Gems of South India

Upon arrival in Chennai, you will be met by the representative and transferred to your hotel at Mahabalipuram for check-in. Rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Mahabalipuram

7th and 8th century reliefs, rock temples, cave temples and “chariot” temples carved into the golden stone of the Coromandel Coast have made Mahabalipuram an astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pallavas, one of Tamil Nadu’s three great dynasties, dominated from the 8th to the 11th century and built a thriving port here, growing rich on the lucrative trade with Southeast Asia. The town has a wonderful Shore Temple to Vishnu, built by the grateful merchants, as well as rock temples, over a dozen cave temples, constructed stone temples and some fine bas-reliefs – including the world’s largest, the Penance of Arjuna. Between November and March Mahabalipuram also becomes a popular beach resort.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Mahabalipuram

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a “History walk of Mamallapuram”, an interesting an walk that takes you to all important monuments in this area, covering The Arjuna’s Penance (Bass Relief) and onward, visiting monuments of Five rathas (symbolises equality of men & women) & the famous Shore temple. Apart from the monuments, also visit a Sculpture studio. Return to the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a yoga session.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Mahabalipuram

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a village tour by Tuk–tuk, which takes you to the heart of rural India. Walk through and witness the traditional village life, day to day activities, fishing operations, lush green rice fields, and farming. Stop at the Potters house for a small demo in the backyard of their house, which happens to be their workshop. Then, drive on to a village school and a Village temple, followed by a small pooja. If we are lucky, we could get there during a local festival. During the tour you can catch plenty of photo opportunities such as plugging, weeding, buffalos enjoying their plunge in the lake, etc. Return to the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a yoga session.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kumbakkonam (approx. 240 km / 4.5 hrs) – a small typical Indian town.

Enroute, visit the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram (a famous Shiva temple), with its beautiful high towers full with many small sculptures depicting stories of old epics. Proceed to Kumbakkonam and check in at the hotel.

Later, visit Darasuram temple (built in memory of the White Elephant – AIRAVATH, from the gods family). The temple’s original name was “Airavatheshwar temple”. Next, you will be taken to see the Silk Weaving nearby (walkable distance). Untouched by regular tourists & no hassle of shop keepers/sellers, this visit will give you glimpse on weaving industry & the hard work behind it.

Upon arrival at Kumbakonam, check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Kumbakonam

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed for a bullock cart ride at Kumbakonam village.

Then, drive to Tanjore (approx. 175 km / 4 hrs). Enroute, visit the shrine of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni, renowned for its miraculous healing.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Tanjore

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to visit the Brihadeeshwar temple. Later, drive to Madurai (190 km / 4 hrs).

Enroute, visit Kanadukaathan village where you can see girls threading garlands of jasmine, stalls selling bangles and biscuits, and women sowing rice in emerald-green paddy fields. Stop at a small temple built around a banyan tree, where almost life-sized clay horses are arranged in rows as offerings to the gods, witness the churning of butter and the drawing of water from a well.

Continue your drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Tucked snugly in the recesses of Tamil Nadu, on the sacred Vaigai River, Madurai – a city shaped like a lotus – is the destination of thousands of pilgrims. Madurai is the oldest and the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. The legend has that the Pandyan King, Kulasekhara, built a great temple and a lotus shaped city around it. On the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva appeared to bless the people, and nectar flowed from his matted locks. So it was called, ‘Madhurapuri’, and later it became ‘Madurai’.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Madurai

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the beautiful Meenakshi Temple. Its enormous domes covered with gaily-colored statues dominate the landscape, and are visible from all over Madurai. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and  Goddess Meenakshi. Designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak, the present temple was built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak from 1623 to 1655 AD, but its history goes back 2000 years, when Madurai was the capital of the Pandya Kings. There are 4 entrances to the temple and 12 towers ranging from 45m to 50m. The temple is famous for its 1000 pillar corridor. It has also been the centre of Tamil culture, art, dance, and music over centuries.

Continue to the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak, an Indo-Saracenic building constructed in 1523. There is no other building in Madurai which can better illustrate the architectural style of the Nayaks. The most remarkable part of this palace is the Swarga Vilasam, which served as the audience hall. Its dome, which lies beyond a huge courtyard, is a magnificent example of the engineering skill of its builders, rising to a height of 20m without support of any kind. Return to the hotel.

In the afternoon, we proceed for a cycle rickshaw tour around Madurai, a memorable experience of this ancient city. Drive through the narrow streets and lanes of Madurai, showing the typical life of local people. The cycle rickshaw – the most eco friendly form of transport, was quickly being phased out, and the hundred and twenty rickshaw pullers of Madurai were deprived of their livelihood, as they were unable to buy the modern forms of transport like the auto rickshaw or taxi. By taking this tour, you not only support the rickshaw pullers, but also encourage the locals to use this eco friendly transport.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Park Plaza hotel with temple view.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight in Madurai

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Periyar or Thekkady, located in Idukki district (150 km / 4 hrs).

The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting vacation. In the Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India, and is amongst the most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in the world, despite the tragic loss of the richly vegetated valley due to the dam and the 21 sq mi reservoir. Since boats are the only means of travelling through this sanctuary, one can cover large areas in a short time and experience the wilderness like never before. There is probably no other sanctuary in the world where elephant behaviour can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety.

On arrival check in to the hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Spice Plantation. See various species of spices and other aromatic plants/herbs. The guide will explain about the usage of different spices in Indian cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Periyar

After breakfast, you have the option to leave for a guided walk in the national park. The walk is very interesting and gives you the chance to see wildlife life at a very close distance. You could witness sambar deer, mouse deer, wild dogs, elephants, bison, several species of birds and butterflies. You can also go boating on the lake.

OPTIONAL DAY OUT WITH ELEPHANTS:

You have the option to spend your day with elephants, which will include bathing, feeding, painting, etc…

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Periyar

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Kochi (156 km / 4 hrs).

Upon arrival, check in at hotel and proceed for sightseeing of Kochi. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) built in 1568, in which Scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved. The building was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later.

Continue on to visit St. Francis Church, the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India. Built by the Portuguese in 1510, it housed the remains of Vasco da Gama for 14 years before they were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.

Also visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555. The Palace was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. This was also known as the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), because of substantial renovation by the Dutch after 1663. The central hall was the Coronation Hall of the Rajas. Their dresses, turbans, palanquins, and murals from Hindu mythology are all beautiful and worth seeing. Culminate the tour at Fort Kochi, which is said to be the oldest European settlement in India.

In the evening, witness the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterized by some great story telling, amazing costumes, and extensive makeup.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Kochi

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and drive to reach the land of the backwaters – Alleppey (75 km / 2.5 hrs).

In Alleppey, you will go for a cruise on the traditional Houseboat (Kettu Valam) of Kerala Style, which brings you along the narrow, quiet, small villages, over 900 km of the labyrinth water world, lined with coconut palms. On the Houseboat, you will experience the typical food of Kerala, sunbathing on the deck, staying away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Observe the daily activities of the village people living in the backwaters area, making traditional boats, coconut oil, and designing toys with coconut shells.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on the A/C Houseboat

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam (160 km /4 hrs).

Check in to the hotel in Kovalam, one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands, of which the southernmost Lighthouse Beach is the most famous. The azure waters and favorable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round destination for beach lovers. Spend the day at leisure on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Kovalam

After breakfast, enjoy a general body Ayurvedic massage (45 min).

Ayurveda is the art of healthy living that enables you to create harmony in daily life by applying self-knowledge and self-care. The word comes from the Sanskrit language and literally means ‘Science of Life’. Inherent in Ayurvedic principles is the concept that you are capable of taking charge of your own life and healing.

Note: Before going in for any kind of treatment, the guests will consult the in-house expert or doctor, who will suggest oils and treatments while keeping in mind the medical history of the guest.

The rest of the day will be free at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Kovalam

Breakfast is served at the hotel.

The day is free at leisure for your own activities.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Kovalam

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart Kovalam to the Trivandrum Airport (20 km / 1 hr) for your departure flight home.

Bid farewell to the beautiful land of South India with cherished memories of your cultural and adventure-filled vacation.

Meals: Breakfast