South India Splendors 10 Days / 9 Nights

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Chennai, founded in 1639 as the first settlement of the East India Company. Visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery (closed on Fridays), followed by a drive through the vibrant Flower and Fruit Market. Explore Fort St. George (closed on Fridays), the first British fortress in India, and St. Mary’s Church – the oldest Anglican Church in the country. Drive along the scenic Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple (closed from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM) and San Thome Cathedral, believed to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Madurai. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Later, visit the architectural marvels of Madurai including the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian temple architecture. In the evening, witness the traditional Aarti ceremony at the temple. Overnight stay in Madurai.

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady (Periyar), a region renowned for its lush greenery and wildlife. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a unique elephant experience which includes activities like an elephant ride, bathing, feeding, and timber pulling demonstrations. Overnight stay in Periyar.

Early morning, enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to spot wildlife near the lake. Return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, embark on a jeep safari to Ottakathalamedu, located approximately 1500 meters above sea level. Drive past cardamom, coffee, and pepper plantations, reaching Chellarcovil Mettu viewpoint. Enjoy a short nature walk and taste locally brewed cardamom or black tea with snacks. En route, visit spice plantations and a local tribal village. Overnight stay in Periyar.

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom – a picturesque backwater village famed for its natural beauty and tranquility. Check in to your hotel on arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding backwaters and countryside. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, check out and board a traditional houseboat from the resort jetty around 12:30 PM. Enjoy lunch on board as the boat cruises through scenic canals and lakes, offering views of local village life and lush landscapes. Dinner will be served onboard. Note: The houseboat anchors by 5:00 PM. Air conditioning is operational from 9:30 PM to 6:30 AM only. Overnight on the houseboat.

Wake up early to enjoy the serenity of Kerala’s backwaters. After breakfast onboard, disembark at Alleppey around 9:30 AM. Drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, attend a captivating Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) and the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays). See the iconic Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church – where Vasco da Gama was originally buried, and the beautifully decorated Santa Cruz Basilica. Later, witness a live demonstration of Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art form of Kerala. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be transferred to Cochin International Airport in time for your onward flight.