Duration: 18 Nights - 19 Days
Destinations Covered: Chennai- Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram- Pondichery Tanjore - Trichy Madurai -- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Munnar- Cochin- Kumarakom- Alleppey- Kovalam- Trivandrum
Day 01: Arrival at Chennai
The Twin state South India tour begins with the arrival at Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. The city has a rich cultural heritage which is about 2000 years old. Check in the pre booked hotel for dinner and over night stay.
Day 02: Chennai Mahabalipuram
Next morning after breakfast enjoy the sightseeing tour of the city that includes Santhome Cathedral, Kapaleeswarar temple - Temple of Lord Shiva, Marina Beach, Cultural Institution devoted to the revival of classical arts etc. Later, drive to Mahabalipuram. Over night stay at beach resort.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram
Next morning visit Mahabalipuram and see its places of interest. The site has several antique sculptural marvels which are the masterpieces of Pallava sculpture. Kanchipuram is the spectacular Temple city and is one of the thriving Handloom industries famous for silk weaving. Drive Back to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram Pondicherry
Next morning drive to Pondichery which has a French influence which is evident in the form of red kepis of police officers, French signboards and traffic signs, old buildings of stone. Visit beaches, old churches, and Auroville with "sacred banyan tree". Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Pondichery Tanjore
The next destination of Twin State Tango South India tour is Tanjore which is an ancient capital of the Chola Kings, a dynasty of temple builders who ruled South India between 10th century and 14th century. Visit Sri Bahadeeswara Temple built by great Chola king Rajaraja.
Day 06: Tanjore Trichy
After breakfast drive to Trichy which is situated on the banks of river Kaveri. Held and ruled by different dynasties there are several temples and forts. On arriving visit Srirangam an ancient island temple-town, Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, Rock Fort temple and Ranganathar. Return back to the hotel for dinner and over night stay.
Day 07: Trichy Madurai
After breakfast get ready to visit Madurai which represents the golden era when art, architecture and learning scaled new heights. Enjoy the sightseeing tour of Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Meenakshi Temple etc. Check in the pre booked hotel for dinner and over night stay.
Day 08: Madurai - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Cross the border to reach Kerala, God's own Country and reach Periyar, a hill station that produces large quantity of spices, like pepper, cardamom etc. Check in the hotel and have some rest. Later on drive to Periyar wildlife sanctuary which is declared as the Tiger reserve of the country. Later on visit spice plantations and watch the trading at spice shops. Return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 09: Periyar
Next morning after breakfast enjoy the early morning boating at Lake Periyar. Enjoy the trekking in the Periyar forest or go for elephant rides. Return back to the resort for dinner and over night stay.
Day 10: Periyar Munnar
Next destination of the Twin State Tango South India Tour is Munnar. It is one of the most scenic hill stations of Kerala which is thronged by large number of visitors. Check in the hotel and after some rest enjoy the nature walks, trekking tours, or visit the spice plantations etc. By the evening return to the hotel for dinner and over night stay.
Day 11: Munnar
After early breakfasts enjoy the sightseeing tour of Munnar that include Mattupetty dam and Lake Rajamala, the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat. Eravikulam National Park etc. overnight at resort.
Day 12: Munnar Cochin
Next morning drive to Cochin which is one of the liveliest and most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times. Over night stay at Hotel.
Day 13: Cochin
After early breakfast enjoy the sightseeing tour of Cochin that includes Fort Cochin, Chinese fishing nets, St.Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace),Synagogue etc. Return back to the hotel for dinner and over night stay.
Day 14: Cochin Kumarakom
Next morning drive to Kumarkom which is a water village in Alleppey, Check in at Backwater Resort. A visit to Kumarakom provides an authentic insight into unique Kuttanad life of the boat people. Over night stay at Resort with option for Ayurvedic massage.
Day 15: Kumarakom
Enjoy the next day at the Houseboat. It is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. Watch farming in rice paddies, toddy tapping and fishing. Houseboats have airy rooms with sundeck, chairs, kitchen and toilet with WC. The crew includes a chef and two oarsmen with different restrooms. Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine onboard. Stop at village markets, churches and houses to get a feel of village life. Overnight on board.
Day 16: Alleppey Kovalam
After breakfast drive to Kovalam, India's most spectacular beach with boundless blue beaches on the Arabian Sea and coconut palms. Other options are sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural program, catamaran cruising etc.
Day 17: Kovalam- Trivandrum
Drive to Trivandrum and check in the hotel. Afternoon guided tour of Trivandrum city, capital of Kerala. Visit traditional fishing areas and Padmanabhapuram Palace. Visit Sri Padmanabaswami Temple. Drive back to Kovalam. Over night stay at hotel.
Day 18: Trivandrum
Drive towards Trivandrum Airport to have connected flights for desired destinations. With this the Twin State Tango South India Tour comes to an end.
Tour Concludes!
