South of Malabar Coast

Duration:

16 Nights / 17 Days

Destination Covered:

Chennai-Covelong-Pondicherry-Tanjore-Madurai-Kodaikanal-Munnar-Cochin-Mararikulam-Chennai

Reviews

  • India Real Heritage Destinations ! Our tour was well organized and amazing. It was very quick and easy to work with our tour manager Mr. Pragya Chandra. Travel docket was well prepared with all of the details and information we needed, plus recommendations and suggestions. Our driver Anil was excellent, especially in India’s busy streets! He was very pleasant, respectful and always on time. We would love to have him as our driver again. Jodi Parker and Family, United States of America, January 2015
  • A wonderful travel agency! My son and I had a wonderful trip along with a fantastic driver and guide. I appreciate the care and attention you had given us in coming up with our itinerary. Thank you so much for your all positive effort! John, New York, USA, January 2015
  • Rapid Golden Triangle I had a wonderful experience in Golden Triangle Tour of North India! Everything was pre plan according to my itinerary, taken care of and I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to see and do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations from my tour desirner who made us program adaptable to my wishes and price range. My driver was knowledgeable about each locations and gave great suggestions on activities for me (photography related) Echo Blum, United Kingdom, December 2014
  • Nature and culture of Beyond with Sri Lanka I wanted to thank you for all your help in assisting with planning our India Beyond with Srilanka journey. We had a fantastic time in this tour package and our complaint is that our time in Sri Lanka was too short !!! we really enjoyed our holiday, once again thank you for all your help. Emir Avdic, Australia October 2014
  • The trip was great! Everything worked very well The travel itself was well elaborated, the hotels were very well equilibration, from the more basic ones to the luxury resorts as the Dune or the Taj Malabar in Cochin. A very special experience was the trip on the boat (Spice Coast Cruises) -> simply great!
    Also a very big compliment for Shiva, our driver. He was someone we could fully rely upon
    As a summary we were extremely satisfied with the travel and the organization from Shanti Travel.
    Thank you very much for your support, give her our warm regards. Claudia Reinhardt, German, September 2014
  • Rajasthan Royal Fantastic “Very happy with the trip. Rohit Poddar, our Tour Designer was very efficient and thorough! Accommodation was great and we’d like to travel again with Crocus Travel.” Michael, UK, Rajasthan, August 2014
  • Golden Triangle India “Awesome experience! Everything was taken care of & I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations always !” Miriam, Spain, July 2014
Tour Description

Overview

South of Malabar Coast  will give you the chance to explore the two most amazing states of Southern India, Tamil Nadu Puducherry and Kerala. Tamil Nadu which is the land of history culture and tradition along with natural beauty of the beaches and hills multi-religious pilgrimage sites. Puducherry was previously known as Pondicherry, charms tourists with its three lined avenues, painted colonial buildings and sea breeze. In 1974, the French built a base here.

Kerala is one of the most beautiful state in Southern part of India on the Malabar Coast which blessed with unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. During the tour you will get the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places of the region. During this tour you will explore the glorious history of the region, while visiting the various monuments. Apart from the history you will also get an opportunity to take blessings from various oldest temples.  You will also explore the colonial heritage, scenic beaches and historical museums as well during the tour. The duration of the tour is 17 nights and 18 days, which gives you the chance to explore the main attractions of the place.

Itinerary

Day 1: Chennai-Covelong (By Road-40 Kilometres) Sightseeing

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel at Covelong Beach that is located at the distance of about 40 Kilometres from Chennai. It is a fishing village. Covelong beach is renowned for wind surfing and fishing. There are an ancient Catholic church, a temple and a Dharga located nearby beach.

Visit the Dakshin Chitra Cultural Centre en-route.

Upon arrival at Covelong, check in at the hotel. Rest day is free at leisure, explore the stunning surroundings of beach. Have dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2: Covelong

After breakfast, proceed to explore the Covelong beach and the nearby attractions. You may also enjoy water sports at the beach and enjoy the local foods.

Later, you may proceed to Dutch fort and the Catholic Church. Also explore the local markets. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Covelong-Mahabalipuram (By Road-20 Kilometres)-Pondicherry (By Road-100 Kilometres)Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed to Pondicherry. En-route, drive south towards Mahabalipuram to visit the famous Seven Monolithic Temples that are carved from a single granite rock. Also stop by to see the marvellous painting of Arjuna's Penance in the village.

After the visit leave for Pondicherry. Puducherry (previously called Pondicherry) charms tourists with its three lined avenues, painted colonial buildings and sea breeze. In 1974, the French built a base here.

As on reaching Pondicherry, check-in at one our listed hotels. Rest and relax for the day. In the evening you may take a leisurely walk to the local market of Pondicherry. Return to the hotel. Have dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 4: Pondicherry

After breakfast, proceed to Aurobindo Ashram. Post lunch, proceed for sightseeing tour of Pondicherry such as Pondicherry Museum, Goubert Avenue, war memorial etc. Have dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 5:Pondicherry-Tanjore (By Road-167 Kilometres)Sightseeing

In the morning, hit the road to Thanjavur. After having an early breakfast, drive straight to Tanjore. . It is the popular city of Tamil Nadu and an important centre of South Indian Art, culture and religion. It is the home of Tanjore paintings. Apart from this Great Living Chola Temples is one of the most popular temple of the region which come under UNESCO World Heritage Monuments.

On reaching Tanjore, check-in to your pre booked hotel. Rest day is free at leisure. Have your dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Tanjore Sightseeing

Post breakfast, proceed for a guided city tour of Tanjore including major tourist destinations such as the Vijayanagar Fort, Shiva Ganga Garden, Aalangudi temple, Brahadeshwara temple and the Chandra Bagawan Temple.

Also visit The Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, this beutiful temple complex spread over an island in the Cauvery  River which is devoted to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the biggest temples in India. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: Tanjore-Madurai (By Road-193 Kilometres)Sightseeing

Post breakfast, drive to Madurai-Madurai is one of the oldest city of India, which is the third largest city of Tamil Nadu. The city is popular for its vibrant culture, tradition and rich history.The city has various historical monuments and temples, among them Meenakshi Amman Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace are most popular.

Check in at your pre booked hotel. After freshen up proceed to visit some temples of the city such as Mariamman Teppakulam temple, Meenakshi Temple and the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak. In the evening attend the prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Madurai-Kodaikanal (By Road-120 Kilometres)Sightseeing

After breakfast and head towards Kodaikanal, which is also known as the ‘’princess of the hill in southern’’ part of India. This spectacular hill station is located in Tamil Nadu, on the foothill of upper Palani Hills at the height of about 2,133 metres. The Palani hills roll outwards towards green vistas dotted with lakes.

On reaching there you check in at the hotel. Rest day is free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 9: Kodaikanal Sightseeing

Post breakfast, proceed for the Local tour of Kodaikanal that takes you to Kodai Lake, Coaker's Walk, Silver Cascade, and Bear Shoal Falls. Evening is reserved for shopping.

Apart from this you will cover some other major attractions such as Silver Cascade Falls, Bear Shola Falls, Golf Links, Pillar Rocks and Green Valley View. After sightseeing, return back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10: Kodaikanal - Munnar (By Road-160 Kilometres)Sightseeing

Today after an early breakfast, drive to Munnar, it is one of the most picturesque hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala which offers the stunning view of the tea plantations and Cardamom hills.

On reaching at Munnar, check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure or you can explore the spectacular surroundings of the town. Stay overnight in Munnar.

Day 11: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of  Munnar., you will visit the major attractions Including Christ Church which was established in 1910 by the British, visit Eravikulam National Park which is the home of Nilgiri Tahr apart from this is also vast flora and fauna.

Then explore Mattupetty DamIt is located at the distance of 13 kilometres away from Munnar. This 160 feet high dam has vast reservoir extending several kilometres into the hill. Cruising here is an amazing experience. It is offering occasional sightings of elephant, gaur as well as sambar and Anamudi peak it located at the elevation of 2695 meter above the sea level, the peak is located within Eravikulam, you may also get a trekking opportunities here.Stay overnight in Munnar.

Day 12: Munnar-Cochin (By Road-132 Kilometres)Sightseeing

Today after having an early breakfast, drive to the Malabar Coast and then to Cochin. It is also known as Kochi, which is one of the most important city of Kerala which is also known as Cochin Located on the south-west coast in Kerala which is also known as the Gateway to Kerala, situated on the Arabian Sea. Kochi is one of the most beautiful city of the state of Kerala.

On arriving at Cochin, check in to the hotel, rest day is free at leisure, you may explore the major market area where you can shop for excusive quality of nuts, spices and handicrafts. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13: Cochin Sightseeing

Today after having breakfast, embark for the city tour. During the city tour you will visit some of the most tourist attractions of Cochin. Visit Jewish Synagogue which was constructed in 1568.

Then visit St. Francis Church which was constructed in 1503. This church was built on the place where Vasco da Gama (the explorer) was buried, it is the oldest European cathedral in India. Later visit the Dutch Palace, it is also known as Mattancherry Palace. . In 1557 the church of the palace was constructed by Portuguese, later it was passed to the Dutch during the pre-British period. A temple is also located in the courtyard. The major highlights of the palace is on the murals walls of the rooms of palace. Also explore the Chinese nets too.

In the evening, enjoy the Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 14: Cochin-Mararikulam (By Road-41 Kilometres)Sightseeing

After having an early breakfast, proceed to Mararikulam, it is a beach village in Alappuzha district. It is one of the most popular destination, which is renowned for beautiful beach, known as Marari Beach.

Enjoy private houseboat cruising on the Kerala backwaters at this spot. Enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty of lush greenery. Stay overnight at your hotel.
 

Day 15: Mararikulam

Have your breakfast at the hotel, rest day is free at leisure. Explore the stunning surroundings of the place, you can enjoy in surfing, parasailing, wind surfing etc. If you want then you can simply relax by the beach, or just take a leisurely walk.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 16: Mararikulam

Today after having the breakfast, rest day is free at leisure. Explore the stunning surroundings of the place, you can enjoy in surfing, parasailing, wind surfing etc. If you want then you can simply relax by the beach, or just take a leisurely walk.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 17: Mararikulam-Cochin (By Road-45 Kilometres)-Departure

Today is the last day of the tour. After having an early breakfast, leave Mararikulam and drive to Cochin Airport or railway station to board a flight or train for your onward destination. We hope you have enjoyed your trip and look forward to organizing your next tour with us.

Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights

  1. Visit Dakshin Chitra, en-route to Covelong.
  2. Enjoy the sightseeing in Covelong.
  3. Visit Vijayanagar Fort and Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry.
  4. Explore Chidambaram and Kumbakonam, en route to Tanjore.
  5. Enjoy the full day excursion to Tanjore.
  6. Visit Meenakshi temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace inMadurai.
  7. View the landscaped lakes, Kodaikanal.
  8. Visit lush green tea estates, waterfalls, mountain mist, and exotic wildlife sanctuaries, Munnar.
  9. Visit Dutch Palace, St. Francis’ Church and the spice market, Cochin.
  10. Enjoy the sightseeing in Mararikulam.
Where Stay

Hotels Accommodations Envisaged:-

Subject to availability at the time of booking or else similar hotels will be suggested:-

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