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Day 01 - Arrive Chennai
On arrival, you will be met by our representative & transferred to hotel, where
we will be holding the rooms on ready occupancy basis. Assistance is provided
for the check-in. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Chennai - Tirupati
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Tirupati. Tirupati
- A temple and pilgrim town. It is located at the foot of the Tirumala
Hills on which the ancient and beautiful temple of Lord Venkateshwara stands.
Spread over seven hills, this township is the most picturesque pilgrimage centre
in the south.
One must see the fervor with which the devotees stand in long queues for a
glimpse of their Lord. Masses of coins, jewelry & hair are received as
offerings. On arrival, check in at hotel. In the afternoon proceed for Darshan
of Lord Balaji. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 03 - Tirupati - Chennai
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Chennai. Check in at hotel
in Chennai. In the afternoon, proceed for city tour of Chennai visiting Museum
(Closed on Fridays and holidays). Drive through the flower and fruit market,
High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral and Snake Park.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at Hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 04 - Chennai -
Mahabalipuram
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Mahabalipuram by surface.
On arrival, check in at hotel. In the afternoon sight seeing of Mahabalipuram -
famous for the seven pagodas. Here, on the seashore is an interesting group of
ancient rock hewn temples, which are the examples of Dravidian style of
architecture. In the evening come back to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast)
Day 05 - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast visit the famous shore temples of Mahabalipuram.
The most notable frieze is that of Arjuna's Penance which
depicts in bas relief the story of the River Ganges. Also visit
Krishna Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam, Five Rathas and
Shore Temples. Later visit Kancheepuram, one of the
seven sacred cities of India and also home to the famous silk and cotton weaving
industry. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 06 - Mahabalipuram
- Thanjavur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and
drive to
Thanjavur which was the ancient
capital of the Chola kings whose origins, go back to the beginning of the
Christian era. Power struggles between these groups were a constant feature of
their early history, with one or other gaining the ascendancy at various times.
The Cholas' turn for empire building came between 850 and 1270 AD and , at the
height of their power. Probably the greatest chola emperors were Raja Raja who
was responsible for building the Brihadishwara Temple ( Thanjavur main
attraction ) and his son Rajendra-I whose navy competed with the Arabs for
controls of the Indian Ocean trade routes and who was responsible for bringing
Srivijaya under Chola control. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 07 -
Thanjavur
- Srirangam - Trichy
After an early breakfast explore
Thanjavur which is famous for a
special style of decorating the paintings which were done both on glass and
board. In both types, the figures and the background are richly embellished with
gold leaf and gems as ornaments. The relief work on board is achieved by
applying gesso, a mixture of gypsum or plaster of Paris and glue. Krishna in
various poses has been the main theme, but there are also various paintings in
temples, of all the other Gods and Saints.
In the afternoon check-out from the hotel and
drive to Trichy. En-route visit
Srirangam which is a living example of a temple town where all
life centres round the temple. This massive temple complex has 21 magnificent
gateway towers (gopurams) and a 1000-pillared hall with beautiful carvings, all
within the 7 walls of the temple town. The 22nd gateway tower, 236 ft. high,
has just been completed. It is the tallest temple tower in Asia.
Later on continue drive to Trichy
which is located on the banks of the Cauvery river and is the fourth largest
city in Tamil Nadu. A wonderful mix of history and modernity, Trichy was once
ruled by the Cholas and later by the Pallavas. Trichy was under the Mughals for
some time and later the Vijaynagar rulers captured it. It remained under the
Vijaynagar Empire till 1736 before Muslims took it. Later, the British took
Triuchirappalli under their control till the independence. On arrival check-in
into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 08 - Trichy -
Madurai
After an early breakfast visit Rock Fort Temple which is
situated on 83 m high outcrops.This temple was built by the Pallavas as a small
cave temple, but the Nayaks made use of its naturally fortified position. It is
a stiff climb, up the 437 steps cut into the stone to the top. The Rock Fort
Temple complex in Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is a fine combination of three
temples, the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi
Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanavar Koyil Shivastalam on
the hill. Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill and the most noticeable
landmark in Tiruchirappalli, reached by a flight of steps on the way to the
famous Ucchi Pillayar temple.
Later on check-out from the
hotel and drive to Madurai which is over 2500 years old and is the second
largest city of Tamil Nadu - Ancient seat of learning. The city is planned in
the shape of a lotus. In the late afternoon On arrival check-in into hotel. In
the late afternoon visit the famous Meenakshi Temple - where
thousands of priests and worshippers come daily, temple elephant people are
blessed and astrologists read the stars and hands. You can also get your fortune
read by parrots that pick tarot cards out of a pile. All the believers bathe
themselves in the temple baths. The temple also has a museum with beautiful
bronze statues. In the evening sermons are held within the walls of the temple
and concerts are often given in honor of the gods. The one thing that you must
not miss is the evening ceremony with a fanfare, where the god Shiva is lead to
the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. Madurai is also a great place to look for
bronze statues, carpets or other souvenirs. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast)
Day 09 - Madurai -
Rameshwaram - Madurai
After breakafst full day excursion to Rameshwaram which is
hallowed by the epic Ramayana. A devout Hindu who visits Varanasi is expected to
visit Rameswaram also for the culmination of his quest for salvation. Rama
sanctified this place by worshipping Lord Siva after the war against Ravana.
Therefore, it is held sacred by Saivites and Vaishnavites as well. It is one of
the major marine food centres in the south, much of its fish and prawn catch
being exported.
Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple
- A remarkable example of late Dravidian architecture, this temple is most
noted for its excellent corridors lined with massive sculptured pillars with
their elaborate design, style and rich carving. Legend has it that Rama
sanctified this place by worshipping Siva here after the battle of Sri Lanka.
The construction work commenced in the 12th century AD and further developments
were made over the centuries by successive rulers, and hence, today its gopuram
is 53 m high. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the inner sanctorum. In the
evening come back to Madurai. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 - Madurai -
Trivandrum - Kovalam
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to drive to Kovalam
which is one of the loveliest beaches in the world. After
arrival you will check-in into resort. The rest
of of the day is free for you to explore Kovalam beach on your own. You can also
take a walk along the rustic countryside. Photograph your family with the back
ground of beach and waves. Watch sun set in the Arabian
sea. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 -
Kovalam - Ponmudi - Pandmanabhapuram - Kanyakumari - Kovalam
Early morning we take you to full day excursions to nearby places.
First of all drive to Aruvikkara water falls. You will then
drive to PONMUDI a beautiful Hill station
decked with stone cottage. You will be struck with natural scenery and the cool
climate. Those who are intersted in hiking can attempt the high trails. Later on
continue drive to PADMANABHAPURAM to see the beautiful
Palace of the erstwhile kings of Travancore. From here you will reach
KANYAKUMARI, India's lands end which is a confluence of three
oceans, well in time to see the sun setting into the sea. Leave Kanyakumari by
dusk and back to Kovalam. Overnight at resort. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Kovalam -
Alleppey
After breakfast check-out and drive to Alleppey. On arrival check-in
into Punnamada Backwater Resort. Punnamada backwater resort
awaits you with a wide range of amenities. Cross over from your hectic life and
just step in to be pampered by the facilities and our crew. Spread over 10.5
acres with water frontage stretching over a kilometer, the resort enjoys an ever
refreshing weather. The breeze carries with it the warmth of the sun and the
coolness of the enchanting Vembanad lake. Every day here is vibrant with
glorious sunshine and the frenzied crescendo of the gentle waves, and every
night balmy with subtle rhythm of tiny waves caressing the shores. Overnight at
resort. (Breakfast)
Day 13
- Kerala Houseboat
After breakfast
enjoy the facilities at the Backwater resort. You can also relax your mind and
body at the Ayurveda Centre. In the afternoon check-out from the hotel and board
a houseboat for a cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. On the boat ride,
enjoy magnificent scenery of these palm-shaded backwaters. Spend the evening on
board the house boat enjoying the exciting night life
in the lake, the outstanding food and royal service. Enjoy a good night
sleep under star and moon light in the house boat. Overnight on the houseboat.
(Breakfast/Lunch/dinner)
Day 14 - Alleppey
- Cochin
After breakfast drive to the commercial capital of Kerala
- Cochin. You will check-in into hotel.
The rest of the day
free for you to explore Cochin on your own and go shopping for spices,
handicrafts and antiques. There is lot to see and do in Cochin.
Among Kochi's best buy are
metalware, camel-bone carvings, wood carvings, articles made of coconut shels,
baboo cane, embroidered screwpine mats, grass mats and several other
types of handicrafts. Kochi also has several antique dealers.
Jewellery, readymade garments, and ethnic hand-woven textiles follow closely.
This evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance Show.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 15 - Cochin
After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic view of teh city of Cochin.
Visit the XVI Century Dutch Palace, the oldest
Synagogue of the British Commonwealth, the St. Francis Chruch built in
1503, Bolghatty Palace, Hill Palace Museum and
Bird Santuary. Go for a boat cruise along the harbour and among
the 13th Century Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy roaming around the small streets of
Fort Cochin. Overnight at hotel. .(Breakfast)
Day 16 - Cochin - Mumbai
(Departure)
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight
to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and rest of the day is free for you to explore Mumbai
on you own. A Car & driver will be at your disposal until transfer to
International Airport for flight back home.
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