13 Nights / 14 Days

Madras / Mahabalipuram / Pondichery / Tanjore / Trichy / Madurai / Periyar / Munnar / Cochin / Allepey / Kumarakom / Trivandrum / Madras

Day 1 – Your Country / Madras

Late night arrival. Welcome to 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 – Madras / Mahabalipuram

Breakfast at Hotel. Leave for visit Madras (also called Chennai).
Madras, now known as Chennai, is a city on the east coast of southern India. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this capital of the state of  Tamil Nadu is India's fourth largest metropolitan city and one of the 35 largest metropolitan areas in the world. The city is a large commercial and industrial centre in India, and is known for its cultural heritage
Madras, the gateway to south India is a centre of south Indian art, architecture, music, dance, and festivals, Fort museum, Government museum and art gallery are interesting. You will also discover the Strong George Saint and the district of George Town. departure for Mahabalipuram enroute visit Kanchipuram one of the oldest cities of 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 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 India, dedicated to Shiva
Later Proceed to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 3 – 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 4 – Mahabalipuram  / Pondicherry

After Breakfast. depart for Pondicherry, a former french colony: the town reveals a lingering continental influence in its architecture and layout. Checkin 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. Overnight at hotel

Day 5 – Pondicherry / Tanjore

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 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 Tanjore. Arrival and overnight at hotel.

Day 6 – Tanjore / Trichy

After the breakfast. Departure for Trichy. On arrival checkin at hotel.
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 / Madurai

After the breakfast in hotel, Departure towards Madurai, one of the oldest cities of 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 India. Then Leave to city tour and Tirumalai Nayak Palace, built in Indo – Muslim style in 1523. A Madurai is a city where you can find: the streets are constantly invaded pilgrims, beggars, merchants, oxcarts and rickshaws. the center of Madurai is a vast bazaar where u can find the shops, markets and salesmen mixture. In evening, attend the puja ceremony in Madurai Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 – Madurai / Periyar

Breakfast at hotel, 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 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 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 9 – Periyar / Munnar

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.
Than Drive to Munnar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel
Munnar, largely blanketed by tea plantations, this little hill resort offers breath-taking scenery. Situated at an altitude of 1525 metres, this town has a local bracing climate. The atmosphere is fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. There are enchanting high ranges, lakes and streams and lovely views of low flying clouds and mist filled valleys .
Over night stay at hotel.

Day 10 – Munnar / Cochin

Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Cochin. On arrival checkin at hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour Cochin
Cochin -  is also known as the cosmopolitan city of Kerala. There are number of islands around Eranakulam. 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.
Over night stay at the hotel

Day 11 – Cochin

After Breakfast Leave for sightseeing tour:
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  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 Kootiyattam and Ramanattam

Over night stay at the hotel

Day 12 – Cochin / Allepey

Breakfast at hotel. Then departure in direction of Allepey also known as Alappuzha. On arrival, Checkin at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 13 – Allepey / Kumarakom(Backwaters)

After breakfast we drive to Kumarakom and board our private Houseboat. 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 14 – Kumarakom / Trivandrum / Madras

After the breakfast taken under the veranda of the boat. Leave for Triavnduram.
Trivandrum  - Thiruvananthapuram, which was previously called Trivandrum, is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. It is a peaceful attractive city built across seven hills, the city's old quarter clusters around the temple, while along the busy Mahatma Gamdhi Road are colonial mansions, churches and modern high-rises. The kings who ruled there have called themselves "Padmanabha-Dasa" or the "servants of LORD Anantha Padmanabha", and ruled the state as the representatives of Lord Anantha Padmanabha
Leave for Madras by train. Overnight in train.

Day 15 – Madras / Your Country

Arrive at Madras. Transfer to airport for Bombay and Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight back home with the sweet memories of India.

Hotel Proposed – LUXURY

Chennai- Radisson Grt Hotel, The Park, Le Royal Meridien
Mahabalipuram- Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove
Pondichery- Bungalow on the Beach/ Le Dupleix/ Hotel De Lorient
Tanjore- Hotel Sangam
Trichy- Hotel Sangam
Madurai- GRT Regency/ Hotel Sangam/ Taj Garden Retreat
Periyar- Shalimar Spice Garden/ Spice Village/ Taj Garden Retreat/ Aranya Niwas/ Lake Palace
Munnar- Club Mahindra Lake View Munnar/ Windermere Estate
Cochin- Brunton Boatyard, The Trident Hilton, Le Meridien
Allepey- Lake Palace

Hotel Proposed – DELUXE

Chennai- Hotel Ambica Empire, Radha Park Inn, Ambassador Pallava, Benz Park Tuilip, The Residency, Comfort Inn Marina Towers
Mahabalipuram- Ideal Beach Resort/ MGM Beach Resort
Pondichery- Anandha Inn/ The Promenade
Tanjore- Ideal River View Resort
Trichy-Breeze Residency
Madurai- Hotel Germanus/ Royal Court
Periyar- Wildernest/ Tree Top
Munnar- Sienna Village/ Deshadan Mountain Resort/ Abad Copper Castle/ Tall Tree
Cochin- Hotel Casino, Fort Heritage, Fort Cochin, The Avenue Regent, Abad Plaza, Abad Atrium Hotel, Abad Airport Hotel
Allepey- Coir Village Lake Resort/ Shantitheeram Heritage Lakeside resort/ Keraleeyam/ Waterscapes Backwater Resort/ Laguna Kumarakom resort and Spa

Hotel Proposed – ECONOMY

Chennai- Hotel Shan Royal, Hotel Dasaprakash, Hotel Shelter
Mahabalipuram- Mamalla Heritage/ Hotel Shelter
Pondichery- Hotel Mass
Tanjore- Hotel Parisutham
Trichy-Breeze Residency
Madurai- Hotel Pandian
Periyar- Jungle Village
Munnar- Fort Munnar/ Forest Heaven/ Munnar Heights
Cochin- Wyte Fort, Hotel renaissance, Abad Metro, Hotel Abad Fort Cochin
Allepey- Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Resort/ Kayaloram Lake Resort/ Tharavad  Heritage Resort

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.