ESSENCE OF TAMILNADU & KERALA TOUR

Day 1: CHENNAI

Arrival at the Chennai airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu is situated along the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is the 4th largest city in India. Often called the cultural capital of India for its deep-rooted traditions & heritage, Chennai is a city younger than its image. Commercial development in the area began around the year 1639 after the British East India Company set up a commercial trading post at the small fishing village of Madras (Chennai). Even with the British impact and legacy, the town still continues with its ancient traditions. Afternoon proceed for half day city tour Chennai. Visiting Kapaleeswarar Temple, Santhome Cathedral Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

After breakfast checkout and drive to Mahabalipuram en-route visiting the sacred town of Kanchipuram on the way. Later drive to Mahabalipuram, best known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites of 7th and 8th century. Upon arrival check in at hotel Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 03: MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY (100 KM)

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Mahabalipuram, The little seaside town of Mahabalipuram is a world Heritage site and has a beautiful beach spanning 20 kms. It’s an ancient city where great poets, dramatist, artists, artisans, scholars and saints emerged. The 7th century town is famous for its rock-hewn temples, sculptures, the world’s largest stone bas relief and is a sculptors’ delight. sightseeing tour of this historic town covering the monuments & sculptures. Visit the famous Shore Temple, the dramatic frieze of Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas etc. Afternoon drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival city tour of Pondicherry. French colonial heritage, Tamil culture & the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town. The city presents an unusual combination of European culture & Indian traditions. Later check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast drive to Thanjavur. On the way stop at Chidambaram to see the’ Shiva Nataraja Temple’, one of South India’s most ancient temples. The architecture of this temple is unique and dedicated to the art of Bharatha Natyam, a classical dance form of Tamil Nadu. Our next stop is to see the magnificent ‘Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple’ noted for its massive and richly carved sculptures. also stop at Darasuram to see the famous 12th century ‘Airavateswara Temple’. drive continue to Thanjavur. Upon arrival check into the hotel Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

The royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas, Thanjavur has a rich and varied heritage. The center of knowledge and culture, the kingdom reached its zenith between the 10th and 14th centuries under the reign of Cholas dynasty. The kings were great temple builders and Thanjavur bears witness to this, being dotted with no fewer than 74 temples – the most famous of which is the Brahadeeswarar temple, a world heritage monument.

After breakfast, visit the famous Brahadeeswarar temple & Tanjavur Palace. Later drive to Chettinad visiting en-route the sacred city of Trichy, Situated on the banks of river Cauvery, this historic town was a citadel of the early Cholas dynasty which later fell to the Pallava dynasty. The main land mark here is the Rock Fort and Srirangam. Preached 83 m high on a massive rocky out crop in the otherwise flat land of the city, the Rock Fort is a historic fort and temple complex built on an ancient rock. Srirangam is famous drive to Chettinad. Upon arrival check into the hotel.

Chettinad is famous for its fascinating old mansions and palaces. The homeland for a prosperous banking & business community of Tamilnadu, Chettinad is rich in art and cultural. Chettinad is also well known for its temples and culinary delicacies. Overnight at Hotel in Chettinad.

Day 6: CHETTINAD – MADURAI (95 KM)

After breakfast check-out and visit old mansions, tile factory and temples. Later drive to MaduraiSituated on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai is one of India’s most ancient cities with a history dating back to the 6th century. It was the capital of the Pandyan empire in the 14th century. Madurai was the seat of Tamil learning and the last of the Tamil Sangams (Academies) flourished here nearly 2000 years ago. Main attraction here is the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. Other places of interest include the Tirumalai Nayaka Palace & the Temple Art Museum. Upon arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit Tirumalai Nayak Palace and Sri Meenakshi Temple. proceed to witness evening Aarti ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 7: MADURAI – THEKKADY (136 KM)

After breakfast, begin your journey towards Thekkady, known for its dense evergreen forests and spice plantations. Snuggles in the Western Ghats, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s richest bio-diversity spots. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 sq. km, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 sq. km. The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many endangered species and a rich tribal culture.Upon arrival check into the hotel. Later afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the Periyar lake. Evening make a visit to the nearby spice plantations. Overnight at hotel in Periyar.

After breakfast drive down to Kumarakom on the banks of the mighty lake, Vembanad. A beautiful destination of mangroves forest, green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways; Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands. The Vembanad lake with its majestic canals, streams and tributaries along its banks, weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. Nature is at its best at this ecologically rich location. The bird sanctuary here is an ornithologist’s paradise and a favorite haunt of migratory birds. Upon arrival check-in at hotel, Afternoon free to explore the village. overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

Breakfast & morning at leisure. By noon embark on a Houseboat for an overnight cruise through the palm-fringed canals of Kerala. Watch the Paddy fields, village folk; relax on board hearing lullaby of the wind & waves. This mysterious strip of emerald green land is stuffed with endless miles of placid backwaters that appends to its charm. Unwind yourself watching the endless strips of greenery passing by you while the boat moves in a relaxing pace. Cruise till 18:00 hrs in the evening by when the houseboat halts in the lake for overnight stay. Overnight stay at House boat in Alleppey

Day 10: ALLEPPEY – COCHIN

After breakfast, disembark house boat at Alleppey and drive to Cochin - the cosmopolitan city on the south-west coast with a bustling commercial port. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the tag ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. From time immemorial the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch and the Portuguese have left indelible marks in its history and development. Check-in at hotel. Afternoon proceed to explore Fort Cochin. Must-see places are the old spice market at Mattancherry, the antique shops on the Jew’s street, St. Francis Church - the oldest European Church in India, Santa Cruz Basilica was originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Cochin by Chinese traders. Evening Kathakali show at a local theatre. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.