Temples Spices Backwaters
South India Tour - Temples, Spices & Backwaters highlights include Mahabalipuram's shore temple, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry, Brihadisvara Temple & Thanjavur Palace at Thanjavur, visit to Kumbakonam & Chidambaram, pilgrim centre Srirangam, Meenakshi temple at Madurai, Tea estates in Munnar, spice plantation tour, nature walk Elephant ride and see Martial Art of Kerala Kalaripayattu at Periyar and city tour of Cochin
Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai, meeting and assistance followed by transfer to hotel. After half day city tour of Chennai visiting Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Govt. Musuems.
Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.
Day 02: Chennai – Mahabalipuram– Pondicherry ( 160 Kms/03hrs)
Morning breakfast drive to Pondicherry. En-route visit to Mahabalipuram visiting Shore temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Five Rathas. On arrival at Pondicherry check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 03: Pondicherry
After breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Pondicherry. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Pondicherry Museum. and futuristic town of Auroville designed by the French architect Roger Anger.
Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 04: Pondicherry – Tiruvannamalai ( 110 Kms/03hrs)
After breakfast drive to Tiruvannamalai. Afternoon visit to Sri Ramana Ashram.
Overnight stay at hotel in Tiruvannamalai.
Day 05: Tiruvannamali – Tanjore ( 230 Kms/05 hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Thanjavur, en-route visiting Kumbakonam & Chidambaram. Late afternoon visit Brihadeeshwra temple. On arrival at Tanjore check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel in Tanjore.
Day 06: Tanjore – Madurai ( 190Kms/04 hrs)
Morning after breakfast we visit the Thanjavur Palace. Later drive to Madurai en-route visit the most important pilgrim centre, Srirangam. On arrival at Madurai check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
Day 07: Madurai
Morning after breakfast, tour of Thirumalai Nayak Mahal. Also visit the Meenakshi temple, the main architectural attraction here, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. Evening we will witness Bed Chamber Ceremony.
Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
Day 08: Madurai – Munnar ( 155 Kms/04 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Munnar. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon proceed for Munnar Tea estate, tea factory & walk through the market.
Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.
Day 09: Munnar – Periyar ( 120 Kms/03 hrs)
Morning drive to Periyar. Upon arrival check-in at hotel. Evening witness the Martial Art of Kerala “Kalaripayattu”.
Overnight stay at hotel in Periyar.
Day 10: Periyar
Morning after breakfast proceeds for spice plantation tour, Nature Walk and Elephant ride. Afternoon boat ride in Periyar Lake for viewing Wildlife.
Overnight stay at hotel in Periyar.
Day 11: Periyar – Alleppey ( 155 Kms/04 hrs)
Morning drive to Alleppy, on arrival embark the Houseboat. Day time cruising through the Lakes of Vembanad.
Overnight stay at Alleppey in Houseboat.
Day 12 Alleppy – Cochin ( 60 Kms/01½ hrs)
Morning breakfast disembark houseboat and drive to Cochin. Upon arrival check-in hotel. Evening Kathakali dance.
Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.
Day 13 Cochin
Morning after breakfast and proceed for the city tour of Cochin with visit to The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.
Day 14 Depart Cochin – Mumbai (Flight)
Morning breakfast at hotel. Later transfer to the Cochin airport in time to connect the flight for Mumbai and then connect International flight for onward destination.