Southern India Retreat Tours

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Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Kovalam – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Cochin (13 Days)

Day 01: Arrive Chennai International airport
Assistance on arrival by our tour representative at Chennai International airport, transfer to hotel. Relax & overnight in Bangalore.
Day 02: Chennai (By air at 0900 hrs / arr at 1000 hrs)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Chennai early known as Madras located at the Coromandel Coast of South India. The tour will cover Marina Beach known to be the second longest beach in the world. Saint George Fort built in 1653 AD and it is used as the state government secretariat office, later visit Santhome Cathedral which was built in the 14th & 15th century and is another colonial structure expecting a must see visit. Later visit the Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva – Kapaleeswara Temple and it is supposed to be the oldest temple in Chennai, also visit the Temple of Lord Krishna known as Parthasarthy Temple. If you are snake lover than do visit the Snake Park which has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles. Evening free for independent activities, overnight in Chennai.
Day 03: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (2 to 3 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast checkout & head towards the Temple town of Mahabalipuram enroute visit the famous Kanchipuram town known to be the capital of the Pallavas and a city of 1000 Temples and still retain 124 shrines in the complex. The first temple built was dedicated to Lord Shiva in the 7th and 8th century AD and has paintings on the walls. Later visit the Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasnatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varada-Rajaswami which are worth visiting, if you are silk lover than don’t forget buy silk from Kanchipuram known for its best of Silk in India. Proceed to Mahabalipuram on arrival transfer to beach resort, after freshen up gear up for visiting the famous Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram famous for the seven pagodas & on the seashore you will see interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Walk on the shores in the evening, overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram –Chidambaram – Kumbakonam – Tanjore (253 kms – 4 to 5 hrs drive)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Tanjore, enroute visit Chidambaram which is one of the foremost Saivite shrines; the very name Kovil refers to Chidambaram, where Natarajan is enshrined in the Chit Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). The Moovar (Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar have sung praises of Chidambaram. Several literary works praise the glory of Chidambaram. Chidambaram is one of the 5 dance Halls of Shiva (Kanakasabhai). The five dance halls are Chithambram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam. Late continue driving to Tanjore, on arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon, visit Tanjore (Thanjavur) which was the ancient capital of Chola kings. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple which was built by Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. Visit the Thanjavur Palace which was constructed in 1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers.
Day 05: Tanjore – Trichy
After breakfast checkout leisurely & drive to the Temple town of Trichy, on arrival transfer to your prebooked hotel. After getting fresh or a small nap take a sight seeing tour of Trichy visiting the most famous landmark Temple – the Rock Fort Temple a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is reached by a flight of steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit you get a fantastic view of the town plus its other great Landmark the Sri Ranganathanswami Temple – This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq km also visit and Jambukeshwara Temples. Rest of the day is free to explore or walking in the town of Trichy, overnight in Trichy.
Day 06: Trichy – Madurai (165 kms – 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Madurai, on arrival transfer to hotel. After freshen up take a sightseeing tour of Madurai visiting visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later visit the Tirumalai Nayak palace – A gracious building in the Indo Saracenic style famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Evening free to visit the handicraft market of Madurai, overnight in Madurai.
Day 07: Madurai – Periyar (160 kms – 4½ hrs drive)
After leisurely breakfast checkout & drive to Periyar National Park the earliest sanctuary to be set up in 1934 AD it extends to 777 sq. kms and becomes the part of the high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. On arrival transfer to Jungle Resort. Afternoon visit the National Park Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Animals found here are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, langur monkeys, etc, though it is a guarantee that you will see elephants while your tour on the boat but to spot a tiger you have to be very lucky. After the safari visit the Spice Plantation Market where you get best of the Indian spices at a down to earth rate, evening free to relax, overnight in Periyar.
Day 08: Periyar – Kovalam (200 kms – 4 to 5 hrs)
Optionally today early morning take a boat ride again in the Periyar Lake for Safari. After breakfast at the hotel, checkout and proceed to Kovalam, on arrival transfer to Beach Resort. Evening free to relax, overnight in Kovalam.
Day 09: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Kanya – Kumari – Kovalam
After breakfast a short drive will take you to city of Trivandrum visit Padamanbhaswamy Temple & Palace, Napier Museum & Chitra Art Gallery before heading to Cape Camorin – Kanya Kumari. Arrive Kanya Kumari & visit Kumari Amman Temple, Rock Temple & Swami Vivekananda Ashram. Enjoy the sunset over here where 3 seas meet The Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea. Later drive back to Kovalam, relax & overnight in Kovalam.
Day 10: Kovalam – Alleppey – Kumarakom (By Overnight Houseboats)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Venice of India Called Alleppey, on arrival transfer to the Houseboats waiting to welcome you on board the take the thrilling Kerala Experience on board for an overnight journey. Enjoy the cruise in Vembanad Lake, the journey will cruise you through the tropical country-side enchanting backwater of Alleppey to Palm fringed narrow canal winding through the vast expanse of paddy field and the neat tiny hamlet, typical village, regattas – snake boats for which Kerala is very famous. The Deluxe houseboats have Sitting Area, Dinning Area, Sun Deck to enjoy sunset and fishing, Bed room with double & twin bed with attached English toilets and running hot & cold water. Typical Kerala Breakfast, Lunch & dinner will be served on board the houseboats to have a cultural feel, overnight cruising in the Vembanad Lake.
Day 11: Kumarakom (70 kms – 1 hr drive)
Breakfast will be served on board the houseboats. Arrive Kumarakom directly at your resort. You will be surprised to see the never ending lake of Vembanad Lake surrounded by greenery a peaceful location like paradise. Full day free to gaze the best scenes of your life or visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which houses a lot of migratory birds due to marshy lands in Kumarakom. Evening you can enjoy sunset cruise over here. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 12: Kumarakom – Cochin (70 kms – 1 hr)
After breakfast checkout leisurely & drive to Cochin, on arrival transfer to hotel. After freshen up meet your guide & start sight seeing tour of Cochin visiting visiting Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue – one of the oldest in the country & Fort Cochin Beach to see the Chinese Fishing Nets. Evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Performance, overnight in Cochin.
Day 13: Cochin – Chennai (BY air at 1200 hrs / arr at 1340 hrs) – Back Home
After breakfast leisurely checkout & transfer to airport to board the flight for Chennai, assistance on arrival in Chennat at 1340 hrs, transfer to International airport to board the flight back home.

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