Chennai - Madurai - Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Kumarakom - Thekkady - Munnar - Cochin

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai Arrive at Chennai International Airport, where a representative will greet you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Chennai, often called the Gateway to the South, is renowned for its temples, silk, music, and dance, and boasts one of the world’s largest beaches, Marina Beach. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai Exploration & Transfer to Madurai Begin your day with a half-day city tour of Chennai. Visit the bronze gallery at the museum, explore the flower and fruit markets, and see landmarks such as the High Court, Fort Museum, and Marina Beach. Also visit the San Thome Cathedral, Kapaleshwara Temple, and the Snake Park.

In the afternoon, check out from your hotel and transfer to Chennai Airport for your flight to Madurai. Upon arrival, our representative will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Madurai, with its rich history dating back to the 6th century BC, is known for its Tamil learning and pilgrimage sites. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Madurai.

Day 3: Excursion to Rameswaram After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Rameswaram, a sacred island revered in Hinduism. Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, an important pilgrimage site. The town is also known for its connection to the epic Ramayana. Return to Madurai in the evening.

Overnight in Madurai.

Day 4: Madurai to Kanyakumari Following breakfast, explore Madurai’s key attractions including the Meenakshi Temple and the Tirumala Nayak Palace. After checking out, drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal converge. Visit the Vivekananda Memorial on an offshore rock and enjoy the unique sunset views.

Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Day 5: Kanyakumari to Kovalam After breakfast, check out and drive to Kovalam, known for its pristine beaches and palm-fringed shores. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach.

Overnight in Kovalam.

Day 6: Trivandrum Sightseeing Enjoy a half-day tour of Trivandrum, including visits to the Padmanabha Swami Temple, Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, and the Zoological Gardens. In the evening, relax on Kovalam Beach.

Overnight in Kovalam.

Day 7: Kovalam to Kumarakom After breakfast, check out and drive to Kumarakom, a picturesque backwater village on Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom is famous for its bird sanctuary and scenic beauty. Check in to your hotel and spend the day leisurely at your backwater resort.

Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 8: Kumarakom to Thekkady After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Check in to your hotel and take a guided tour of a spice plantation. Enjoy free time for shopping at the local spice market.

Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 9: Thekkady to Munnar Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar within the wildlife sanctuary. After breakfast, check out and drive to Munnar, a charming hill station known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty. Check in to your hotel and relax for the day.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar Sightseeing Explore Munnar with a full-day sightseeing tour. Visit Top Station, Mattupetty Dam, tea plantations, and Eravikulam National Park, home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy breathtaking views and the lush landscapes of Munnar.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 11: Munnar to Cochin After breakfast, check out and drive to Cochin. Check in to your hotel and spend the day at leisure. In the evening, consider attending a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama that combines storytelling with intricate gestures and expressions.

Overnight in Cochin.

Day 12: Cochin Departure Post breakfast, embark on a half-day city tour of Cochin. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and Santa Cruz Church. In the afternoon, check out from your hotel and transfer to Chennai Airport for your onward flight.

End of tour with cherished memories of South India!