Inbound - IBSI2
Southern Splendors
Southern Splendors
- COUNTRY1
- Cities10
- Days12
Tour Type InboundTour Code #IBSI2
Holiday Experiences
- Visit the second longest beach in the world "Marina Beach"
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore
- Silk City of India Kanchipuram
- Iconic temples of Mahablipuram
- Krishna’s Butter Ball - the gravity defying rock
- Aurobindo Ashram
- Universal city of Auroville
- World Heritage site – The Temple of Brihadeeshwara
- Visit Thanjavur Royal Palace
- Meenakshi temple- the historic Hindu temple
- Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show in the local theater
- Morning boat ride to Lake Periyar
- Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Spice Plantation Thekkady
- Houseboat stay at Alleppey
- Visit to Dutch Palace
- Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets
- Visit to Jewish synagogue
- Kathakali Dance Show at a local theater
PrintDay 1
Dinner
Chennai (1 Night)
On your arrival at Chennai airport you will be greeted by our private car driver or representative holding your name placard at the exit door and will accompany you througout your Chennai is the Capital of Tamil Nadu State located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the biggest cultural, economic and educational centres in South India .Once at the hotel, complete your check in formalities and rest of the day is at leisure to relax in the comfort of your resort. In the visit the Marina Beach Asia’s longest beach .As night follows, the best way to experience a region is through its cuisine , its time for some spicy Chettinad cuisine at a popular restaurant. Overnight in Chennai.
Dinner Day 2 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Chennai – Kanchipuram (75kms/2hrs) – Mahablipuram (69kms/1.5hrs) (1 Night)
After breakfast, checkout and proceed to Mahabalipuram. Enroute we visit Kanchipuram, the golden city of a thousand temples and once the capital of the Pallava dynasty.The city is famous for its hand woven saris, famed as Kanchipuram saris worldwide and visit a saree making workshop We then proceed to Mahabalipuram. An ancient port with a flourishing maritime trade situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. We first visit Krishna Mandapam - the largest and the oldest Hindu rock cut temple in Mahabalipuram. Later we visit Shore Temples complex, lashed by the waves of the sea. The complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Also see Krishna’s Butter Ball – This giant boulder which appears to be frozen while rolling down the hill. Accordingly to Hindu mythology when the great god Krishna was just a baby, he was fond of stealing butter .Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Mahablipuram – Pondicherry (99kms/3hrs) (2 Night)
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is one of the 8 Union Territories of India. This fascinating small town gives you a close feel of French influence and architecture. You have rest of the day at leisure. Get a glimpse of France in India. Walking around the White Town, you will spot European styles streets, beautiful yellow & white walls, lush green trees, and colourful flowers making it a picturesque view or take a walk around The Promenade – a walkway along the sea. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Pondicherry
Today we visit Aurbindo Ashram. The ashram was founded in 1926 and is a vibrant center of life in an urban setting. The ashram features interconnected block of houses and a tree sheltered courtyard. The Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and mother are laid to rest in the centre of the courtyard.Later we visit Pondy Bazaar. A haven for shopaholics, this market showcases traditional merchandise from the best craftsmen and artisans in the region. You can buy handmade art pieces and traditional souvenirs. In the evening we visit Paradise Beach. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Pondicherry –Chidambaram - Tanjore (166kms/4hrs) (2 nights)
After breakfast, we drive to Tanjore. En-route, visit the Chidambaram temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Thillai Nataraja - Shiva, The Lord of Dance. Also known as Thillai NatarajahTemple. Afternoon arrival in Tanjore, check-in your hotel.Tanjore is a spiritual, cultural home of ancient temples and craft.The place is well renowned for Tanjore Paintings and Thavil, a percussion instrument. Later visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built during the reign of Chola ruler Raja Rajan and is the crowning glory of Dravidian temple architecture. Overnight in Tanjore.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Tanjore - Trichy day trip (60kms/ 1hr 30 mins one way)
Today morning proceed to Trichy, which was capital of the mighty Chola dynasty in the medieval period. The place also has historic colonial importance as it has witness some of the biggest battles between French and English. You will be visiting Rock Fort which has temple on top with stunning views of the city and surroundings. Some shrines and inscriptions in the temple record its existence before the 10th century. Later, visit Danish Church and Lord Robert Clive’s house. Another top attraction in Trichi is Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, which has 21 very colourful sculpted gopurams (consecrated gateways with towers), 50 sub shrines, 9 sacred pools. Later, return to Tanjore Overnight in Tanjore.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Tanjore – Madurai (189kms/4hrs) ( 1 night )
After breakfast drive to Madurai – an ancient city on the banks of Vaigai River. Arrive and check into your hotel. Post lunch visit Meenakshi Devi Temple - Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colourful gopurams (gateway towers)covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods. The Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. The energy and devotion of the countless pilgrims who visit is remarkable. Walk through the colourful market around the temple and visit Nayak Palace – a fusion of European and Rajput architecture followed by a sound and light show . Overnight in Madurai.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Madurai – Thekkady (139kms/3.30hrs) ( 2 nights)
Today brings you to yet another diverse destination which derives its names from the teak tree, and is called Thekkady . Enroute is time too add some spice to your life by visiting a spice plantation in So what is your favourite spice?? The most widely grown spice in this region is small green cardamom which is usually part of most India sweets. Other spices include pepper, cinnamon and cloves. Evening is at leisure. Overnight in Thekkady.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Thekkady – Periyar Wildlife Reserve
Take it easy today, be a part of nature, sit back relax and enjoy a boat safari through the Periyar National Park- recommended to carry binoculars to spot wildlife by the lake shore. After lunch we visit Elephant Junction where you can enjoy an elephant ride and see them bathe the elephant . Today evening you will witness a show with a difference – Kalari shows ( one of the oldest forms of martial arts).Overnight in Thekkady
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Thekkady – Alleppey (1 Night) (Approximately 147 kms, 4 hours by road)
Today you will experience life in Kerala to the closest by checking into your hotel in Alleppey Venice of India . As the time for the sun to set approaches we will drive you to the port, where you can get your first glimpse into the backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy a sunset cruise with tea on a houseboat - in the yesteryears these were used for the transportation of goods like rice and spices from neighbouring towns. In the modern times with the development of rail and road network in the country, they are converted into an experiential stay option. Overnight in Alleppey.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Alleppey – Cochin (1 Night) (67kms, approx 2hrs)
Day begins with a twist, get set to explore this port city by a private 3 wheeler Tuk Tuk (auto rickshaw) a common mode for local transport here in cities of India. Its time to go back in time as the we introduce you to the bygone eras of this city by visiting the Saint Francis Church – famous for its ambience and former burial place of Vaso Da Gama, Chinese Fishing Nets – huge traditional fishing methods brought by Chinese traders ,Mattancherry Palace also known as Dutch Palace which houses portraits of Kings of Kerala’s royal family, Paradesi Synagogue – a 15th century synagogue and last but not least shopping time and photography at Jew Town . Overnight in Kochi
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 12 Breakfast
Cochin Departure
Today experience the village life of Kerala by visiting Kumblangi village where you will learn coir making, clay pot making, crab catching and enjoy a traditional Kerala meal . Later proceed to Cochin Airport to board your flight to Delhi/ Mumbai. Arrive at Delhi/Mumbai Domestic Airport and proceed to Delhi/Mumbai International Airport to board your flight back to hometown with lots of happy memories.
Breakfast Destinations you will visit
Note: Under unavoidable circumstances itineraries may be changed or reversed.
Additional Optional Experiences
To add experiences. for a nominal Holiday Fee. call us on or drop us a query!Tour Information
Inclusions
- 11 nights’ accommodation at suggested or similar category hotels
- Meals as specified in the itinerary above
- Sightseeing and Transport by AC Tempo Travelers or Mini Buses or Coaches depending on the group size.
- Entrance fees of all sightseeing places as specified in in the itinerary
- English Speaking Guide services at specified sights in the itinerary
- Services of Veena World Tour Manager from Day 1 meeting point till the dropping point on last day
- All Tips – Guide, Driver & Restaurants
- 1 Lt. Water Bottle per person per day
Exclusions
- GST of 5% to be paid over and above the tour price
- Any Airfare /Railway fare
- Cost of Insurance
- Any extra expense such as route change, Airline change, Date change, Accommodation facilities, etc incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeure circumstances during the tour
- Porter age (Coolie charges), laundry, telephone charges, shopping, wines & alcoholic beverages, mineral water (unless specified), items of personal nature and food and drink which is not part of set group menu
- Any extra cost incurred on behalf of any individual due to illness, accident , hospitalization or any personal emergency
- Any services or activity charges other than those included in Itinerary
- Anything specifically not mention in the tour price inclusions column
