - Kovalam (about 220 km / 5 hours 30 mins)
Today you will drive to the famous Kovalam Beach. The Kovalam beach is located about 16 kms. from the city of Trivandrum. This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite place of tourists since 1930. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost beach is known as the Lighthouse Beach and is the most popular beach. Enjoy your whole day at this beach.

Day 15: Kovalam
The whole day at leisure in Kovalam.

Day 16: Kovalam - Alleppey (about 162 km / 3 hours 30 mins)
In the morning drive to Alleppey. Alleppey, the coastal town on the Arabian Sea is known as the Venice of the East and famous for the numerous backwater canals that meander through the town. This town holds a thrilling event of snake boat race every year during August. It is also known for its cashew nuts. In the evening arrive in Alleppey and drive to the hotel.
Kovalam Beach Alleppey
Kovalam Beach Alleppey
Day 17: Alleppey - Cochin (about 55 km / 1 hours)
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Cochin. Cochin is the most interesting town in South India at Malabar Coast and is also known as Venice of South. Cochin is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. After arrival in Cochi, drive to the hotel. In Cochin we visit St. Francis church, the oldest European church in India in which the grave of famous sailor Vasco da Gama can be visited. After the visit of St. Francis Church we have a walk through the Jewish area of Mattancherry. 

Day 18: Cochin - Ooty (about 275 km / 6 hours 30 mins)
From the tropical coast of Kerala we drive on the serpent road and pass through the Tea plantation and eucalyptus forests of mountains of Nilgiri and arrive in the city Ooty (Udhagammandalam). Ooty which was developed as hill station by British, lies at an altitude of 2300 m. and still has British flair.

Day 19: Ooty - BR Hills (about 140 km / 3 hours 30 mins)
In the morning we will drive along the forest stretch to BR Hills wildlife sanctuary. The Biligirirangana ranges of hills are picturesquely situated between the Cauvery & Kapila Rivers. At a height of 5091 feet above sea level, this hill stretches from north to south for about 16 Kms. All round are deciduous trees and roaming amidst the long grass and tall trees are animals. We will take a stroll through the sylvan surroundings.

Day 20: BR Hills
Today in the morning again we will have a stroll through the sylvan surroundings of BR Hills.
Santa Cuz, Cochin Ooty
Santa Cuz, Cochin Ooty
Day 21: BR Hills - Mysore (about 85 km / 2 hours)
In the morning we pass through the betel nut and pepper plantation and proceed to Mysore. Today we visit the most impressive and one of the largest city palaces in India. The City Palace of Mysore "Ambar Vilas" is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. Mysore is famous for its Silk and Sandalwood. We have an opportunity to see how incense is made and how silk saris are woven by the local weavers.

Day 22: Mysore - Hassan (about 120 km / 2 hours 30 mins)
In the morning we drive to Hassan via Protima Bedi's Dance Village. Arrive Hassan by lunch. After having lunch visit the Sravanabelagola where we visit the colossal monolithic statue of Gomateshvara, standing 18 meters high. This Jain sculpture represents the saintly prince Bahubali after he had gained enlightenment. Today we will also visit the famous Hoysala temples of Halebid. Overnight in Hassan.
Mysore Palace Halebidu
Mysore Palace Halebidu
Day 23: Hassan - Bangalore (about 145 km / 3 hours)
Today we drive to Bangalore. Bangalore is the capital city of the Indian state Karnataka. This former "Garden city" Bangalore is known today as "computer city" of India. In Bangalore we visit the monolithic Nandi, Shiva's Bull and famous Gowda Fort which was built by Tipu Sultan.

Day 24: Bangalore - Tirupati (about 250 km / 4 hours 30 mins)
Today we drive to visit the famous pilgrimage shrine, Tirupati. There we visit the famous Tirupati temple, dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and later drive down hill and visit the temples of Padavathi.
Tirupati Balaji Temple
Devarajaswami Temple, Kanchipuram Tirupati Balaji Temple

Day 25: Tirupati - Chennai (about 140 km / 3 hours)
Today we drive from Tirupati to Chennai. In the evening arrive in Chennai. Evening at leisure in Chennai. After having dinner transfer to the airport.

Day 26: Chennai (Departure)
Around midnight flight to home destination.

Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour please submit the Query Form or send us              an e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.

Our Services Include:
      Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC in the
         chosen category. 
     
Rooms on the departure day.
     
American/continental Breakfast.
     
Boat ride on the lake of Periyar.
     
Services of qualified local guides (English speaking or languages of your choice)
         at every place of sightseeing.
     
All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo Vacations
         representative.
    
  All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an air-conditioned Car with
         driver. For groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except Standard Hotels) will be
        
provided.   

Exclusions:

      Any kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills and Alcoholic
         beverages.
     
Camera Fees (Still or Movie).
     
Any Flight Charges.
     
Monument Entrances.
     
Unspecified Meals etc.

We always look forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished by you for your individual trip.

If you are willing to travel in a group - the Group Departure dates are available !

Check our Festival calendar to know about the dates of various festivals of South
   India during your travel !  

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   and the wished dates to enable us to workout the tour cost !   

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who have traveled with us.

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