Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Upon your arrival at Chennai airport, our representative will warmly greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. After checking in, embark on a city tour to explore the city's cultural and historical landmarks. Start with a drive past iconic heritage buildings such as the Madras High Court, a splendid example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, and Ripon Building, an elegant structure combining Gothic and Corinthian styles. Continue to Fort St. George, a historic fortress built during the British colonial era, housing St. Mary's Church and the Fort Museum. Visit the intricately designed Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and conclude your day at the Government Museum, showcasing a rich collection of art, archaeology, and anthropology.

Day 2: Chennai to Mahabalipuram (120kms)

After a hearty breakfast, depart for Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. En route, explore the historic city of Kanchipuram, known as the "City of Thousand Temples", famous for its exquisite silk sarees and craftsmanship. Continue your journey to Mahabalipuram and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Group of Monuments, including the awe-inspiring Shore Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the unique Pancha Rathas showcasing monolithic rock-cut architecture, the mesmerizing Arjuna's Penance depicting tales from the Mahabharata, and the artistic Krishna Mandapam adorned with intricate carvings.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (120kms)

Today, we head to Pondicherry, a tranquil coastal town with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and set out to explore the town. Visit the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and his disciple, The Mother. Discover Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace and unity, and stroll along the picturesque Promenade Beach. Explore the French Quarter, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant cafes, and boutiques, reflecting Pondicherry's rich colonial heritage.

Day 4: Pondicherry to Thanjavur via Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram (180kms)

Today's journey takes us to Thanjavur, known as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu" and a treasure trove of ancient temples and cultural heritage. En route, visit the divine Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its grand architecture and spiritual significance. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, an ancient temple town established by the Chola dynasty, with the magnificent Brihadishvara Temple as its highlight. Explore the intricately carved Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Dravidian architecture at its finest. Upon reaching Thanjavur, check into your hotel and unwind.

Day 5: Thanjavur to Chettinad (140kms)

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest temples in India, showcasing Dravidian architecture and craftsmanship. Explore Vijayanagar Fort, an ancient fortress with robust walls, and the Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library, housing a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and artworks. Later, drive to Chettinad, renowned for its culinary heritage, traditional mansions, and vibrant culture. En route, explore Trichy and its iconic temples including Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a prominent pilgrimage site, Rock Fort Temple offering panoramic views of the city, and Jambukeswarar Temple known for its architectural brilliance. Upon arrival in Chettinad, check in at your hotel and relax.

Day 6: Chettinad to Madurai (90kms)

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the architectural marvels and cultural heritage of Chettinad. Visit the Chettinad Palace, an opulent mansion showcasing the region's architectural splendor, Athangudi Tile Factory, producing vibrant handmade tiles using traditional methods, and explore local markets to experience the region's rich culinary heritage and crafts. Later, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India and a cultural hub of Tamil Nadu. Check into your hotel and in the evening, visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.

Day 7: Madurai to Munnar (160kms)

Today, we journey to Munnar, a breathtaking hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, renowned for its lush tea plantations, misty hills, and tranquil ambiance. Upon arrival, explore the Eravikulam National Park, a sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and home to diverse flora and fauna. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea cultivation in Munnar. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the tea gardens, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak in the serene ambiance of this picturesque hill station.

Day 8: Munnar to Alleppey (165kms)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East" for its enchanting backwaters and tranquil lagoons. Board a traditional houseboat and embark on a memorable cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala. Experience the scenic beauty of the lush landscapes, observe local life along the waterways, and indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine prepared by the onboard chef. Enjoy a peaceful night onboard the houseboat, drifting amidst the tranquil backwaters under the starry sky.

Day 9: Alleppey to Cochin (60kms)

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Cochin, a vibrant port city known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and cosmopolitan charm. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and set out to explore the city. Visit Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with colonial architecture, bustling Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) showcasing exquisite murals depicting Hindu temple art, St. Francis Church - the oldest European church in India, and the Jewish Synagogue adorned with Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles. In the evening, be captivated by a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a vibrant dance form depicting tales from Indian epics through expressive gestures, elaborate costumes, and intricate makeup.

Day 10: Cochin Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Cochin airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your memorable Chennai to Cochin Temple & Backwater tour. We hope you have had a wonderful journey exploring the diverse cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and natural beauty of South India.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 9 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.

- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

Hotels used or similar for 9 nights accommodation

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Mahabalipuram x 1 night
3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort
4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thnjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Chettinad x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Munnar x 1 night
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

- Any flight tickets.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.