 South India Explorer
09 Nights / 10 Days The green rice fields and meandering rivers of the South Indian State of Kerala have attracted traders and travellers since the 3rd century. A tiny state, it is possible to explore the length and breadth of this beautiful spice land in just a few leisurely days. This journey includes visits to the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and the port city of Cochin, beautifully set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. There will also be an opportunity to cruise along the maze of canals and lagoons that make up the enchanting Alleppey backwaters and stays at the idyllic resorts in Kumarakom and Thekkady. Exotic flora and fauna, miles of beautiful beaches, the delicate scent of spices and the sound of temple bells all characterise the South of India. Following the old European trade routes, this tour takes you to Madurai where you visit one of India’s most famous temples and then to Tanjore, with its rich history and beautiful monuments & temples. From here you travel to Madras at the heart of Clive’s India and home to some of the country’s oldest British monuments. Day 01 ( Arrive Cochin) Arrive Cochin airport , met by our representative and transfer to the hotel for 1-night stay. Cochin, one of the oldest port cities of India has very rich cultural past and cosmopolitan association. Also known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Cochin is believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world. With ferry rides commanding its breath taking view as you cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India and recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions of Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are contained within its environment.Afternoon leave for the half day tour of the satellite town of Kochi (Cochin) which comprise visits to the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. See the Chinese fishing nets, which dot the harbour as you drive along the coastline. Back to the hotel for dinner. Dinner at the hotel (cost included) Overnight at hotel Day 02 (Cochin - Kumarakom) Today morning after breakfast you will leave for Kumarakom , backwater destination. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon leave for the backwater cruise by motorboat. Dinner at the hotel (cost included) Overnight at hotel Day 03 (Kumarakom - Thekkady) You will be driven to Thekkady . On arrival check into the hotel. After noon leave for the boat safari on Lake Periyar or jungle trek to see the wildlife. Dinner at the hotel (cost included)Overnight at Thekkady. Day 04 (Thekkady – Madurai) Today leave for the spice plantation tour with a naturalist . after the plantation visit drive to Madurai . On arrival check into the hotel. Evening witness the Sree Menakshi temple night ceremony. Dinner at the hotel (cost included) Overnight at Madurai. Day 05 ( Madurai) Today morning you will visit the famous Shree Meenakshi Amman temple, Thirumalai Nayakiar Palace and Marie Amman Tank. Afternoon free for shopping. Dinner at the hotel (cost included) Overnight at Madurai. Day 06 ( Madurai - Tanjore) Today morning drive to Tanjote enroute visit Trichy including the Rock Fort Temple . On arrival check into the hotel. In the evening you can visit Srirangam Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in all of India. Dinner at the hotel (cost included)Overnight at Tanjore. Day 07 (Tanjore - Mahabalipuram) After breakfast check out from the hotel and you will visit Brihadewswara Temple also known as the 'Big Temple', built by the Chola dynasty. This massive temple is 216 feet high and the single spherical stone on top weighs 80 tonnes. This is a UNESCO World Heritage listed monument. Later drive to mahabalipuram . On arrival check into the hotel. Dinner at the hotel (cost included) Overnight at Mahabalipuram Day 08 ( Mahabalipuram) After breakfast, enjoy a morning’s sightseeing around Mahabalipuram; visit the Shore Temple, Trimurti Cave Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas and Sculpture Museum. Afternoon free at the beach with option to visit Dakshinachitra Cultural Centre. Afternoon drive to Kanchipuram; visit Kailasanatha Temple, Sri Ekambaranathar Temple and the silk weaving centre and later in the evening drive to Mahabalipuram. You may wish to explore the many wonderful restaurants in the town serving locally caught fresh fish. Dinner at the hotel (cost included) Overnight at Mahabalipuram Day 09 ( Mahabilpuram – Chennai) Today morning after the breakfast drive to Chennai . On arrival check into the hotel . Later sightseeing of Chennai; visits to Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeshwara Temple, St George Fort and Museum. Dinner at the hotel (cost included) Overnight at Chennai Day 10 (Chennai) Transfer to Chennai International airport for the flight back home.
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