South India with Goa Tour

Destinations Covered: Chennai (1Nt) – Mahabalipuram (2Nts) – Tanjore (1Nt) – Trichy (1Nt) – Periyar (1Nt) – Cochin (2Nts) – Goa (3Nts)

Day 01: Arrival in Chennai

Upon arrival in Chennai, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, a representative from Shakti India Tours will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 02: Chennai Sightseeing - Mahabalipuram (approx. 55 km / 1 hr.)

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is the biggest cultural, economic, and education center of South India. It is a historic city and among the most visited cities in the country by foreign tourists. The city is very popular among tourists because of its historic landmarks & buildings, long sandy beaches, parks, and cultural & art centers.

Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for the Chennai sightseeing tour. Visit the Government Museum located in Egmore neighborhood of Chennai. It is a museum that consists of six buildings and 46 galleries covering an area of around 16.25 acres. The museum complex also houses National Art Gallery and Connemara Public Library. The building of the National Art Gallery is one of the finest Indo-Saracenic types of architecture in the country.

Visit Fort St. George (also called White Town) which is the first British Fortress in India. The fort complex also houses a museum that contains several relics of the British Raj. Also, visit St. Mary’s Church and Wellesley House within the fort complex. Visit the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore which is one of the most visited religious places in the city. Visit the 16th-century Santhome Basilica which is a Roman Catholic minor basilica built by Portuguese explorers. Visit the 8th century Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane, a Hindu temple dedicated to the God Krishna. It is one of the oldest structures in the city.

Thereafter, also visit other attractions like Saint Thomas Mount, Spencer Plaza, VGP Universal Kingdom, Tamilnadu Science & Technology Center, and Marina Beach.

After the Chennai city tour, proceed to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), a historic town and heritage site in Tamil Nadu, 55 km from Chennai. On arrival in Mahabalipuram, check in to your pre-booked hotel. Have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

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Day 03: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing - Excursion to Kanchipuram (approx. 65 km / 1.30 hrs.)

Take your breakfast at then proceed for Mahabalipuram sightseeing. Mahabalipuram is a historic and heritage site that comprises 7th- and 8th-century CE religious monuments. Collectively, the Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 400 ancient monuments and Tamil religious temples at Mahabalipuram. Built during the Pallava dynasty, Mahabalipuram monuments or temples are best known for their spectacular architectural styles. Rathas (chariot-shaped temples), Cave temples, structural temples, and rock relieves are key attractions here. The Shore Temple is one of the structural temples here that will impress you significantly.

Later in the afternoon take an excursion to Kanchipuram. Located at a distance of approx. 65 km from Mahabalipuram is a city in Tamil Nadu that is known for architecturally beautiful temples and structures. It is also famous for silk weaving and handloom industries. And, hence it is often described as the Temple City and Silk City. Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple (the largest temple in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva), Kailasanathar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kumarakottam Temple dedicated to Muruga, Kamakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are several other temples and structures you may visit in Kanchipuram. You may also shop for famous Kanchipuram Sarees. On-time return to the hotel in Mahabalipuram for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 04: Mahabalipuram - Tanjore (approx. 300 km / 5-6 hrs.)

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel. Later depart for Tanjore (Thanjavur), a historic city and important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Upon arrival in Tanjore, you would be transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax, and then proceed for Tanjore sightseeing.

Tanjore Sightseeing will provide you a wonderful opportunity to explore most of the Great Chola Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Monuments) which are located in and around Tanjore city. Visit the Brihadeeswara Temple which is located in the center of the city, and the foremost among the Great Living Chola Temples. It is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest South Indian temples. It is best known for its spectacular Dravidian architecture.

If time permits, you may also visit Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, and other attractions. On-time return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05: Tanjore - Trichy (55km / 1hr.) - Madurai (135 km / 2 hrs.)

Post breakfast drive to Madurai en-route sightseeing at Trichy (also called Tiruchirappalli). Trichy is a historic city and popular tourist destination in the state of Tamil Nadu. Once a part of the Chola Kingdom, Trichy is best-known for a number of exquisitely sculptured temples and fortresses.

Trichy Sightseeing: Visit the Rockfort which is considered the symbol of Tiruchirappalli. Standing atop a 273-foot high rock it is a fortress that consists of a set of monolithic rocks accommodating many rock-cut cave temples. Also, visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple located on the island of Srirangam. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is often regarded as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Depending upon your time you may also visit other temples and attractions at Trichy.

After a sightseeing tour in Trichy, continue your drive to reach Madurai. Madurai is a holy city in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is often described as the Varanasi of South India. It is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu state. There are several religious sites in the city. Upon arrival in Madurai, our representative will transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax. Dinner and overnight state will be at the hotel.

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Day 06: Madurai Sightseeing - Periyar (115 km / 2 hrs.)

In the early morning visit to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is a historic Hindu temple complex dedicated to Meenakshi (the incarnation of Parvati) and her consort Sundareshwara (the incarnation of Lord Shiva). Located on the south side of the Vaigai River in Madurai it is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city. The entire temple complex is known for beautiful architecture and sculptures. There are 14 gopurams (gateway towers), and approximately 33,000 sculptures in the temple complex. Witness morning Aarti and explore the temple complex.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later proceed to see other attractions of Madurai covering Thirumalai Nayak Palace (a 17th-century palace, a classic fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles, situated 2 km southeast of the Meenakshi Amman Temple) Koodal Azhagar Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), and Kazimar Big Mosque (the oldest Islamic place for worship in the city).

After sightseeing in Madurai, drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park, Thekkady in Kerala. On arrival in Periyar, you would be transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 07: Periyar - Cochin (156 km / 3 -4 hrs.)

Located in Thekkady in Kerala, Periyar is a popular wildlife sanctuary, national park, and tiger reserve. It is famous for Periyar Lake, Wildlife Viewing, and Spice Plantations. In the early morning enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake that runs through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. While on a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, you may spot some animals even tigers coming to the site of the lake to drink water. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Thereafter proceed for wildlife safari to explore the rich flora and fauna of Periyar. If time permits, you may also proceed to see nearby spice plantations. Return to the hotel on time and then drive to Cochin (also called Kochi). Freshen up and relax. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 08: Sightseeing in Cochin

Have a very hearty breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for Cochin sightseeing. Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is a major tourist destination in the state of Kerala. It is famous for historical monuments, colonial buildings, churches, and backwaters. Major attractions you may visit in this city include Mattancherry Dutch Palace (featuring Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits, and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi), Fort Kochi, Hill Palace (the largest archaeological museum in Kerala), Jewish Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations), Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica (a church built originally by the Portuguese), Kerala History Museum, Spice Market, St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India), Marine Drive and Chinese Fishing Nets. On-time return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 09: Cochin - Goa (by flight)

Take breakfast at the hotel. On time you would be transferred to Cochin Airport to board a flight for Goa. On arrival in Goa, our representative will meet and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying amenities and facilities at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

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Day 10: Goa Beaches

Goa is a small state located on the Southwestern Coast of India. It is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in India. It is visited by a large number of international as well as domestic tourists every year. The state is best known for its palm-fringed beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive culture, churches & convents, temples, Portuguese buildings, nightlife, and world heritage-listed architecture.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, proceed to explore Goa beaches and some key attractions of the state. There are several beaches in Goa that are popular among tourists. Visit the Baga Beach that is apt for swimming due to its clean, white sands. Enjoy the fun rides at the beach. Enjoy water activities and sports such as water surfing, parasailing, and fishing. Visit the Colva Beach, the Queen of All Beaches in Goa. Dotted with palm trees, the Colva Beach is perfect for having a perfect sunbath. Visit Dona Paula Beach where you may enjoy boating on speedboats and paddlers or visit the beautiful Palolem Beach to have some quiet moments and see the spectacular sunset view over the sea. On-time return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11: Goa Sightseeing

Have a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for Goa sightseeing. Goa is not only known for beaches and water sports activities, but also for heritage monuments and architecture. There are numerous churches and convents in the state. Visit Bom Jesus Basilica Church (a part of Churches and Convents of Goa, declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site), Se Cathedral, Goa State Museum, Temples, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and other attractions. Later, visit Anjuna Beach which is famous for trance parties and Wednesday flea markets. Sit and relax. Enjoy a spectacular sunset view over the azure water of the sea. Do some shopping in local markets. On-time return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12: Goa - Mumbai – Departure

Have breakfast at the hotel. On time, Shakti India Tours will transfer you to Goa Airport to board a flight to Mumbai for connecting flight to your home or onward destination. Tour ends.