Circuit TN/01A: South India Itinerary with Tamilnadu and Kerala

Route : Chennai Arrival - Mahabalipuram(1) - Pondicherry (2)- Thanjavur/Kumbakonam (2) - Madurai (1) - Periyar (2) - Houseboat (2) - Fort Cochin (2) - Cochin Departure 

Highlight - This is a comprehensive South India Itinerary covering all major destinations of Kerala and Tamilnadu. This is a typical circuit that overseas guests Travelling to South India capturing Temple, Craft, cuisine and cultural heritage of Tamilnadu & Spice plantations / Backwaters and natural beauty of Kerala.  

Recommended Itinerary (This is an indicative itinerary, Sequence of the activities may vary and depend on prevailing weather condition and guest preferences)

Day 1 Arrive at Chennai and proceed to Mahabalipuram (60 kms). Visit Shore Temple in the evening. 
Day 2 : After Breakfast Proceed to Pondicherry (100 kms - 2 hours) - Enjoy a walk on the heritage area of Pondicherry and the Seaface in the evening.
Day 3 : After Breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing around Pondicherry based on the list below.
Day 4: After Breakfast  proceed to Kumbakonam/Thanjavur (160 kms). Local sightseeing in the evening (based on the list below).
Day 5: After Breakfast Visit Temples around Kumkonam / Thanjavur.
Day 6: From Kumbakonam/Thanjavur Proceed to Madurai (160 kms). In the evening do a tour of the Meenakshi Temple
Day 7: Proceed to Thekkady(150 kms). Evening Cruise in the Lake Periyar
Day 8 : Day Trekking and visit to Spice Plantations
Day 9 and 10: Proceed to Alleppey and proceed for a backwater cruise in Ketuvallam (Riceboat) for two nights and visit Kumarakom Bird sanctuary, backwater canals of Kuttanad and Vembanad Lake.
Day 11 and 12: Proceed to Fort Kochi from Alleppey (75 kms). Explore heritage areas of Fort Kochi.

Accommodation Options - Chennai - Mahabalipuram/Thanjavur/Madurai - Pondicherry - Periyar - Houseboat - Alleppey/Kumarakom - Backwater Homestays - Fort Cochin 

Distances

Access - Chennai Gets daily flights from all major destinations of India and South East Asian Countries. Chennai is a major railhead on the Southern Rail Route.  Cochin Gets daily flights from all major destinations of India and Gulf Countries. Ernakulam is a major railhead on the Konkan / Southern Rail Route and from where guests can connect to Goa which is a popular onward destination.

Please email to tamilnadu01@nivalink.co.in with dates of travel for a firm quote (hotel cost and transportation) with an indicative itinerary.