Tours - South India: Temples & Backwaters
When to go: Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec.
Weather: Night 23-26°C, Day: 29-31°C.
Unspoilt by tourism, Tamil Nadu is home to the ancient Dravidian people. Much of ancient India survives, in its temples, dances and costumes. The pace of life is more leisurely, more traditional and people are both warm and hospitable than elsewhere. The state, Tamil Nadu is also known as the land of temples. Kerala’s appeal lies in its calm laidback style of living, combined with a variety of attractions. Kovalam is a picturesque resort, Quilon is the start of Kerala’s famous inland waterways. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of the state with temples, palaces, art galleries and a zoo. At the Old Dutch port of Cochin, the modern city of Ernakulam vies for the attention with Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India while Allapuzha is known as the Venice of India. The land of temples & backwaters waits for you.
DAY 1. Arrive Chennai
Transfer to Ambassador Pallava or similar. Morning free. P.M. Proceed on a sightseeing tour visiting Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeshwar Temple, Fort St. George & San Tome Dom. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 2. MAHABALIPURAM (A.M)
Breakfast. Leave for Mahabalipuram (56 kms) by car. Transfer to Ideal Beach Resort or similar. P.M. Half day sightseeing tour visiting the Arjuna Penance, Shore Temples, The Mandapams & Rathas at Mahabalipuram. Overnight at resort.
DAY 3. MAHABALIPURAM(A.M)
Breakfast. Excursion to Kanchipuram. Enroute, visit the Shiva Temples. Also visit the Kailashnatha Temple, Vaikantha Perumal Temple, Sri Ekambarnath & Devrajswami Temple. Overnight at resort.
DAY 4. THANJAVUR(A.M)
Breakfast. Depart for Thanjavur (240 kms) via Chidambharam. Visit the Nataraj Temple, where the prime attraction is the e10th century Sabhanayak Nataraj Temple. P.M. visit Kumbakonam known for its semi-erotic sculptures. Transfer to Oriental Tower.
DAY 5. MADURAI(A.M)
Breakfast. Depart Thanjavur for Madurai (160 kms). Enroute visit Brinhadishwara Temple at Thanjavur. Proceed to Thiruchirapalli, visiting Srirangam Temple & Rock Fort. Check-in at Germinus or similar at Madurai. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 6. MADURAI (A.M)
Breakfast. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, Thappakulam & Madurai City. P.M. Visit the Market & attend the Pooja Ceremony at Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 7. PERIYAR (A.M)
Breakfast. Depart Madurai for Periyar (170 kms). Check-in at Cardamom County or similar. Overnight at retreat.
DAY 8. PERIYAR(A.M)
Breakfast. Early morning join a 4 hour trek inside the forest. P.M. Enjoy a boat safari, get an opportunity to watch wildlife at its very best. Overnight at retreat.
DAY 9. COCHIN (A.M)
Breakfast. Boat safari ride. Depart Periyar for Cochin (187 kms). Transfer to Abad Atrium or similar. Afternoon free. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10. COCHIN
Breakfast. Full day sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting Jew Town, Matancherry Palace, Tomb of Vasco da Gama, Spice Town & Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11. ALLAPUZHA(A.M)
Breakfast. Leave for Allapuzha. Transfer to Alleppey Prince Hotel. Also known as the Venice of the East, Allapuzha is the gateway for backwater tours. It can be an incredibly beautiful experience just floating on these waters in a country craft, absorbing this unusual representation of Kerala life. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12. A.M
Breakfast. Depart on a two night backwater ride in a deluxe houseboat offering accommodation on a twin sharing basis in a single self contained apartment with a sun deck. Lunch. Dinner & overnight in houseboat.
DAY 13
In houseboat. Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
DAY 14. KOLLAM
A.M. Breakfast. Arrive Kollam. Transfer to Aquaseene Resort. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 15. KOVALAM
Breakfast. Drive to Kovalam. Transfer to Uday Samudra Beach Resort or similar. P.M. Day free. Overnight at resort.
DAY 16. KOVALAM
Breakfast. Visit the Padmanabhuram Palace built in the 18th century & proceed to Kanyakumari the southern most tip of India. Overnight at resort.
DAY 17 (A.M)
Breakfast. Depart fro Thiruvananthapuram. Visit Napier Museum, Padmanabhaswamy Temple before boarding flight for Mumbai. Proceed to international airport for flight.
Tour Cost includes:
* Airfare Thiruvanathapuram-Mumbai
* Accommodation based on double occupancy
* Breakfast included
* Accommodation in houseboat for two nights with meals
* Entrance fees to monuments with local guide
Tour cost doesn't include:
* Lunch and dinner
* Any increase in domestic fare
* Expenses of a personal nature
* Anything not specifically mentioned as being "included in the itinerary
* Air fare to & from India
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