Jewels of South, India
Experience Overview
Southern Part of India has witnessed many Dynasties and thus represents different Cultures. It is still untouched, green and pure. The delightful south; almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other regions of the country.
This is a land of temples, a land of the devout where new wonders await – the profusion of orange flowers, the shade of the banyan tree, and the soft beat of distant drums as yet another festival starts… A Myriad of Temples. Kerala is one such destination that not only rejuvenates but in a way cleanses one’s body, mind and soul. Home to age-old science of Ayurveda; energetic and vibrant dance forms; ever-so scenic backwaters; aromatic spices; pristine beaches; opulent wildlife; flavor some food; scintillating rivers; and rich history, the southern state of Kerala is a destination in India that truly makes it feel proud. A paradise for both, natives and travellers, this popular place of visit beckons a travel experience unlike any other.
This magical ten days tour in the whimsical wonderland called Tamil Nadu and Kerala has a heady mix of misty mountains; sprawling plantations; captivating historic towns, and a vast labyrinth of the backwater. Come and enjoy this magical land our way
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai by flight
Meeting and assistance on arrival & transfer hotel. Morning at leisure.
Later proceed for city tour half day city sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Government Museum and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays) and also a visit to the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. Non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard. Later drive past Fort St. George, Marina Beach and San Thome Cathedral.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2
Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry
Breakfast at Hotel
Post breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) which occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century the complex comprises of 14 cave temples, nine monolithic ” Rathas”, three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels and a Bass Relief and largest in the world. The Shore temple built on the water’s edge with an east-facing alter designed to catch the rising sun, has now been declared a World Heritage Site.
Continue your drive to Pondicherry.
On arrival Start sightseeing of Pondicherry. Visit Surbindo Ashram – Sri Aurobindo Ashram, situated in the eastern part of Pondicherry. A tour of this samadhi of Shri Aurobindo and his chief disciple, the Mother is worth making. It is not only a quiet place of retreat but also a vibrant center of life. It comprises of almost 1500 members who live here and practice Sadhna for the evolution of another way of life, which seeks a higher spiritual consciousness.
Visit Ganesh Temple and later check in at hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 3
Pondicherry-Tanjore
Breakfast at hotel and drive to Tanjore enroute visiting Gangaikondaicholapuram and Darasuram.
Temples will be closed at 1200hrs and reopen at 1600hrs). Gangakondacholapuram was built by one of the Chola emperors in the early 11th century in the style of the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur (Tanjore). The ornate tower is about 55 mts high. Close to the temple there is a museum exhibiting the remains of a palace that once stood nearby.
8 km west of Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu is the sylvan village of Swamimalai. Tiruverakam, popularly known as “Swamimalai”, lies on the northern banks of the river Cauvery and is one of the six famous abodes dedicated to Lord Murugan. Like the rest of this part of the Thanjavur district, it is mainly an agricultural town, producing rice and sugar cane. Swamimalai literally means ‘God’s mountain’. It is said that once, as a result of a curse laid on him by Bhrigumuni, Lord Shiva forgot the “Pranava Mantra”. Lord Muruga is said to have preached the Pranava mantra “OM” to Shiva, who stood before his young Guru (Subrahmanya) with great veneration and learnt the Mantra. As this incident took place in this sacred place, it came to be known as “Swamimalai” and the deity as Swaminatha, indicating that the son was superior to his Father.
Darasuram – A ‘Sculptor’s dream in stone’, musical pillars, mandapam in the shape of a chariot, a wealth of sculpture and painting are synonymous with Airavateshvara Temple. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a well-preserved example of 12th century Chola architecture. Darasuram is an ancient town about 380 kms south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu and also boasts a silk weaving centre. The original name of Darasuram was Rajarajapuram, which later got corrupted into Darasuram.
Continue your drive to Tanjore & on arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 4
Tanjore- Trichy-Madurai
Early morning (0800hrs recommended) visit the beautiful Chola temple of Brihadishwara. The temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 Km long ramp, an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Its bronze and handicrafts make Thanjavur one of the highlights of a visit to South India.
Continue drive to Madurai enroute visiting Trichy.
Visit Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which contains within its walls a bazaar, as well.
Continue your drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel.
Evening visit the great Meenakshi Temple to see the majestic prayer ceremony at the Temple.
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 5
Madurai-Periyar
Morning visit the Great Meenakshi Temple Dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams, rising high above the surrounding township. You can also participate in the spectacular prayers offered inside the Temple. Also visit Tirumala Nayak Palace- a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches.
Later drive to Periyar and visit Spice Plantation
Later check in at hotel
Overnight at the hotel.
Evening short walk down the street to see the famous spice market.
DAY 6
Periyar-Kumarakom
Morning take a boat cruise on Lake Periyar. One & half hour boat trip on the lake is the usual way of touring the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Later drive to Kumarakom & enroute Enjoy a typical Kerala cuisine lunch with a Syrian Christian family.
On arrival in Kumarakom check in at the hotel.
Rest of the day is free to enjoy your backwater resort.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 7
Kumarakon- Alleppey-Cochin
At 1000 hrs proceed to Alleppey by surface. Board the houseboat at 11.30 hrs and cruise through narrow canals of Alleppey (Normal checkin is at 12.00 hrs). Board the boat cruise from your hotel to embark on an un-forgetful journey on backwaters. This trip will give you a life time experience to peep into the life style of the people living on the banks of backwaters. Lunch will be served on boat.
1500 hrs. Post Cruise drive to Cochin (Duration of the tour is fixed i.e. 3 hours)
1700 hrs . Reach Kathakali center and witness Kathakali program
Watch the spectacular Kathakali Dance Show (No Makeup Session) which is India’s most spectacular Dance Drama based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians.
1900 hrs. – Proceed to Hotel for Check in
Overnight at the Hotel
DAY 8
Cochin-Mumbai
Breakfast at Hotel and Continue the Cochin city tour: city tour of the satellite towns of Kochi (Cochin) and Ernakulam – (Jewish Synagogue remains closed on Saturdays) St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica (NOTE : St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica can be visited only after 11.00 hrs due to Sunday Mass). While driving along the coastline, at the Harbour’s mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use “Chinese Fishing Nets” which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved.
Later transfer to the airport for flight to Mumbai.
Flight to Mumbai.
Arrive Mumbai. Met upon arrival in Mumbai and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 9
In Mumbai
Morning start the city tour by taking an excursion to Elephanta caves. Elephanta Island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.
Elephanta Island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai. The island is about an hour away by boat ride from Gateway of India. Elephanta Island houses caves known as Elephanta Caves in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, India. These caves are rock cut temple/statues of Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh dating back to the 5th century. Elephanta Island was named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an Elephant was seen near the landing area of the island.Elephanta showcases legends of Lord Shiva carved in rock cave temples. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, innercells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple complex is also said to be the abode of Shiva. (Timing: 0930 hrs till 1400 hrs.)
Afternoon visit Mumbai city. Start from Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principle landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to this colony in 1911.
Drive past the Afghan Church. Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’. Visit Jain temple and Hanging Gardens which offer a splendid view of the city, Chowpatty, Kamala Nehru Park and also Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai. Drive past Haji Ali Mosque, a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint on an island 500 m. out at sea and is linked by a causeway to the mainland.
Stop at the ‘Dhobi Ghat’ where Mumbai’s ‘dirties’ are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry. Continue to the colourful Crawford market and to the Flora fountain in the large bustling square, in the heart of the city.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 10
Leave Mumbai
Transfer to airport for departure flight.
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