Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Thanjavur - Chettinad - Rameshwaram - Madurai - Munnar - Periyar - Alleppey - Mararikulam - Kochi
In contrast to the quiet peaks of the Himalayas, South India is a vibrant place. Visitors are greeted to the land of wildness by its verdant surroundings, untamed beaches, chiseled temples and abundant wildlife. Consider paramount South India beach tours this holiday if you want to get away and relax in crazy waves. Time for leisure is frequently stolen by hectic lifestyles and busy schedules. Additionally, schedule a beach vacation now that you have time to unwind with your loved ones. There is a wide range of beaches in South India; some are untamed, while others are serene. Temples and wildlife in South India have long been popular travel destinations for people from all over the world. We cover everything you need for your South India beach tour.
You will travel from Tamil Nadu's capital city to the city of "Seven Pagodas" upon your arrival in Chennai. The ancient town of Mahabalipuram is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This location was an important Pallavan seaport in the 7th and 9th centuries.
The afternoon tour takes you through the rock-cut Varaha Cave temple, Krishna Mandapams, Pancha Rathas, and other Pallava dynasty ruins while passing through South India's breathtaking scenery. Arjuna's Penance, featuring full-size image carvings on the rock wall, is visible here. The Shore Temple, South India's oldest twin structure, is a must-see. One of the Seven Pagodas; the other six have long since been destroyed.
Leave by car to Pondicherry early the following morning. A small fish market filled with fishmongers bringing in the day's catch could be your first impression of the scene. If you go by that location, you might notice remnants of areas hit by tsunamis. Shifting slightly as you rotate the entire view. Then, begin to play the scene of stunning, deserted roads with the Pacific Ocean and paddy fields on either side, passing by continuously.
A salt span appears in the distance halfway through the ride. Salts were once formed here by the evaporation of seawater. These days, flamingos, Eurasian rollers, and kingfishers all adore it. They visit to obtain the tiny brine shrimp. Arriving at Pondicherry, you are engulfed in everlasting beauty.
Some of the world's most breathtaking beaches can be found in Pondicherry. Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach and Serenity Beach. Originally settled by the French in 1674, it now boasts the best-preserved historical structures and monuments. It is usually divided into French quarters called Ville Blanche and Indian quarters called Ville Noire. It appears that the colonial atmosphere is still present in the churches, temples, buildings and statues.
Another impressive landmark in Pondicherry is Auroville. In South India, the universal township is credited with fostering human unity. Auroville is designed to allow men and women of all castes to live in progressive harmony and peace, by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother's vision.
Drive to Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, today. This location was formerly the Chola dynasty's capital city. It is now well-known for its Tanjore paintings, which depict numerous Chola-era events. Additionally, one of the earliest classical dance forms, Bharatanatyam, originated in this country.
Tanjore is a significant hub for architecture, religion, and the arts. During your tour, you will see several Chola-era temples, including the Great Living Chola Temples, Thanjai Mamani Koil, Aiyarappar Temple, and others. In addition, we will take you to the oldest library in Asia, Saraswathi Mahal Library, and the royal home, Thanjavur Maratha Palace.
You will begin your fifth day of touring in Thanjavur. Early in the morning, you have to leave for the Brihadeeswarar Shiva Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Monolithic Cupola sits atop the exquisitely painted temple walls. For the tourists who come there, the sight is fascinating. The Raja Chola Art Gallery, which houses an enormous collection of stone and bronze idols dating back to the 12th century AD, is a short drive away.
It's time to start anticipating your next destination now that you have completed the sightseeing. Next up on our list is Chettinad, which is another stunning location. Night stay at the hotel in Chettinad.
The itinerary indicates that you will spend the night in Chettinad. The surrounding villages are visible in the morning. It is more akin to strolling through the verdant surroundings and taking in the breathtaking views of the rural landscape.
During your visit, you have to sample the authentic Chettinad cuisine. It is well known for both its spice and scent. Your visit to Chettinad is complete, depart for Rameswaram. Another stunning road on the list, it offers breathtaking views of Rameshwaram. Here you will stay for a night.
After breakfast, visit Rameshwaram, regarded by Hindus as the most sacred location. The main draw here is Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama Setu, a contentious historical site for the underlying narrative. There is a belief that Rama constructed this setu to save his wife Sita and link the island of Rameshwaram with Sri Lanka.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple, Jada Tirtham, Dhanushkodi Temple, Gandhamadhana Parvatham, and many more tourist attractions are located here. The 64 Tirthas and the 12 Jyotirlingas are also must-see locations. You can choose to take an evening stroll along the beaches as you have the entire day at your disposal. Night stay at the hotel.
Transfer you by car to Madurai, early the following morning post breakfast. It is among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Explore the palace of Rani Mangamma, which is currently housed in the Gandhi Memorial Museum. It contains the bloodstained clothing that Mahatma Gandhi was wearing when he was assassinated.
The Meenakshi Temple, a recent addition to the list of nominees for the Seven Wonders of the World, is included in the afternoon tour. In addition, you ought to see the Tirumala Nayak Palace, the Tirupara Kundran Rock Temple, and the Alagar Hills. Spend the night in Madurai.
Leave for Munnar after breakfast. The view from the road leading to Munnar is exuberant and gives a hint as to what lies ahead. The sky appears to be in tune with the hills and fields that are in its wake. Munnar has long been regarded as an atmosphere that is generally calm, which is the reason. After several hours of driving, you arrive at your destination. Check in at the hotel and rest for the day. Night stay at the hotel.
Post breakfast at the hotel visit Munnar, situated atop the Kanan Devan Hills, Munnar was formerly a summer retreat used by the British. Gazing at the lengthy green tea plantations lining the hillsides here can help you decompress. Munnar's Chithirapuram is well-known for its tea plantations. Numerous wildlife sanctuaries that provide refuge for elephants, gaurs, grizzled giant squirrels, Nilgiri langurs, sambars and other animals surround the area. Night stay at the hotel.
Drive to Periyar National Park in the morning after breakfast. Thekkady is the local name for this location. It is green everywhere and there are no signs of pollution.
Arrive at your destination by the afternoon. In addition to being a well-known Tiger and Elephant Reserve, this location is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including wild boar, leopards, sambars, wild dogs, monkeys, and many more. Periyar has a wide variety of unusual birds and plants. Night stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Alappuzha by car. This town in South India is also known as Alleppey and it's rather charming. With its many canals, East Venice boasts beautiful backwaters, beaches and lagoons. You have to take a backwater cruise if you want to create a truly unique experience.
Another stunning destination in this area is Kuttanad, which has endless rice fields and lush, green coconut trees. It's referred to as Kerala's Rice Bowl. One of the few locations on Earth where rice is grown below sea level is this one. Spend the night in Alleppey.
The itinerary includes a trek across the Alleppey, it's a network of big lakes and little canals that receive water from rivers. Low-barrier islands were developed as a result of beach currents and sea waves. To experience Kuttevallam's appeal, you have to spend a night on the backwaters at a boathouse. Savor the cuisine that the crew has prepared while gazing up at the stars and the night sky.
Drive to Mararikulam after breakfast. This coastal hamlet in South India is known as Marari Coastal. Because of the wildness mixed with peace, it is one of the best places to travel in the South. It is one of the top five hammock beaches, according to a National Geographic poll. It's crucial to spend the night in this village if you want to interact with the enthusiasts of nature.
This is the final day you will be in South India before your return. You are driven from Mararikulam to Kochi Airport on this day. Bid Adieu to South India.
