South India Temple Tour

On your arrival at Chennai airport, you will be welcomed by our representative who will help you with your transfer to the hotel. Briefing (Chennai): This metropolis is often called the cultural capital of India for its deep-rooted traditions and long heritage. Chennai is a city younger than its image. More than any other city in India, it is a true reflection of this country’s diversity. On your arrival at Chennai, you shall be transferred to the hotel where you can relax. Overnight will be at Chennai.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for city tour of Chennai visiting Santhome Cathedral, Fort St. George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Marina Beach.

Santhome Cathedral. Built by Portuguese in the 14th and 15th century, this Cathedral is named after St. Thomas. Historically important, it is one of the pilgrimages for the Christian community.

Fort St. George: One the first few bastions built by the east India company, marks the beginning of Chennai as a modern city. It occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai.

Kapaleeswarar Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar temple has inscriptions from the 13th century A.D. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. The walls and pillars of temple have very delicate and intricate carvings which depict the scenes from Hindu mythology.

Marina Beach: It is an urban beach in the city of Chennai, India, along the Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian Ocean. It is the most crowded beach in the country and attracts about 30,000 visitors a day during weekdays and 50,000 visitors a day during the weekends and on holidays.

Return back to the hotel.

Overnight will be at Chennai.

Enjoy a comfortable breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Mahabalipuram. Briefing (Mahabalipuram): Mahabalipuram is world renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple & other temples. It was once the main port & naval base of the great Pallava kingdom & was later made the capital of this dynasty. Most of the temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva & Vishnu. These structures were built by three successive Pallava Kings, between 630 A.D & 728 A.D, who developed the Dravidian style of temple architecture within the short span of a hundred years. The monuments are mostly rock-cut & monolithic, constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture, wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries) & giant open-air bas- reliefs & has been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival you shall proceed to visit tour of Mahabalipuram. Shore Temple: Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 7thCentury AD & is a good example of the first phase of the structure of temples constructed in the Dravidian style. Designed to catch the first rays of the rising sun & to illuminate the waters after dark, the temple ended up with an unusual lay-out. Arjuna's Penance: Arjuna's Penance is the world's largest bas-relief. This huge whale-backshaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds. Rathas: Rathas monolithic temples fashioned as chariots. They remain an architectural mystery, for each is apparently a faithful reproduction of a structure built of wood. In fact, even the grain of the timber beams & rafters has been simulated in stone. Of the eight Rathas, five have beennamed for the Pandava brothers, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata. Reach and check in at the hotel. Overnight will be at Mahaballipuram.

Enjoy a early breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Pondicherry. Briefing(Pondicherry):Pondicherry is a city, an urban agglomeration and municipality in Pondicherry district in the Indian union territory of Puducherry. It is affectionately known as Pondy, and has been officially known by the alternative name Puducherry since 2006.The City of Pondicherry have recorded history after the advent of the Colonial Powers like the Dutch, Portuguese, British and the French. Though nearby places like Arikamedu, Ariyankuppam, Kakayanthoppe, Villianur, Bahur which were annexed by the French. East India Company over a period of time and which became the Union Territory of Pondicherry after Independence have history predating the Colonial History. Upon arrival visit Matri Mandir which was designed to be the spiritual & physical centre of Auroville (Temple is opened between 1530-1630 hr). Further drive to Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Pondicherry is the land of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the serene world of distinct spiritual vibration & thus renowned as Sacred Land. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Overnight at Pondicherry.

Enjoy a early breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Trichy enroute visiting Tanjore. Briefing(Tanjore): Tanjore, flourished during the rule of the Nayaks & Mahrattas. It has been the treasure house of art for centuries. It is called the Rice Bowl of Tamilnadu. Thanjavur is well- known throughout the world for its exquisite handicrafts like the Art Plate, pithwork, bronze icons, Thanjavur paintings & the classical South Indian musical instruments. Brihadeshwara temple, also known as Big Temple, built by Rajaraja Chola I was completed around 1010 AD. This 10th century temple, one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a brilliant example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The beautiful Chola Fresco paintings on the inner walls of the temple are no way less than Ajanta paintings. Continue to proceed to Trichy. On arrival at Trichy, you shall be transferred to hotel in Trichy. Overnight will be at Trichy.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed to visit sightseeing tour of Trichy. Briefing (Trichy): Trichy, which has very historic temples, monuments & churches. It was animportant town in the days of the later Cholas, Nayaks as well as during the early days of the British East India Company. Srirangam Temple: Srirangam Temple is surrounded by the waters of the River Kaveri and its tributaries. Kollidam is a 600-acre island-town enclosed within the 7 walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. There are not less than 21 Gopuram here in this temple, one of which is the tallest in South India. Rock Fort: Rock fort is the most famed landmark is an 83m high rock which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one of the oldest in the world approximately 3,800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland & older than the Himalayas. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at Trichy.

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed to drive for Madurai. Briefing(Madurai): Madurai, rich cultural heritage passed for more than 2500 years old & has been an important commercial centre as early as 550 AD. It is the oldest city in Tamilnadu & was originally known as Kadambavanam or the forest of Kadamba. On arrival at Madurai, you shall be transferred to the hotel in Madurai. Check in at the hotel. Overnight at Madurai.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for the sightseeing tour of Madurai. Thirumalai Nayak Mahal: Thirumalai Nayak Mahal About 1.5kms from the Meenakshi temple is this palace that was built in 1636 by the ruler whose named it bears. The imposing edifice is famous for the stuccowork on its domes and impressive arches. The Sorga Vilasam or the Celestial Pavilion, measuring 75mx52m, is constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder. It is a marvel of Indo Saracenic architectural style. Among the other striking features of the palace are the massive white pillars, several of which line the corridor that runs along the courtyard.Connected by well-decorated arches, these pillars measure 20m in height and have a circumference of 4m. Gandhi Museum: Gandhi Museum Housed in the old Palace of Rani Mangammal, the Gandhi Museum depicts the highlights of the freedom struggle and contains a picture gallery of the Gandhian movement. Also to be seen are a gallery of relics, and the khadi and village industries section and south Indian handicrafts section. Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple: Meenakshi Sundareshwar which was started around 2000 years ago & was substantially expanded between the years (1623-55 AD). Initially there was only the Shiva temple. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure known as Ayiramkaal mandapam or the Hall of a thousand pillars in the outermost corridor. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at Madurai.

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Periyar. Briefing(Periyar): Periyar is one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where one can watch the wildlife at close range. Later we will drive you to Visit Periyar wild life sanctuary.It is one of India's most fascinatingnatural wildlife sanctuaries, where one can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, flora & fauna and birds are uniquely rich & varied and do not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill & spice scented plantations. The sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching & photographing wild life. Notable among the inhabitants are the tigers, majestic Asiatic wild elephants & distinctive Nilgiri Langur. Evening you shall proceed for Spice Plantation Tour. Overnight will be at Periyar.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for a boat cruise at Periyar Lake as it is the best way to experience wildlife from the proximity of the boat. Return back to the hotel and relax for some time. In the evening enjoy an elephant ride. Return back to hotel. Overnight will be at Periyar.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later you will start your drive for Alleppey to board houseboat. Briefing(Alleppey): Alappuzha, is also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. Alappuzha is an important tourist destination in India. The Backwaters of Alappuzha are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. Alappuzha is also the access point for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake, near Alappuzha, on the second Saturday of August every year. This is the most competitive and popular of the boat races in India. Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely overnight backwater. cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat towards Alleppey to Alleppey. Enjoy your meals at the houseboat.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board and cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening. Disembark the houseboat at Alleppey and proceed to Kochi. Briefing (Kochi): The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. Reach and check in at the hotel to relax. In the evening, proceed to see Kathakali Dance Overnight will be at Kochi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kochi. Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. St. Francis Church: St. Francis Church in Kochi is one of the famous churches of Kerala. Built in European style of architecture, the St. Francis Church of Kochi was built in 1503. The wooden structure was established in 1503. It is believed that Vasco Da Gama breathed his last here and his remains were kept in this church for a few years before it was shifted to Portugal. The St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Kochi is considered to be the oldest European Church in Kochi. It was constructed by Portuguese Franciscan friars. In the year 1663, the Dutch converted St. Francis Church into a protestant church from a Catholic Church. Dutch Palace: The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry. The Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the Raja of Cochin around 1555. The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace in 1663, and thereafter it was popularly called Dutch Palace. Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. Return back to the hotel and relax. Overnight will be at hotel in Kochi.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later you shall be transferred to the airport to connect your flight for next destination.