South India 9 Night 10 Day Trip

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

• Morning:

  • Arrive in Chennai (the capital of Tamil Nadu), check into your hotel, and freshen up.

  • Start your tour with a visit to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful Dravidian-style Hindu temple.

  • Explore Fort St. George, a historic landmark, and the Government Museum showcasing art and archaeology.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore Chennai’s vibrant nightlife.

  • Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai to Pondicherry

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry (approx. 3.5 hours).

  • Check into your hotel and relax.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Auroville, an international township known for its unique culture and architecture.

  • Explore Sri Aurobindo Ashram, dedicated to the famous philosopher and yogi.

  • Take a stroll through the French Quarter and enjoy the colonial-style architecture and quaint cafes.

• Evening:

  • Relax at Promenade Beach and enjoy the sunset.

  • Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 3: Pondicherry to Tanjore

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, head to Tanjore (approx. 4 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Check into your hotel.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its grandeur and intricate carvings.

  • Explore Tanjore Palace and the Art Gallery that houses sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts from the Chola dynasty.

• Evening:

  • Take a walk through the bustling streets of Tanjore, or relax in your hotel.

  • Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 4: Tanjore to Madurai

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, drive to Madurai (approx. 3.5 hours).

  • Check into your hotel and freshen up.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the largest and most beautiful temple complexes in India.

  • Explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a blend of Dravidian and Mughal architecture.

• Evening:

  • Attend the Night Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, where you can witness the grand procession.

  • Overnight stay in Madurai.

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, head to Thekkady (approx. 4 hours), a haven for wildlife and spice plantations.

  • Check into your hotel or resort in Periyar.

• Afternoon:

  • Explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, bison, and other wildlife.

  • Visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in the region.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy a cultural performance like Kathakali or Kalaripayattu (traditional dance and martial arts).

  • Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 6: Thekkady to Alleppey (Alappuzha) – Kerala Backwaters

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (approx. 4 hours), famous for its tranquil backwaters.

  • Check into your houseboat for a unique backwater cruise.

• Afternoon:

  • Cruise through the picturesque backwaters, surrounded by coconut palms and lush greenery.

  • Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch served onboard.

• Evening:

  • Continue the boat ride to explore villages, paddy fields, and scenic views.

  • Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 7: Alleppey to Kochi (Cochin)

• Morning:

  • After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kochi (approx. 1.5 hours).

  • Check into your hotel and relax.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront.

  • Explore the St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, and Jewish Synagogue in Fort Kochi.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy a Kathakali Dance Performance or a traditional Kochi cultural show.

  • Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in Kochi.

Day 5: Madurai to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)

Day 8: Kochi to Munnar

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, head to Munnar (approx. 4 hours), a beautiful hill station in Kerala known for tea plantations.

  • Check into your hotel in Munnar.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Tea Gardens and learn about tea production.

  • Explore the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy the scenic beauty around it.

• Evening:

  • Visit Echo Point and Kundala Lake for some tranquility and leisure.

  • Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 9: Munnar to Ooty

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, drive to Ooty (approx. 5-6 hours), the queen of hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

  • Check into your hotel in Ooty and freshen up.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Botanical Gardens and the Ooty Lake for a relaxed boating experience.

  • Explore the Doddabetta Peak for panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills.

• Evening:

  • Take a short walk on Ooty Mall Road, enjoy shopping for local products, and try the famous Ooty chocolate.

  • Overnight stay in Ooty.

Day 10: Ooty to Bangalore (Departure)

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, drive to Bangalore (approx. 6-7 hours).

  • En route, enjoy the scenic views of the Nilgiri Hills.

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Bangalore, check into your hotel, and relax.

  • Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Bangalore Palace for a glimpse of the city’s culture and history.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Head to Kempegowda International Airport for your departure.