Overview
The Malabar Coast is dotted with picturesque
cities, old treasure troves of architecture and picturesque hill stations. This
fascinating expedition is scheduled to take you to Chennai, Covelong,
Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Cochin and Mararikulam.
However, the last few days can either be spent in Kerala backwaters cruising on
your own houseboat or exploring other sites in Karnataka.
Highlights
- Temples of Mahabalipuram
- French Charm of Pondicherry
- Freshness of Munnar
- Mysore Palace
Itinerary
Day 01: Chennai - Covelong
Day 02 – 03: Covelong
Day 04: Covelong - Pondicherry
Day 05: Pondicherry
Day 06: Pondicherry - Thanjavur, also know as Tanjore
Day 07:
Day 08: Thanjavur - Madurai
Day 09: Madurai - Kodaikanal
Day 10: Kodaikanal
Day 11: Kodaikanal - Munnar
Day 12: Munnar
Day 13: Munnar - Cochin
Day 14: Cochin
Day 15: Cochin - Mararikulam
Day 16- 17: Mararikulam
Day 18: Mararikulam – Cochin – Chennai and
departure
DAY 01 :
CHENNAI – COVELONG
The
South India Malabar Coast Tour set off with your arrival in the capital of
Tamil Nadu, Chennai. You’ll be transferred to your hotel at Covelong, 32 km
from Chennai with a small halt at Dakshin Chitra cultural centre. Check into
Fisherman’s Cove Hotel where you’ll be staying for next three nights.
DAY 02 – 03 : COVELONG
The
Day 2 and 3 will be spent at leisure. Get acclimatized to the weather while
having fun at the resort.
DAY 04 :
COVELONG – PONDICHERRY
On
the Day 4, you’ll be driven to Mahabalipuram renowned for its magnificent
temples. The city boasts of 7 seaside monolithic temples carved from a single
granite boulder.
You’ll
come across a giant frieze, called Arjuna’s Penance. Continue on to
Pondicherry, a former French colony which still imbues the colonial ambience.
The French influence is manifest in its architecture. Check into your hotel on
arrival at Pondicherry. Spend the night at hotel.
DAY 05 : PONDICHERRY
Following
a leisurely morning, you’ll be heading for the city of Gingee to visit the
fifteenth century Vijaynagar Fort. On your return, pay a brief visit to
Aurobindo Ashram in the afternoon.The night stay is scheduled at Pondicherry.
DAY 06 : PONDICHERRY
– THANJAVUR
You’ll
be driving to Tanjore (also know as Thanjavur) stopping briefly at temple towns of Chidambaram and
Kumbakonam.
On
arrival at Tanjore, check into your hotel where you’ll be staying for two
nights.
DAY 07 : THANJAVUR
Thanjavur
is better known as its anglicized name Tanjore. Dotted with spectacular
temples, Tanjore is a major city of Chola architectural sight. You’ll get to
visit the great Brihadeswarar temple.
Later,
you’ll find yourself driving to Trichy or Tiruchirapalli. Visit the imposing
Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam, a splendid temple that sits an island in the
Cauvery River. Visit also Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, one of the biggest in
India.
DAY 08 : THANJAVUR – MADURAI
On
the Day 8, you’ll be driven to Madurai. Madurai was a renowned centre of
learning for centuries. You’ll visit the imposing Meenakshi Temple Complex. The
temple enshrines Lord Shiva and a singularly specimen of elaborate Dravidian
architecture. Embellished with colorful pictures of gods, animals and figures,
you’ll get delighted by the sheer sight of ancient art. The night stay is
scheduled at Madurai. You can also visit Chettinad, 90 km from Madurai. The
area has remarkable edifices.
DAY 09 :
MADURAI – KODAIKANAL
On
the Day 9, continue on to Kodaikanal, a charming hill station at an altitude of
2100 meters. You’ll be staying at Kodaikanal for two nights.
DAY 10 : KODAIKANAL
Explore
the breathtaking surroundings of Kodaikanal. The place offers remarkable vistas
and landscaped lakes. Visit Coakers Walk, Devil’s Kitchen and the Pillar Rocks.
You can also indulge in activities like cycling around the lake, boating the
Kodai Lake, hiking and trekking.
DAY 11 : KODAIKANAL
– MUNNAR
Enjoy
the breathtaking ride towards the Munnar hills. Munnar is the finest hill
station in Kerala, situated at an altitude of 1520 meters. Once the summer
resort of British government in South India, Munnar is the popular place of
Indian honeymooners. The must-visits at Munnar include Christ Church and Water
Falls.
DAY 12 :
MUNNAR
The
day is spent into exploring the breathtaking Munnar. You’ll visit Eravikulam
National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Kundala Lake and Echo Point.
DAY 13 :
MUNNAR – COCHIN
In
the morning, you’ll be driven to Cochin or Kochi. On arrival, check into your
hotel and spend the night there.
DAY 14 :
COCHIN
In
the morning, you’ll visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace and St. Francis’
Church. Also visit local spice market. After lunch, you’ll be escorted for a
harbor cruise visiting nearby islands and Chinese fishing nets.
DAY 15 :
COCHIN - MARARIKULAM
Enjoy
a picturesque drive to Marari Beach. You’ll be staying at a beach resort for
three nights in Mararikulam. Alternatively, you can spend a few days in the
Kerala backwaters before unwinding on Marari beach.
DAY 16- 17 :
MARARIKULAM
Relax
and unwind on the Beach for next two days.
DAY 18 :
MARARIKULAM – COCHIN – CHENNAI AND DEPARTURE
This
marks the last day of Malabar Coast Tour. You’ll be driven to Cochin domestic
terminal where you’ll catch flight to Chennai for onward journey.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.
