Guide

English speaking guide service included on sightseeing days as per program in all cities. (Other language guide can be organined on request)

Others

Assistance at airport Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary. Boat safari in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. Bottled water in car Applicable GST (government taxes).

Transport

Transport by private air conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.

Accommodation

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodation Vizag x 2 night 3* - Best Western Ramachandra Hotel/ Keys Select Visakhapatnam - By Lemon Tree Hotels 4* - The Park Hotel/ Fairfield by Marriott 5* - The Gateway Hotel Beach Road/ The Bheemli Resort Managed By AccorHotels Kakinada x 1 night 3* / 4* & 5* - Paradigm Sarovar Portico/ Royal Park Hotel Machilipatnam x 1 night 3* / 4* & 5* - Hotel SS Grand INN/ RK Good Times Nellore x 1 night Minerva Grand/Bergamont Hotels Chennai x 1 night 3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods 4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan 5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace Mahabalipuram x 1 night 3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort 4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort 5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove Pondicherry x 1 night 3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International 4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa 5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa Thanjore x 1 night 3star - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 4star - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort 5star - Svatma Trichy x 1 night 3star - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia 4 & 5star - Sangam Hotels Madurai x 1 night 3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency 4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel 5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Rameshwaram x 1 night 3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel 5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram Kanyakumari x 1 night 3* - Sea Shore/ Hotel Seaface 4* & 5* - Anantya Resorts/ Annai Resorts and Spa Kovalam x 2 nights 3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort 4* - Estuary Island Resort/Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel 5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach

Hygieneprotocol

Face masks provided for travelers Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff Gear/equipment sanitized between use Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized Regular temperature checks for staff Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

Not included:

Meals

Only daily breakfast included at all hotels.

Others

Any air fare Camera charges at monuments Main meal (lunch & dinner) other than mentioned in the inclusions. Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. Or anything not mentioned above.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Visakhapatnam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Visakhapatnam

On arrival at Vizag airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel (hotels check in time 1200hr afternoon, early check in subject to room’s availability). Later visit s a port city and industrial center on the Bay of Bengal. It's known for its many beaches, including Ramakrishna Beach, home to a preserved submarine at the Kursura Submarine Museum. Nearby are the elaborate Kali Temple and the Visakha Museum, an old Dutch bungalow housing local maritime and historical exhibits. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 Day 2: Visakhapatnam - Araku Valley - Visakhapatnam (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx One Way)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Visakhapatnam - Araku Valley - Visakhapatnam (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx One Way)

Breakfast at hotel, full day excursion visit to Araku Valley. Araku an enticing hill station offers enlivening viewpoints, imposing waterfalls and lush green coffee plantations. Visit Borra Caves - one of the largest cave in India, one million year old limestone caves set at an elevation of 705 m above the sea level. An underground world of admiration, Borra Caves is a must visit and is filled with stalagmite and stalactite formations featuring Shiv Parvathi, Tiger, Mother Child, Cows udder, Human Brain, Crocodile and Rishi’s Beard. Also visit Tribal Museum, Katiki Waterfalls, Galikonda Viewpoint & Ananthagiri Coffee Plantations. Evening back to Visakhapatnam. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 Day 3: Visakhapatnam - Kakinada (155Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Visakhapatnam - Kakinada (155Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Kakinada check in at hotel. Afternoon boat safari in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary - part of the Godavari delta, Hope Island, a sandspit formed by the Godavari, Konaseema & scenic Godavari delta islands. It is the second largest mangrove forest in India after Sundarbans. Rest time to visit the famous temple in the city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 Day 4: Kakinada - Machilipatnam (255Kms/ 5Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Kakinada - Machilipatnam (255Kms/ 5Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Machilipatnam check in at hotel. The beaches in Machilipatnam are long, broad, pristine, with pale blonde sands. Manginapudi Beach, a beachside fishing hamlet, located at a distance of 10 km from Machilipatnam, is well known for its scenic beauty. The beach has a natural bay with shallow waters. The unique feature of this beach is that instead of sand it contains black soil. Later visit the worship centers in and around the city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 Day 5: Machilipatnam - Nellore (300Kms/ 6Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Machilipatnam - Nellore (300Kms/ 6Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Nellore check in at hotel. Nellore - ruled by several dynasties, has seen significant evidences available with regard to its contribution to arts and literature since prehistoric times. Visit Ranganatha Temple - a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha a resting form of Lord Vishnu. It is located on the banks of the Penna River and is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century. Just before the main entrance of the temple is a huge tower, called Gaaligopuram, which literally means "wind tower". This tower is approximately 70 feet high and has 10 feet of gold plated vessels on top of it, called kalashams. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 Day 6: Nellore - Venkatagiri Fort - Tirupati - Chennai (275Kms/ 6Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Nellore - Venkatagiri Fort - Tirupati - Chennai (275Kms/ 6Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Chennai enroute visit Venkatagiri Fort. Constructed by Recherla rulers in the year 1775, Surrounded by dense forest, the fort looks splendidly picturesque. The serene atmosphere in the fort calms your mind while the magnificence of the fort brings to the fore its past importance in the power game. Further drive to Tirupati one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage sites in India. The initial temple at Tirumala was built by the Tamil king Thondaimaan. The Pallavas of Kanchipuram (9th century), Cholas of Tanjore (10th century), Pandyas of Mathura and Vijayanagara Kings (14th & 15th centuries) regularly visited the temple and contributed largely to the temple. Apart from Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Varahaswami temple, Tiruchanur temple of Goddess Padmavati, Govindaraja temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Avanakshamma temple, ISKCON Lord Krishna Temple etc. are the important temples in Tirupati. Kapila Theertham, Parasurameswara Temple in Gudimallam, Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Chandragiri Fort, Kanipakam, Srikalahasti and Talakona Falls are the famous Tirupati tourist places. Continue drive to Chennai check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 Day 7: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Chennai. Visit Fort St. George & Museum - Fort St. George is located on the banks of Bay of Bengal. It was built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. It is a military architecture marvel, which was erected as a trading post and later evolved to be the origin of modern Indian Army. Kapaleeshwarar Temple - Semmozhi Poonga is a beautifully landscaped botanical garden in Chennai which is set up by the horticulture department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Apart from some common plants and trees, the garden houses some really rare types of plants and medicinal herbs. There is also an artificial pond in the garden and ducks which makes it an enjoyable place for the children as well. Dakshina Chitra - DakshinaChitra is a living-history museum in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture. Opened to the public on 14 December 1996, the museum was founded and is being managed by the Madras Craft Foundation. Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Temple - The Parthasarathy Temple is an 8th-century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu, located at Thiruvallikeni, Chennai, India. Afternoon drive to Mahabalipuram via visiting Kanchipuram - the City of Thousand Temples and The Silk City. Visit Kailasanathar temple - 8th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is noted for its architecture and sculptures. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine as compound wall. Sandstone was used in the construction of this temple. Ekambareswarar temple - another ancient temple of the city dedicated to Siva. The 2500-year-old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yields different varieties of mangoes. Varadharaja temple - dedicated to Lord Vishnu, noted for its wonderful sculptures. This is one of the 108 sacred Shri Vaishnavite temples. Vaikundhaperumal temple - dedicated to lord Vishnu, it is also one of the 108 Divyadesams. Kamakshiamman temple - dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi the presiding deity, one of the holy Sakthi worship places in India. It is closely associated with Sri Adi Sankaracharya. Optionaly visit Handloom industry - famous for handloom Silk Sarees the main profession of people in Kanchipuram. After sightseeing drive to Mahabalipuram check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 Day 8: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Monolithic Temples - locally known as Rathas. They were executed by chiseling out the exterior face of the boulder. Work started from top to bottom. The pyramidal vimana with sikhara at the top is an important feature of this style. There a total number of 8 monolithic temples found in Mamallapuram. The five rathas in one place, Ganesha Ratha, Valayankuttai Ratha & Pidari Rathas. Shore Temple - built with blocks of granitein in 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha the temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. The temple facing east is entered by a small gopura. It is one of the oldest structural stone temples of South India. As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Cave Temples - cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style of the Pallava period in the 7th century. Remnants seen in the caves also indicate that they were plastered and painted when built. Many of the caves of the Pallava period have remained incomplete. The procedure in creating these caves involved creation of a smooth rock face, then cutting columns through the polished rock faces of required size and then carving bas-reliefs on the walls of the cave. Krishna's Butterball - a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline. After sightseeing drive to Pondicherry check in at hotel. Later visit Aurovil - an experimental community in southern India. It was founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa as a town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Auroville Botanical Gardens protects the region’s tropical dry evergreen forest. Auroville Beach is a long sandy stretch with gentle surf. Sri Aurobindo - established in 1926 by Shree Aurobindo and 'The Mother'. Together they explored the possibilities of yoga and meditation as a path to salvation. At the ashram, residents continue to practice their teachings. Pondicherry Museum - an art and history museum especially noted for its collection of fine lost wax bronzes form the period of the Chola Empire. The Museum's collection includes 81 Chola bronze sculptures, ranking as one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes French Colony - Pondicherry has some of the finest examples of old French culture with a hint of Tamil influence in its visual aesthetics. In this tour, you will catch sight of some of the unique and old infrastructures. Observe and get inspired by the architectural beauty of the French part of the town while enjoying a cup of coffee and some deserts along the way. As part of the package, customise your walk with your guide to cover the visit of French consulate, French Institute, Raj Nivas, Bharati Park (Aayi Monument), Government Square, Beaches, Monuments, Churches, French schools. Evening to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 Day 9: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjore (180Kms/ 4Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjore (180Kms/ 4Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Thanjore. Enroute visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple which is dedicated to the Nataraja or the dancing posture of Lord Shiva. This temple is located in the heart of the town and has undergone numerous renovations under the reign of Chola and Pallava kings. In 1213 AD, Aragalur Udaya Iraratevan Ponparappinan rebuilt some of the parts of this temple. The Nataraja Temple is known for its attractive gopurams, carvings, five mandapams and inscriptions. Built during the 10th century by Chola Kings, this temple is known for huge walls, four tall shikharas in four directions and a big Sivagangai tank. The four tall shikharas are decorated with 108 carved dance postures of Natya Shastra. Further drive & visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple - built in Tamil style of architecture with a square plan. The original courtyard is two squares stacked next to each other, all mandapas, the upapitham, the shrine plans, the garbha griha (sanctum) and the tower elements are all square shaped and incorporate circles and principles of geometric symmetry. The structural elements resemble the big Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. Both include a courtyard entered through multiple gateways and relatively small gopuram (tower). Inside are shrines, most of which are aligned on an east-west axis; a few are perpendicular. The temple complex includes Nandi Mandapa, Alankar Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, Mukha Mandapa and Ardha Mandapa. Some of these were added and restored by Hindu kingdoms after the 14th century or by British India art conservation officials in the 19th century. There is an image of a seated Nandi bull in the courtyard, aligned axially 200 m (660 ft) facing the sanctum. There are five shrines around the sanctum and a Lion well, which was added during the 19th century. The temple site has a monolithic representation of Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities. Continue drive & visit Darasuram Temple - a storehouse of art and architecture. The vimana is 85 feet high. The front mandapam itself is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. The temple has some exquisite stone carvings. The main deity's consort Periya Nayaki Amman temple is situated adjacent to Airavateshwarar temple. Continue drive to Thanjore check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Day 10: Thanjore - Trichy (60Kms/ 1.3Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Thanjore - Trichy (60Kms/ 1.3Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort - built by great Chola king in the 10th century. It is an outstanding example of Chola architecture and is listed in UNESCO world heritage site. On the top of the apex of 63 metres high dome is said to be constructed from a single piece of granite, weighing an estimated 81 tones. Thanjavur Palace & Museum - the palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built by the Nayakas around 1550 and partly by the Maratha. The palace houses an art gallery, a library and a hall of music. The art gallery occupies the Nayak Durbar Hall. It has a superb collection of Chola bronze statues from the 9th to 12th centuries. The Saraswati mahal Library is next door to the gallery. Art Gallery - in the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. Saraswathi Mahal Library - another section of the Palace is the library where over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in India and European languages are preserved.
Day 11 Day 11: Trichy - Madurai (135Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Trichy - Madurai (135Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - there are 22 gopurams including India’s tallest (72 meters, 13 storey high). Many people have had a hand in its construction, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and rulers from Vijayanagar. Ivory sculptures of Lord Vishnu in various poses and the images of Nayak Kings with consorts donated by Nayak kings who ruled Madurai during the 17th century are available here. Rock Fort Temple: The 83m high Rock Fort is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3.800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. At the top of the rock is the Uchipillaiyar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirappalli. A flight of steps leads to the Mathrubutheswarar of Thayumanaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Siva where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself. Below the Siva temple are the two Pallava cave temples that have beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7th centuries. At the foot of the Rock Fort are a tank and a pavilion which are used during the float festival of the temples. The Rock fort Hillock is said to be 230 crore years old. The materials like Quartz used in glass making and felspar used in ceramic are found in this Rock formation. Tiruvanaikkaval - the Jambukeshwara temple, here is dedicated to Shiva, and it houses five concentric walls, and seven gopurams. Once an elephant worshipped Lord Shiva under the holy Jambu tree and hence the name Jambukeshwar. After sightseeing drive to Madurai check in at hotel. Later city tour visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwar - one of the largest temple complexes in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees and glittering market stalls. Later visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace; a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 – foot high stone pillar, still stands. In the evening visit the famous Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple to attend the Aarti (Prayers) witnessing interesting rituals and ceremonies. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 Day 12: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

After breakfast, drive to Rameshwaram, check in at hotel. Rameshwaram is an island separated from the mainland by a small strait of water. Rameshwaram is famous for the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama who, it is believed, had descended on its shores and built a bridge across the Palk Strait to reach Lanka in his quest to rescue Sita from Ravana. Additionally, the temple is famous for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Siva. Lord Rama had constructed a Siva linga in order to offer thanks to the Lord after killing Ravana. Hence, the temple is a sacred site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. The grandest part of the temple is the 1219 m pillared corridor consisting of 3.6m high granite pillars, richly carved and well proportioned. Built in the 12th century AD, the temple with its awe-inspiring corridors are the longest in India. Also visit to Adam's Bridge the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, this is the series of stepping stones used by the monkey army, lead by Hanuman to cross the ocean in a bid to rescue Sita from the clutch of Ravana. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 Day 13: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari (320Kms/ 7Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari (320Kms/ 7Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Kanyakumari check in at hotel. Rest time to relax on the beach and watch sunset. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 Day 14: Kanyakumari - Kovalam (80Kms/ 2Hrs Approx)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Kanyakumari - Kovalam (80Kms/ 2Hrs Approx)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Kanyakumari Temple one of the 108 Shakti Peetha in Hindu mythology. The temple is one of the major Hindu temples across India and is mentioned in almost all the ancient Hindu scriptures. Gandhi Mandapam and Vivekananda Memorial, watching sun set from here is the big attraction. Padmanabhapuram Palace, a temple town, located 11km from the city of Kanyakumari. The temples here are built in the distinctive Dravidian style and are adorned with massive gopurams which are a common characteristic of all the Dravidian temples. Kanyakumari is an excellent shopping destination for buying various seashell items. Later drive to Kovalam check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 Day 15: Kovalam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Trivandrum. Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple the guardian deity of the city. The Maharaja of Travancore till date pays homage at the Padmanabhan Swamy Temple that enshrines the image of Lord Vishnu reclining under the hood of "Anantha" the great serpent. Also visit Attukal Temple a Hindu religious shrine. The city has a rich tradition of nurturing art and culture since ancient times, witness same by visiting Napier Museum, Kuthira Malika & Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Drive thru famous beaches which include Shankumugham Beach, Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam lighthouse & Light House Beach Road. Overnight at beach hotel.
Day 16 Day 16: Kovalam - Departure (Flight)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Kovalam - Departure (Flight)

Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to Trivandrum airport to board flight for onward destination.

+13

16 days tour

Vizag To Kovalam East Coast & Temple Of Tamilnadu

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Vizag To Kovalam East Coast & Temple Of Tamilnadu

Day 1: Arrive Visakhapatnam

Day 2: Visakhapatnam - Araku Valley - Visakhapatnam (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx One Way)

Day 3: Visakhapatnam - Kakinada (155Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Day 4: Kakinada - Machilipatnam (255Kms/ 5Hrs Approx)

Day 5: Machilipatnam - Nellore (300Kms/ 6Hrs Approx)

Day 6: Nellore - Venkatagiri Fort - Tirupati - Chennai (275Kms/ 6Hrs Approx)

Day 7: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Day 8: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Day 9: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjore (180Kms/ 4Hrs Approx)

Day 10: Thanjore - Trichy (60Kms/ 1.3Hrs Approx)

Day 11: Trichy - Madurai (135Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Day 12: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Day 13: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari (320Kms/ 7Hrs Approx)

Day 14: Kanyakumari - Kovalam (80Kms/ 2Hrs Approx)

Day 15: Kovalam

Day 16: Kovalam - Departure (Flight)

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