Exotic South India
13 Days
Best Season: Mid-Oct - Mid-March
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Interesting beach walk in Pondicherry.
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Visit Vaithaleeswaran Temple known for its Palm Leaves astrology.
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Cruise the backwaters of Kerala in Houseboats.
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Spend relaxing, laid-back days in Marari beach.
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Possibility of extending days in Marari.
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Visit Spice market and Chinese fishing nets in Cochin.
With beaches, numerous temples, Wildlife Sanctuaries, blankets of greenery and the age old practice of Ayurveda, the peninsular region of India has everything to make you want to visit it. South India is also a perfect holiday destination for you and your family if you want to get away from the mundane routine of everyday life and spend some relaxing days doing nothing.
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On this tour, we give you a delightful taste of the heritage and nature of South India, from temples to spending calm night in the famous houseboats - a holiday perfect for you and your loved ones, where all you do is sit back and relax. From an interesting beach walk to navigating Kerala's networked backwaters in the famous houseboats to spending laid back days in the beach, basking in the Sun - we have it all covered for you.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 - Departure
Depart from your home country.
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Day 2 - Chennai / Mahabalipuram
Arrive at the International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. From Cochin, we drive 60 km / 1 hr to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Later, we do sightseeing of the architectural wonders - Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 3 - Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry
In the morning, we drive 90 km / 2 hrs to Pondicherry, which is still wrapped in the old world charms. We visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Maitri Mandir. Later, we witness the charm that hangs in the air of Pondicherry by visiting the French and South Indian quarters. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 4 - Pondicherry
We drive 12 km to a fishermen's village. We walk through the village absorbing the interesting sights. We do a beach walk of about 8 km to Paradise Island, where we have our Picnic Lunch. Later, do a short 10 mins' boat ride to the other side of the backwater where you will be picked up by the bus. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 5 - Pondicherry / Thanjavur
Today, we drive 200 km / 5 hrs to Thanjavur. En route, we visit Vaithaleeswaran temple, which is famous for its ancient Palm Leaves Astrology. This art of reading the Palm Leaves have been going on for centuries. Rest of the time free to relax on reaching Thanjavur. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 6 - Thanjavur / Madurai
In the morning, we visit Brihadeeshwara temple. The temple is a great example of Tamil architecture and is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, we drive 195 km / 5 hrs to Madurai. On reaching Madurai, we visit Meenakshi temple. The temple is dedicated to Parvati (known as Meenakshi), and her consort Shiva. If time permits, we witness the Arti in the temple. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 7 - Madurai / Munnar
In the morning, we drive 140 km / 5 hrs to Munnar, which is South India's largest tea growing region. The entire region is enveloped in a serene and calm atmosphere and provides a soothing relief with its greenery. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 8 - Munnar / Allepey / Houseboat
We drive 175 km / 5 hrs to Allepey from where we take the famous Houseboat and navigate the backwaters of Kerala. We spend the night in the Houseboat.
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Day 9 - Houseboat / Marari
We cruise along the backwaters and enjoy the breakfast out in the deck, with the wide expanse of waters all around us. Later, we checkout from the houseboat and drive 20 km / 30 mins to Marari. Being on the side of the sea, Marari is a brilliant place to enjoy the beach and sun. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 10 - Marari
The day is at leisure. You can spend your time by the sea side, walking on the beach and enjoying the sea waves gently hitting the shore. A short walk to the nearby village school can also be done. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 11 - Marari
The day is at leisure to be spent relaxing by the sea side. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 12 - Marari
The day is at leisure to be spent relaxing by the sea side. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 13 - Marari / Cochin / Departure
This is the last day by the beach side. Enjoy the morning by the sea. Later, we drive 50 km/ 1 hr to Cochin. In Cochin, visit the Jewish Synagogues, Chinese fishing nets, Spice Market, etc. Later, we transfer you to the airport for your journey back home.