Enchanting South India Tour

 

 

Assistance on arrival at international airport by our representative, transfer to hotel. Relax & overnight at the hotel. 

 

Take a sightseeing tour of Chennai visiting Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government’s secretariat, Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th-15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeswara Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarthy Temple. The Snake Park has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles. Evening optionally you can visit to flower and fruit market. Overnight at the hotel. 

 

Morning we drive to Kanchipuram – one of India’s seven sacred cities and one of its loveliest temple towns also known for its handloom silks, followed by visit to temples Kailasnathar, Vaikuntaperumal, Ekambareshwara, Kamakshiamma and Sakiswarar. Later in the day visit Mahabalipuram known for its Pallava Art and its beautiful long beach, on arrival transfer to the hotel, rest of evening free for leisure and relax. Overnight at Mahabalipuram. 

 

04 Day: Mahabalipuram- Chidambaram - Tanjore – Tricky (205 Kms – 4 hours) 

Morning checkout and drive to Tanjore, enroute visit Chidambaram, which is one of the foremost Saivite shrines; the very name Kovil refers to Chidambaram, where Natarajan is enshrined in the Chit Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). The Moovar (Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar have sung praises of Chidambaram. Several literary works praise theglory of Chidambaram. Chidambaram is one of the 5 dance Halls of Shiva (Kanakasabhai). The five dance halls are Chithambram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam. Late continue driving to Tanjore (Thanjavur), the ancient capital of Chola kings. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple, which was built by Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. Th is temple is one of the monuments in India with World Heritage listing. Also visit the Thanjavur Palace, which was constructed in 1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers. After visit proceed for Tricky (50 kms from Tanjore), on arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Trichy. 

 

Morning after breakfast take the sightseeing tour of Trichy the most famous landmark of this bustling town - the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop, which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is reached by a flight of steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit you get a fantastic view of the town plus its other main landmark, the Sri Ranganathanswami Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq km and Jambukeshwara - Mysore Temples. Evening drive back to hotel or take a walk through old city particularly big bazaar street and China bazaar. Overnight in Trichy. 

 

Morning after breakfast take the sightseeing tour of Trichy the most famous landmark of this bustling town - the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop, which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is reached by a flight of steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit you get a fantastic view of the town plus its other main landmark, the Sri Ranganathanswami Temple. Afternoon drive to Madurai, on arrival transfer to hotel. Evening free for leisure and relax. Overnight at the hotel. 

 

After breakfast, visit to Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest temple complex in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees and glittering market stalls, later visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Overnight at Madurai. 

 

After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy, on arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centrepiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park, animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild animals found here include elephant, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight at Periyar. 

 

09 Day: Periyar – Kumarakom (130 kms - 3 hours) 

Early morning take a boat ride again in the Periyar Lake, Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom. 

 

After breakfast checkout check out the hotel and drive to Jetty to embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Kumarakom by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way moving towards Alleppey. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fu lly loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat. 

 

Morning checkout and drive to Kovalam, on arrival transfer to hotel. Day free to relax at the beach resorts one can take Ayurvedic massages available at the resort, overnight in Kovalam. 

 

After breakfast drive to Cape Camorin also known as Kanya Kumari 85 kms, this place is at the tail tip end of India, one can see the 3 seas meet over here (Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean & bay of Bengal) on arrival visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, Vivekananda Rock & Ashram, enjoy sunset over here & drive back to Kovalam for overnight.