South India Cultural Tours

The second day of your South India Cultural Tour Packages will start with a healthy breakfast followed by a drive to two historical towns: Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring temples and structures from the 7th and 8th centuries including chariot-shaped temples (rathas), rock reliefs, and the Shore Temple; and Kanchipuram, known as the 'City of Thousand Temples,' which is an important Hindu pilgrimage site with impressive temples like Kailasanathar, Ulagalanda Perumal, and Ekambareswarar. An afternoon of discovery awaits with a sightseeing tour of the main city. You’ll spend some time at the ancient Shiva Temple of Kapaleeshwar, Fort St. George, and San Thome Basilica, which is said to have been built over the tomb of Thomas the Apostle. Then move on to explore some other sites, including the Gudiyam caves, the Government Museum and National Art Gallery, Valluvar Kottam, and Anna Zoological Park. Finish your day with a leisurely walk across the Marina Beach. Relax and take in the majestic sun setting on the horizon. Return to the hotel for a fulfilling dinner and an overnight stay.

Start your day with an exciting drive to Madurai. Post breakfast, pack your luggage, check out of the hotel, and proceed to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at the pre-booked hotel and freshen up. Head out for an exploration of this exotic city. Visit the famous pilgrimage site, Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple has 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers). Built in Dravidian style, this multi-tiered temple is covered in bright carvings of mythical figures. The outermost corridors of the temple are lined with stone-carved pillars, which are said to induce musical notes upon tapping. Later, indulge in the engrossing Aarti ceremony of the temple. In the evening, you will visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Have dinner and return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

On the fourth day of your South India Cultural Tour, after breakfast, you’ll move to Periyar. Located at a distance of about 128 km from Madurai, the tranquil town of Periyar is well-known for its spice gardens. An array of spices are grown in this region, including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and vanilla. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and head out for a boat ride at Lake Periyar. Catch a glimpse of the wild creatures that often keep wandering around the lake. You can indulge yourself in an elephant ride, followed by bathing it (optional). In the evening, explore a spice garden and learn more about the spices grown in this region, and then shop for high-quality condiments from the spice market. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Soon after breakfast, complete checking out from the hotel and get ready for a drive to  Kumarakom. Nestled in Kerala's backwaters, Kumarakom is a small village on the shores of Lake Vembanad. It is renowned for its luxuriant, verdant scenery and is dotted with canals where houseboats float. The laid-back pace of this beautiful village makes it the perfect picnic spot in Kerala. Once you're there, unwind by checking into the pre-booked resort. Later, explore the area by visiting the well-known Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (ideal for bird watching). This sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species, such as Siberian storks and cuckoos. Enjoy a trip to the Bay Island Driftwood Museum, which features wooden sculptures on exhibit, and Pathiramanal Island, a sanctuary for endangered migratory birds. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on Vembanad Lake, where you’ll watch the sunset over the calm waters. Later, have dinner and spend the night at your resort.

Check out of the resort soon after breakfast and take a houseboat ride to Alleppey, which is well-known for its opulent houseboat rides through the pristine backwaters of Kerala. During the cruise, enjoy the peaceful ambiance and placid backwaters of Alleppey and take in the beauty of the paddy fields, palm-fringed countryside, and backwater islands that you’ll come across. Devour Keralan dishes infused with spices, aromatic curry leaves, and fresh coconut, prepared exclusively by an onboard cook. In the afternoon, our representative will drive you to Cochin. On arrival, check in to the hotel and get ready for a sightseeing tour of the city. This multicultural region was first dominated by the Portuguese, who were followed by the Dutch and the British, whose influences are evident in the diverse architecture seen all across the city. The various attractions that you’ll visit in Cochin are the Mattancherry Palace (also known as the Dutch Palace), the Jewish Synagogue, the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis CSI Church at Fort Kochi (the oldest European church in India), Hill Palace (the former official palace of the Cochin Maharaja and home to Kerala's largest archeological museum), and the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort. Finish your day with a visit to Marine Drive. Spend the evening enjoying a traditional Kathakali performance and then an overnight stay at the hotel.

Your 6-night, 7-day South India Cultural Tour Packages ends today. After breakfast, complete all your check-out formalities and get escorted to the Cochin International Airport to board the flight bound for your home.

Proceed to Alleppey after breakfast by checking out of the hotel. Alleppey is well-known for its opulent houseboat rides through the unspoiled backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy an overnight backwaters cruise in Alleppey and make the eighth day of your Kerala vacation with Ooty Tour Packages unforgettable. Take in the splendor of the natural surroundings and observe the colorful avifauna, while cruising Alleppey's serene backwaters for the remainder of the day. Later on, indulge in authentic Keralan cuisine, featuring a rich blend of spices, fragrant curry leaves, and fresh coconut, prepared by the onboard chef. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Finish disembarking from your houseboat on time, this morning and prepare to visit Kumarakom, which is situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Explore the tranquility, lush vegetation, and splendor of the waterways that comprise this tiny community nestled in the core of Kerala's backwaters. It is well known for its relaxed environment and houseboat excursions. Relax at the resort that has been reserved in advance of your visit. Take a sightseeing tour of the region later on and make sure to check out the main attractions here, such as the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (a haven for bird-watching enthusiasts), the Bay Island Driftwood Museum, and the Pathiramanal Island, which is a popular site for spotting rare migratory birds. End this beautiful day by indulging in a cruise on Vembanad Lake (dinner and sleeping arrangements are included).

The 9-night, 10-day tour of Kerala with Ooty Tour Packages concludes today. Check out of the resort following breakfast and be dropped off at the Cochin International Airport, from where you can start your return journey.