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Southern Serenity: Coastal Drive from Vizag to Kovalam

Not Rated
Duration

15 Nights / 16 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on the “Southern Serenity” tour, a coastal odyssey from Visakhapatnam to Kovalam. Explore Vizag’s beaches and Kailasagiri Hill before journeying through historic Kakinada and Nellore’s temples. Experience Chennai’s bustling city life and the ancient wonders of Mahabalipuram. Delve into Pondicherry’s French colonial charm and Tamil Nadu’s architectural marvels in Thanjavur and Trichy. Conclude with tranquil moments in Kovalam, where pristine beaches and rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies await, promising a journey of cultural immersion and coastal serenity.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Vizag

Arrive in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) and check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take a leisurely stroll along the serene Ramakrishna Beach, known for its golden sands and peaceful atmosphere, or head to Kailasagiri Hill. From Kailasagiri, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape and the Bay of Bengal. Consider taking a cable car ride for an aerial view of Vizag.

Day 2: Vizag

Begin your day at the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, a fascinating attraction housed in a decommissioned submarine. Explore its interior to learn about India's naval history and operations. Next, visit Kailasagiri Hill Park, known for its lush greenery, flower gardens, and a giant statue of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Enjoy the scenic views and relax amidst nature. Conclude your day with a visit to RK Beach, ideal for a relaxing evening by the sea.

Day 3: Vizag - Kakinada (155kms)

Depart for Kakinada, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and cultural heritage. En route, stop at the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for mangrove forests and rich biodiversity. Take a boat ride through the sanctuary to spot various bird species and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 4: Kakinada - Machilipatnam (255kms)

Continue your journey to Machilipatnam, an ancient port town with a blend of Dutch and Indian influences. Explore Bandar Fort, a historic fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century, offering panoramic views of the Krishna River and the surrounding countryside. Visit the Panduranga Swamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance, dedicated to Lord Panduranga (Lord Krishna).

Day 5: Machilipatnam - Nellore (300kms)

Travel to Nellore, a city renowned for its agricultural richness and ancient temples. Begin your exploration at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temples in South India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Admire its impressive gopuram (tower) and intricate sculptures depicting mythological scenes. Later, unwind at Nellore Beach, known for its tranquil shores and scenic beauty, perfect for a relaxing evening by the sea.

Day 6: Nellore - Chennai (275kms)

Drive to Chennai, the vibrant capital city of Tamil Nadu. Start your day at Marina Beach, stretching along the Bay of Bengal and bustling with activities from morning walks to horse rides. Explore Fort St. George, a historic fort complex housing St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, and the Fort Museum, which displays relics from the British colonial era.

Day 7: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (120kms)

Venture to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. Visit the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple complex overlooking the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal. Explore Arjuna's Penance, an enormous rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and considered one of the largest open-air rock canvases in the world.

Day 8: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120kms)

Proceed to Pondicherry (Puducherry), a charming coastal town known for its French colonial architecture and spiritual centers. Explore Auroville, an experimental township promoting international unity and spiritual consciousness. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, known for its serene atmosphere and meditation sessions.

Day 9: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore), known as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu" and famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the grandeur of the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with its towering vimana (temple tower) and intricate frescoes depicting Hindu deities and legends.

Day 10: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

Visit Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), home to the Rock Fort Temple complex, a prominent landmark atop a 273-foot high rock. Climb the 344 steps to reach the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape. Continue to Srirangam to explore Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, known for its elaborate gopurams and religious significance.

Day 11: Trichy - Madurai (135kms)

Proceed to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India and a cultural hub of Tamil Nadu. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its towering gopurams adorned with colorful sculptures depicting mythological tales. Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century marvel known for its grandeur and blend of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles.

Day 12: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170kms)

Travel to Rameshwaram, a sacred pilgrimage site known for its temples and pristine beaches. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its intricate corridors and massive pillared halls. Take a holy dip in the Agni Theertham, a sacred sea bathing spot believed to wash away sins according to Hindu mythology.

Day 13: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari (320kms)

Drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in honor of Swami Vivekananda's meditation on the rock and offering panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Explore the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a towering monument dedicated to the ancient Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar.

Day 14: Kanyakumari - Kovalam (80kms)

Proceed to Kovalam, a serene beach town known for its crescent-shaped beaches and Ayurvedic treatments. Relax on the pristine beaches or indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages and therapies. Optionally, visit Padmanabhapuram Palace, an ancient wooden palace showcasing Kerala's traditional architecture, or climb up Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline.

Day 15: Kovalam

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Kovalam's beaches, dotted with palm-fringed shores and gentle waves ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Visit local markets to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, or opt for water sports activities such as surfing and parasailing. Relax and unwind amidst the natural beauty of Kovalam.

Day 16: Kovalam - Departure

Transfer to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) Airport for your departure, concluding your memorable journey through India's East Coast and Grand Living Temples. Reflect on the diverse cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and spiritual significance experienced throughout your travels.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 15 Night's accommodation in 4-Star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plane.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodation

3 Star Hotels
Visakhapatnam x 2 nights: Best Western Ramachandra Hotel/ Keys Select Visakhapatnam - By Lemon Tree Hotels
Kakinada x 1 night: Paradigm Sarovar Portico/ The Fern Residency Kakinada
Machilipatnam x 1 night: Hotel SS Grand INN/ RK Good Times
Nellore x 1 night: Minerva Grand/ Hotel Tejaswini Grand
Chennai x 1 night: ZONE By The Park/ Raj Park
Mahabalipuram x 1 night: INDeco Hotels/ Ideal Beach Resort
Pondicherry x 1 night: Shenbaga Hotel/ Anandha Inn Convention Centre
Thanjore x 1 night: Sangam Hotels
Trichy x 1 night: Red Fox Hotel/ Hotel Blossoms
Madurai x 1 night: JC Residency/ Hotel Royal Court
Rameshwaram x 1 night: Daiwik Hotel/ Vinayaga by Poppys
Kanyakumari x 1 night: Sparsa Kanyakumari/ The Seashore Hotel
Kovalam x 2 nights: Abad Harmonia Beach Resort/ Uday Suites Shanghumugham Beach

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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