Day 01 : Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai airport & transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Chennai - also known as Madras, the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. For more than 2000 years the area has been popular with seafarers, spice traders and cloth merchants. For travelers with an interest in the colonial history of India, Chennai has much worth exploring and abundant transport operations make other parts of the country readily accessible. Evening is free for relax. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 02 : City Tour
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Chennai visit Fort ST. Geroge, Marina Beach - the second longest beach in the world, Light House - massive tall structure situated at south end of the Marina Beach, San Thome Basilica, Birla Planiorium, Kalakshetra (Temple of Art), Government Museum. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 03 : Chennai - Mahabalipuram (58 kms )
Today after breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram. Enroute visit Kanchipuram - The city forms an integral part of the golden triangle of the Southern India. This sacred city is a beautiful place in India with temples in the every nook and corner. This Golden City of Temples was believed to be one of the most important centers of Hindu religion and also the most attractive one. The place is considered a part of India's seven sacred cities and second holiest after Varanasi. Today visit Ekambareswarar temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Varadaraja Temple & Kailasanathar Temple. Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram & check in. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 04 : City Tour
Today after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram is one of history's intriguing enigmas. Was a flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers of South India who chiselled in stone a fabulous open-air museum of sculptures under the vault of a burning sky. You visit the Shore Temple and the five rathas (chariots). These structures are the forerunners of the Draviddian style of architecture that evolved later. In Mahabalipuram there are the excavated rock temples that are anomalously called "Mandapas". The Mahishamardhani and the Adivaraha are the two most remarkable of them. The Mahishamardhani contains on walls facing each other two of the most superb sculptural reliefs known to Indian art, both connected with each other in their common scriptural source. Rocks have been scooped out to make cave temples and rock-cut shrines. This singular feature enhances its magnificence manifold. Rock surfaces have been filled with bas-reliefs and panels crowded with a cavalcade of men, gods and animals, their figures and movements breathtakingly realistic. Evening is free to laze on the beach. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 05 : Drive Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (130 kms)
Today drive to Pondicherry - It was a French settlement comprising of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam besides Pondicherry . It is today a union territory where the French connection on the architecture and culture of the place is strongly visible result of the centuries-old relation with the French power. Enroute visit Gingee (Senji) - The Fort of Gingee contructed mainly in the 16th century by the Vijaynagars & Tiruvannamalai - Small town is an important Shaivite town, where Shiva is revered as Arunachaleswar as aspect of fire. Visit the Arunachaleswar temple - covers some 10 hectares and is one of the largest in India . Shrines throughout the temple depict the Arunachala legends & Ramanasraman Ashram - Located at the foot of Mt Arunachala the Ramanasramam Ashram draws devotees of Sri Ramana Maharshi, a guru who died in 1950, after 50 years in peaceful & mainly silent contemplation. Arrive & check in. Later visit the Pondicherry Museum, Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Sacred Heart Church, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple , Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory & Botanical gardens. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 06 : Pondicherry - Thanjavur (177 kms )
Today drive to Tanjore. Enroute visit Chidambaram - 60 kms south of Pondicherry has great temple complex of Natraja, the dancing Shiva is another architectural highlight. Visit Nataraja Temple & Pichavaram Later visit Kumbakonam - The city is famous for the Mahamaham festival that is celebrated once in 12 years. The town has also been well - known for its prestigious educational institutions which have turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. The town is famous for brass vessels. Visit The Sarangapani Temple , Kumbeshwara Temple & Nageshwara Temples. Later visit to Swamimalai - One of the six renowned abodes of Lord Subramanya. The temple is built on an artificial hill and is approached by a flight of steps. The presiding deity is worshipped as Swaminathan. Late evening arrive Tanjore & check in. Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 07 : City Tour
Today after breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of 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 the Brihadeeswarar temple - the huge Shiva lingam and a stone sculpture of the Nandi bull within this ancient temple are simply spectacular. There is a shrine dedicated to the Lord Subramanya within the temple compound. A unique feature of this temple is that the 'Vimana' does not cast its shadow in any direction at noon or any other phase of the day. The Brihadeeswarar Temple is also counted among the tallest temples in the world. The Gangaikondacolapuram temple is also an important tourist attraction. The Tanjore temple is well known for its two gopuras oriented in the same direction. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 08 : Drive Thanjavur - Trichy (48 kms)
After a relaxed breakfast drive to Trichy - Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Trichy has several beautiful temples, churches and a large number of scenic spots Its long history goes back to before Christian era when it was Chola Cidatel. Arrive & check in. Overnight stay in Trichy.

Day 09 : City Tour
Today proceed for a sightseeing tour of Trichy visiting Rock Fort - Situated in the center of the city on top of an 83 m high rock, housing the famous Vinayakar Temple. The Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, considered as the largest temple complex in the country, is another most important tourist attraction of Trichy. On your tours to Trichy, you can also visit the 19th century St John's Church - Built in 1812, this Church has louvered doors, which when opened, turns the church into an airy pavilion. Jambukeshwara Temple - An important place of worship, it is one amongst the Jothirlinga states of lord Shiva is seen in a form of linga and he is partially submerged in water. Underneath the linga form of Shiva a spring comes and is a divine gift of the god. Archeological surveys prove that this was built in the same time when Renganatha Swamy temple was built. Natarwala Dargah - dedicated to a popular 17th century Muslim saint Natar Shah, Government Museum - The rare collections in the sections of Geology, Zoology, Paintings, Anthropology, Epigraphy, Historical Records, etc., are very interesting. Mukkombu - A wonderful picnic spot & Viralimalai Peacock Sanctuary - situated in a small town, at a distance of 30-kms from Trichy. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock sanctuary. This scenic town is bestowed with a good number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan temple. Trichy is also popular for its Float Festival. Trichy also offers exciting shopping experiences to its visitors. On your tours to Trichy, you can shop for cheroots, cigars, handicrafts, brassware, jewelry and carpets. Evening return to hotel & relax. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Day 10 : Drive Trichy - Madurai ( 201 kms / 5 hrs)
Drive to Madurai - One of the oldest cities in South India, Madurai has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, this modern industrial city is today famous as a temple town. Arrive & check in. Evening attend aarti / ceremonies at the famous Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay at Madurai

Day 11 : Drive Madurai - Kanyakumari (235 kms )
After an early breakfast drive to Kanyakumari - is the 'Land's End' of India. Here, the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. It is also a popular pilgrimage destination and of great spiritual significance to Hindus. it is dedicated to the goddess Devi Kanya, the Youthful Virgin, who is an incarnation of Devi, siva's wife. Arrive & check in. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Day 12 : City Tour
Today after breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari. Visit Kumari Amman Temple - Picturesquely situated overlooking the shore, this temple and the nearby ghat attract tourist. Gandhi Memorial - Next to the Kumari Amman Temple, this striking memorial stored the Mahatma's ashes until they were immersed in the sea. Vivekananda Memorial - This memorial is on two rocky islands projecting from the sea about 400 m offshore. Evening is free for relax. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Day 13 : Drive Kanyakumari - Kovalam (110 kms)
Today drive to Kovalam - A groove of coconut trees. This is a combination of three small beaches, the sheltered natural bay, the azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves, reefs and shoals, leisurely sailing wooden canoes, clear waters at dawn, corals, shells, marine life, foliage and rejuvenating herbal and body toning massages make it a tropical paradise. Arrive & check in. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 14 : In Kovalam
Time at leisure to relax / ayurvedic activities at your resort. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and lavish comfort and pampering at spa. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 15 : Drive Kovalam - Kumarakom
After breakfast, drive to the coast and this melodically named town of Kumarokam nature's best with its virgin forest backwaters on the banks of lake Vembanda. An enchanting backwater destination offer visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarokam. Arrive & check into your backwater resort. Evening walk through the village near by. Overnight stay at Kumarokam.

Day 16 : In Kumarakom
Day at leisure to relax at the resort. The resort offers comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic message, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming or a cruise along the Vembanad Lake to experience the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. At this idyllic retreat, one can look forward to practicing the 'Art of Doing Nothing'.

Day 17 : Drive Kumarakom - Periyar (Thekkady - 160 kms)
After breakfast drive to Periyar - a landlocked district, is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges & wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers. As a tourist destination it offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks & Elephant rides, etc. Arrive & check in. Evening is free to rejuvenate yourself with ayurvedic massage. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 18 : In Periyar
Early today proceed on wildlife cruise on Periyar lake. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungle of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves & is declared as Tiger Reserve in 1978. Later return to hotel. Afternoon proceed on spice plantation tour covering cardamom, pepper, coffee & tea plantations. Evening is free for leisure / relax. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 19 : Drive Periyar - Cochin (190 kms)
After breakfast drive to Cochin - Located in the beautiful state of Kerala, Cochin was built by the Portuguese and is today the busiest port of the country and an important tourist destination of the state. Evening attend the Kathakali Dance Performance - A unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different 'mudras' or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths.. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 20 : City Tour
After breakfast visit the Bolghatty Palace - The palace is situated in the Bolghatty island and was built by the Dutch. St. Francis Church - The Church of St. Francis is another place that tourists must visit during their trip to the beautiful city of Cochin. Jewish Synagogue - The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568 and is extremely beautiful. It is exquisitely ornate by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Mattancherry Palace - The Mattancherry palace is also known as the Dutch palace, however, it was originally built by the Portuguese. Evening is free. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 21 : Departure
After breakfast transfer to Cochin airport for flight to onward destination.



Tariff Chart :

Destination	Standard Hotels
Tour cost per person Validity : May to Sep 2008 Request for rates valid Oct 2008 onwards	US $ 1700 (twin sharing)
Chennai	Vijay Park
Mahabalipuram	MGM Beach Resort
Pondicherry	Ananda Inn
Tanjore	Oriental Towers
Trichy	Jenny’s Residency
Madurai	GRT Madurai
Kanyakumari	Singar International
Kovalam	Isola Di Cocco
Kumarakom	Cocobay Resort
Thekkady (Periyar)	Tree Top
Cochin	Abad Plaza

Package Includes :
- Accommodation for 21 days / 20 nights in well appointed double room
- Daily breakfast at all hotels on tour
- Transportation by air conditioned Tata Indica car as per itinerary
- Services of local English speaking guide during sightseeing tour
- Services of Naturalist for visit to spice plantation, Thekkady
- Wildlife Cruise on lake Periyar, Thekkady
- Driver allowances, fuel, parking interstate permits, toll charges & Govt taxes

Package Excludes :
- Any air / train fare to destination on tour
- Meals other then specified
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Items of personal nature viz, laundry, tele con, mineral water, insurance, etc
- Anything not specifically mentioned under package includes section

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