Sizzling South India
South India Tour - Sizzling South India holiday tour package covers 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
On arrival in Chennai, meeting and assistance followed by transfer to hotel. later half day city tour of Chennai visiting Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Govt. Buildings.
Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai
Day 02: Chennai–Mahabalipuram–Pondicherry ( 160 Kms/ 03hrs)
After Breakfast drive to Pondicherry, enroute visiting Mahabalipuram visiting Shore temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Five Rathas. After the visit continue drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check in to hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 03: Pondicherry
After breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Pondicherry. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the most parts of their lives. The Pondicherry Museum is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture.
Pondicherry also has a pleasant Beach alongside Promenade and Historical monuments. And also visit the nearby futuristic town of Auroville designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Stroll around the nearby market and walk along the Beach.
Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 04: Pondicherry – Tiruvannamalai ( 110 Kms/ 03hrs)
After breakfast drive to Tiruvannamalai. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit to Sri Ramana Ashram: Mahan Sri Ramana maharishi lived in this tiruvannamalai town. Sri Ramana Ashram is one the holy places in this town.
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.
Later, visit the beautiful Chola temple of Brihadeeshwara. The temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp- an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids.
Overnight stay at hotel in Tanjore.
Day 06: Tanjore – Madurai ( 190 Kms/ 04 hrs)
Morning after breakfast we visit the Thanjavur Palace. It has huge halls, spacious corridors, observation & arsenal towers and a shady courtyard. The Nayak hall of the palace is occupied by the Art Gallery.
Later drive to Madurai en-route visit the most important pilgrim centre, Srirangam, On arrival in Madurai check into the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
Day 07: Madurai
After breakfast we proceed for a tour of Thirumalai Nayak Mahal. The palace was built in 1636 by Thirumalai Nayakar. A classic example of the Indo-Saracenic style, the piece de resistance of this Mahal is its carved Meenakshi Temple Meenakshi Temple dome outsoars without the support of girders or rafters.
Also visit the Meenakshi temple, the main architectural attraction here, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top to bottom, in a profusion of multicoloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures.
Evening we will witness Bed Chamber Ceremony at Meenakshi temple.
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 local 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
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 – Alleppy ( 155 Kms/ 04 hrs)
Morning drive to Alleppy, on arrival embark the Houseboat.
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.
Day 13: Cochin
After Breakfast and proceed for the city tour of Cochin,
‘Kochi’ is the commercial hub of Kerala and a town of great historical importance. It has one of the finest natural harbours and is called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.
Visit The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders.
Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.
Day 14: Cochin – Mumbai (Flight)
Morning breakfast at hotel. Later in time transfer to the Cochin airport in time to connect the flight for Mumbai and then onward flight .