South India Heritage Tour

Upon arriving at Chennai airport, you'll be warmly greeted by an Alkof Holidays representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, and relax with an overnight stay at the hotel.

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 breakfast at the hotel, head-out for sightseeing of Thanjavur, visit the Schwartz Church, Sivaganga Gardens, Lord Murugan Temple and Sangeetha Mahal. After that leave for Kumbakonam, vist Airavatesvara Temple, a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. Also visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, and Nageswaraswamy Temple, the temple is counted as the earliest of all Chola temples. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thanjavur.

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 at the hotel, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Madurai, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple - one of the oldest, largest, and most sacred Hindu temple in India, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, every year millions of pilgrims visit this sacred shrine. Later visit Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, Alagar Koil and Gandhi Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, set off for Thekkady, renowned for its stunning Periyar National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your comfortable resort nestled amidst lush greenery. Take some time to unwind and savor the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, head to the charming town of Kumily, a picturesque area close to Thekkady known for its vibrant markets, spice plantations, and local culture. Explore the local attractions, soak in the serene atmosphere, and return to your resort for a restful overnight stay.

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, begin your journey to Munnar, a scenic hill station renowned for its lush tea plantations and stunning landscapes. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and acclimate to the cooler climate. Enjoy the evening at leisure, exploring the nearby areas or simply unwinding at the hotel. Overnight stay 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, check out from your hotel and begin your drive to Kochi. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, eventually leading to the vibrant city of Kochi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and freshen up. Spend the afternoon exploring Kochi's rich cultural and historical landmarks. Visit Fort Kochi, renowned for its charming colonial architecture and historical significance. Stroll along the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, and explore the Dutch Palace, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts. In the evening, visit the bustling local markets or enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Kochi.

On your final day, after breakfast, check out from your hotel. Transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward flight or journey home, concluding your memorable South India heritage tour.