Duration: 16 Days 15 Nights
Description : Chennai, Mahabalipuram/Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tanjore, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar, Munnar, House Boat, Alleppey and Kochi
DAY 01: BOMBAY-CHENNAI (By Flight)
Upon Arrival at Chennai Airport, You will be greeted by our Representative and transfer to the Hotel
Rest of the Morning FREE
14:00 – City sightseeing of Chennai will take you to the National Art Gallery and Museum which has a selection of ancient paintings of almost all schools as well as a section devoted to modern Art. Also Fort St. George, Once a stronghold of the British, the Fort Museum, St. Mary’s church the oldest Anglican Church. Drive along the Marina – this popular promenade and beach, one of the finest in India. Visit the San Thome Cathedral, supposed to have been erected by St. Thomas, the Mylapore Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Victoria Technical Institute.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Chennai
DAY 02:CHENNAI –KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM)
After a sumptuous Breakfast at the Hotel, you will be taken on extended tour of
Kanchipuram – The golden city, 85 km, west of Madras, was the capital of successive Hindu Dynasties. It has three Great temples of Vishnu and Shiva built by the Pallava Kings.
Kanchipuram is known for its Silk and hence visit some shops.
Lunch will be served in one of the Local Restaurant.
Post Lunch, Proceed to Mahabalipuram.
Evening – Arrive & Check-in at the Hotel.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Mahabalipuram.
DAY 03: MAHABLIPURAM
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Visit the Shore Temple.
Rest of the Day Free on the Beach.
Overnight stay at the Beach Hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Day 04: MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY (100 Km – 02 Hrs)
In the Breakfast, you will savior both International and Local cuisines.
Leave by Car for Pondicherry (The Former French colony settled in the early 18th.
Century is a charming and enduring pocket of French culture set beside the sea).
After Arrival, Check in at the Hotel.
City sightseeing of Pondicherry – the town is divided into two sections Ville Blanche (white Town) and Ville Noire (Black Town) Ville Blanche has been planned in the French fashion. Facing the shore is the statue of Dupleix, behind which is the palace of Dupleix with its center monument, a copy of the famous Arc du Triomphe in Paris. West of the monument is the place du Government with the main buildings, the Government House, the High Court, Secretariat, the Cathedral of Notre Dame des Anges, the light House and Public Library. Also AUROVILLE – just over the border in Tamil Nadu, Auroville is the brainchild of the Mother, who took over from Aurobindo, designed by French architect Roger Anger. It was conceived as an experiment in international living. Stroll around the Marine Plaza
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Pondicherry
AFTERNOON – Arrive & Proceed to Hotel
After Check-in, Visit – AUROVILLE – just over the border in Tamil Nadu, Auroville is the brainchild of the Mother and was designed by French architect Roger Anget. It was conceived as an experiment in international living. The Project has 70 settlements spread over 20 Km and about 1200 resident (two-thirds of whom are foreigners.). Stroll around the Marine Plaza
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Pondicherry
DAY 05: PONDICHERRY – Chidambaram
Post Breakfast, Leave by Car for Chidambaram. Visit Nataraj Temple, which is located in the center of Chidambaram. The temple was built over 1,000 years ago during the Chola dynasty. The word “Nataraj” means “Lord of the Dance” – Shiva – the creator of the universe.
After the visit of Temple, proceed to Gangaikondacholapuram (50Km – 01Hr) was established as a capital city by the Chola ruler Rajendra I (1012-44). Visit Brihadiswara Temple, which is a large Siva temple that can be seen from a distance because of its enormous 55m high vimana (tower over the altar).
One cannot miss Darasuram which is a small town near Kumbakonam is known for the Airavatesvara Temple built by Rajaraja Chola II. This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture. The temple has some exquisite stone carvings.
Proceed onwards to Tanjore.
check-in at the Hotel.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Tanjore.
DAY 06:TANJORE – TRICHY (57 Km 1,30hrs)
After Breakfast, City sightseeing of Tanjore visiting – the magnificent Brahadeeswara temple, where the shade of the tower (gopuram or vimanam) will not fall on the ground. The second largest monolithic sculpture, Nandi (Bull) can be found in the portal of the shrine. The Royal Palace complex houses an important library and museum.
After Visit of the Temple – proceed to TRICHY.
(Trichy – May have been a capital of the early Cholas in the 3rd
century BC. It passed through the hands of the Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Pandyas, Delhi Sultanate and Vijayanagar before the Madurai Nayaks brought it to prominence, making it a capital in the 17th century and building its famous for its Rock Fort Temple.)
AFTERNOON– Arrive TRICHY & CHECK-IN at the Hotel.
LATE AFTERNOON: Visit Island of SRIRANGAM – The third island after 2 in Karnataka. called Srirangam or Antharngam. It is 7 km away from the Trichy Junction
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Trichy.
DAY 07: TRICHY to Madurai by Car
Breakfast will be served in the Hotel.
Visit the Rock Fort, looming 300 feet over the city on the banks of the River Cauvery, climb up its stone steps to the “Hall of Hundred Pillars”, the Mathurbhutheswar Shrine (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and finally at the very top of the Rock Fort the Uchi Pillaiyar Koli, a Ganesh Temple. The view from the top offers a breathtaking panorama of the country side and the city below.
4 Hours Drive will take you to Madurai.
EVENING – Arrive and CHECK-in at the Hotel.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Madurai.
DAY 08: MADURAI
Breakfast in the Hotel
MORNING: Thirumalai Nayak Palace: About 1.5 Km from the Meenakshi temple, this palace was built in 1636 by the ruler whose name it bears. The imposing edifice is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and impressive arches. The Sorgavilasam (Celestial Pavilion), measuring 75m x 52m, constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder, is a marvel of the indo-Saracenic architect.
EVENING: Visit 1000-pillared Meenakshiamman temple famous for its Court of Thousand Pillars, built in 1560 A.D and visit the temple to witness the famous night ceremony when the Temple bronze of Lord Siva is carried to the bed chamber of Goddess Parvathy to the accompaniment of religious prayers and music.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Madurai.
DAY 09: MADURAI-PERIYAR (140 Km – 4,1/2 Hrs)
Early morning – a sumptuous Breakfast.
Drive to Periyar, one of the best game sanctuaries in India. You will drive through winding Roads and dense forests en route
After Arrival, check-in at your designated Hotel.
Sun Set Cruise will take you along the Lake Periyar where you will spot many animals including the Tiger with luck in your favor
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Periyar.
DAY 10:PERIYAR – MUNNAR (90 Km – 03 Hrs)
After Breakfast at the Hotel – Visit the Spice plantations. As you will approach the Spice Gardens, you will feel the fragrance of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, and tea.
The fragrance of spices still in your breath, you will leave for Munnar Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, above1600 m above sea level, the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.
You will be taken to pre-booked Hotel for Check-in.
Walk through the Tea Gardens.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Munnar.
Day 11: MUNNAR
A Breakfast with Local brewed Tea or Coffee.
Visit: Eravikulam National Park spread over 97 sq. Km has several species of rate Butterflies, Birds, and Animal. You will come across the endangered in habitat of Park – the Nilgiri Tahr
Nature Lovers will love to visit Mattupetty – located about 13 km from Munnar Town. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Visit the Echo Point
Tea Musem exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea. It will heighten your visit after you visit the Tea Plantations in the Open
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Munnar.
DAY 12:MUNNAR – KUMARAKOM – HOUSE BOAT TO ALLEPPY
After a Breakfast to remember in Munnar – you will proceed to Kumarakom to board the House Boat for an Overnight trip on Back waters towards ALLEPPY. (Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is the most important tourist center in the state. The large network of canals provides Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey has grown in importance as a backwater tourist center and is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and Coir Industry)
Start cruising through the canals. Lunch on board the House Boat. Dinner on Board the House Boat. Anchor the boat in the middle of the Lake for
Comfortable stay at the Luxury House Boat
Day 13: ALLEPPEY – KOCHI (72 Km -2 Hrs)
After Arrival in Alleppy, Breakfast on Board the House Boat.
Orientation drive of Alleppy and proceed by Car for Kochi.
Late Morning – Arrive & Proceed to Hotel
Afternoon: City sightseeing of Kochi – Visit the Dutch Palace – the oldest Synagogue of the British Commonwealth, The Jewish Synagogue – the oldest in India with features like great scrolls of the old testament, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, gold and silver crowns, blue willow patterned floor tiles in which each tile is unique, St. Francis Church – India’s oldest European church, Bolghatty Palace.
Evening– Visit a Theater to see traditional KATHKALI Dance.
Memorable Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kochi
Day 14:KOCHI – Mumbai (BY AIR)
After an authentic Kerala or International Breakfast, You will leave for Mumbai,
Our Representative will meet you at the Airport and Transfer to the Hotel.
After Check-in formalities and allocation of Room, Relax for a while
City sightseeing of Mumbai includes Gateway of India, Visit the Gateway of India, a monument built to commemorate the visit of King George V. it is a fusion of Indo- Saracenic architecture. Proceed to Prince of Wales Museum (visit) drive by way of Rajabai Clock Tower of Gothic architecture, the High Court built Gothic style, Victoria Terminus, Crawford Market, Marine Drive ( also known as the Queen’s Necklace whose lights shine out like jewels at night), Jain Temple(visit), Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park (visit), drive past Haji Ali Tomb ( no stop) to Mani Bhavan (visit) to Aquarium (visit) and back to your hotel.
Overnight stay at the designated Hotel
Day 15: MUMBAI
A sumptuous Breakfast in the Hotel
Morning – Leave by motor launch and go across the harbor to the world famous Elephanta Caves, 1200 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous Sculpture signifying the Trinity of the Creator, the preserver, and the destroyer is situated here.
Afternoon: Explore Bombay on own
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Mumbai
Day 16: MUMBAI – to your country
MIDNIGHT – Time to leave for Sweet Home with unlimited memories. You will be driven to the Airport for your flight
