South India, ‘The Land Of Dravidians’ or the land of overwhelming grandeur and pristine backwaters with the beauty of its temples and the region of never ending festivals and traditions. This tour is an incredible journey of South India’s most beautiful and culturally important cities and places. Experience the rich cultural tapestry, wondrous sights and the intriguing folklore, native arts and traditional ceremonies and a stunning variety of dress and manners, combined to create an experience unlike any other. From the sunny capital of Chennai to the architectural marvels of the temples in Madurai, Tanjore & Trichy. Navigate and stay overnight on a luxury Houseboat ‘Kettuvalam’ as you sail through the canals, lagoons and waterways of the Vembanad Lake and experience the Jewish heritage in Cochin.
15 Days: Chennai | Trichy | Tanjore | Karaikuddi | Madurai | Periyar | Kumarakom | Cochin | Aurangabad | Mumbai
Inclusions:
- 14 Nights accommodation in Deluxe/5 Star hotels or similar on half board meal plan as indicated in the Itinerary; Internal flights in coach class;
- Air-conditioned chauffeur driven Deluxe Car/Van for airport transfers, sightseeing & overland drives;
- Entrance fee to Monuments, Museums & included features as per Itinerary;
- English speaking India expert local guides;
- Complimentary mineral water/soft beverages on board the vehicles at all times.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Chennai: Late evening arrival in Chennai. At Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel(Rooms kept ready). Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 02: Chennai: Your city tour of Chennai includes visit to the Bronze Museum, St. Thomas Cathedral, drive past Fort St. George, Government buildings andthe famous Marina Beach,pride of Chennai; stopping at the fish market. Overnight stay in Chennai. [B,D]
Day 03: Chennai: This morning we do an excursion to ‘Mahabalipuram’ also known as ‘Mamallapuram’ the City of Seven Pagodas, chiseled out of boulders in shape of chariots and pagodas. The highlight is ‘Penance of Bhagirath’ the world’s largest bas-relief in stone. Also visit Dakshinachitra, a center for living traditions of South India. Overnight stay in Chennai. [B,L]
Day 04: Chennai/Trichy: Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Trichy. The historical city of Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Trichy, is situated on the banks of Kaveri River in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Visit Srirangam Temple, in the afternoon, one of the largest and the most interesting temple complexes in South India.Overnight stay in Trichy. [B,D]
Day 05: Trichy/Tanjore/Trichy: Excursion to Thanjavur popularly known as Tanjore. Our tour of Tanjore includes visit to the Brihadeeswarar Temple & Fort and the Thanjavur Palace Museum. The temple is bestowed with a unique structure;while the gopurams at the entrances are small the tower above the temple is 216 ft. in height and has 14 stories. The temple is capped by a monolithic 80 tons solid granite block. Return to your hotel with rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Trichy. [B,D]
Day 06: Trichy/Karaikuddi/Madurai: Today we begin our journey towards Madurai visiting en-route the famous Chettinad mansions in Karaikuddi not yet discovered by the world. Enjoy a fabulous Chettinad cuisine served on banana leaf. Continue driving to Madurai, a city planned in the shape of a lotus flower with the famous Meenakshi Temple in the center. In the evening attend a special ‘Aarti’ ceremony at the Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay in Madurai. [B,L]
Day 07: Madurai: Madurai is one of the oldest cities of south Asia, famous for its Meenakshi temple. Our tour of Madurai includes visit to the Meenakshi temple famous for its colorful and intricate stucco work. The five gopurams that surround this temple complex depict legends and tales from the epics and the art & culture of the bygone era. Also visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace built by the Nayak kings. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the city on your own.Overnight stay in Madurai. [B,D]
Day 08: Madurai/Periyar: Travel to the Periyar Wildlife Reserve this morning through the scenic countryside and Cardamom hills of the Western Ghats. Nestled amid mist covered hills and dense jungles, Periyar is famous for its spice plantations because of its climate. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Periyar, to see the rich fauna n flora of this region. Overnight stay in Periyar. [B,D]
Day 09: Periyar/Kumarakom: Visit a Spice plantation farm this morning to learn more about spices. Later drive to Kumarakom, famous for its backwaters and the region is described as ‘God’s own Country’ visiting en-route the Rubber plantations and the Syrian Churches. Enjoy a special treat, participating in a culinary experience at a local farm-house followed by lunch. Our day ends with a peaceful sunset cruise on Kerala’s pristine backwaters. Overnight stay in Kumarakom [B,L]
Day 10: Kumarakom: In the morning embark on the traditional Luxury Air-conditioned Houseboat (Kettuvalam). We enjoy our day cruising along the backwaters of Kerala observing the local ways of life. Travel along the ‘water highways’to see one of the few areas in this world where farming is done below sea level. Even todayjute, coconut, spices and newspapers are delivered by skiff, and children go to school by ferry. The scene is idyllic and the mood dreamlike. Women in bright Saris wash clothes in the shadow of ‘poovarasu’ Portia trees, its branches draped over the water’s edge. The banks are lined with cashew trees, hibiscus and modern thatched cottages. Overnight stay on Houseboat. [B,L,D]
Day 11: Kumarakom/Cochin: Morning disembark the boat and take a short journey by road to Cochin, Kerala’s prime tourist destination located between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. Enjoy a Heritage walk through the Fort Cochin area and see the Chinese fishing nets in operation along the harbor at sunset – aphotographer’s delight. Overnight stay in Cochin. [B,D]
Day 12: Cochin: Our morning tour includes visit to the Dutch palace, the Jewish Synagogue & the Jew Town. Later witness the famous Kathakali make-up and dance performance in a local theatre. Afternoon free for independent activities.Overnight stay in Cochin. [B,D]
Day 13: Cochin/Aurangabad: Morning fly to Aurangabad via Mumbai, home of one of the most impressive sights of India, famous for its Rock-cut Buddhist Cave temples. Afternoon visit Ellora cave temples and the mighty Kailash temple – the largest monolith in the world.Overnight stay in Aurangabad. [B,D]
Day 14: Aurangabad: Morning excursion to Ajanta, an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage site, over 2000 years old. Buddhist monks spent centuries carving 29 caves on the face of a horse-shoe shaped cliff. Overnight stay in Aurangabad. [B,D]
Day 15: Aurangabad/Mumbai [B]: Fly to Mumbai in the morning to connect to your onward homebound flights. Short tour of Mumbai during the layover.
Tour Highlights:
- Visit the Dakshinachitra, a center of living tradition of art & craft in ChennaiExlpore the Shore temples at Mahabalipuram
- Absorb the holiness of the temples in Trichy & Tanjore
- Witness the special evening prayer ceremony Aartiat the Meenakshi temple in Madurai
- Visit the Chettinad mansions of Karaikuddi and enjoy a tasting menu on a banana leaf
- Visit a Spice-plantation farm with traditional lunch to learn about local cuisine
- Cruise on the pristine Backwaters of Kerala and experience stay on a Houseboat
- Heritage walk in Fort Cochin area and explore the spice-market in Cochin
- Witness the Kathakali make-up & dance in Cochin
- Marvel the architectural genius of UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut cave temples of Ajanta & Ellora
- Insight into ethnic peoples and cultures beyond tourist facades
- Special Photography and Ethnic encounters.
- A cultural experience, rather than just touring
Hotels:
Chennai: Taj Coromandel
Trichy:Grand Gardenia
Madurai: Heritage Madurai
Periyar: Spice Village Resort
Kumarakom: Kumarakom Lake Resort & Air-Conditioned Houseboat
Cochin: Vivanta by Taj Malabar
Aurangabad: Taj Residency.