South India Classic

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Madurai
Periyar – Kumarakom – Cochin – Waynad
Duration: 20 Days

Day 1: Arrive at Chennai
On arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel.. Rest of the day at leisure or free.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Chennai / Mahabalipuram (Drive - 58 kms)
Morning sightseeing tour of Chennai including Marina Beach. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government's secretariat. Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeshwara Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarthy Temple.
Later drive to Mahabalipuram. Arrive and check - in at hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram (excursion)
Morning excursion to Kanchipuram, the Golden City of a thousand temples, is the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries, some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas. The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Budddhist Bhikku lived, and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples, but also for its handwoven silk fabrics to see ancient temples.
Later proceed to Mahabalipuram, the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram 58 kilometres from Madras on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny sea - side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a boulder - strewn landscape. Tourists are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture, here, is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day-to- day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses. Visit Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam, Five Rathas and Shore Temples.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (Drive - 110kms)
Morning drive to Pondicherry, is nestled on the Eastern seaboard of India. Even now a relatively peaceful town as far as tourist movement goes, Pondicherry is an enchanting and fascinating place. Whether you are looking for a romantic rendezvous or a fun filled resort vacation, Pondicherry can accommodate all of your gateway desires. Helios-worshippers can find miles of sun-kissed beaches while the sun-weary can indulge

themselves at incredible restaurants and treat themselves to unique shopping experiences. Arrive Pondicherry and check - in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Pondicherry
Morning after breakfast take a city tour visiting places like Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded in 1926 by one of India's famous sons, Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Its a unique spiritual concept revolving around offering work as a Divine offering. There are no rituals, no compulsory meditation, no practices. But it revolves around only one principle: One must surrender to the Divine principle and an opening to the Divine force.
Here lies the Samadhi or final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, and the Mother, which draw devotees. Sri Aurobindo, a saint-cum-yogi, taught Integral Yoga, synthesizing yoga and modern science. The activities of the ashram include the development of art, culture, and spiritually, besides agriculture and cottage industries, also visit Church of The Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Pondicherry / Tanjore via Trichy (Drive)
Morning drive to Tanjore. Enroute visit Trichy - built up by the Nayaks of Madurai. Tiruchi has always been a seat of power in South India and it bears the scars of wars fought to control it, particularly by the French and English. Tiruchi is its famous Rock Fort, rising 105 meters (300 feet) over the city on the banks of the Cauvery River. A staircase with 434 steps out into the rock, some of the tunnel leads up to the summit and a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Thereafter continue drive to Tanjore.
Arrive and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 7: Tanjore (Thanjavur)
After breakfast sightseeing of Tanjore or Thanjavur, famous for its paintings and arts. A visit to the Brihadeshwara temple, marvel of the Chola architecture, will aptly complete the trip. Thanjavur rose to glory during the later Chola reign between the 10th and the 14th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture. It is the headquarters of the district of the same name. Thanjavur district, the ' Rice Bowl ' of Tamil Nadu, is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronzes and South Indian Musical Instruments.
The Tamil University, set up recently is situated here and is devoted to the growth of Tamil literature and language. And Poompuhar Handicrafts is the famous shopping place here.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Tanjore (Thanjavur) / Madurai (Drive -201 kms)
Morning drive to Madurai. Once the capital city of Pandyas, Madurai is today the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Originally named Madhurapuri or the 'land of nectar', the name later got modified as Madurai. It lies on the banks of the river Vaigai. The temple and the old city are on the banks, while modern Madurai with its textile mills, engineering industries and large university sprawls around.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Madurai
In the morning, visit Madurai city, which is the cultural capital of the South India. It has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Visit the thousand-pillared Meenakshi, which temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with Gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top to bottom, in a profusion of multi coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. It is the most alive temple of India.
In the afternoon, visit of the city, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, which was built in 1636.
In the evening, we will attend the night ceremony with melodious music when lord Sundarasvehvara goes to rest beside Meenakshi.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 10: Madurai / Periyar (Drive - 137 kms)
Morning drive to Periyar, also known as Thekkady is best known for its wildlife, is a must-see for all visitors to Kerala. The Periyar Lake lies at the heart of the sanctuary, which is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers. Situated within the boundaries of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. Periyar is a park where one can witness playful pachyderms roaming freely with their family and friends, whose population is currently around 800. The population of tigers is also increasing appreciably. The landscape varies from hilly to flat grassland areas at the edges of the lakes. The vegetation is of moist deciduous type. Arrive and check in at hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Periyar
Morning, enjoy an exciting boat ride on the Periyar Lake for wildlife viewing.
Later walk around in the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee plantations.
Evening at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Periyar / Kumarakom (Drive - 140 kms)
Morning drive to Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake where, lush vegetation, meandering waterways and a great climate attract visitors from around the globe. Kumarakom is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala) and the lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination in India, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing opportunities to tempt visitor’s adventurous side.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Kumarakom
Morning City tour. Kumarakom offers visitors a look into yet another side of Indian life with its mangrove forests, coconuts, swaying palms and paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals often decked with while lilies as well as breathtakingly beautiful beaches.
A popular attraction in Kumarakom is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The 14-acre bird sanctuary is situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) nest and spend happy summers here. Birds like Siberian storks migrate here every year and at least one visit to this sanctuary while here is a ‘must do’ activity.

Day 14: Kumarakom /Kottayam / Cochin (Drive - 85kms)
Take a drive to Kottayam in the morning. The traditionally decorated houseboats will be waiting there for you to start a backwater cruise that ends at Allepey. Later on arrivals at Allepey drive to Cochin.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Cochin
Morning city tour of Cochin - with a fine natural harbour, it has been Kerala’s center of trade for innumerable centuries. With its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands, narrow peninsulas and a long history, Cochin boasts of one of the oldest churches in India, 500 year old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the historical Palace built by the Portuguese, Jewtown, complete with an immaculately preserved synagogues.
In the afternoon, transfer to Jetty for a harbour cruise.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Cochin / Calicut via Guruvayur (Drive -225 kms)
Morning drive from Cochin to Calicut via Guruvayoor famous for Guruvayoor temple- one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrim centers in Kerala.
After reaching Calicut check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17: Calicut
Morning city tour of Kozhikode, formerly called Calicut was the traditional capital of Northern Kerala under the Samuthiri rule. Calicut, the most important city of Malabar region of Kerala, was a leading trading centre for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period.
Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut (Kappad - 16 KM from the city) in 1498, becoming the first European to reach India by the sea route around the southern cape of Africa. A bustling city and commercial capital of Malabar, Calicut, has an International Airport, University, Medical College and prestigious Indian Institute of Management and National Institute of Technology to its credit. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18: Calicut / Wayanad (Drive)
Morning drive Calicut to Wayanad , one of the most scenic places in Kerala which can still be called as a virgin landscape. Lofty peaks, gurgling waterfalls and luxuriant forests add magic to your journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 19: Wayanad
Day at leisure to explore Waynad or free for optional activities.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 20: Waynad / Calicut (departure)
Morning drive to Calicut Airport to board the flight for your onward destination or way back home.

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