Temples, Backwaters & Beaches
Trip Details
- Duration: 12 day(s) days
- Visited Areas: Asia
Southern India is renowned for its tranquil backwaters, tropical beaches, rich history and fascinating culture. We cruise by houseboat on the Malabar Backwaters - a network of waterways, to discover how the communities of the region live, and visit thriving and colourful temple complexes, before relaxing on the beaches of Kovalam. From Chennai we drive to the French colonial town of Pondicherry, with a visit to the Ashram at Auroville. We explore the temples and palaces of Tanjore, Trichy and Madurai, including Trichy?s Rock Fort Temple. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to wild elephants, bison, spotted deer and the elusive tiger. Kumarakom lies in the heart of the Backwater Country, and is famous for its beautiful canals, backwaters and lagoons. We cruise to Alleppey on a traditional Kerala rice boat, staying overnight on board. As we watch local life sail by and experience the fascinating world of rice boats, we sample the delicious South Indian cuisine. Then on to Kovalam with its tropical beaches, and coconut palms, before ending our tour in Kochi.
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For details and booking, click the "More Information" button to the right. We are excited to talk to you about this India adventure or another adventure that you have in mind any time.
Itinerary
Day 1
Join Chennai (Madras)
Day 2
Chennai ? Kapaleeswarar Temple. Drive via Mahabalipuram Temples to Pondicherry. Visit Auroville Ashram
Day 3
Visit Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram. Tanjore - Bridadeshwara Temple, Nayakas Palace. Drive Trichy
Day 4
Trichy - Rock Fort Temple, Srinrangam Temple. Drive Madurai
Day 5
Madurai - Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayaka Palace. Free Afternoon. Optional Evening Indian Prayer Ceremonies
Day 6
Drive Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Free Afternoon, Spice Plantation
Day 7
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary ? Elephant Ride. Drive Kumarakom ? Board Houseboat. Afternoon ? Bird Sanctuary
Day 8
Rice Boat to Alleppey. Overnight Alleppey
Day 9
Drive Kovalam ? Beach Stay
Day 10
Kovalam ? Free Day to Relax on Beaches
Day 11
Drive to Kochi. City Tour - Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Net
Day 12
Kochi (Cochin) - Tour Ends After Breakfast