Main Info
Focus : Temples, Culture, Hill station, Palaces, People & Village Life
Itinerary
to the Hotel @ Chennai.
Afternoon you do a city tour in Chennai and see Fort St. George, which is near the harbor district of Chennai is located. The fort was built in the 17th century under British rule. Afterwards you will visit St. Marry's Church, India's first Anglican church &Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
After the sightseeing, continue drive to Mahabalipuram. The small seaside village of Mahabalipuram, was once the main port of the Pallava dynasty from the 5th to the 9th centuries. Its exquisite rock cut temples are some of the finest in India and have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Check into the Hotel. Rest of the free to relax.
Places to visit (Chennai): St. George Fort, St. Mary's Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Today after breakfast @ 08.00 am Kanchipuram (approx. 73 km). In Kanchipuram If possible, you would do the Kailasanatha, Ekambareswarar, Varadaraja Temples.
After the visit we drive back to Mahabalipuram and we explore this beautiful city , Mahabalipuram. We visit Arjuna’s Penance, is a bas relief sculpted on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks, 29 metres long and seven metres high, the Mandapas - arefailry shallow pillared halls or porticos excavated out of the rocky hillside, The Rathas- these mid seventh century monolithic temples were influenced by Buddhist architecture as they resemble the monastery.
Rest of the day Free to relax…
Places to visit (Kancheepuram) : Kailashnath, Ekambareswarar, Varadaraja Temples
Places to visit (Mahabalipuram) : Seashore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Mandapas, Five Radhas, Krishna’s Butter ball.
Morning after breakfast @ 09.00 am, we proceed towards Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, it’s ambience is not influenced or dominated by one fabulous heritage monument or by amazing natural surrounding, except perhaps the sea. En route visit Auroville. Continue drive to Pondicherry and proceed for sight seeing this beautiful city. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, touch and try the meditation and stroll around the colony still has the French touch. Rest of the day free to relax.
Places to visit: Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Sacred Heart Church
Today After breakfast @ 09.00 am the journey continues to Swamimalai, known for its temple district. Then check into the hotel. On the way, visit Chidambaram. After the visit continue drive to Darasuram to visit Airavatesvara Temple. Then check into the Hotel.
Places to visit (Chidambaram) :Natraja Temple
Places to visit (Darasuram) :Airavateswara Temple
Today after breakfast @ 09.00 am, the journey continues to Thanjavur (approx. 45 km). First visit the town of Thanjavur which is known for the 16th century Nayaks Palace, the Saraswati Mahal Library and the Bronze Museum. Here you will also visit a bronze factory, where the production of bronze figures is shown and also you can witness the painting of deities. In Thanjavur, 70 temples were built between the 10th and 14th centuries under the rule of the Chola kings. You will visit the Brihadeeswara Temple from the 11th century. This is considered a masterpiece of Chola architecture.
After sightseeing Tanjore , continue to drive to Trichy, we explore the city of Trichy, situated on the banks of the Cauvery River. In ancient times, it was home to the Cholas, the Pallavas, and the Pandyas. A visit to the Srirangaswami Temple and Rock fort Temple is on the agenda.
Then continue drive to Chettinad (approx. 97 km). Chettinad (Kanadukathan) is known for the former mansions of the Chettinad banking family. Here an ox cart ride is on the program. The NattukottaiChettiyars was a prosperous banking community that was successful in overseas business in South and Southeast Asia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is the members of this business community that built and then lived in many, but not all, of the historical buildings in the area. Check into the Hotel. Rest of the free to relax.
Places to visit (Tanjore): Brigadeswara Temple, Maratha Palace, Saraswati Mahal Library & Bronze factory.
Places to visit (Trichy): Srirangaswami temple & Rock fort Temple
After breakfast @ 08.30 am proceed for the visit of Kanadukathan village by Ox cart.
After that continue drive to Madurai. It is one of India’s oldest cities and has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Madurai’s main attraction is the famous Sri Meenakshi temple in the heart of the old town. Covered from the top to bottom with a multicolored profusion of mythical figures, gods, goddesses and animals, its many shrines attract pilgrims from all over the world. Check into the hotel. Afternoon @ 02.30 pm visit places like Madurai Meenakshi Temple , Thirumala Naik Palace, etc… Rest of the day free.
Places to visit (Kanadukathan by Ox cart): Anicent houses & villages.
Places to visit (Madurai): ThirumalainaikPalace , Meenakshi Temple.
Activities (Madurai) : Rickshaw Ride (Palace to Temple)
After breakfast (09.00 am) drive to Munnar . It is a major center of Kerala’s tea industry, and close to Anamudi (2695 m), the highest peak in South India. It is surrounded by about 30 tea estates, among the highest in the world, and forest that is still rich in wildlife, including the reclusive Nilgiri Tahr. Check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax.
Munnar is a popular health resort in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush tea plantations, cool climate, and a range of outdoor activities.
After breakfast @ 09.00 am, proceed for the sightseeing of this beautiful hill station.You will visit Echo Point, Blossom Park, Hydel Park, the Tata Tea Factory with its museum, and the tea plantations. Back to the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax.
Places to visit: Mattupetty dam, Echo point,Tata Tea Factory with its Museum, Local Markets.
Today after breakfast @ 09.00 am we drive to Periyar . On the way there you will visit one Spice plantation. During a walk you will learn a lot about Indian spices and their ingredients Use. The next item on the program is the Periyar National Park. In the afternoon @ 02.30 pm take a boat ride on Periyar Lake. On this trip you have the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural habitat. There are elephants, samba deer, Wild boars, monkeys and much more. With a bit of luck we might even spot Indian tigers. After the boat ride we drive to a local theater to witness the famous martial arts show of Kerala, Kalarippayattu. Rest of the day free to relax.
Activities : Spice plantation visit, Boat ride &Kalarippayttu Show
Today after breakfast @ 08.30 am we drive to the world-famous Back waters of Kerala, Alleppey, to the board the House the House Boat jetty at Alleppey @ 10 am to board the House Boat to board rice boat for our day cruise through the small canals andVembanadu Lake. Upon arrival embark the House boat that comprises bed rooms with attached bathrooms , running water and a lounge area in which to relax and enjoy the sights on the shore. Cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey, which is hailed as the ‘ Venice of the east’, because of its intricate maized and backwaters, canals and bridges. In the boat you can enjoy the traditional Kerala style dishes…
Rest of the day free to relax..
Overnight at A/C DELUXE HOUSE BOAT Meal plan : Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Today after breakfast @ 09.00 am we drive to Kochi (Cochin). Cochin, the commercial hub of Kerala is a town of great historical importance. The Portuguese and British architecture all blend harmoniously with the base of Kerala heritage. Cochin has the finest natural harbor and is called the “ Queen of the Arabian Sea” and it was declared a major port in 1936. Upon arrival check into the Hotel.
Afternoon @ 02.30 pm we are going for a sightseeing of this beautiful and historical city of Kochi. Visit the Mattancherry Palace – also called the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, the Clock Tower, Santa Cruze Basilica, The synagogue built in the 18th century and then the Chinese Fishing Nets, which adorn the north shore, the Dhobi Khat (Huge local Laundry Place), etc…
Evening , we make a short drive to watch the famous dance –drama of Kerala – The Kathakali, in a local theatre. Rest of the day free to relax.
Places to visit: Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruze Basilica , the Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, the Dhobi ghat.
Activities : Kathakali Dance show
Today after breakfast (10.00 am) we drive to Marari Beach. One of the calmest beaches in India,Marari Beach sees fewer tourists than most other commercial beaches, and is one of the best places on the west coast to view a spectacular sunrise and sunset.Marari Beach was rated as one of the world’s top five HAMMOCK BEACH by National Geographic survey.The serenity and tranquillity of this beach take beach lovers backwards in time. Upon arrival check into the beautiful beach hotel. LEISURE. Rest of the day free to relax.
LEISURE
Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Today after breakfastwe proceed to Kochi Airport to board the flight to your home town.
So after a memorable holiday in the Southern part of India, you are saying good bye ….
END OF SERVICE
