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Comprehensive 12-Day South India Tour from Vijayawada: Arunachalam, Madurai, Kanchi & Kerala Highlights

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Day 1: Vijayawada to Arunachalam

Vijayawada to Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Satyaa, Vijayawada

Enjoy a South Indian breakfast with fresh idlis and filter coffee to fuel the journey.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Depart Vijayawada

Begin the road journey driving approximately 450 km south to Arunachalam (Tiruvannamalai), estimated drive time 8-9 hours with breaks.
INR0, 8h30m

5:00pm

Visit Arunachaleswarar Temple

Explore the iconic Annamalaiyar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its grand Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sri Ramachandra Bhavan, Tiruvannamalai

Dine on traditional Tamil vegetarian cuisine popular among pilgrims visiting the temple.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Arunachalam to Madurai

Tiruvannamalai to Madurai, Tamil Nadu on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Early Morning Pooja and Breakfast

Attend the morning rituals at Arunachaleswarar Temple, followed by breakfast at local cafe specializing in South Indian dishes.
INR250, 2h0m

9:30am

Depart to Madurai

Drive south approximately 175 km to Madurai, journey taking around 4.5 hours.
INR0, 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Taste famous soft idlis and chutneys which Madurai is renowned for.
INR150, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Discover the stunning architecture and vibrant sculptures at this historic temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening stroll at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Enjoy the serene ambiance by the temple tank with floating lights during sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Konar Mess

Savor traditional Madurai non-vegetarian specialties like mutton curry and parotta.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 3: Madurai to Kanchi

Madurai to Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Madurai

Opt for a wholesome South Indian breakfast including dosa and vada.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00am

Depart for Kanchipuram

Begin drive northward approximately 390 km to Kanchipuram, about 7-8 hours journey.
INR0, 7h30m

3:30pm

Check into hotel and refresh

Relax after the journey before exploring the town.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple

Admire the spiritual heritage and architectural beauty of one of Kanchipuram's iconic temples, open until 7:30pm.
INR50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ulagam Mess

Enjoy traditional Tamil meals with fresh ingredients served in a simple environment.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Kanchi temple tour

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kamakshi Coffee House

Start the day with a strong South Indian filter coffee and light breakfast snacks.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Ekambareswarar Temple

Explore the temple famous for its hundred-pillared hall and historic significance.
INR50, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Kailasanathar Temple

See the oldest temple in Kanchi, showcasing early Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings.
INR30, 1h0m

12:00pm

Shopping for Kanchipuram Silk Saris

Experience the renowned silk weaving industry shopping for exquisite silk sarees from reputed outlets.
Varies, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sri Krishna Bhavan

Relish delicious vegetarian Tamil meals including thali and fresh chutneys.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Depart for Thrissur, Kerala

Journey to Thrissur, Kerala by train or bus, approximately 7-8 hour travel by road.
INR0, 7h30m

10:30pm

Overnight stay in Thrissur

Rest well in a comfortable hotel preparing for Kerala exploration.
INR0, 8h0m
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Day 5: Thrissur cultural tour

Thrissur, Kerala on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Thrissur

Enjoy a Kerala style breakfast including appam and stew or puttu with kadala curry.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple

Explore this ancient Shiva temple known for its classical Kerala architecture and murals.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Kerala Kalamandalam

Experience the cultural institution showcasing traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.
INR100, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sree Bhavan

Traditional Kerala vegetarian meal with fresh coconut chutney and sambar.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Depart for Kochi

Short drive approx 1.5 hours to Kochi, gateway to Kerala's backwaters and heritage.
INR0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Check into Hotel in Kochi

Rest and refresh for evening sightseeing.
INR0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk along the historic seaside town visiting Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church (open till 6pm), and Dutch Palace.
INR50, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Fusion Bay

Sample fresh seafood specialties with a coastal Kerala flair.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 6: Munnar hill station

Kochi to Munnar, Kerala on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Kochi

Simple Kerala-style breakfast including appam and egg curry for an energy-rich start.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00am

Depart to Munnar

Scenic 4-5 hour drive through tea plantations to Munnar hill station at 1600m elevation.
INR0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel in Munnar

Enjoy local Kerala cuisine with fresh mountain vegetables and spices.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about tea processing and history of plantations in Munnar. Museum opens 9am-5pm.
INR40, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point

Relax and enjoy panoramic views, boating options and nature trails nearby.
INR50, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan, Munnar

Taste South Indian vegetarian classics with a clean and friendly ambiance.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 7: Thekkady wildlife

Munnar to Thekkady, Kerala on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel, Munnar

Standard Kerala breakfast with special focus on local fresh produce.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00am

Depart to Thekkady

Around 3-4 hour drive to Thekkady, known for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR0, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Grand Hotel, Thekkady

Kerala cuisine including fresh fish and spicy curries.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Enjoy a 2-hour guided boat safari on Periyar Lake spotting elephants, wild boars and birds. Open 9am-4pm.
INR300, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Spice Plantations

Take a guided tour of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations, typical of the region.
INR100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Camp 5 Restaurant

Sample Kerala specialities including kerala parotta and beef fry in an open setting.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 8: Alleppey backwaters

Thekkady to Alleppey, Kerala on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel, Thekkady

Start with hearty South Indian breakfast to prepare for a day on the water.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Depart to Alleppey

Approximately 4-hour drive to famous backwater town Alleppey for houseboat experience.
INR0, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch on Houseboat

Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala-style seafood lunch aboard a traditional houseboat.
INR1500, 2h0m

3:00pm

Backwater cruise

Cruise through the scenic backwaters visiting villages, rice paddies, and palm-lined canals for 4-5 hours.
Included, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Kerala curry dishes under starry skies on the tranquil waters.
Included, 1h0m

Overnight

Stay on Houseboat

Experience unique overnight accommodation floating on Kerala backwaters.
Included, 9h0m
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Day 9: Alleppey to Trivandrum

Alleppey to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Houseboat disembark & breakfast

Disembark from houseboat after early breakfast with local fruits and Kerala tea.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Trivandrum

Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Kerala capital city, Trivandrum.
INR0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House, Trivandrum

Savor simple Kerala-style meals at the iconic Indian Coffee House outlet.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore this famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, noted for its Dravidian style and strict visiting hours (10am-12:30pm and 5pm-7pm). Plan visit during permitted hours.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Napier Museum & Zoo

Open 10am to 5pm; check out exhibits on Kerala art, history and enjoy zoo animals within lush gardens.
INR50, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Villa Maya

Enjoy exquisitely presented Kerala and fusion cuisines in a heritage home ambiance.
INR1000, 1h0m
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Day 10: Trivandrum beach day

Trivandrum, Kerala on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a typical Kerala breakfast including puttu and kadala curry.
INR250, 1h0m

9:00am

Shanghumugham Beach

Relax or stroll along this popular city beach with open views and fresh sea breeze.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Explore the wooden palace showcasing royal artifacts. Opens 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 5:30pm.
INR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zam Zam Restaurant

Sample Kerala Muslim cuisine favorites such as biryani and pathiri.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Visit the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Attukal, known for its festival 'Attukal Pongala'. Open all day.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Evening Relaxation

Spend time at hotel or local market shopping for souvenirs like spices and handicrafts.
Varies, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Paragon Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Kerala seafood and traditional meals in a highly rated local restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 11: Return to Vijayawada

Trivandrum to Vijayawada on June 23, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and airport transfer

Have a quick breakfast before departing for Trivandrum International Airport to catch a flight back to Vijayawada (via connecting city).
INR500, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight to Vijayawada

Fly back with connecting flight arrangements ensuring smooth return journey.
INR3500, 4h0m

2:30pm

Arrival at Vijayawada

End of tour, with options for rest or local sightseeing if time permits.
INR0, N/A
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