Southern Heritage Tour

Chennai – Pondicherry – Trichy – Tanjore – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Allepey – Cochin – Ooty – Mysore – Bangalore

Duration

14 Days

Tour Type

City trips

Group Size

100 persons

Location

India

Overview

The journey begins in Chennai, a city where history and modernity coexist along the shores of the Bay of Bengal. From its colonial-era Fort St. George to the sacred Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the sweeping sands of Marina Beach, Chennai offers a vibrant introduction to South India. Moving along the coast, the French colonial charm of Pondicherry welcomes visitors with its serene streets, peaceful beaches, and the spiritual retreat of Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Deeper into Tamil Nadu, Tanjore unfolds with its magnificent temples and rich Chola heritage, followed by Madurai, the cultural heart of the region, where the towering gopurams of Meenakshi Temple stand as a symbol of devotion and architectural brilliance. The journey continues south to Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet in a breathtaking confluence, offering stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Crossing into Kerala, the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey provide a unique experience aboard a traditional houseboat. Cochin’s blend of European and Indian influences adds a historical touch before heading to the lush hills of Ooty. The final leg of the journey includes the royal grandeur of Mysore and the vibrant energy of Bangalore, completing an unforgettable exploration of South India.

Know before you go

Meeting and assistance by our representative, Airport to hotel & vice versa transfers as per the itinerary.
Welcome with garlands on arrival.
Sightseeing services using air-conditioned transport with the driver as per the tour programme.
Accommodation to choose from in standard hotels offering 3-star facilities or superior hotels offering good 4-star facilities or deluxe hotels offering 5-star standard facilities with breakfast in all the places. Double or twin sharing shall be provided as per your preference.
Parking fees, fuel charges, driver allowance are all included.
Services of an English speaking local guide is included only during the sightseeing tour as per the programme.
A small group size of a minimum of 4 people is required for any particular date and in case of fewer numbers on any particular date, we will give you the option of date change or still travel on the same date by paying a slight supplement.
Rates are based on using standard hotels offering 3-star facilities with the option of upgrading to superior and deluxe categories offering 4 star and 5-star facilities respectively at a slight supplement.
All taxes are included.

Itinerary

DAY 01 : ARRIVAL CHENNAI

Garlanding on arrival with meeting and assistance at the airport. Our representative will meet to welcome and escort you by a private chauffeur driven transport to the Hotel. Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative will also hand over the “Welcome Folder” documents and brief you the tour programme. Chennai - Capital of the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. Today, it is hard to believe that a place that was till 1639 just a small fishing village would become such an enormous and beautiful city. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is perhaps the most peaceful and green metropolis in India. Chennai has a number of attractions for the tourists to see. One of them is the beautiful Marina beach, where the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal mingle with the golden sands. The city also has its share of forts and palaces reminding the tourists the glory of bygone eras. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 02 : CHENNAI

After breakfast half day city tour visiting, Kapaleeshwarar Temple: A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, this ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest in Chennai. Fort St. George : Located on the seashore near the harbour, Fort St. George was built for the East India Co. in 1960 AD. Marina Beach: the pride of Chennai is the second longest beach in the World and has a wide sandy foreshore. Other attractions are Fort Museum and St. Mary's Church and Little Mount Shrine. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 03 : CHENNAI - PONDICHERRY ( 165 Kms. and takes approx.. 5 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to Pondicherry, On arrival check-in at Hotel. Pondicherry (or Puducheri) means ’the new settlement’. It was a French settlement comprising of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam besides Pondicherry. A unique thing about Pondicherry is that it spreads into several states. While Karaikal is in Tamil Nadu, Mahe is in Kerala, and Yanam is a part of Andhra Pradesh. Situated around 200 kilometres south of Chennai, Pondicherry is today a union territory where the French connection on the architecture and culture of the place is strongly visible—a result of the centuries-old relation with the French power. However, the fame of Pondicherry lies not in its French connection but its relation with the saint-philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh who founded his ashram here. Sri Aurobindo was a political revolutionary who reached Pondicherry in 1920 and established a place for peaceful and harmonious living. Today the ashram is home to nationals from every part of the world who come here to find peace and solitude. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 04 : PONDICHERRY - TANJORE ( 170 Kms. and takes approx.. 4 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to Tanjore, On arrival check in at Hotel. Tanjore is famous for many reasons since the time of Cholas. The name itself has many interesting legends related to it. According to one of them, Tanjore probably was called Tanjai. The other legends attribute the name of the city to Tanjam, a demon who was haunting the locality and was destroyed by God Vishnu. However, apart from these legends Tanjore also has a sound history of different dynasties that ruled over it. The Cholas conquered Thanjavoor in about 850 A.D. replacing the Mutharayar Chiefs and made it their capital. The Cholas ruled over, Pandyas and Cheras. The present day Tanjore is the headquarters of the Tanjore District. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 05 : TANJORE - TRICHY - MADURAI ( 190 Kms. and takes approx.. 4 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to Madurai, Enroute visit Trichy, On arrival check in at Hotel. Madurai is called the temple city of India, which makes it one of the most visited religious destinations of southern India. Madurai is also the modern industrial city of the state. The political capital of the Pandyan and the Nayakan dynasties, Madurai has also been the centre for learning and the heart for South Indian culture and tradition for the last 2,500 years. The magnificent gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple are the first and main attraction of the city. Spread across six hectares of area, the temple is situated in the middle of the town. Apart from the massive Meenakshi temple, the Mariamman Teppakulam, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Thirupparankunram, Azhagar Koil and Koodal Alagar Temple are some of the other important sites to visit in Madurai. Moreover, as Madurai makes a good base point to visit some of the exotic destinations nearby, you can also decide on spending some more time here to complete your visit to the southern India. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 06 : MADURAI - KANYAKUMARI ( 270 Kms. and takes approx.. 6 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to Kanyakumari, On arrival check in at Hotel. Kanyakumari - the southernmost point of mainland India, lies at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It is basically a pilgrimage town dedicated to the virgin Goddess Devi Kanya whose temple overlooks the shoreline. On a rock about 500 m offshore stands the Vivekananda Memorial, dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a great Indian philosopher. The construction reflects architectural styles from all over India. Kanyakumari is the only place in India where one can watch the sunset and the moonrise simultaneously on a full moon evening. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 07 : KANYAKUMARI - ALLEPPEY ( 235 Kms. and takes approx.. 5 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to AllePpey, On arrival check in at Dlx Ac House Boat. With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home ot diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappauzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. Overnight at House Boat.

DAY 08 : ALLEPPEY

After breakfast embark Ac Houseboat to enjoy day cruise on backwaters. Overnight at House Boat.

DAY 09 : ALLEPPEY - COCHIN ( 55 Kms. and takes approx.. 1 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to Cochin, On arrival check in at Hotel. Cochin is popularly known as the “Queen on the Arabian Sea” and is the oldest European settlement in India. Surrounded by backwaters, this city has always managed to attract voyagers to travel to Kerala, India. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 10 : COCHIN

After breakfast city tour of Cochin visiting Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese known for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and dresses and palanquins used by Cochin's erstwhile rulers; Koonan Kurishu Shrine which is a small chapel, Jewish Synagogue which has a number of copper plates inscribed in the He brew script; Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the oldest one to be constructed by Europeans in India; Santa Cruz Basilica with a beautifully painted ceiling, and, Chinese Fishing Nets near the harbor's entrance of Cochin. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11 : COCHIN - OOTY ( 273 Kms. and takes approx.. 6 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to Ooty, On arrival check in at Hotel. Ooty : Nestled among the hills of Dodabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill, and Club Hill in the Nilgiri ranges, Ooty (also Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam) is the queen of southern hill stations and a popular tourist destination of Tamil Nadu. The history of Ooty goes back to about 900 years when it was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana, the Hoysala king from AD 1104 to 1141. The city also finds mention in the writing of Jacome Ferico, the first European to visit this place in 1603. In 1799, this hilly region came under the control of the British East India Company. The British established Ooty to serve as the summer headquarters of the Madras government. A government house was built and keeping in tune with the English lifestyle, the British set up cottages and clubs, with facilities for tennis, golf, and horse riding. With the establishment of numerous tea estates in the subsequent years, Ooty made its presence felt in the tourist map of India. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 12 : OOTY - MYSORE ( 135 Kms. and takes approx.. 4 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to Mysore, On arrival check in at Hotel. Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyars since the 14th century except for a brief period of 40 years in the later 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled over the city. The Wodeyar family managed to get back the kingdom when, in 1799, Tipu Sultan surrendered to the British. The benevolent rule of the Wodeyar kings is evident in the city’s meticulous planning. The city’s architectural heritage and its long-held tradition of music and dance, art and literature were nurtured under their patronage. This city is ‘The Jewel of Karnataka’ and provides glimpses of its past grandeur. Stately Mysore with its tree lined boulevards, grand palaces, and gardens is one of India’s finest cities. Life retains its calm, measured pace, punctuated by outbursts of activity, celebrating festivals. Today’s program includes a city tour covering Maharaja’s Palace built as recently as 1897, Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 13 : MYSORE - BANGALORE ( 145 Kms. and takes approx.. 4 Hrs. )

After breakfast depart by surface to Bangalore, On arrival check in at Hotel. BANGALORE : Known as the garden city of India , Bangalore is one of the most visited destinations of southern India . There are many stories and legends related to the city. However the present look of the garden city was given to it in the 16th century. Because of the initiative it took in the wake of the Information Technology revolution in the country, Bangalore has been nicknamed as the Silicon City of India. Afternoon city tour visiting the Vidhan Soudha - The building is a massive neo Dravidian architecture presently functioning as the state legislative assembly, Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh which is famous for the wonderfully bloomed red roses and the Bangalore Palace are some of the other must see of this garden city. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 14 : DEPART BANGALORE

In time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

Included/Excluded

Return Airport transfers, Meeting and assistance

Hotel accommodation on twin sharing, Breakfast at the hotel, Airconditioned Transport with driver

One Lunch or dinner with our compliments, Local guide during sightseeing

All taxes, Toll, Parking charges

Entrance fees to the monuments

Any items of personal nature like laundry, Tips, Camera fees etc.

Any Domestic or International airfare or insurance

Travel Styles

Cultural

Nature & Adventure

Meeting & Assistance

Independent

Activities

Special Interest

Sightseeing

Facilities

Wifi

Gymnasium

Restaurant

Reception

Dinning & Bar

Experiential Options

Activities

FAQs & Important Travel and Package Info

Exclusions

Return international flights, Visas, Insurance and items of personal nature.

Age restrictions

This visit is focused on guests aged 18 years or more seasoned For youngsters and child accompanied by the adults.

Tour occupancy

Minimum number for any tour date is 2 persons travelling together.
For solo travellers a single occupancy room is allocated.

Passport and Visa Requirements

All guests require a visa with a minimum validity of 6 months which should be beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers.
All Guests need visa and same should be applied in advance, do contact us for any assistance you may need.
It is the visitors responsibility to ensure they are holding the correct and current visa for the countries they are visiting.
Important: We suggest to arrange your visa at least 2-8 weeks prior to departure just incase for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing times.

Travel Insurance

We recommend you purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.

Health & vaccination

Travellers are advised to check with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
Health care such as a doctor’s surgery, dentist and optometrists may not always be accessible on this tour. It is advised that you ensure you have adequate health insurance cover as part of your travel insurance.

Tipping

Tipping or porterages are not included and are entirely on your discretion while on tour.

Fitness requirements

Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility. They must be able to partake unaided in their chosen activities/package tours/cruise etc. as outlined in the itinerary.

Dietary Requirements

Any dietary necessities should be received by Special Holiday at least 7 days prior your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
By and large Special Holiday tries to cater for your pre booked dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.

Transfers

All airport and hotel transfers are included in the tour from the day of your arrival as per the package.

Documentation

Any applicable pre trip or tour documentation will be emailed to you prior to travelling. Should you have any queries regarding this please feel free to contact us directly via email at support@specialHolidays.com.

Special Holiday savings

The value and comparative savings have been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.

Itinerary amendments & changes

Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ feedback as well as updates from our ground operators. Please note that while we operate successful tours in this region throughout the year, some changes may be necessary due to inclement weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities may also vary from time to time.

Availability

ll Special Holiday trips are available on a request only basis and are subject to availability. Once booked you should receive a payment confirmation and receipt via email, followed by a booking confirmation normally within 48hrs of making a booking, sometimes this can take a little longer subject to supplier delay.
If you have not received your confirmation within 2 business days of payment confirmation please contact us immediately by email at support@specialholidays.com.
In the event that your trip is unavailable for the dates you have chosen we will contact you by telephone to advise the next available dates.

Surcharges

Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Special Holiday will inform its guests of these changes as soon as possible, these additional charges will be passed on by Special Holiday to the guest.

Name change or corrections

Name corrections or corrections may incur a fee.
After bookings are fully paid, any amendment has to be requested in writing and may incur a fee per person plus any additional costs and administrative expenses incurred in arranging the amendment.

Date changes

Date changes perhaps allowed at a slight fees.

Refunds

Kindly refer to our booking conditions for all information on refunds.
SpecialHolidays reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to the website's terms and conditions.

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