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Best of South India

DESTINATION :
DURATION : 10 Nights / 11 Days

Day 01 Arrive Chennai
Upon arrival meet and assist by our representative and then transfer to your hotel.

Day 02 Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast visit the city of Chennai covering the government museum and Fort St. George. Later excursion to Kanchipuram visiting the Ekambaram temple and the Kailashnath temples dedicated to Shiva. The temples in this region date back to the 6th and 7th centuries.

Leave for an excursion to Mamallapuram.

Day 03 Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
In the morning proceed for a city tour of Mahabalipuram covering the shore temples that date back from the 8th century. Also see the rock cut monolithic temples including Arjuna’s Penance and Tiger cave. Post lunch continue towards Pondicherry and visit the Mother’s Ashram. Also worth a visit is the temple complex at Pondicherry.

Day 04 Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Thanjavur (Tanjore)
Board your car in the morning and drive to Chidambaram crossing the unparalleled scenic sights of Southern India. Chidambaram is also known as the “City of the Cosmic Dancer”. This city is also the centre of philosophy art and religion. Post lunch session unfurls the magic of this city of Nataraj - the Cosmic dancer. Visit Chidambaram temple planned and built by the Chola kings in the 11th century.

En route Tanjore visit Gangaikondacholapuram and its monumental temple called Gangaikondacholisvaram built in 1020 AD.

Day 05 Thanjavur (Tanjore)
Visit the Brihadeshwara temple a masterpiece in itself built in 1000AD by the Cholas. Next to be seen is the Tanjore art gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library with its unique collection of Chola art and rare illustrated manuscripts. A short distance away is the second capital of Tanjore district also the home of intellectuals especially Brahmins called Kumbakonam. Visit the Nageshwara temple by far the best architectural feat of Southern India.

Day 06 Thanjavur - Tiruchirapalli - Madurai
A short distance away is the eternal city of Tiruchirapalli better known as Trichy. Here worth a visit is Srirangam temple the abode of Lord Vishnu in his reclining form. All the 1000 pillars in the hall are very intricately designed. Post lunch continue towards Madurai.

Day 07 Madurai
Madurai famous for the Meenakshi Sundereswar temple is the epitome of South Indian temple cities alive and bustling with pilgrims and religious preoccupations. The temple of goddess Meenakshi houses the hall of !000 musical pillars known for their intricate work. Some free time later in the day to explore this cultural capital of South India.

Day 08 Madurai - Periyar
Just 135 kms away from Madurai is the famous Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary. Reach Periyar by early afternoon and after lunch get set for a jungle trail.

Day 09 Periyar - Kumarakom
After breakfast transfer to Kumarakom. Check-in at Coconut Lagoon. After lunch visit to the Farm House. Sunset cruise in the evening. Overnight at a houseboat.

Day 10 Kumarakom - Cochin
Leave the backwaters and reach Cochin by early afternoon. Proceed for a half day sight seeing of Cochin by boat.

A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. 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.

Day 11 Cochin - Chennai
In time transfer to the airport for your flight back to Chennai and finally your onward destination.

Tour Ends

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

A. TWIN SHARING ACCOMMODATION AT MENTIONED HOTELS,

B. DAILY BREAKFASTS AT HOTELS,

C. CAR AT DISPOSAL FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,

D. DRIVER ALLOWANCE, PARKING AND TOLL TAXES,

E. ALL HOTEL AND GOVERNMENT TAXES,

F. ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES FOR SIGHTSEEING WHEREVER REQUIRED,

G. SERVICE TAX AS PER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS,

H. PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCES ONLY

I. HARBOUR BOAT CRUISE IN COCHIN

J. SUNSET CRUISE IN KUMARAKOM

K. MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE.