DAY 1 ARRIVE CHENNAI
On your arrival at Chennai airport, we will be pleased in receiving you and from there you will be transferred to hotel for your check in. Relax for a while as and when you reach to your hotel. Now, you will begin with your Chennai sightseeing. It is one of the oldest cities which are well known in India. The Dravidian traditions are very well in-sighted at Chennai and also keeping the Indian culture and tradition preserved intact till date. The main tourist attractions in Chennai are St Mary's Church, the Fort Museum, Kapaleeshwar Temple and lastly to the Marina Beach for fantastic views of Chennai nature beauty during sunset. Stay overnight in the hotel.
DAY 02 - CHENNAI TO MAHABALIPURAM
Check out from Chennai after your breakfast and move towards Mahabalipuram which is approximately 1 hour in distance. As and when your reach, check into the hotel and rest for a while. Later, begin with your sightseeing of this beautiful place. Your start will be by the world heritage site known famously as the Shore Temple which depicts a relic of Pallava art. After that visit, the "Five Rathas" which is described as a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures carved out of solid rock. Some more exciting sites in the vicinity of the town are Arjuna's Penance, Varaha Mandapam, Krishna Mandapam, and Mahishasurmardhini Caves. Return to your hotel after this fruitful day and relax for the night.
DAY 03 - MAHABALIPURAM TO PONDICHERRY
After this super amazing destination Mahabalipuram, next we will do the exploration of another exciting place Pondicherry. So, leave for it in the morning after your delightful breakfast. Check into the hotel after your arrival and relax for some time. In the afternoon, do the excursion of the magical place Pondicherry. The visit starts with Sri Aurobindo Ashram which is one of the most affluent and the spiritualism was performed validating on modern scientific facts and Yoga. Next, from there we will move to next spot Auroville was so developed to help people of different nationalities, creeds and cultures to get together in peace and harmony and find their true self. Enjoy there and then move to Arikamedu, French War Memorial and at the end spend some time at Pondicherry Beach. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 04 - PONDICHERRY TO THANJAVUR
Today, we are going to explore Thanjavur (Tanjore), so quickly leave from Pondicherry after munching your breakfast. Reach there and get to the pre-booked hotel. After that, begin with your sightseeing of Tanjore. You will visit the Shri Brihadishwara Temple which is the crowning glory of Chola style of temple architecture. This temple consists of big and magnificent halls and shrines. Next, visit the Tanjore Palace & Museum where you will get to see lot of art and architectural statues mostly made up with bronze. Tanjore is also famous for its paintings which are unique and famously known to be as “Thanjavur Paintings”. After the beautiful exploration, return to the hotel and stay for the night.
DAY 05 - THANJAVUR – CHETTINAD – MADURAI
Today, you will be transferred to the next destination Madurai and on your way you will halt at Chettinad for its exploration. The architecture of the temples is fantastic. After that, continue your journey towards Madurai. As per your schedule upon arrival, check into the hotel and relax for a while. Henceforth, begin with the exploration of Madurai Meenakshi Temple which based on the consort of Lord Shiva. It attracts the tourists from all over the world. Next visit Thirumalai Nayaka Palace which is very grand and beautifully structured. Return to the hotel for dinner and comfortable night stay.
DAY 06: MADURAI TO PERIYAR (THEKKADY)
Drive to Periyar which is also called as Thekkady on the 4th day of your trip. It is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in South India. Check into the hotel as per your arrival. Relax for some time and then in the afternoon, go for sightseeing of this magical place of South India. Start your sightseeing with Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Here to get a view of large variety of wildlife species like Wild Elephants, Sambar Deer, Nilgiri Langur, Wild Bison, Wild Boar and also some unique birds; then take a Wildlife cruise. After finishing up with the wildlife sanctuary, explore the Hill Station and Spice Plantation where you can do certain activities like Bamboo Rafting, Trekking and Elephant ride. Later, get back to the hotel for a comfortable night stay.
DAY 07: PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM.
Move to the next destination after breakfast that is Kumarakom. It is situated on the shores of the tranquil Vembanad Lake which is around 14 km from Kottayam. It is the best place in whole Kerala for clicking pictures of the scenic beauty. It caters many small clusters of islands which makes it more beautiful. Kumarakom has become very famous now and it attracts many tourists from all over the world; also it has grown up as a bird sanctuary. It is the best place to be laze upon over holidays, offering beautiful surroundings. There are many things to do additionally such as boating and fishing. After this fun-filled day, you will return to your hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 08: KUMARAKOM – ALLEPPEY (RICE BOAT)
Leave for Alleppey to board onto the Riceboat, the most wanted time to be on the boat. Earlier, Houseboats were known as Kettuvallams or Rice Boats which were used as ferries to carry rice, now it has come out in the modern form. You will take your lunch on the houseboat and after that; you will be taken on a cruise through the narrow canals of the Vembanad Lake. The stay is on houseboat itself. So, enjoy the sunset and later do peacefully the gazing of stars which can be rarely done when in crowded cities. Also, enjoy your dinner with the sounds of water gushing through and fro over the moors.
DAY 09: HOUSEBOAT TO COCHIN
The last destination to visit is Cochin, so quickly after your delightful breakfast, check out from Houseboat. In the afternoon, India Trip Planners team members will begin with your Cochin sightseeing with the main tourist attractions such as Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Hill Palace, St.Francis Church and Puthuvype Beach. To spend some romantic time with your partner you can go to Fort Kochi Beach. Later on, visit Marine Drive for taking a glimpse of the sunset. After that, according to your departure schedules, leave for your final destination from there.