Southern Splendour With Heritage Train
(Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Pondicherry –Tanjore – Trichy – Ooty – Coimbatore – Madurai – Munnar – Periyar – Alleppey - Cochin)
Day 01 ARRIVAL CHENNAI
Arrive Chennai. Assistance upon arrival.
Chennai is the southern capital of the Indian state Tamilnadu, located on the coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the largest commercial and business city in southern India.
Check-in & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM BY SURFACE 56 KMS/02 HRS.
Head to the heritage city of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check-in at the hotel and guided tour of the city. The main attraction of Mahabalipuram is carved rock, wire temples, caves, rock balancing, Pancha Pandava Rathas and Splendid beaches.
Mahabalipuram is famous for the rocky temple of his son, Pancha Pandava Rathas, balancing rock and rock cutting caves. Splendid beaches with a temple in its magnificent background you experience. Night at the hotel.
Day 03 MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM BY SURFACE 70 KMS/02 HRS. {One Way}
Morning depart for Kanchipuram. It was the historical capital of the Pallavas during the 7th – 9th centuries. It is also famous for hand-woven silk fabrics and saris. Return to Mallalapuram. Evening relax on the beach. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 04 MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY BY SURFACE 100 KMS/02 HRS.
After breakfast resume your trip to the next fascinating city of Pondicherry, known for its beautiful beaches, its largest French colony in India, its temples, churches and Indian cuisine. On arrival, check-in at your hotel booked for your stay. The colonial architecture of the houses of French colonies and the other side of the Tamil community life fascinate your experience. Being a small town and surrounded by the beaches interact visitor to travel to this historian city. Pondicherry is a great place for honeymooners, friends and family.
Night at the hotel.
Day 05 PONDICHERRY
Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, also Visit the French War Memorial and the statue of Joan of Arc. Later head to Auroville, an international township, and visit the Matrimandir.
Evening wander through vibrant streets lined with colonial architecture, a glimpse into Pondicherry’s French legacy. The pastel-colored buildings, cafés, and bougainvillea-laden walls create a charming European ambiance. Night at the hotel.
Day 06 PONDICHERRY – THANJAVUR – TRICHY BY SURFACE 245 KMS/05 HRS.
After breakfast, continue to Tamilnadu town, Thanjavur. On arrival check-in at the hotel pre-arranged for your stay. Later in the evening, visit Tanjore Big Temple (Brihadeeshwara temple), Royal Palace & Art Gallery, and Saraswathi Mahal Library. Later transfer to Trichy.
Upon arrival checkin at hotel. Night at the hotel.
Day 07 TRICHY
Post breakfast visit Trichy. Visit the most famous land mark of this bustling town Rock fort Temple also visit Srirangam Temple & Kallani dam, Night Stay at Trichy.
Day 08 TRICHY – OOTY BY SURFACE 200 KMS/04 HRS.
Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast drive to Ooty. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Set in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills, Ooty charms visitors with its cool climate, lush tea gardens, serene lakes, and colonial-era charm, making it a perfect mountain getaway year-round.
Night at the hotel.
Day 09 OOTY
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Ooty.
Your day begins with a visit to the Government Botanical Garden, spread over 55 acres and home to a stunning variety of exotic and indigenous plants, flowers, and trees, including the famous fossil tree trunk believed to be over 20 million years old. Next, explore the Government Rose Garden, one of the largest in India, showcasing thousands of rose varieties in a spectacular riot of colors.
Continue to the picturesque Ooty Lake & Boathouse, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the waterfront or opt for a boat ride surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri Hills. Right opposite lies the unique Thread Garden, an extraordinary display of handcrafted flowers and plants made entirely from thread – a true testament to creativity and patience.
Later, head to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris at 2,637 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Your next stop is the Tea Factory & Museum, where you’ll learn about tea production and enjoy the aroma of freshly brewed Nilgiri tea, with an opportunity for tasting and purchase.
In the evening, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Ooty.
Day 10 OOTY – METTUPALAYAM BY TRAIN 56137-1400/1730 HRS / METTUPALAYAM – COIMBATORE BY SURFACE 40 KMS/01 HRS.
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning free for leisure activities. In time transfer to the Ooty Railway Station to board the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming toy train journey from Ooty to Mettupalayam takes you through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, verdant tea plantations, deep valleys, and mist-covered forests. As the train slowly winds its way down the steep slopes, you’ll cross scenic bridges, pass through quaint hill-side villages, and enjoy panoramic views of the Nilgiri ranges – a nostalgic and truly memorable travel experience.
Upon arrival at Mettupalayam Railway Station, meet your driver and proceed by road to Coimbatore. The drive is comfortable and offers glimpses of rural Tamil Nadu with its paddy fields, coconut groves, and local markets. On arrival in Coimbatore, transfer to your hotel
Day 11 COIMBATORE
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing of Coimbatore, often called the “Manchester of South India” for its thriving textile industry. Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the city is a blend of modern vibrance and cultural heritage.
Start with a visit to the Marudhamalai Hill Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, perched atop a scenic hill and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Continue to the Perur Patteeswarar Temple, a centuries-old temple renowned for its magnificent Dravidian architecture and intricate stone carvings.
Next, head to the Gedee Car Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of vintage and classic cars from across the world.
In the evening, drive past bustling markets and sample Coimbatore’s popular South Indian snacks and filter coffee before returning to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Coimbatore.
Day 12 COIMBATORE – MADURAI BY SURFACE 210 KMS/04 HRS.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Madurai. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel.
Sunset at Samanar Hills – Discover the ancient Jain caves adorned with centuries-old rock-cut sculptures and inscriptions. Climb to the hilltop for a serene atmosphere and breathtaking panoramic views of Madurai, especially magical during sunset.
Day 13 MADURAI
Early Morning Visit Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Madurai Has Developed Encircling The Meenakashi Temple Built In The Dravidian Style – One For Lord Shiva And The Other For His Spouse Meenakashi. The Temple Offers Lovely Kaleidoscopic Views. Outside Are the Musical Pillars Which Produce Different `swaras Or Notes When Tapped. Post Darshan, Return Back to the Hotel. After Breakfast, Drive To Alagarkoil (30kms/45mins) Visit The Vishnu Temple, Later Drive Uphill For 5mins To Pazhamuthirzholai Lord Murugan Temple For The Darshan. Post Visit Drive Back To the Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 MADURAI – MUNNAR BY SURFACE 161 KMS/04 HRS.
Post breakfast drive to Munnar. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Munnar – is the beautiful hill station housing world’s highest tea-growing estates. Afternoon visit the popular tea estates.
Attukal & Nyayamakad waterfalls. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 MUNNAR
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free for leisure activities.
Evening enjoy Kalari Payattu Martial Art Show – Witness the ancient martial art of Kerala, often called the “mother of all martial arts.” Skilled performers demonstrate breathtaking combat techniques with swords, shields, spears, and bare hands, blending strength, agility, and tradition in a thrilling cultural spectacle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 MUNNAR – PERIYAR BY SURFACE 90 KMS/03 HRS.
Morning leave for Periyar. Periyar India’s largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India. The 120 years old ‘Surki’ dam built across Periyar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq. Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms. The Country’s sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture.
Periyar is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon Spice Planation visit also enjoy Boat cruise which is the best option to experience the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.
Evening enjoy Kalaripayattu Show (the martial Art form) Considered among the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu was developed in Kerala. Lauded as the pride of Kerala, it is acknowledged and respected across the world.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 17 PERIYAR – ALLEPPEY {HOUSE BOAT} BY SURFACE 128 KMS/04 HRS.
After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Alleppey.
On arrival embark the house boat.
Enjoy a memorable houseboat ride on enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha to explore its breathtakingly beautiful surroundings and the fascinating Kerala countryside. All meals will be served on board. Overnight onboard the House boat.
Day 18 ALLEPPEY – COCHIN BY SURFACE BY SURFACE 50 KMS/02 HRS.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Cochin. Later sightseeing of Cochin. Cochin has one of the best natural harbors in the country. Afternoon city tour of Kochi covering Dutch Palace Museum The palace was built around 1545 AD by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma in order to pacify him and to compensate for having plundered a temple in the vicinity of the place. It underwent major repairs at the hands of Dutch and hence the palace is also known as “Dutch Palace.”
This two-storied quadrangular building has long and spacious halls. The central courtyard enshrines the tutelary deity of the royal family “Pazhayannur Bhagavathi (the Lord of Pazhayannur)”.
Jewish Synagogue the Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi. Constructed in 1567, it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. Paradesi is a word used in several Indian languages, and the literal meaning of the term is “foreigners”, applied to the synagogue because it was built by Sephardic or Spanish-speaking Jews, some of them from families exiled in Aleppo, Safed and other West Asian localities. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue.
Also visit Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Net a very unusual method of fishing, operated from the shore. Legend has it that the Chinese Fishing Nets were introduced in Fort Kochi by the Chinese explorer, Zheng He. They were brought from the court of Chinese emperor, Kublai Khan and have been in operation here since that time only. Just take a stroll by the Vasco-da-gama Square near the Fort Cochin and you are bound to come across a number of Chinese fishing nets, suspended in mid-air, alongside the seacoast.
Day 19 LEAVE COCHIN
Breakfast at the hotel. In time transfer to the International Airport to board the flight for onward Destination.
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