Day 1: Vizag Arrival

Arrive in Vizag and transfer to your hotel. Kick-start your journey by exploring the Kursura Submarine Museum, a unique maritime museum showcasing India's naval history. Dive deeper into the region's past at the Visakha Museum, highlighting cultural artifacts from the city's rich heritage. Seek blessings at the Kali Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali. Conclude your day at the serene Ramakrishna Beach, a popular local hangout spot offering scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.

 

Day 2: Araku Valley Excursion

Depart for the enchanting Araku Valley, nestled amidst the Eastern Ghats. Wander through the mystical Borra Caves, famous for their awe-inspiring stalactite and stalagmite formations. Immerse yourself in tribal history at the Tribal Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the customs and traditions of the local tribes. Soak in panoramic vistas of the lush green valleys from the Galikonda Viewpoint. Conclude the day by exploring the aromatic coffee plantations of Ananthagiri Hills.

 

Day 3: Vizag to Kakinada

Journey to Kakinada, a bustling port city on the eastern coast. Experience the tranquil beauty of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat safari, witnessing the intricate network of mangrove forests and spotting various bird species. Delve into spirituality at the Shri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Enjoy the evening exploring the local markets, known for fresh seafood and traditional handicrafts.

 

Day 4: Kakinada to Machilipatnam

Travel to Machilipatnam, a historic port town with Dutch influences. Visit its iconic worship centers, including Sri Panduranga Swamy Temple and Saibaba Temple, showcasing architectural brilliance and spiritual devotion. Relax on the pristine beaches, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing on the shore. Conclude your day with a stroll through the bustling local markets, offering a vibrant mix of culture and commerce.

 

Day 5: Machilipatnam to Nellore

Drive to Nellore, known for its rich heritage and religious significance. Explore the magnificent Ranganatha Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Wander through the vibrant bazaars, sampling local delicacies like 'Nellore Chepala Pulusu' (fish curry) and shopping for traditional handloom sarees. End your day with a peaceful evening by the Nellore Beach, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

 

Day 6: Nellore to Chennai

Embark on a scenic drive to Chennai, the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu. Pause at the Venkatagiri Fort, a historical monument housing the beautiful Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Pay homage at the revered Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati. Arrive in Chennai and soak in the city's colonial charm and cultural heritage at landmarks like Fort St. George, Marina Beach, and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

 

Day 7: Chennai to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram

Explore the bustling streets of Chennai, visiting the iconic Fort St. George and the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Journey to Kanchipuram, the 'City of Thousand Temples', and marvel at its architectural wonders like Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple. Conclude your day in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rock-cut temples and intricate sculptures.

 

Day 8: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

Discover the architectural marvels of Mahabalipuram, including the ancient Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and the monolithic Pancha Rathas. Transition to Pondicherry, a tranquil coastal town with French colonial influences. Explore the vibrant French Quarter, visit the serene Aurobindo Ashram, and unwind at the picturesque Pondicherry Beach.

 

Day 9: Pondicherry to Thanjavur

Drive to Thanjavur, the cultural heartland of Tamil Nadu. En route, visit the mystical Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the majestic Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, which stand testament to the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty.

 

Day 10: Thanjavur to Trichy

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Delve into the region's royal past at the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, housing a remarkable collection of sculptures and paintings. Conclude your day in Trichy, visiting the impressive Rock Fort Temple and exploring the bustling streets around the temple complex.

 

Day 11: Trichy to Madurai

Travel to Madurai, the 'Athens of the East'. Visit the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Witness the vibrant evening Aarti ceremony, a mesmerizing ritual that illuminates the temple in a golden glow. Explore the lively bazaars, sampling local delicacies and shopping for handicrafts.

 

Day 12: Madurai to Rameshwaram

Embark on a scenic drive to Rameshwaram, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Visit the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for its magnificent corridors and sacred rituals. Cross the iconic Pamban Bridge, marveling at its engineering marvels, and pay homage at the Five-faced Hanuman Temple.

 

Day 13: Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

Journey to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. Marvel at the confluence of three seas – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean – at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Explore the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment. Relax on the pristine beaches, soaking in the panoramic views of the vast expanse of waters.

 

Day 14: Kanyakumari to Kovalam

Explore the serene Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari. Later, drive to Kovalam, a picturesque coastal town renowned for its idyllic beaches and tranquil ambiance. Unwind by the sea, enjoying the gentle waves and basking in the sun's warmth.

 

Day 15: Kovalam & Trivandrum Tour

Discover the cultural heritage of Kovalam and Trivandrum. Visit the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. Explore the historic Napier Museum, Kuthira Malika Palace, and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, showcasing a remarkable collection of paintings and artifacts.

 

Day 16: Departure from Trivandrum

Bid farewell to the mesmerizing landscapes of Kovalam. Spend some leisure time exploring the local markets or relaxing on the beach. Later, head to Trivandrum Airport for your onward journey, cherishing the memories of a journey filled with history, culture, and natural beauty.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 15 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 15 nights accommodation

Vizag x 2 night
3* - Best Western Ramachandra Hotel/ Keys Select Visakhapatnam - By Lemon Tree Hotels
4* - The Park Hotel/ Fairfield by Marriott
5* - The Gateway Hotel Beach Road/ The Bheemli Resort Managed By AccorHotels

Kakinada x 1 night
3* / 4* & 5* - Paradigm Sarovar Portico/ Royal Park Hotel

Machilipatnam x 1 night
3* / 4* & 5* - Hotel SS Grand INN/ RK Good Times

Nellore x 1 night
3* / 4* & 5* - Minerva Grand/Bergamont Hotels

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

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

Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4 & 5* - Sangam Hotels

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

Rameshwaram x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Kanyakumari x 1 night
3* - Sea Shore/ Hotel Seaface
4* & 5* - Anantya Resorts/ Annai Resorts and Spa

Kovalam x 2 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach

- 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.