Day 01: Arrive Chennai:
Arrive Chennai By International Flight.
Today you will arrive at Chennai Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building and transfer to Hotel for check in. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Chennai – Mahabalipuram:
Post breakfast, take a tour of Chennai (formerly Madras), a state renowned for grandiose temple sculpture and architecture of the Chola, Cheran, Pallava and Pandya Dynasties. You will visit this sprawling city with its National Art Gallery & Museum, Fort St. George, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral and the Kapaleeswarar temple.
Later drive to Mahabalipuram (50 Kms, 01 Hr Drive). Mahabalipuram built in the 7th century, is an ancient Pallava port. Today it is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. On arrive check in at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram:
Post breakfast enjoy city tour of Mahabalipuram visiting Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance & the Cave Temple.
The Shore Temple: Though known as the land of Seven Pagodas, there is only one remaining today. The five-storied Sore Temple on the sea beach was built by the Pallava King Raja Singha at the end of seventh century in pure Dravidian sculpture.
Arjuna’s Penance- This skilfully carved rock of 29X7 metre is the largest vas – relief sculpture in the world. It gets its name from the figure of an ascetic who is believed to be Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva.
Mandapams /Cave temples: The temples are finely sculptured & carved out in Mahabali. Krishna Temple is the oldest temple.
Later excursion to visit Kanchipuram (60 Kms, 01 Hr Drive, one way), the ancient capital of the Pallavas. It is known as the city of 1000 temples that still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built here in the 7th & 8th century A.D. and has paintings on its walls. The Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanath, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry:
Post breakfast drive to Pondicherry (100 Kms, 02 Hrs Drive) – A former French Colony presents an unusual combination of European culture & Indian traditions. On arrival check in at hotel. Later visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram – the final resting Place of Sri Aurobindo, a saint-cum-yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. Move on to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, noted for its Gothic architecture and stained glass panels, which depict the entire life of Jesus Christ. Visit the Pondicherry Museum where on display are findings of Arikamedu, the Chola bronzes and sculptures, glimpses of French heritage, specimens of modern and traditional handicraft, paintings, armouries, carvings and many other things of historical interest.
Rest of the day free for personal / beach activities. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Pondicherry – Tanjore:
Post breakfast drive to Tanjore (160 Kms, 4 Hrs Drive).
Tanjore – Draped in centuries of cultural and religious tradition, Thanjavur exudes the quiet wisdom of the past. Located on the East coast of Tamil Nadu, 200 miles South of Chennai, the river Cauvery, washes its banks. On arrival, check in at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Tanjore:
Post breakfast take a tour of Tanjore visiting Sri Brihadeswara Temple. The Chola King, Rajaraja I, built the Brihadeswara Temple in Thanjavur. The temple that was constructed in the 10th century AD is a magnificent example of Chola Temple architecture that was further applied in other cities in the peninsula too. Continue onto The Palace of Tanjore stands near the Brihadeswara temple. The Palace is a huge building that has been built through many decades.
Afternoon visit Trichy (50 Kms, 01 Hr Drive, one way), situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, Trichy was the citadel of the Chola Dynasty. Upon arrival proceed for visit to Golden Rock Fort. Half way up to the Vinayaka Temple which adorn the summit, and is reached through a tunnel in the rock, stands the Sri Thayamanaswamy Temple, with its 100 pillar hall and gold covered Vimana.
Later back to Tanjore Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Tanjore – Madurai:
Post breakfast , you will drive towards Madurai (200 Kms, 04 Hrs Drive). Madurai – The temple town is one of India’s oldest seats of culture, learning and pilgrimage.
Afternoon start to visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, this Palace is an example of architectural grandeur and was built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD. The palace was designed by an Italian Architect and served as the residence of the King. Today, its main attraction is the labyrinthine complex of temples within the Sri Meenakshi Temple, spread over six hectares. The temple contains friezes, stone and brass images, as well as one of the best exhibits of Hindu deities in its 1000-pillared hall. In the evening, you will visit the temple complex to witness the evening prayer ceremony.
Note: Non Hindus are not allowed inside the Inner Sanctum of the temple. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08: Madurai – Munnar:
Post breakfast drive to Munnar (150 Kms, 04 Hrs Drive). Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations located in beautiful state of Kerala in South India, Munnar has always beckoned countless holiday seekers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide. With its pristine natural beauty covered under thick layers of emerald forests and sprawling tea & spice plantations, it undoubtedly, makes for a perfect holiday destination where tired souls can spend few days in utmost peace and tranquility, away from humdrums of the chaotic city lives.
Upon arrival in Munnar, check-in to your hotel. Rest of the day to enjoy with the nature in Hilly destination Munnar. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Munnar:
Post breakfast visit Tea Gardens and Museum:
Tata Tea Museum is located at the Nallathanni estate and the museum has curios and photographs that traces the growth and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar right from the tea sapling to an automated tea factory where it is processes.
Rest of the day to enjoy with the nature in Hilly destination Munnar. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Munnar – Periyar:
Post breakfast drive to Periyar (100 Kms, 03 Hrs Drive). Periyar, set in the heart of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary. As the road winds through mountains, you will descend through a carpet of tea bushes, estates of tall rubber trees and gardens of coffee, cardamom and pepper. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the premier reserves of Southern India and home of the wild elephant, the bison, antelopes, langurs and sambar that can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake.
On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon take spice plantation tour, one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: Periyar – Kumarakom:
After breakfast take nature tour provided on forest department run boat rides. Proceed to Periyar National Park to view the wildlife by boat. Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. The park has a picturesque Lake at the heart of the sanctuary.
Later proceed for drive to Kumarakom (125 Kms/ 3 Hrs). Kumarakom – The state of Kerala is known for its numerous canals and waterways and its verdant forests and mangrove swamps. Set in one of the most idyllic locations in Kerala, Kumarakom is a tiny settlement, nestled in the backwaters of Kerala. An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forest, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, in this small water world you’ll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake.
On arrive check in at Hotel. Evening enjoy the sunset cruise (Houseboat). Overnight at Hotel
Day 12: Kumarakom:
Day at Leisure for exploring the nature or enjoy the Ayurveda message at hotel. Evening enjoy the sunset cruise (Houseboat). Overnight at Hotel
Day 13: Kumarakom – Cochin:
Post breakfast drive to Cochin (50 Kms, 01 ½ Hrs Drive). Kochi or more familiarly Cochin’s history is a bright tapestry – many coloured threads woven through centuries together present the fabric of the present.
On arrival will take a city tour of Cochin visiting – Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays and Jewish Holidays), also known as Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 16th Century AD. Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Fridays & Saturdays and Jewish Holidays), Built in late 16th century, the Great Scrolls of the old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest. Chinese Fishing Nets line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. St. Francis Church was originally built by the Portuguese in 15th century and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India.
In the evening, witness of Kathakali Dance Performance. Here you will witness the artists readying themselves up with the make up for the final performance. Overnight at Hotel
Day 14: Cochin – Back Home:
Breakfast at Hotel and On time transfer to Airport to board your flight to back home.
Tour Ends Here