Home » South India Holidays » Trip to South India

Charms of South India Trip

Duration : 12 Days - 11 Nights
Places Covered : Chennai - Kancheepuram - Madurai - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin - Mumbai

Call it the green trail, for it takes you through the greenest of India. Or still, you can call it the temple trail for it takes you to the splendid temple town of Madurai, as Taj Hotels hosts for you another trip of surprise down South. You'll marvel the greens of Western Ghats, the deep-blue backwaters; you'll relish the spice of Malabar, you'll touch the spirit of "God's own country" and you'll definitely be at awe at the many temple towns. Starting at the cultural capital of South India, Chennai, through the making of exotic Kancheepuram silk and the lanes of Madurai; experience Kathakali and an Ayurvedic massage at Cochin; enjoy exotic wildlife at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and pristine backwaters of Kumarakom. There's more to South India than you ever imagined.

Day 1: Arrive in Chennai
Late evening arrival at Chennai airport, where you will be received by a representative and transferred to your hotel.
Check in at Taj Coromandel.
Overnight stay at the Taj Coromandel.

Day 2: Chennai
Explore Chennai with visits to the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Santhome Cathedral and Government Museum & Art Gallery.
In the evening, enjoy a classical Bharath Natyam dance show.
Overnight stay at the Taj Coromandel.

Day 3: Chennai - Kancheepuram - Chennai
Enjoy a full day excursion to Kancheepuram, famous for its traditional silks
Enjoy the lunch at the Fisherman's Cove hotel in Mamallapuram where you will visit the mystifying Shore Temple before returning to Chennai.
Overnight stay at the Taj Coromandel.

Day 4: Chennai - Madurai
Take the morning flight to Madurai.
Check in at the Taj Garden Retreat.
Overnight stay at the Taj Garden Retreat.

Day 5: Madurai
Visit the evocative Meenakshi Temple.
Spend the afternoon at leisure.
In the evening experience the special "aarti' ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight stay at the Taj Garden Retreat.

Day 6: Madurai - Thekkady
In the morning, drive to Thekkady and to Spice Village Hotel - a resort set amidst spice gardens.
Take an afternoon cruise on the Periyar Lake and explore the amazing Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Overnight stay at the Spice Village

Day 7: Thekkady - Kumarakom
Take a drive to the backwaters of Kumarakom, arrive at the Puthenangadi jetty and transfer by boat to your picturesque coconut plantation hotel - Coconut Lagoon Heritage Resort.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy the waterfront.
Overnight stay at the Coconut Lagoon.

Day 8: Kumarakom
Spend the full day at leisure to explore the majestic canals and backwaters of Kumarakom.
Experience the ancient art of Ayurvedic massage.
Overnight stay at the Coconut Lagoon.

Day 9: Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin
After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise on the backwaters of Alleppey.
On arrival in Alleppey, drive to Cochin for your stay at Brunton Boatyard, a charming boutique hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
In the evening witness a classical Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight stay at the Brunton Boatyard.

Day 10: Cochin
In the morning explore Cochin with visits to the Jewish synagogue, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace and Fort Kochi.
Spend the afternoon at leisure - unwind at the hotel's Tamara Spa or shop for traditional handicrafts.
Overnight stay at the Brunton Boatyard.

Day 11: Cochin - Mumbai
Drive back to Cochin for your flight back to Mumbai.
Transfer to The Taj Mahal Hotel Palace & Tower, Mumbai.
Overnight stay at The Taj Mahal Hotel Palace & Tower.

Day 12: Mumbai
Leisurely morning with afternoon sightseeing including visits to Prince of Wales Museum and Gateway of India.
Drive up to Malabar Hill for a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea; visit Mani Bhavan, Dhobi Ghat, Crawford Market and return to the hotel.
In evening transfer to the airport for your home bound flight.
Day use room at The Taj Mahal Hotel Palace & Tower