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BEST OF SOUTH INDIA
Our South India Tour takes you to various wonderful tourist spots
in the south of the country. The tour traverses three states in
the southern India. The tour starts from Chennai, also known as
the gateway to South India, among other destinations, the tour
then takes you to one of the most famous temple at Madurai &
most romantic resort at Kumarakom and exotic locales in Kerala.
This land, beloved of the gods; this most fortunate of lands,
blessed with rains, covered with nature's bounty. A very long
tradition of agriculture: they used to cultivate eighteen different
varieties of rice, and innumerable ones of bananas, not to mention
mangoes, jackfruit, tamarind, teak. A true storehouse of genetic
variety. Its core competence is agriculture: it has some of the
best-watered and richest soils in the world. And Kerala also has
a very distinctive and sophisticated culture of creativity, as
seen in its magnificently understated wooden temples and the dramatic
performances of Kathakali, Koodiyattam and Theyyam.
You will never forget this mystical land and the soul-stirring
Sangam-era Tamil poetry: But in love our hearts are as red earth
and pouring rain, mingled beyond parting……..
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DAY
01 Arrive Chennai
by International Flight |
WELCOME TO INDIA – One Nation,
countless destinations. A land of rich heritage that’s
ancient. The mystique of India, its history of 5000
years, philosophy, religions, fabulous historical
monuments all add to its bewildering diversity to
create a unique and colorful mosaic. This is the wonder
that is India, come, enjoy and experience it.
Reception upon arrival at the International airport
and transfer to HOTEL
Chennai – India’s fourth largest city,
Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu.
Chennai was the site of the East India company’s
first settlement founded in 1639 on land given by
the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of
the Vijaynagar rulers of Hampi. The East India Company
was an English trading establishment and thus was
the forerunner to the British Empire which, came into
political prominence towards the end of the 17th Century.
Chennai is basically a conglomerate of over grown
villages, and being a major port, today it is also
known as the gateway to the South.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
02 CHENNAI |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Chennai.
The tour begins from the ‘St. Mary’s Church’,
built in 1678 – 80, was the first English Church
in Chennai. The Saint Thomas Cathedral, built in 1504,
then re-built in neo - gothic style in 1893, this
Roman Catholic Church is said to house the remains
of St. Thomas the Apostle. Also visit the Kapaleeshwarar
Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple, constructed in pure
Dravidian style. The Sri Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated
to Lord Krishna, built in 8th century during the reign
of the Pallavas. Other attractions include the National
Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful
temple friezes, the bronze gallery, archeological
section. Drive past the High Court Building, Fort
St. George and the famous film studios.
Afternoon excursion to Kanchipuram - just 71 kms from
Chennai, Kanchipuram is the golden city of a thousand
temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India.
Its many gopurams can be seen while approaching the
city from a long way off. Kanchipuram was successively
the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas
of Vijaynagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries, some
of the best temples here, were built in by the Pallavas.
The city was also a great seat of learning and sri
Sankaracharya, Appan, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist
Bhikku, Bodhidharma lived and worked here. Today,
it is known not only for its temples but also for
its handwoven silk fabrics. |
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| DAY
03 CHENNAI-PONDICHERRY |
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive from Chennai to Pondicherry
(162 kms/4 hours) enroute visiting Mahabalipruam -
An ancient coastal port, south of Chennai, world famous
for its shore temple, Mahabalipuram was the second
capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram,
the first Tamil dynasty after the fall of the Gupta
Empire. The whole of Mahabalipuram is a fabulous open-air
museum of sculptures in living rock, Monolithic shrines
scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted within
and the world’s biggest Bas relief in rock,
are truly wondrous examples of the sculptor’s
art. The famous temples of the Rathas , the Penance
of Bhagirath, the Shore Temple and the eight Mandapams.
(Shallow, rock cut halls) are also located at the
beach.
Continue drive to Pondicherry and upon arrival check-in
at: HOTEL
Pondicherry: In the Northern Tamil Nadu region, quite
a contrast to the temple heritage, is located Pondicherry.
Formerly a French colony settled early in the 18th
century, Pondicherry became part of the Indian Union
in the early 50’s when the French voluntarily
relinquished control. French is still widely spoken,
and seaside villas and cobbled streets are more reminiscent
of the South of France than the South of India!
The most famous landmark is the Auroville Ashram.
Conceived as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo, Auroville
is an entirely new concept in education and urban
living. The Aurobindo Ashram is known to the world
as the “Centre of Integral Yoga” and was
founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
04 PONDICHERRY-SWAMIMALAI |
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive from Pondicherry to Swamimalai
(170 kms/4.5 hours).
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL
Afternoon free to relax .
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
05 SWAMIMALAI-TRICHY |
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast drive from Swamimalai to Trichy (75
kms/2.5 hours) enroute visiting Tanjore, where you
will visit temples built during the 10th and 14th
centuries. These later became a part of the Vijaynagar
Kingdom, which subsequently passed into the hands
of the Marathas and went to the British. The most
famous landmark is the Brihadeshwara temple , which
,is now a world heritage site.
Continue drive to Trichy and upon arrival check-in
at: HOTEL
Afternoon visit Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) - Situated
on the banks of the River Kaveri, just 320 kms from
Chennai, Trichy was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam
Age when the Pandyas and Pallavas held sway over this
region for short periods. The Nayaks of Madurai built
the town and the historic Rock Fort, which played
a vital role in the Carnatic wars in the 18th century.
The most famous landmark is ‘The Rock Fort Temple’,
a spectacular monument perched on a rock outcrop which
rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old
city. At the first level are the remnants of a huge
hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is
the Mathrubhuteshwar Shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Finally at the top of the hill, is the Ucchi Pillayar
Koil – A Lord Ganesh Temple, offering a commanding
view of the city.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
06 TRICHY-MADURAI |
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive from Trichy to Madurai (128
kms/3 hours) enroute visiting Chetinad, visit traditional
Chetinad houses built almost 100 years back. The were
made of lime, sand and egg yolk especially imported
from Rangoon.
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
07 MADURAI |
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of
Madurai – The primary interest is the Meenakshi
Temple, where Dravidian temple architecture may be
considered to be at its best. Its Hall of a thousand
Pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers
at all hours of the day. The tour also includes a
visit to the – Thirumalai Nayak Palace &
Thiruparangundram temple.
Afternoon at leisure.
In the evening witness temple ceremony at Shree Meenakshi
temple.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
08 MADURAI-PERIYAR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive from Madurai to Periyar (137
kms/4 hours).
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL
Afternoon game viewing in the park.
Cruise on the Periyar Lake to view the wildlife, which,
often converges on the banks of this lake as it is
the only water source in the region. The wildlife
includes wild Elephants, Indian Gaur, Monkeys, spotted
Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar and birds of myriad
varieties. Encompassing an area of 777 sq kms, the
wildlife sanctuary lies at an elevation of between
914 meters and 1828 meters above sea level on the
Periyar Lake in the hills of Western Ghats.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
09 PERIYAR-KUMARAKOM |
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive from Periyar to Kumarakom (120
kms/3 hours).
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL
Rest of the day at leisure.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
10 KUMARAKOM-COCHIN |
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, proceed to board jetty to board boat
for back water cruise (2 hours).
Arrive at Alleppey boat jetty and drive to Cochin
(63 kms/1.5 hours).
On arrival check-in at: HOTEL
Rest of the day at leisure.
Evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance at
a local theatre, performed by various artists. Kathakali
is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics
(Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed
in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces
are painted to depict various characters of these
epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions
and brisk, yet articulate body movements.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
11 COCHIN |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Cochin.
The tour begins from “The Dutch Palace (closed
on Fridays)” also known as Mattancherry Palace,
built by Portugues in 1555, which is famous for its
murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the
puranic legends. Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish
Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) built
in 1568. Also visit the St. Francis Church (closed
on Sundays), established by the Portuguese Franciscan
friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried in the courtyard
of this European church built in India. Other attractions
include the traditional fishing hamlets and the fisher
folk in their colorful costumes. The tour also includes
a visit to the seaside where one can still see the,
nearly a century old Chinese fishing nets, which,
are still in use.
Afternoon at leisure.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY
12 COCHIN-ABROAD |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Leave Cochin by International Flight |
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| Madurai:
is an animated city packed with pilgrims, vendors,
business people, bullock carts and legions of
under employed rickshaw pullers. It is one of
the Southern India’s oldest cities and
has been a center of learning and pilgrimage
for centuries. |
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| Kochi (Cochin)
: Now known as Kochi, is one of India’s
largest ports where the misty silhouettes of
huge merchant ships can be seen anchored off
the point of Fort Cochin waiting for a berth
in the docks of Ernakulam or Willingdon island.
With its wealth of historical associations –
since the times it was visited by the Portuguese,
the Dutch and British, this city is a magical
blend. Here you can see the oldest church in
India, a 500 years old Portuguese house, the
cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish
synagogue and the palace built by the Portuguese. |
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After 25 years working for excellence in the tourism
industry
we are proud of our results reassert by our awards. |
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