Day BY Day
Day 1
Arrive Chennai International AirportArrive Chennai - India's fourth largest city and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu was the site of the East India company's first settlement founded in 1639 on land given by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the Vijaynagar rulers of Hampi. On arrival transfer to hotel & check in. Overnight at Chennai.
Day 2
Tour ChennaiMorning tour the 'St. Mary's Church', built in 1678 - 80, was the first English Church in Chennai. The Saint Thomas Cathedral, built in 1504, then re-built in neo - gothic style in 1893, this Roman Catholic Church is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. Also visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple, constructed in pure Dravidian style. The Sri Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, built in 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas. Other attractions include the National Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes, the bronze gallery, archeological section. Drive past the High Court Building, Fort St. George and the famous film studios. Overnight at Chennai.
Day 3
Drive Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (4 to 5 hrs)Early today drive to Pondicherry - formerly a French colony settled early in the 18th century, it became part of the Indian Union in the early 50's when the French voluntarily relinquished control.Enroute tour Mahablipuram - an ancient coastal port, world famous for its shore temple and was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram. The whole of Mahabalipuram is a fabulous open-air museum of sculpture in living rock, Monolithic shrines, scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted within and the world's biggest, bas relief in rock are truly wondrous examples of the sculptor's art. Vying with this splendour is a beach. The famous temples of the Rathas, the Penance of Bhagirath, the Shore Temple and the eight Mandapams. (Shallow, rock cut halls). Continue your drive, on arrival check in. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.
Day 4
Tour PondicherryAfter breakfast embark on sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visit the Botanical Gardens, Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus, The Promenade, Government Park, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Roman Rolland Library, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Institute and other museums and art galleries. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at Pondicherry.
Day 5
Drive Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai (5 to 6 hrs)After breakfast drive to Madurai - one of the oldest cities in South India, has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Enroute tour Tanjore - the capital of the powerful Chola dynasty. Today, it is the little town set amidst the lush green rice fields of the Cauvery delta. Magnificent temples, still bear witness to the splendour of Chola architecture. Visit Brihadeeswara Temple, the palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Saraswati Mahal, Library, Raja Museum, Temple Museum and Schwarz Church. Continue your drive, on arrival check in. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day 6
Tour MaduraiAfter breakfast visit the primary interest is the Meenakshi Temple, where Dravidian temple architecture may be considered to be at its best. Its hall of a thousand pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. The tour also includes a visit to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace & Thiruparangundram temple. In the evening witness temple ceremony at Shree Meenakshi temple. Overnight at Madurai.
Day 7
Drive Madurai - Thekkady (4 to 5 hrs)After breakfast drive to the spice capital Thekkady, located on the Tamil Nadu - Kerala border. This unique wildlife sanctuary is about 300 square miles and centered on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. Upon arrival check in. Overnight at Thekkady.
Day 8
Tour ThekkadyThis morning game viewing is on board boats, which carry you along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephant, bison, deer and occasionally tiger. This tropical habitat makes it one of the premiere reserves of southern India with all manner of flora and fauna in abundance. Return for breakfast, later visit spice plantation where you can learn about pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla among many other spices and plants. Overnight at Thekkady.
Day 9
Drive Thekkady - Kumarakom (4 hrs)Post breakfast, drive to Kumarakom backwaters - an emerald peninsula of paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters that juts out into Lake Vembanad. Perhaps more famously knows as the Backwaters this area is unique being made up of labyrinth of canals and lakes that stretch between the capital Cochin and Quilon in the south.Day at leisure. You might like to try a local ayurvedic body massage (extra cost) that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. It is believed that human being consists of the five elements, air, water, fire, ether & earth. Ayurveda the traditional form of Indian medicine was developed by ancient sages whose astute observations led to the development of constitutional medicine. Overnight at Kumarakom.
Day 10
Drive Kumarakom - Kochi (2 hrs)Early today drive to Kochi - formerly known as Cochin in the coastal state of Kerala. With a natural harbour that has always been one of the finest in the world. Lush mangroves, coconut tress reflected in the translucent waters of backwaters, ancient churches, cathedrals and fort - tourists on sightseeing tours of Cochin would find all these and more. Kochi occupies a very strategic location and has been a significant trading zone and attractive tourist destination since time immemorial. The tradition and reputation of this enchantingly quaint port city has maintained till date. On arrival tour "The Dutch Palace" also known as Mattancherry Palace, built by Portuguese in 1555, which is famous for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the puranic legends. Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) built in 1568. Also visit the St. Francis Church, established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried in the courtyard of this European church built in India. The tour also includes a visit to the seaside where one can still see the, nearly a century old Chinese fishing nets which are still in use. Check in by evening. Overnight at Fort Kochi.
Day 11
DepartureBid Farewell. Today we transfer to Kochi International airport for your flight to onward destination.
