South India Tour from Chennai with Vishnu Balaji Travels

Vishnu Balaji Travels – A 13-day South India tour from Chennai sounds like a wonderful adventure! Here’s a detailed itinerary covering major destinations like Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey:

South India Tour from Chennai

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai and Transfer to Tirupati

Morning: Arrive in Chennai.
Transfer: Private transfer to Tirupati.
Accommodation: Check-in at Hotel Mount View Comforts.
Afternoon: Visit Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple.
Evening: Explore Kapila Theertham Waterfall.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 2: Tirupati to Kanchipuram

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
Transfer: Drive to Kanchipuram (Approx. 3 hours).
Sightseeing: Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
Accommodation: Check-in at MM Legacy Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 3: Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
Transfer: Drive to Mahabalipuram (Approx. 2 hours).
Sightseeing: Explore Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance.
Lunch: At a local restaurant in Mahabalipuram.
Transfer: Proceed to Pondicherry (Approx. 2 hours).
Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel in Pondicherry.
Evening: Stroll along the Promenade Beach.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 4: Pondicherry to Madurai

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
Sightseeing: Visit Aurobindo Ashram, Botanical Garden, and Paradise Beach.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Transfer: Drive to Madurai (Approx. 6 hours).
Accommodation: Check-in at Rio Grande Residency.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 5: Madurai Sightseeing

Morning: Visit Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace.
Afternoon: Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum, Alagar Koil.
Evening: Explore local markets and temples.
Accommodation: Rio Grande Residency.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 6: Madurai to Rameshwaram

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
Transfer: Drive to Rameshwaram (Approx. 4 hours).
Sightseeing: Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Temple, Adam’s Bridge.
Accommodation: Check-in at Vinayaga by Poppys- Holidays Selections.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 7: Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
Transfer: Drive to Kanyakumari (Approx. 6 hours).
Sightseeing: Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Suchithram Temple.
Accommodation: Check-in at Hotel Sangam.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 8: Kanyakumari to Trivandrum to Kochi

Morning: Visit sunrise point, then breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer: Drive to Trivandrum (Approx. 2 hours).
Sightseeing: Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Transfer: Drive to Kochi (Approx. 6 hours).
Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel in Kochi.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 9: Kochi Sightseeing

Morning: Visit Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace.
Afternoon: Explore Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town.
Evening: Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.
Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel in Kochi.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 10: Kochi to Munnar

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
Transfer: Drive to Munnar (Approx. 4 hours).
Sightseeing: Visit Tea Plantations, Mattupetty Dam, Eco Point, Eravikulam National Park.
Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel in Munnar.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 11: Munnar to Thekkady

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
Transfer: Drive to Thekkady (Approx. 4 hours).
Sightseeing: Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Spice Plantations.
Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel in Thekkady.
Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel.

Day 12: Thekkady to Alleppey

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
Transfer: Drive to Alleppey (Approx. 3 hours).
Houseboat Cruise: Enjoy a day cruise in the backwaters of Alleppey.
Accommodation: Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on the houseboat.

Day 13: Departure from Kochi

Morning: Disembark from the houseboat after breakfast.
Transfer: Drive to Kochi (Approx. 1.5 hours).
Sightseeing: Visit any remaining attractions in Kochi.
Departure: Transfer to Kochi Airport for your flight back to Chennai or onward destination.
Flight: Depart from Kochi to Chennai.

Additional Considerations

Accommodation: For a unique experience, consider staying in a heritage hotel in Kanchipuram or a traditional Kerala houseboat in Alleppey.
Cuisine: Don’t miss trying authentic South Indian delicacies like idli, dosa, vada, and filter coffee.
Shopping: Explore local markets for handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes, temples, and cultural experiences.
Flexibility: Keep some buffer time for unexpected discoveries and spontaneous activities.

South India Tour & Travel Tips

Packing: Light clothing, comfortable footwear, rain gear, and sunscreen.
Health: Stay hydrated, carry medications, and use insect repellent.
Local Cuisine: Try local delicacies like Dosa, Sambar, and Fish Curry.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially at temples, and respect local customs.

Your proposed itinerary for a 13-days South India tour is an excellent foundation for an unforgettable journey. To truly immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, consider these enhancements:

Deepening Your Experience

Kanchipuram: Beyond the iconic temples, explore the town’s silk weaving heritage. A visit to a local workshop can offer fascinating insights into this age-old craft.
Pondicherry: While the French Quarter is a must-visit, venture beyond to experience the local life. Explore the Auroville community, a universal township dedicated to human unity and progress.
Madurai: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Meenakshi Temple complex, witnessing the intricate carvings, colorful deities, and daily rituals. Consider a guided tour to understand the temple’s significance and mythology.
Rameshwaram: Explore the Pamban Bridge, connecting Rameshwaram to mainland India, for a unique perspective of the island.
Kanyakumari: Witness the mesmerizing sunrise at the Triveni Sangam, where three water bodies converge. It’s a truly spiritual experience.
Kochi: Beyond the popular tourist spots, delve into the city’s Jewish heritage by visiting the Mattancherry Synagogue and exploring Jew Town.
Munnar: For an adrenaline rush, try trekking through the tea plantations or opt for a jeep safari to explore the surrounding hills.
Thekkady: Embrace nature with a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, deer, and birds. Consider a spice plantation tour to learn about the cultivation and uses of various spices.
Alleppey: Indulge in Ayurvedic massages and treatments on your houseboat for ultimate relaxation.

Enjoy your enriching and scenic journey through South India!