Southern Sojourn
(Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Madurai – Munnar Thekkady – Alleppey – Cochin – Mumbai)
Southern Sojourn
TRIP OVERVIEW
Embark on a curated journey through South India’s cultural heartland and scenic landscapes, offering a harmonious blend of heritage, spirituality, nature, and coastal charm. The itinerary begins in a vibrant metropolitan hub known for its colonial legacy and deep-rooted traditions. From there, the route follows the picturesque coastline, leading to historic towns where ancient architecture and spiritual sanctuaries reveal centuries of artistic excellence and religious devotion.
As the journey continues inland, travelers explore regions celebrated for classical art forms, regal temples, and rich cultural narratives. The itinerary then transitions into the tranquil highlands, where verdant plantations, mist-covered valleys, and wildlife reserves create a serene backdrop for nature lovers.
Descending to the serene backwaters, guests can unwind amidst palm-fringed canals aboard traditional houseboats, experiencing the slow rhythms of rural life. The final leg of the trip culminates in a dynamic cosmopolitan setting, where modernity and tradition coexist, offering a fitting end to this immersive and diverse travel experience.
ABOUT THE TRIP
| Duration: | 19 Nights & 20 Days |
| Trip Cost: | $2911 per person on twin sharing |
| Trip Style: | Leisure Tour |
| Vehicle: | SUV (Toyota Crysta) |
| Location: | South India |
| Activities: | Ganges Tour, Kathakali Dance, Boat Ride, Spice Plantation, Village Tour & Backwater Tour, Churches & Beaches |
| Dates: | As per guest request (Pre & Post Tours) |
Customize This Trip
ITINERARY
DAY - 1 Chennai Arrival
Welcome to India! Arrive at Chennai International Airport. You are met by Travellama representative with traditional and sacred marigold flower garland. Transfer to hotel for check-in and relax.
Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras.
DAY - 2 Chennai City Tour – Highlights
- Get to know the colorful temples of Tamil Nadu
- Ancient rock-cut temples and exquisite carvings
- Exploring iconic landmarks like Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and San Thome Church
- Experiencing the city’s diverse cultural scene and architectural wonders
- A historic neighborhood known for its cultural vibrancy and historical significance
DAY - 3 Chennai to Mahabalipuram (by drive)
After breakfast depart to Mahabalipuram by drive, on arrival check in hotel and relax.
Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Highlights-:
- Iconic temple complex on the seafront showcases Pallava architecture
- Popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the coastal scenery
- A rock-cut temple showcasing intricate carvings of the goddess Durga
- Provides panoramic views of the town and coastline
DAY - 4 Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (by drive)
After breakfast depart to Pondicherry by drive, on arrival check in hotel and relax.
Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques.
DAY - 5 Pondicherry City Tour – Highlights
- Unique blend of charming French architecture, beautiful beaches, and spiritual centers
- The Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville offer a glimpse into spiritual and philosophical practices
- The city boasts various beaches, offering different experiences from rocky shores to calmer waters
- Visit French War Memorial and the Pondicherry Museum showcasing its colonial past
DAY - 6 Pondicherry to Thanjavur (by drive)
After breakfast depart to Thanjavur by drive, on arrival check in hotel and relax
Thanjavur is a city in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its many temples include the 11th-century Brihadeeswarar Temple, a vast Chola dynasty–era complex with a frescoed interior. Thanjavur Maratha Palace is home to the centuries-old Saraswathi Mahal Library, with palm-leaf manuscripts, and Thanjavur Art Gallery, with bronze statues
DAY - 7 Thanjavur City Tour – Highlights
- Rich history and cultural heritage through a blend of religious sites and artistic expressions
- Majestic temple intricate architectural and a colossal statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva
- Explore the grandeur of Maratha rulers and admire the diverse collection of artifacts and artwork
- Immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of Thanjavur.
DAY - 8 Thanjavur to Madurai (by drive)
After breakfast depart to Madurai by drive, on arrival check in hotel and relax
Madurai is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site.
DAY - 9 Madurai City Tour – Highlights
- Iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple heart of Madurai, showcasing stunning Dravidian architecture
- Visit to Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Explore Samanar hills are a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance
- Take a tour of Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, 17th century Indo-Saracenic architecture and features.
DAY - 10 Madurai to Munnar (by drive)
After breakfast depart to Munar by drive, on arrival check in hotel and relax.
Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats Mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it’s surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiris tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.
DAY - 11 Munnar City Tour – Highlights
- Visit Anayirangal Dam holds the waters of the Panniyar River for Tea Plantations and forests.
- Lockhart Tea Factory & Kanan Devan Tea Museum is owned by the Tata Group.
- Scenic and adventurous, with opportunities for exploration
- Take a tour of Rajamalai National Park a wildlife sanctuary.
DAY - 12 Munnar to Thekkady (by Drive)
After breakfast depart to Thekkady by drive, on arrival check in hotel and relax.
Thekkady in Kerala State, India’s largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India. The 120 years old ‘Surki’ dam built across Periyar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq. Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq. Kms. The Country’s sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.
DAY - 13 Thekkady City Tour – Highlights
- Visit to Periyar National Park a Tiger Reserve in India
- Enjoy a boat Ride at Periyar Lake
- Tranquil and nature-focused, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Adventure through trekking and wildlife experiences in a rich ecosystem.
DAY - 14 Thekkady to Alleppey (by Drive)
After breakfast depart to Alleppey by drive, on arrival check in hotel and relax.
Alappuzha, often referred to as Alleppey, is a picturesque city in the state of Kerala, known for its intricate network of canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons. Often dubbed the ‘Venice of the East,’ Alappuzha is a popular tourist destination, especially famed for its houseboat cruises that offer an immersive experience of Kerala’s enchanting backwaters. This coastal city provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and serene water-based activities.
Highlights-:
- Coastal and relaxed, ideal for unwinding.
- Experience a houseboat cruise on the backwaters
- Cool climate and lush greenery, perfect for nature lovers
DAY - 15 Alleppey to Cochin (by drive)
After breakfast depart to Cochin by drive, on arrival check in hotel and relax.
Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries.
DAY - 16 Cochin City Tour – Highlights
- Take a tour of Cochin – the Queen of Arabian Sea
- Visit to British, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Architecture Buildings.
- Enjoy cultural dance show known as Kathakali Dance
- A blend of modernity and history with vibrant art and culture.
- Chinese Fishing Nets, a striking and iconic feature of Kochi’s coastline.
DAY - 17 Cochin to Mumbai (by flight)
After breakfast depart to Cochin Airport to board flight for Mumbai, on arrival check in hotel and relax.
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial center, it’s India’s largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city’s also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.
DAY - 18 Mumbai City Tour – Highlights
- Enjoy the hustle bustle of City that never sleeps – Mumbai
- Enjoy boat ride while visit Elephanta Cave
- Try City most famous Street Food known as Bada Pav and Bhelpuri
- Take a walk tour at Chowpatty Beach
- Amazing view of British Architecture Buildings
DAY - 19 Leisurely Mumbai
Day at Leisure.
DAY - 20 Depart from Mumbai
After breakfast check-out and drive to Mumbai International airport to board homebound flight.
FAQ’S
What’s Included
- Handpicked accommodation – 19 nights with all day’s breakfast at the hotel
- Chennai – Madras Grand or similar
- Mahabalipuram – Ideal Beach Resort or similar
- Pondicherry – Villa Helena or similar
- Thanjavur – GRT Thanjavur or similar
- Madurai – Fortune Pandiyan ITC group or similar
- Munnar – Mistletoe or similar
- Thekkady – Abad Green Forest or similar
- Alleppey – Deluxe Houseboat
- Cochin – Casino Hotel -CGH Earth or similar
- Mumbai – Bawa International or similar
- Private transport with personal chauffer for 20 days – airport to airport services
- 1 Domestic economy Flights (15 kg check-in luggage & 7 Kg hand baggage)
- Cochin – Mumbai (per person)
- Meals Included-:
- All day Breakfast at Hotel
- All Meal at Houseboat in Alleppey
- Curated excursions & walks
- Professional English-speaking guide services
- All Monuments, Rides and Historical Sites Entrance Fees as per itinerary.
- Chennai –Fort Museum, National Art Gallery & Zoological Park & Temples
- Mahabalipuram – Lord Shiva Temples & Beaches, Arjuna’s Penance
- Pondicherry – Chunnambar Boat House, Botanical Garden, Churches & Beaches
- Thanjavur – Srirangam Temple, Trichy City Tour, Ganges Tour
- Madurai –Meenakshi Temple, Gandhi Museum, Coconut Plantation
- Munnar – Rajamala Wildlife, Lockhart Tea Factory, Kanan Devan Tea Museum
- Thekkady –Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Boat Ride, Spice Plantation
- Alleppey – Village Tour & Backwater Tour
- Cochin – Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jewish Street, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets, Kathakali Dance
- Mumbai – Gateway of India, Dhobi Ghat, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mani Bhawan, Shree Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Elephanta Island
- Bottled mineral water & snacks for entire tour during drives.
- Current government, hotel, road, toll, and interstate taxes. GST @ 5% as of May 2024
- Rooms are subject on availability/similar as per category option chosen.
What’s not Included
- International Air tickets
- Any meals not included in the inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, insurances.
- Camera fees, excess baggage, emergency, medical cost, tips to drivers, guides, Tour manager and hotel staff. Any services not mentioned above.
- Other important points to Know
- All inclusion & exclusion as per itinerary
- All rights reserved | Cancellations and refunds – as per company policy
Program Crafted by Travellama India
Travellama India: Office: 26 GF, Parasvnath Plaza, Fatehabad Road,,
Taj Nagari Phase 2, Agra 282001, UP – INDIA
Ph: +91 9068 444 560 | email: engage@travellamaindia.com
web: www.travellamaindia.com