South India Splendors Tour – Tamil Nadu & Kerala – 9 Nights / 10 Days

Arrive at Chennai Airport, meet the Saar Holidays representative and transfer to the confirmed hotel. Complete check-in and spend the remaining time at leisure after your journey, with an optional waterfront or local dining orientation depending on arrival time. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, explore Chennaiu2019s cultural and colonial landmarks. Visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery when open, Fort St. George and St. Maryu2019s Church subject to access, then continue to Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple and San Thome Basilica according to current opening hours and temple or church visitor rules. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, transfer to Chennai Airport for the confirmed flight to Madurai when included in the final quotation. On arrival, meet the local representative, transfer to the hotel and later visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of South Indiau2019s great Dravidian temple complexes. When current visitor rules permit, experience the templeu2019s evening ritual atmosphere before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay in Madurai.

After breakfast, leave Madurai and drive through Tamil Naduu2013Kerala countryside toward Thekkady, the gateway to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Check in at the hotel or nature resort and spend the afternoon on a responsibly operated spice plantation or spice-country orientation, learning about cardamom, pepper, coffee, cinnamon and other crops. The legacy captive-elephant riding and handling activities are not included in the modernised programme. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Begin early with an authorised Periyar Lake boat safari or other confirmed nature experience, subject to current ticketing, permits, weather and operating schedules. From the lake and surrounding landscape, watch for deer, gaur, wild boar, elephants, otters and birdlife while understanding that all wildlife sightings are natural and never guaranteed. Later enjoy a locally operated spice-country or eco-tourism excursion, with any community interaction arranged respectfully and only with local consent. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, check out and drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Check in at the selected backwater resort and spend the rest of the day slowing down beside the lake, enjoying resort leisure, a gentle waterfront walk or an optional local backwater experience when specifically included. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, transfer from Kumarakom to the confirmed Alleppey or Alappuzha houseboat jetty and board the traditional Kerala vessel around the operatoru2019s standard check-in time. Cruise through palm-lined canals, lakes and village waterways while enjoying lunch, refreshments and dinner according to the confirmed meal plan. The houseboat anchors at an authorised location in the evening in line with local navigation rules. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Wake to a peaceful backwater morning and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at Alleppey. Meet the driver and transfer to Kochi, where you check in and spend the afternoon at leisure or explore nearby Fort Kochi streets. In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance when operating and included in the final package. Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast, explore Kochiu2019s layered maritime heritage, visiting Mattancherry Palace, the Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue sector, Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica according to weekly closures and current access. Take time for waterfront lanes, spice and handicraft shops, then attend a Kalaripayattu performance when scheduled and specifically included. Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast, check out at the appropriate time and transfer to Kochi Airport or railway station according to the onward schedule. The South India Splendors Tour concludes after combining Chennai and Maduraiu2019s cultural landmarks with Periyaru2019s spice and wildlife landscapes, Kumarakom and Alleppeyu2019s backwaters, a traditional houseboat stay and Kochiu2019s performing arts and heritage.