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11 Day South Vacation
Cochin - Backwaters - Kovalam - Mahabalipuram

Detailed Itinerary - 11 Day South Vacation

 

Day 1: Arrive at Cochin. Our services begin here. You are greeted at the airport by our travel facilitator and then ushered to a chauffeur driven vehicle. You are then driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check in. Our travel facilitator hands over travel documents such as your air tickets and hotel vouchers to you.

One of the least acclaimed tourist destinations in India, Kochi has something to delight every explorer. It is know as "The Queen of the Arabian Sea", among other names, and is a scenic and lush collection of islands, capes, and mainland; connected by an elaborate yet intricate system of ferries and bridges.

Europeans controlled Kochi, and it's thriving trade, from the early 16th century. Their influence can be seen all over the picturesque city and the surrounding area. There are many monuments, architecture, and other reminders of the Dutch, Portuguese and British. The old world charm of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin have not changed much in the last couple of centuries. There are also many events in surrounding Kerala, such as the "Great Boat Races".

Visit Mattancherry Palace and its exquisite murals. St. Francis Church (early 16th century) is the oldest European church in India, and The Pardesi Synagogue was founded around the same time (history records Jewish settlers in this area as early as the 6th century, the guides will tell you that roots can be traced to over two thousand years ago). Fort Cochin is distinctly British Indian (with a little bit of Dutch thrown in) in it's architecture, and the Chinese fishing nets that dot it's northern end add to it's languid charm. The modern section called Ernakulam is pleasant and offers one of India's best opportunities to view classical Indian dance.




Day 2: Cochin. You are at leisure on these days. The only services provided by ETI are hotel room (including breakfast and taxes).

ETI can provide various services upon request, such as chauffeur driven vehicles, guides, escorted sightseeing and recommendations / reservations for dining and entertainment.


Day 3: Cochin. You are at leisure on these days. The only services provided by ETI are hotel room (including breakfast and taxes).

ETI can provide various services upon request, such as chauffeur driven vehicles, guides, escorted sightseeing and recommendations / reservations for dining and entertainment.




Day 4: Cochin – Backwaters cruise. Check out of your hotel in the morning, and then you will be driven to the backwaters.

The backwaters of Kerala - meandering inland lakes networked by canals - stretch to over 900 km. Boat trips across these tranquil stretches are an experience unique to Kerala. Large kettuvalloms (traditional country crafts over 60 ft. in length) have been converted into luxury houseboats for these cruises.




Day 5: Backwaters – Kovalam. Disembark from your houseboat and you proceed on the picturesque journey to Kovalam.

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centers etc. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ponmudi hill station etc.




Day 6: Kovalam. You are at leisure on these days. The only services provided by ETI are hotel room (including breakfast and taxes).

ETI can provide various services upon request, such as chauffeur driven vehicles, guides, escorted sightseeing and recommendations / reservations for dining and entertainment.


Day 7: Kovalam. You are at leisure on these days. The only services provided by ETI are hotel room (including breakfast and taxes).

ETI can provide various services upon request, such as chauffeur driven vehicles, guides, escorted sightseeing and recommendations / reservations for dining and entertainment.




Day 8: Kovalam – Mahabalipuram. Check out of your hotel in the morning and drive to Trivendrum Airport. Board the early afternoon flight to Chennai. Arrive at Chennai airport and drive to Mahabalipuram to check in to your hotel.

Although it has monuments left over from ancient cultures, the city of Chennai as we currently know it was founded by the British in the early 17th century. In the 2nd century AD, Greek geographer Ptolemy described Mylapore (part of modern Chennai, located south of Marina Beach) as a prosperous port. The Kapaleswara temple and San Thome Cathedral are both located in this part of Chennai, and are well worth a visit.

Chennai has more than it's share of religious, cultural, and architectural points of interest, the oldest surviving Anglican church in Asia is located here. St. Mary's Church was built in 1680 and is located inside Fort George, which was constructed by the British in 1640. San Thome Cathedral Basilica was a church many centuries before that.

Traditional dance and music flourish in Chennai, safeguarded by a culture that relishes it's Tamil roots and protects them with a quiet pride. Modern business and industry co-exist in harmony with ancient rituals and practices in this city of six million inhabitants. There are miles of clean beaches, along with interesting museums and great local shopping.

Just south of Chennai is the ancient city of Mahabalipuram, containing some of the most fascinating examples of ancient Hindu religious art and architecture. Explore the Shore Temple (built in the eighth century), Lord Krishan's Mandapa, and Arjun's Penance, just to name a few of the historical marvels located within a few minutes walking distance from each other.




Day 9: Mahabalipuram. You are at leisure on these days. The only services provided by ETI are hotel room (including breakfast and taxes).

ETI can provide various services upon request, such as chauffeur driven vehicles, guides, escorted sightseeing and recommendations / reservations for dining and entertainment.


Day 10: Mahabalipuram. You are at leisure on these days. The only services provided by ETI are hotel room (including breakfast and taxes).

ETI can provide various services upon request, such as chauffeur driven vehicles, guides, escorted sightseeing and recommendations / reservations for dining and entertainment.




Day 11: Mahabalipuram – International Flight. Check out of your hotel at leisure by noon. Do any last minute shopping and sightseeing that you feel you may have left for the end.

Your vehicle and chauffeur
stay with you till your (usually late evening) assisted check in at the airport.

Our services end at Chennai airport.

Lodging - 11 Day South Vacation

City Lodging / Hotels
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Hightlights - 11 Day South Vacation

This Visit gives you some of the best highlights of India.

UNESCO World Heritage
Monuments at Mahabalipuram
  Other Sights
St. Francis Church
15th Century Synagogue
Napier Museum
Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
 
       

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Tour Map