Quintessential South India Tour Experience

A Journey Through the Peninsula's Heritage

The Gateway to Southern Wonders: Chennai

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai Begin your South Indian odyssey in Chennai, the region's welcoming metropolis. After settling into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring Marina Beach and the city's highlights.

Architectural Marvels and Silk Weaving: Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram Travel to the UNESCO-listed city of Mahabalipuram, renowned for its 7th-century Pallava dynasty monuments. Continue to Kanchipuram, the "Religious Capital of South India," to visit its illustrious temples and silk weaving centers.

French Flair and Spiritual Aura: Pondicherry

Day 3: Chennai - Pondicherry Drive to the seaside town of Pondicherry, where French colonial heritage blends with Tamil culture. Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing and an overnight stay.

Cultural Immersion: Swami Malai

Day 4: Pondicherry - Swami Malai Journey to Swami Malai, stopping at Chidambaram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram en route. Experience the ethnic village resort for a unique stay.

Temple Towns and Rock Forts: Tanjore and Trichy

Day 5: Swami Malai - Tanjore - Trichy Head to Trichy, visiting the Tanjore Temple along the way. In Trichy, explore the Srirangam Temple and the Rock Fort.

The Temple City: Madurai

Day 6: Trichy - Madurai Arrive in Madurai, synonymous with the Meenakshi Temple, and enjoy an afternoon tour of this ancient city on the Vaigai River.

Pilgrimage or Hill Station Retreat: Rameshwaram or Kodaikanal

Day 7: Madurai - Rameshwaram/Kodaikanal Choose a day trip to the sacred island of Rameshwaram or the serene hill station of Kodaikanal for breathtaking views and spiritual solace.

Southernmost Spectacle: Kanya Kumari and Kovalam

Day 8: Madurai - Kanya Kumari - Kovalam Drive to Kanya Kumari to witness the confluence of three seas and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Continue to the idyllic beaches of Kovalam for an overnight stay.

Beach Bliss: Kovalam

Day 9: Relax in Kovalam Spend a leisurely day at Kovalam's pristine beaches, indulging in Ayurvedic treatments or simply soaking up the sun.

Wildlife and Waterways: Periyar and the Backwaters

Day 10: Kovalam - Periyar Travel to Periyar for an afternoon wildlife boat cruise on Lake Periyar.

Day 11: Periyar - Kottayam (Backwaters) Drive to Kottayam and embark on a houseboat journey through the enchanting backwaters, spending the night on board.

Venice of the East: Alleppey and Cochin

Day 12: Alleppey - Cochin Disembark in Alleppey, then proceed to Cochin, the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," for a blend of history and culture.

Colonial Charm and Cultural Shows: Cochin

Day 13: Explore Cochin Discover Cochin's historical landmarks, including St. Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue, and enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.

The Queen of Hill Stations: Ooty

Day 14: Cochin - Ooty Drive to Ooty, the "Queen of hill stations," and check into your hotel.

The Nilgiri Experience: Ooty and Coonoor

Day 15: Ooty - Coonoor Tour the scenic spots of Ooty and Coonoor, including the Botanical Gardens and Doddabetta Peak. Experience the toy train ride through the Nilgiri hills.

Royal Legacy and Sandalwood: Mysore

Day 16: Ooty - Mysore Arrive in Mysore, known for its palatial grandeur and sandalwood products. Enjoy an afternoon city tour.

Historical Exploration: Srirangapatnam

Day 17: Mysore - Srirangapatnam Visit the Somnathpur Temple and explore Srirangapatnam's rich history.

Temple Architecture: Hassan

Day 18: Mysore - Hassan Travel to Hassan and visit the exquisite temples of Belur and Halebid.

City of Gardens and Grandeur: Bangalore

Day 19: Hassan - Bangalore - Sravanbelgola Drive to Bangalore, visiting Sravanbelgola en route. Tour Bangalore's landmarks, including Cubbon Park and Vidhan Soudha.

Departure or Extension: Bangalore - Mumbai

Day 20: Bangalore - Mumbai Fly to Mumbai for a city tour, or extend your stay in Goa.

Day 21: Mumbai Departure Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

For a detailed itinerary and personalized travel arrangements, please contact Discovery Full Circle Tours at mktg@discoveryfullcircle.com or visit their website for more information.

Unveiling the Lesser-Known Gems

While the grandeur of South India's temples and the allure of its beaches are well-documented, there are statistics and facts about the region that remain less explored:

• Sustainable Tourism: Kerala's backwaters are a prime example of sustainable tourism, with the state government implementing measures to preserve the ecosystem. The region attracts over 15 million tourists annually, contributing significantly to the local economy (Kerala Tourism).
• Cultural Diversity: Tamil Nadu's cultural festivals, such as Pongal and the Madurai Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, draw thousands of visitors, showcasing the state's rich traditions and community spirit (Tamil Nadu Tourism).
• Wildlife Conservation: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is a testament to successful conservation efforts, with a stable population of tigers and elephants. The sanctuary is spread over 925 square kilometers and is a protected area for several endangered species (Periyar Foundation).

This tour package offers a comprehensive experience of South India's splendors, ensuring that travelers return with memories to last a lifetime.