South India Short Tour - With Alleppey

1 - Arrive By Flight Chennai – Mahabalipuram

Arrive By Flight Chennai – Mahabalipuram (Approximately 55 Kms/02 Hrs) Meeting and assistance on arrival at Chennai airport and later depart for Mahabalipuram. On arrival check in at hotel (hotel check in at 1200 Noon) Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place to watch which a well established sea port during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram. Formerly, Mamllapuram was known and called as Mahabalipuram. The former name of this place ‘Mahabalipuram’ has a history. A very rude cruel king Mahabali reined this place and in a fierce battle king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu and the place was named after the dead, arrogant kind Mahabali. Rest day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

2 - Kanchipuram

Breakfast at hotel Morning excursion to kancheepuram. Kanchipuram is one of Hinduisms seven most sacred cities. This "Golden City of a Thousand Temples" dates back to the early Cholas in the 7th century AD. Only around 70 temples of the original 1000 old temples are still intact and the most famous of them is the Kailasanatha Temple built with sandstone in the early seventh century A.D. Visit Silk Weaving Shop / Centre In Kancheepuram Afternoon visit Mahabalipuram- It 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. These two rock panels give a graphic description of Arjunas penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and forms the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the waters edge with an east facing altar designed to catch the rising Sun. This has now been declared a World Heritage Site. Visit Stone Cutter shop/ center in Mahabalipuram Overnight at hotel

3 - Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry

Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry (140 Kms 03 ½ Hrs) Breakfast at hotel. Later depart by surface for Pondicherry. Upon arrival Check in at hotel Later visit Auroville Situated just across the border in the state of Tamil Nadu, Auroville, about 10 km away from Pondicherry, is a unique experience in itself. The place, also known as City of Dawn, was founded in 1968 as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo. It is a lush green cover created over 25 years by sheer hard work and dedication. The place is spread over 50 sq. km and has a population of over 900. The Mata Mandir situated in the centre of the town is the spiritual centre with a 30-metre-high globe with lotus-shaped foundation urn. Also visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram - the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, a Saint-cum-Yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. It is also the final resting place of the Moter. Also visit the museum (which has rooms furnished with period furniture of French India) Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Overnight at hotel

4 - Pondicherry-Kumbakonam

Pondicherry-Kumbakonam (Approx. 130 Kms 03 Hrs) Breakfast at hotel Morning depart Pondicherry for Kumbakonam en-route visiting Chidambaram. The small town of Chidambaram is built around the great temple complex of Nataraja - the dancing Shiva. The Nataraja Temple Complex is a highlight of the Dravidian architecture and was built by the Cholas from 907 to 1310. Later continue drive to Kumbakonam. If time permits Visit the Temples in Kumbakonam. On arrival in Kumbakonam check-in at hotel Overnight at hotel

5 - Kumbakonam–Trichy–Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam–Trichy–Kumbakonam (Approx. 35 Kms/1.30 Hrs One Way) Breakfast at hotel Morning excursion to Trichy visit the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines,( also famous as Rock Cut Temple ) lead to the temple and yet another flight leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. The ascent is climaxed by magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri River. Visit Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which contains within its walls a bazaar, as well. The Rock Fort is the landmark of Trichy After Sightseeing Of Trichy Return To Tanjore. Afternoon city sightseeing tour of Tanjore - was the capital of the Chola Empire from the tenth to the fourteenth centuries. A Chola king, Raja Raja Chola, who held the throne from 985 to 1016, built the greatest of the empires 74 temples, the Brahadeeswarar, with its soaring tower over the inner sanctum. This tower rises more than 62 meters (200 feet). On its dome rests a single block of granite weighing 80 tons. Also visit Art Gallery and Palm leaf library. Overnight at hotel

6 - Kumbakonam –Chettinad

Kumbakonam –Chettinad (Approx. 130 Kms / 03 Hrs) Breakfast at hotel Later proceed to Chettinad (KARAIKUDI) Chettinadu or the land of Nattukkottai Chettiars, is famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels and lip smacking food. It is a hidden treasure. The palaces and mansions reflect a conglomeration of architecture building styles. Burma teak motif, handmade tiles, stained glass windows, elaborate chandeliers and intricate carpentry are all unique ingredients of Chettinadu Mansion. Every home is an architectural splendor. Rest day at leisure Dinner And Overnight At Hotel The Bangala

7 - Chettinad–Madurai

Chettinad–Madurai (Approx. 100 Kms/03 Hrs) Breakfast at hotel Later depart for Madurai, on arrival check in at hotel In the afternoon proceed for city sightseeing. Later sightseeing tour of Madurai. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, the citys main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town - a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. Later visit Tirrumalai Nayak Palace, this Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times large as today. Evening visit the Meenakshi temple to attend the evening ceremony known as Bedtime of the God, A colourful procession, goes around the temple and has various short ceremonies at different shrines, before the final prayer at the entrance of her chamber The entire procession takes about 45 minutes. Overnight at hotel

8 - Madurai – Periyar

Madurai – Periyar (Approx. 165 Kms / 4-5 Hrs) Breakfast at hotel Morning drive by surface for Periyar. On arrival check in at hotel Afternoon enjoy the boat ride at Lake Periyar.. Two hour boat trips on the lake are the usual way of touring the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in the Thekkady district of Tamil Nadu bordering with Kerala, Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the most important and frequently visited in India. It conveniently falls between journeys from different parts of Tamil Nadu to important tourist destinations in Kerala. Trips along the large artificial lake surrounded by dense forests is by itself value for money besides offering the opportunity to view wild life specially elephants, wild boar, sambar, etc….Boat ride will be subject to water level in lake Rest of the day at leisure Overnight at hotel

9 - Periyar – Alleppey

Periyar – Alleppey (Approx. 150 Kms / 03 Hrs) Morning depart Periyar for Alleppey . Alleppey and on arrival board the houseboat (also known as Kettuvalam) from hotel Jetty Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view. Most of the boats are poled by local oarsmen. Some are powered by engines. Gliding on serene backwaters, visitors can witness an un spoilt Kerala. Lunch, dinner and overnight on board

10 - Alleppey // Cochin

Alleppey // Cochin (Approx. 55 Kms / 01 Hrs) Later disembark houseboat in Alleppey and depart for Cochin on arrival check in at hotel Afternoon proceed for city sightseeing On arrival cochin proceed for city sightseeing visit to fort Cochin with the first stop being the St.Francis church, indias oldest European built church. Proceed on to the large pastel coloured Santa Cruz Basilica.. Strung out along the tip of Fort Cochin the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets provide an interesting sight. The next stop on your tour of Cochin is the Mattanchery palace, the home of the former Raja of Cochin. The palace houses an interesting collection of murals from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata etc. The last stop on your tour of Cochin is the Jewish Synagogue or the Magen David Synagogue (closed on Monday) Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. The Jews arrived on Indias west coast as traders, supplying Rome, Constantinople and the rest of Europe with valuable spices. They first came to Kerala as refugees from Jerusalem when it first fell to Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC. Jews have been a strong community in Kerala for at least a thousand years, first at Kodungallur until their expulsion in 1568 and then at Cochin where there used to be 8 synagogues. The white Jews retained their purity and distinctive community, while other Jews inter married with the locals and came to be called Black Jews. In the evening, witness Kathakali Dance performance. Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Kathakali draws heavily from drama and is danced with elaborate masks and costumes. Overnight at hotel

11 - Leave Cochin

Leave Cochin By Flight In time transfer from hotel to Cochin airport for flight to onwards destinations.