Description

Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to Hotel

Overnight at Hotel

Hotel in Chennai: The Residency / The Pride

Day 02: In Chennai (B)
Breakfast at Hotel
Morning: Your immersion in one of the world’s oldest cultures commences by discovering Chennai’s bustling streets, passing numerous Victorian-era buildings and the famous Marine Beach, with its fish market and multi-coloured long wooden fishing boats drawn up on the sand, before arriving at the very centre of colonial Madras, Fort St George. This was one of the most vital outposts of the British Empire – its first in India, the home of Clive of India for many years and the military base for numerous wars against the French. Visit its fascinating museum full of poignant memories of the Raj. Also visit the National Art Gallery and Museum with a fine collection of ancient paintings.

Continue to visit Santhome Basilica, one of the three churches in the world which holds the tomb of Apostles of Jesus Christ.

Hotel in Chennai: The Residency / The Pride

Day 03: Chennai–Kanchipuram–Mahabalipuram by surface (120 Kms/ 3 Hrs) (B)
Breakfast at Hotel

Drive to Mahabalipuram. En-route visit Kanchipuram- the Golden City of a thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India. Visit Vaikuntha Perumal Temple – an important Vishnu temple built by the Pallava King in the 7th century AD, Kailasanatha Temple – built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra in the 3rdcentury AD and Ekambareswarar Temple – another ancient temple built by the Pallavas. Also visit the silk weaving cottage industries for the famous Kanchipuram hand-woven silk fabrics.

Mahabalipuram, was an ancient port once trading with the Romans. Its huge 7th century temples have been remarkably carved from vast granite monoliths and are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Overnight at Hotel

Hotel in Mahabalipuram: Grand Bay Resort

Day 04: Mahabalipuram– Pondicherry by surface (130 Kms./ 3 Hrs) (B)
Breakfast at Hotel

Drive to the vibrant seaside town of Pondicherry by surface.

A former colony that has retained a unique French-influenced colonial atmosphere, from the charming architecture and churches to its patronage of the arts. Visit a flower market and see South Indian coffee being made at a local coffee shop. Take a cycle rickshaw ride through town. Also visit the world famous Shri Aurobindo ashram.

Hotel in Pondicherry: Hotel Atithi

Day 05: Pondicherry – Chidambaram –Darasuram – Tanjore by surface (190 Kms./ 5 Hrs) (B)
Breakfast at Hotel.

Drive to Tanjore by surface. En-route visit Chidambaram for the famous Nataraja temple & Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a World Heritage Monument and was constructed by Raja raja II in the 12th century reflecting the rich heritage of art and architecture of Tamil Nadu.

Afternoon: visit Tanjore City, the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of the Brihadeshvara Temple or Bull Temple – home to India’s largest lingam.

Hotel in Tanjore: The Sangam

Day 06: Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai by surface (180 Kms./ 5 Hrs) (B)
Breakfast at Hotel.

Drive to Madurai by surface. En-route visit Trichy – the ancient capital of the Chola Empire – Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (it has the tallest temple tower in Asia).
Visit Rock Fort Temple and its temples at a height of over 23mts.

Hotel in Madurai: GRT Regency

Day 07: In Madurai (B)
Early Morning: visit to the flower market, South India’s largest fresh flower trading centre, bustling with activity and filled with seasonal flowers.

Breakfast at Hotel
Madurai is over 2500 years old and is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu – an ancient seat of learning. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. Visit the Palace of Nayak Tirumalai depicting influence of Mughal art and traditional Hindu art and Thiruparankundram, one of the abodes of Lord Subramanya where you will find Shiva and Vishnu facing each other, which is rare in Hindu temples.

Evening: visit the Meenakshi temple for “aarti”

Hotel in Madurai: GRT Regency

Day 08: Madurai – Periyar by surface (160 Kms./ 4 Hrs) (B/D)
Breakfast at Hotel.

Drive to Periyar by surface.

Afternoon: Boat ride on Lake Periyar.
Overnight at Hotel.

Hotel in Periyar: Abad Green Forest

Day 09: Periyar – Alleppey by surface (145 Kms./ 4 Hrs) (B/L/D)
Breakfast at Hotel.

Drive to Alleppey by surface. Board House Boat and enjoy the cruise through the enchanting backwaters, sailing and passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat will pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters and moor up for an overnight in Vemabanadu Lake.

Lunch, dinner & overnight on House boat

Hotel in Backwater: Deluxe House boat

Day 10: Alleppey – Cochin by surface (65 Kms./ 1& ½ Hrs) (B/D)
Breakfast on Houseboat

Disembark and drive to Cochin.
Afternoon: Begin with a heritage walk past traders’ mansions and the colourful waterfront. Visit the spice trading streets, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, built in 1502 by the Portuguese and a 400-year-old Jewish synagogue where giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found.

Evening: Witness Kathakali dance show. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians.

Note, Jewish Synagogue on every Fridays and Saturdays.
Overnight at Hotel.

Hotel in Backwater: Deluxe House boat

Day 10: Alleppey – Cochin by surface (65 Kms./ 1& ½ Hrs) (B/D)
Breakfast on Houseboat

Disembark and drive to Cochin.
Afternoon: Begin with a heritage walk past traders’ mansions and the colourful waterfront. Visit the spice trading streets, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, built in 1502 by the Portuguese and a 400-year-old Jewish synagogue where giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found.

Evening: Witness Kathakali dance show. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians.

Note, Jewish Synagogue on every Fridays and Saturdays.
Overnight at Hotel.

Hotel in Cochin: Radisson Blu (formerly Dream)

Day 11: Leave Cochin(B)
Transfer to airport to board onward flight

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Call 1-888-887-1688 or email info@tripconnoisseurs.com
to arrange the international flights for this journey from your home city.

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