10 Nights / 11 Days

Cochin / Kumarakom / Periyar / Madurai / Trichy / Tanjore / Chidambaram / Pondichery / Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram / Madras

Day 1 – Your Country / Cochin

Late night arrival. Welcome to south india, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you! Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 – Cochin

Breakfast at hotel. Leave for city sightseeing tour
Cochin -  is also known as the cosmopolitan city of Kerala. There are number of islands around Erankulam. Kochi -the Queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting island and has one of finest natural harbors in the world. The other two islands are Bolghatty island and Willingdon island. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea fares followed the sea route to this district and left their impressions on the places around this district.
 Cochin, Kerala’s commercial center, it has a fine natural harbour. Cochin(Kochi) gateway for Kerala is famous for Mattanchery Palace, Fort Cochin, Vasco Da Gama Square, St. Francis Church, Wellington Island, Bolgatty Island, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing nets and Jewish Synagogue. Watch Kathakali Dance in Cochin the well known dances of  south india
Kathakali -  Kerala owes its transnational fame to the nearly 300-year-old classical dance form of Kathakali, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kotiyattam and Ramanattam
Overnight at hotel

Day 3 – Cochin / Kumarakom

After breakfast we drive to Kumarakom and board our private Houseboat to discover the backwates of Kerala. Travel through the lush green backwaters towards Kumarakom enroute seeing various local activities of the people living along the backwaters. Our crew will cook the delicious Keralan food and show places of interest along the way. Overnight and dinner on Houseboat

Day 4 – Kumarakom / Periyar

After the breakfast taken under the veranda of the boat. Depart for the small village of Thekkady, with the accesses of the National park of the lake Periyar in the middle of the spice plantations.

Periyar- The most attended natural reserve of south india of the south, the park of Periyar extends on 777 km square and includes/understands an artificial lake of 26 square meters on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats.  Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in south india. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. A wild life reserve hence is an ideal place to track down wild life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other varieties of birds. The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by tea, coffee & other spices.

Check in at hotel. Over night at hotel

Day 5 – Periyar / Madurai

Early morning Private boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar - an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast.

Departure towards Madurai, one of the oldest cities of south india of the South. Checkin at hotel. leave to discover the famous Meenakshi Temple. The temple with its 12 “gopurams” from 40 to 50 m in height attracts pilgrims from all over south india. In evening, attend the puja ceremony in Madurai Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 – Madurai / Trichy

After the breakfast. Departure for Trichy. Trichy is equipped with two splendid Hindu temples. The first, the temple Sri Ranganathaswamy, This temple is at Sri Rangam Island, in the middle of the Cauvery river. This temple was built by various dynasties including the cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Empire between 13th and 18th centuries.  It covers an area of 2.5 sq.km and the main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple with seven concentric walls and 22 gopurams has a north to south orientation. Sri Rangam island is also known as a centre for religious philosophy and learning. The great Vaishnava acharya Ramanuja taught and wrote in the Srirangam School during the 11th century
The second, the temple Sri Jambukeswara, This temple is situated about 2.5 km east of the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple. It has an interior with a large central court, an excellent example of  the Dravidian architecture of A D 1600.  The rampant dragons, elaborate foliated brackets and royal Nayak portraits are incorporated to its courtyards pillars. 
Overnight at hotel

Day 7 – Trichy / Tanjore

After the breakfast. drive to Thanjavur. On arrival check in at hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Fort & Temple, which is an Chola architectural marvel . This is also listed in the world heritage . Also you will visit Thanjavur Palace & Museum, which houses a library,museum and art gallery.
Tanjore was the capital of kings Chola with which one owes the temples of the city and the surroundings. The area, known for its craft industry, is covered with fertile plains, whose rice plantations cover most of the requirements out of rice for Tamil Nadu. The temple of Brihadishwara, dedicated to Shiva, is the jewel of crowned architecture Chola and is registered with the World Inheritance of UNESCO. Departure towards Madurai, one of the oldest cities of south india of the South
Overnight at hotel

Day 8 - Tanjore / Chidambaram / Pondichery

After the breakfast continue towards Tanjore. On the Way, visit of the temples of Chidambaram, Gangakondaicholapuram and Kumbakonam. Chidambaram was a capital of the kingdom Chola, more the brilliance of south india of the South. Nataraj temple comprises 4 large "gopuram" decorated finely carved Statues of Hindu divinities. The temple of Gangakondaicholapuram, of which the richly decorated tower, measurement 55 m in height, shelter splendid statues, of which those of Ganesh, of Nataraj and Harihara. Kumbakonam is an animated city, re-elected for its temples with the sculptures sharp and coloured. Sarangapani Temple is dedicated to Vishnu, and that of Kumbeshvara dedicated to Shiva. Continue towards Pondicherry, a former french colony: the town reveals a lingering continental influence in its architecture and layout. Arrival and overnight at hotel.

Day 9 - Pondichery / Mahabalipuram

After the breakfast at hotel. visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by a Bengal philosopher in the early 20thcentury. Aurobindo Ashram, you will be transported to a world of bliss and peace. Here the day starts with meditation and visitors are allowed to take a look of Sri Aurobindo and his chief disciple Mother's room.
You will also visit the Pondicherry Museum where among the artifacts you will see the discoveries of Arikamedu, Chola bronze items.
Later Proceed to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 10 – Mahabalipuram

After the breakfast. Visit Mahaballipuram.
Mahabalipuram to explore the stunning temples and giant rock carvings, created by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman in the 7th century. 14 cave temples have been hewn into the cliff face, but even more remarkable are the nine monolithic “Chariot” shrines, each carved from a single boulder, which stand on the seashore
Overnight at hotel

Day 11 - Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram / Madras / Your Country

After the breakfast. departure for Madras enroute visit Kanchipuram one of the oldest cities of south india, is a temple town with imposing shrines and famous for its silk weaving industry. This Golden City of a thousand temples is one of the seven sacred cities of south india. It served as the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and Vijayanagar Empire. Some of the best temples in the town are the finest examples of the Pallava architecture
Visit of Kanchipuram and its temples in the course of road, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple - in the 7th century AD. Numerous inscriptions are found in the temple, relating to the wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas, dedicated to Vishnu and  Ekambareswarar Temple - renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram, is one of the tallest towers in South south india, dedicated to Shiva
Later Proceed to Madras. On arrival Transfer downtown to carry out the last purchases or some visits. The vehicle remains with you till disposal. Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight back home with the sweet memories of south india

Hotel Proposed – LUXURY

Cochin- Brunton Boatyard, The Trident Hilton, Le Meridien
Kumarakom- Kumarakom Lake Resort/ Coconut Lagoon
Periyar- Shalimar Spice Garden/ Spice Village/ Taj Garden Retreat/ Aranya Niwas/ Lake Palace
Madurai- GRT Regency/ Hotel Sangam/ Taj Garden Retreat
Trichy- Hotel Sangam
Tanjore- Hotel Sangam
Pondichery- Bungalow on the Beach/ Le Dupleix/ Hotel De Lorient
Mahabalipuram- Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove

Hotel Proposed – DELUXE

Cochin- Hotel Casino, Fort Heritage, Fort Cochin, The Avenue Regent, Abad Plaza, Abad Atrium Hotel, Abad Airport Hotel
Kumarakom- Winsdor Castle/ Abad Palmshore Beach Resort/ Abad Whispering Palms
Periyar- Wildernest/ Tree Top
Madurai- Hotel Germanus/ Royal Court
Trichy-Breeze Residency
Tanjore- Ideal River View Resort
Pondicherry- Anandha Inn/ The Promenade
Mahabalipuram- Ideal Beach Resort/ MGM Beach Resort

Hotel Proposed – ECONOMY

Cochin- Wyte Fort, Hotel renaissance, Abad Metro, Hotel Abad Fort Cochin
Kumarakom- Jeevan Resort/ Uday Samudra/ Tharavadu Heritage Home
Periyar- Jungle Village
Madurai- Hotel Pandian
Trichy- Breeze Residency
Tanjore- Hotel Parisutham
Pondichery- Hotel Mass
Mahabalipuram- Mamalla Heritage/ Hotel Shelter

Tour Package Includes:
❂ Hotel accomodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast.
❂ Surface Travel by airconditioned car
❂ All airport, railway station, other transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary.
❂ Local English speaking guides.
❂ Elephant ride in Amber Fort, Jaipur (Subject to availability),
❂ Boat ride in Udaipur (common Boat).
❂ All applicable taxes, parking fees, driver allowances etc.

Tour Package does not include:
❂ International or domestic flights.
❂ Airport taxes, Visa Charges, Insurance.
❂ Entrance fee to monuments.
❂ Minibar, Tips, laundry.
❂ Any item not shown in Cost Includes.

Notes:

• There will be a supplement for Christmas / New Year / Pushkar festival time.
• There can be some variation in the price according to the hotels finally booked.