Luxury South India Escape with Houseboat Stay

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour to Chennai, visit the famous Marina Beach (the second largest in the world), Kapaleshwar Temple, Fort St.George (the oldest fort in Chennai). Thereafter, head straight to Santhome Cathedral, National Art Gallery, St. Mary's Church, Anna Zoological Park, Birla Planetarium and People's Park. Also visit Kalakshetra and Theosophical Society. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to Mahabalipuram. On the way, visit Kanchipuram, renowned as the "City of a Thousand Temples." Explore some of its most significant temples, including Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Ekambereshwar Temple, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich spiritual heritage. Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram and check in to your hotel upon arrival. After settling in, delve into the architectural marvels of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the 7th- and 8th-century Hindu monuments, including the Pancha Rathas, Ganesha Ratha, Cave Temples, Descent of the Ganges, Shore Temple, Olakkannesvara Temple, Mukunda Nayanar Temple, Pidari Ratha, and Krishna's Butterball. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Pondicherry. Upon arrival at Pondicherry, check-in to your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed to explore the unique charm of Pondicherry, starting with a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram to experience its tranquil environment and gain insights into its spiritual practices. Wander through the French Quarter to admire the colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Stop by the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, known for its stunning Gothic style and colorful stained glass windows. Enjoy the blend of historical charm and cultural vibrancy that makes Pondicherry a captivating destination. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry (or Puducherry), is a coastal town that seamlessly combines French colonial elegance with Tamil cultural richness. Known for its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, and charming streets, this picturesque destination offers a relaxing escape with a distinctive blend of Indian and French heritage. Its historical architecture, vibrant local life, and laid-back atmosphere provide a unique and memorable experience for visitors.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for the Auroville City. Founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa, Auroville is an experimental community in southern India. It is a free town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Auroville Botanical Gardens protects the region's tropical dry evergreen forest. Auroville Beach is a long sandy stretch with gentle surf. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Thanjavur. En-route visit Chidambaram - The town belonged to the Cholas of Southern India and is one of the most famous and sought-after travel destination when it comes to culture tourism, here you visit Pichavaram mangrove forest and backwaters, Thillai Nataraja Temple, Thillai Kali Amman Temple and Tirunallurpperumanam Temple. Later continue your drive to Thanjavur for overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the "Big Temple," is an architectural marvel built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the grandeur of the Chola dynasty and is one of the largest and most significant temples in South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is renowned for its massive central dome and its towering 66-meter high Vimana, one of the tallest in the world. Later depart for Gangaikonda Cholapuram to visit the Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. After exploring this magnificent temple, savor lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Rajarajesvaram Museum to delve deeper into the history and culture of the Chola dynasty. Later in the evening, return to your hotel in Thanjavur for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to Darasuram to visit the stunning Airavatesvara Temple. This architectural marvel, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, will leave you mesmerized with its beauty and historical significance. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Darasuram. Make sure to visit the Shiva Temple, which is renowned for its detailed and exquisite sculptures that showcase the incredible artistry of the Chola period. As you wander through the town, you'll get a sense of its rich cultural heritage and history. Later in the evening, experience the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu by attending a traditional dance performance at a local cultural center. The colorful costumes and rhythmic movements will provide a perfect end to your day. After the performance, drive back to your hotel in Thanjavur for a comfortable overnight stay, reflecting on the day's enriching experiences.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Madurai, en-route visit to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), visit Rock Fort Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple and Srirangam Temple. Later continue your drive to Madurai, upon arrival check-in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple for the special evening Aarti. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Madurai with a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of India’s oldest and largest Hindu temples. This iconic temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati and her consort Sundareshwar, a form of Lord Shiva is renowned for its ancient history and intricate architecture, Located on the Vaigai River's southern bank, this sacred shrine attracts millions of pilgrims annually. Next, head to the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, followed by a visit to the Subramaniya Swamy Temple, known for its religious significance. Continue to Alagar Kovil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, which is set amidst lush landscapes. Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Munnar, Kerala's crown jewel! Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you wind your way through scenic landscapes, arriving at your cozy Munnar haven. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, and get ready to experience the magic of this enchanting hill station. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar.

Our day begins with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat unique to these hills. Next, we swap four wheels for a scenic boat ride across the serene Mattupetty Dam lake. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak in the tranquility. Later head to Echo Point, a vantage point offering breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling Munnar hills. Listen closely – on a clear day, you might even hear your own voice echoing through the valleys! As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll ascend to another stunning viewpoint, Top Station. Witness the landscape transform with the golden hues of sunset. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Thekkady, a wildlife haven roughly 3 hours away. Upon arrival in Thekkady, check into your comfortable resort and freshen up. In the afternoon, we'll venture to Kumily, a charming town 10 kilometers away. Here, immerse yourself in the fragrant world of spices at a local plantation. Learn the secrets behind cultivating pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and other exotic treasures. As dusk settles, we'll visit the majestic Mullaperiyar Dam, a marvel of engineering that harnesses the power of the Periyar River. Witness the dam's grandeur and its role in providing sustainable energy to the region. Overnight stay at the resort in Thekkady.

After a hearty breakfast, prepare for an exciting day in Thekkady and Periyar National Park, nestled in the lush Western Ghats. For a truly memorable experience, consider a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can witness wildlife in their natural habitat from the water. Additionally, an optional elephant ride offers a unique way to explore the scenic surroundings (available at an additional cost). During your visit to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, enjoy the mesmerizing views of the evergreen forests and keep an eye out for wildlife, including elephants, sambar deer, Indian bison, and the elusive tigers. As the day winds down, return to your resort to relax and enjoy a peaceful evening, reflecting on the incredible sights of the day before settling in for a restful night's sleep.

After breakfast at your resort, embark on a scenic drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), renowned for its picturesque backwaters and tranquil houseboat cruises. Upon arrival, check in to your houseboat around 1:00 PM and begin your enchanting backwater cruise. The houseboat experience is a quintessential Kerala journey, offering a unique way to explore the serene network of canals and lagoons that define the region. As you cruise, enjoy a delicious lunch onboard and take in the scenic beauty of the backwaters. Glide past traditional Chinese fishing nets, lush paddy fields, and vibrant coconut groves. Witness local life as you see villagers engaged in daily activities like coir making, and observe ancient temples and rustic homes dotting the landscape. The evening is yours to relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings. You can also explore the local market of Alleppey if you wish. Enjoy the serenity of the backwaters from the comfort of your houseboat. Overnight stay on the houseboat, allowing you to drift into a peaceful night surrounded by the beauty of Kerala's backwaters.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kochi. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, and later head-out to explore Kochi. Your sightseeing tour includes Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and historic charm, Marine Drive with its picturesque waterfront, and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Visit the Dutch Palace, renowned for its murals and historical artifacts, and the Santa Cruz Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Explore the serene Bolgatty Island and immerse yourself in the history at the Indo-Portuguese Museum. Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer you to Cochin International Airport for onward journey.