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A Journey to South India
Tour Ref.# HTI025

Special Features: Temples, South Indian Cuisine, Worship with earthen lamps, Backwaters, Beaches, Rice fields etc.
Destination:
South India
Transportation : Air-conditioned Car with an expert driver

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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Jaipur - 302 020 Rajasthan (INDIA)
Telephone : 0091 (141) 2397139, 2400061
Fax: 0091 (141) 2397295
E-mail:
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