Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Swamimalai – Tanjore –Trichy – Madurai - Periyar – Kumarakom – Cochin – Ooty – Mysore –Hassan – Belur – Halebid – Chennai

Tour Highlights

• Heritage site of Mahabalipuram
• Experience backwater of Kerala
• Blue Mountain Ooty
• Toy train ride
• Game viewing in Periyar
• Life time experience to stay in house boat
• Kathakali Dance performance
• Boat ride to see the rural life surround fishing net
• Temple of Madurai

Day 01    Arrive Chennai

Today Arrive Chennai (formerly Madras). The Capital of Tamil Nadu. You are greeted & escorted transfer to hotel.

Day 02    Chennai Sightseeing

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. Inside the Fort we see Saint Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India, and the grave 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.

Day 03     Chennai – Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram 70 kms

The little Sea Side town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour’s drive from Chennai situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu has pris 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.

Today we enjoy an excursion to the nearby scares 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. Overnight stay Mahabalipuram.

Day 04     Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry 125 kms

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 spotted Aurobindo Ashram which drowse devotees from all over the world. After breakfast we drive to Pondicherry & visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay Pondichery.

Day 05      Pondicherry –Tanjore 170 kms

After breakfast drive to Thanjavur enroute visit to Gangaikonda, Cholapuram, and Swamimalai. Thanjavur 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. Afternoon visit the 9th century Chola Temple of Brahadeshwarar Temple. Overnight stay.

Day 06        Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai 160 kms

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. Madurai is a colorful city to see its moods walk around the streets. The main city area revolves around Meenakshi temple, with its baroque example of Dravidian architecture & the four tall Gopurams(Pillars) with multi colored Gods, Goddess, Demons & deities. Madurai is surrounded by Coconut Grooves & Rice Paddies.

This morning disembark at Thanjavur. En route Visit to Rock Fort the 83-meter high rock fort is in the center of the Trichy. 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. Later we travel by Motor Coach 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.  Overnight stay.

Day 07                        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 nearby Periyar Game Sanctuary; Game viewing here is like no other Safari experience. We simply relax in a Motor Launch & sail along as heards 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.

Day 08                        Periyar – Kumarakom 110 kms

Early this morning we enjoy another Safari Cruise in Periyar Game Sanctuary– the best way to see & enjoy the Wildlife Activities, Cruise in the Periyar Lake in the cool surroundings and the panorama spreads around tropical jungles, Wild elephants & birds of myriad varieties. With an area of 777 sq kms. in the hills of Western Ghats. Later we travel by surface to board the Houseboat (Kettuvalam). Cruise the backwaters & explore the rural life in & around Kumarakorm to Alleppey. Overnight stay at Houseboat

Day 09      Alleppey – Cochin 63 kms

From Alleppey we drive into the Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coats & Kochi, one of the India’s most colorful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Kochi is the only place in the country where you can see Portuguese Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, Hindu Temples, Dutch Architecture & Mosque nearly side by side. This evening 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. Overnight stay.

Day 10       Cochin

After breakfast city sightseeing tour that includes a visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry “Dutch” Palace.
Late afternoon a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat 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. The evening is free to spend as you like. Overnight Stay.

Day 11        Cochin – Ooty 270 kms

Today drive to Cool Hill Station of Ootacamund, better known as Ooty. You have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful place with its very British atmosphere. Don’t miss the lovely Government Botanical Gardens that were laid out 120 yrs. ago. Overnight stay.

Day 12        Ooty – Mysore 155 kms

Mysore is the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of India’s finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, and Furniture & Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant.

Mornings enjoy Toy Train Ride and proceed to Mysore by surface - Evening visit the Chamudishree Temple-which is home to an enormous sculpture of Nandi, the sacred bull. The 16-foot bull was carved from a single boulder & is traditionally laden with flower garlands each day. Overnight stay.

Day 13      Mysore – Hassan 115 kms

Hassan – is quite & peaceful town, is a convenient base to visit Shravanbelagola, Belur & Halebid.
Morning city sightseeing tour of Mysore including the Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore including the Darbar & Marriage Halls & the Government house. Later depart for Hassan by motor coach. En route visit Shravanbelagola - 51 kms south east of Hassan. This is the most important Jain Pilgrim centre. Here is the 17 mtr. High monolith of Lord Babubali – the World’s tallest Monolithic statue.. Overnight stay.

Day 14 Hassan – Belur – Halebid – Mysore - Chennai

Morning excursion to the 11th century temple of Belur and Halebid.
Belur - This quaint hemlet is 30 kms from Hassan-is located on the bank of the river Yagachi. It was once  the capital of Hoysala Empire ,Today unforgettable  for its exquisite temples.

Halebid.- is 27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belure. The temples of Halebid – like those of Belure – bear mute testimony to the rich, culture heritage of Karnataka. Later proceed to Mysore to board the Shatabdi Express at 1420 hrs for Chennai. Arrive Chennai at 21:25 hrs. Upon arrival check in hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 15 Chennai – Onward Destination

Morning Say Goodbye to newly become friends of this fascinating land and transfers to Airport to board the flight for onward destination.