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INDIA

 
AMAZING SOUTH

DAY 01 – CHENNAI
Arrival in Chennai, known as ‘the gateway to southern India’. Chennai is one of the oldest cities of the country. You will be met & assisted to the city hotel. Day free for half day sightseeing tour of Chennai, visiting Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple and Marine beach. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Chennai - There are several tourist attractions worth visiting in and around Chennai. Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government's secretariat. Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarathy Temple. Adayar Banyan Tree is one of the largest trees in the world. It measures 238ft from north to south and 250ft from east to west. The total area exceed 59,500 sq ft. This tree is a unique specimen. It has been the centre of many notable gatherings of the Theosophical Society and thousands of visitors have rested in its shade.

DAY 02 – CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM
In the morning, after breakfast, proceed to Mahabalipuram (62 kms – 1.5 Hrs). En route visit Kanchipuram, the city of a thousand temples which still has 126 shrines. After lunch, proceed to Mahabalipuram. Check in at the hotel. Day free to explore the architectural splendour of this place. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Kanchipuram - Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as “ the city of thousand temples”, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples and a few more in its outskirts. Today, apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Ekambareswarar Temple - The eleven-storey structure, which is adorned with beautiful sculptures, is one of the tallest temple towers in South India. The ancient mango tree in the courtyard is revered by childless couples. They faithfully string small cradles to the branches of the tree and leave with the hope that their desire for offspring will be fulfilled.
DAY 03 – MAHABALIPURAM
Explore the ancient heritage of Mahabalipuram temples, built in the 7th century, which is today the site of several antique sculptural marvels. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Mahabalipuram - It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’s Penance - This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas - relief sculpture in the world. There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one. Five Rathas -These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the forts of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

DAY 04 – PONDICHERRY
In the morning, proceed to Pondicherry (145 kms/ 3.5hrs) which still carries a strong cologne of the French presence in India. Sightseeing & overnight stay at Pondicherry.
Pondicherry - Pondicherry has a long history dating back 2000 years when it was an important Roman trading post. Pondicherry still remains something of its French flavor in its street names, policemen's kepis, spellings of names, the French accent which shows through in the pronunciation of English and Tamil words, a mixture of French words in ordinary conversation, and research institutions and monuments which are named after and dedicated to French heroes.
DAY 05 – TANJAVUR
After breakfast, drive to Tanjavur (225 Kms – 4.5 Hrs) famous for the Brihadeeswara temple, the finest contribution to Dravidian temple architecture. Day free for sightseeing. Overnight stay at Tanjavur.
Tanjavur - One of the best temples in South India, the Brihadeeswara temple or the Big Temple, is the finest contribution to Dravidian temple architecture. The Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery has some fine pieces of stone and bronze sculptures from the 9th and 12th centuries.
DAY 06 – TRICHY
In the morning, proceed to Trichy. Day free to explore the ancient heritage of Trichy temples. Trichy, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Tiruchirapalli - situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the fort, there are several churches, colleges and missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy, were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city has given birth to great Tamil scholars whose contributions to the Tamil literature have been very significant.
DAY 07 – MADURAI
In the morning, proceed to Madurai (140 Kms – 350 Hrs), an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east. Enjoy the glorious temple architecture of Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Madurai - An ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the East; the second largest city in Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai. Meenakshi Temple - In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the temple,the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. The pillars of the Mandapam are decorated with scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.
DAY 08 – THEKKADY
In the morning, after watching the temple ceremonies, proceed to Thekkady (135 Kms – 4 Hrs), perched amidst dense greenery, in the outskirts of Periyar tiger reserve. Enjoy a boat tour through the Periyar Lake to spot the wild animals. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
Thekkady - Perched amidst dense greenery, in the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the sole Tiger reserve of the Country, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna, is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants, which come down to the lakes edge.
DAY 09 – COCHIN
In the morning after breakfast, proceed to Cochin (190 Kms – 4-5 Hrs). En route, enjoy your lunch in a plantation bungalow with cooking demo. Day free for sightseeing, exploring Chinese fishing nets, St.Francis church, the Jewish synagogue, Dutch palace etc. In the evening enjoy the traditional dance drama of Kerala. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Cochin - Known as the queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attractions. This, the only Synagogue in India, has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble.
DAY 10 – COCHIN
In the morning after breakfast proceed for a village backwater cruise with lunch through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields to explore the pristine beauty of village backwater life. By evening return to Cochin. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Village backwater Cruise - A four hour journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds....country boat making....a natural fish farm where you can go fishing....a delicious traditional Kerala dish on the country boat under a tree..
DAY 11 – KUMARAKOM
In the morning, drive to Kumarakom (85 Kms – 2 Hrs), an enchanting backwater destination. Overnight stay at a backwater resort at Kumarakom.
The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. It is part of the Kuttanad region, and the bird sanctuary here spreads across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise.
DAY 12 – HOUSEBOAT
In the morning embark on a houseboat cruise to enjoy the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala. Meals will be cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Enjoy your Lunch & Dinner on board. Overnight stay on the boat.
What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Meals would be cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad localities on board.
DAY 13 – KOVALAM
In the morning disembark at Alleppey and proceed to Kovalam (165 Kms – 3-4 Hrs), the world famous Indian tropical beach, boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens. On arrival, check in at a beachside resort. Day free to explore the beach activities. Overnight stay at the resort.
This world famous Indian tropical beach, boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens, is a western cultural dot on a traditional and orthodox Kerala physique. Blue water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. The sea here is pacific and shallow and you can take a dip in the saline waters.
DAY 14 – KOVALAM
Full day free to enjoy the blue beaches of Kovalam. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Located on one of India’s most popular beaches, Kovalam, this property is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwaters,lush landscapes, coconut palms, and unspoiled beaches. It is boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens and it is a western cultural dot on a traditional and orthodox Kerala physique. Blue water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. The sea is pacific and shallow and you can take a dip in the saline waters.
DAY 15 – TRIVANDRUM DEPARTURE
Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Trivandrum International airport for your departure trans