Arrive Chennai
Today Arrive Chennai (formerly Madras) The Capital of Tamilnadu. You are greeted & escorted transfer to hotel. Chennai is the gateway of South India will put you in touch with a different phase of India – Classical, Ancient, Gentle. Chennai, the 4th largest city in India spread over 50 miles and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the Bay of Bengal. TheBritish East India Company established its first trading post at Chennai, and in 1653 the company built Fort Saint George to protect its position. Inside the Fort we see Saint Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India, and theGrave of Saint Thomas the Apostle, Also visit the National Art Gallery, Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes and South Indian bronzes & the Cathedral of San Thome. Later visit to the Mylapore Temple, Marina Beach & Famous Golden Beach. Overnight stay.
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram 70 Kms
Today we enjoy the nearby sacres city of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, the “City of seven Pagodas” where we see outcroppings of rock that have been delicately carved into temples and life-sized replicas of elephants, lions and bulls. The carved Penance of Bhaghirata here is the largest bas-relief in the world.
The little Sea Side town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour’s drive from Chennai situated on the East Coast ofTamil Nadu has pries time beaches, spanning 20 kms, bright Sun & Crisp Sand, Wrapping up untold tales of the 7th Century. Here time stands still; and presents meet the past. A serene town nested amidst the historical stone sculptures and medieval architecture, that stands witness to the rich heritage – Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry 125 Kms
After breakfast we drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry presents an unusual combination of European Culture & Indian traditions. An added attraction fair is the township of Auroville, an Oasis of Peace & Enlighten. Another hallowed spottedAurobindo Ashram which drows devotees from all over the world. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay Pondicherry.
Pondicherry - Thanjavur 170 Kms
After breakfast drive to Thanjavur en route visit to Gangaikonda, Cholapuram and Swamimalai. Tanjavaur is located on eastern coast of Central Tamil Nadu. This ancient city enjoys the distinction of having been the Capital of the Cholas – One of the greatest Dynasties of the South. This morning visit Darasuram Temple and The Institute of Iconography.Later drive to Thanjavur. In afternoon visit the 9th century Chola Temple of Brahadeshwarar Temple. Overnight stay.
Tanjavur - Trichy - Madurai 160 Kms
This morning disembark at Thanjavur. En route Visit to Rock Fort the 83-meter high rock fort is in the center of the Trichy- was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam age & was also briefly ruled by the Pallavas & the Pandyas. Today, Trichy is a blend of history, a pilgrim centre and a thriving commercial city. Its 344 rock-cuts steps take one to the Uchipillayar Temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Half way up is the temple of Lord Shiva dedicated to Thayumanaswami, Jambukeshwara Temple here has Shiva lingam almost submerged in water.
Continue drive to Nectar City of Madurai – Meenakshi Temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace, which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 - foot high stone pillar, still stands.
Madurai - Periyar 137 Kms
We leave Madurai & Drive to a tranquil hill retreat, the Spicy Village. Along the way we pass through Tea, Cinnamon, Clove & Cardamom plantations –beautiful to see & smell! Our hotel is set in a Spicy Garden & has been molded after the Tribal dwellings of the area; each Cottage has thatched roof & a deep, Airy Verandah. This evening we visit the near by Periyar Game Sanctuary; Game viewing here is like no other Safari experience. We simply relax in a Motor Launch & sail along as heard of Elephant & Bison come into view. During the dry season Tigers & Panthers come down to the Lake shore for a drink – be sure to have plenty of film on hand. Overnight stay.
Periyar – Alleppey 125 Kms
After breakfast drive to Alleppey to meet your way own floating hotel in the famous backwaters. Kettuvalam - An AuthenticKerala Houseboat - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. The fully furnished and palm covered boats (single & double) bedrooms with attached bath, sit out, kitchen and living room made of traditional wood. In each houseboat, there are 3 men staff (crew), comprising a cook and two well trained punters throughout the cruise. Punters stand on each end of the boat for punting and directing the boat. Kerosene-lit lamps along will be available for light and mosquito nets will be provided. Traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala cuisines are served. A journey through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world’s truly unforgettable experiences, myriad network of silent lagoons, freshwater river, and hyacinth covered canals that wind their way through colorful corridors of forests, palms and fruit trees. A canoe expedition via an intricate network of canals, through backwater villages where daily continues unaltered, as it has for centuries. You will see lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields. House boat sail from Alleppey to Kumarakom in the night it stop one place. Overnight stay in house boat.
Kumarakom – Marari 10 Kms
After breakfast drive to Marari beach enjoy and relaxed the beach side resort facilities your home for 2 nights.
Kumarakom – Marari
In Marari beach enjoy and relaxed the beach side resort facilities.
Marari – Cochin
From Marari we drive into the Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coats & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India’s most colorful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures &Religions; Visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & The Mattencherry “Dutch” Palace. This evening a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is aBoat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced – Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. Later we attend the performance of the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments.
Cochin – Onward
Say Goodbye to newly become friends of this fascinating land and transfers to Airport to board the flight for onward destination.
