Accommodation

12-night accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis with breakfast 01-night accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis onboard houseboat On Full Board Basis Deluxe:- Chennai - Grand by GRT Hotels Chennai Mahabalipuram - Four Points by Sheraton Pondicherry - Le Pondy Kumbakonam - Great Trails River View Thanjavur Madurai - Regency Madurai Thekkady - Cardammom County Houseboat - Deluxe Houseboat Beach stay Kerala - Turtle Beach Resort Marari Cochin - Casino Hotel Premium:- Chennai - Taj Connemara Mahabalipuram - Radisson Blu Resort Templebay Pondicherry - MAISON PERUMAL Kumbakonam - Mantra Koodam Madurai - Heritage Madurai Thekkady - CGH Spice Village Houseboat - Premium Houseboat Beach stay Kerala - CGH Marari Beach Resort Cochin - CGH Eighth Bastion Hotels are subject to availability at the time of reservation, in case of non-availability, similar hotels in same rate bracket will be offered or supplement/reduction will be advised.

Others

Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands at New Delhi International Airport 02 water bottles per person per day Tuk Tuk ride in Madurai Kathakali Dance show in Cochin Kalaripayattu Martial Art show in Thekkady

Transport

Complete transport as per program in AC vehicle with driver. All states, toll tax, road tax, parking included.

Meals

Breakfast is included in the residing hotel. Any additional meals included if mentioned in the program.

Guide

Local English speaking tour guide included at the time of sightseeing as per program. The guide is also available in Spanish, German, Italian, French, and Russian.

Not included:

Flights

Any Flight (Domestic or International) is not included.

Others

Airfare, insurance or visa fees Meals other than those specified in ‘package costs includes’ Entrances to monuments & activities Camera or video fee Personal expenses Tips & gratuities Anything not in package costs includes

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrive Chennai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrive Chennai

Following a warm reception at the airport with fresh floral garlands by a representative or guide, guests will be transferred to their hotel. The representative will assist with check-in procedures upon your arrival at hotel. (Check-in times differ by hotel, but are typically between 1400 and 1500 hours.)

Chennai (formerly Madras), a 284-sq-mi (400-sq-km) conglomerate of urban villages and diverse neighbourhoods making up Tamil Nadu’s capital will pleasantly surprise you. Its role is as keeper of South Indian artistic, religious and culinary traditions.

Sightseeing of Chennai.

Chennai’s sightseeing of major sights include, Fort St. George, citadel built by the British East India Company in Madras (now Chennai), India, later becoming the British capital in south India. The fort, named in honour of Britain’s patron saint, is well preserved by the state of Tamil Nadu. Govt. Museum, Established in 1851, Government Museum of Chennai is popular as the Madras Museum. Factually being the second oldest museum of India (after Kolkata’s Indian Museum), this museum is a treasure in itself! As a rich repository of finest masterpieces of art, archaeology, anthropology, numismatics and much more, the Madras Museum assures to lure one and all. Kapaleeswar Temple, is one of the prominent Shiva temples in India situated in Mylapore, Chennai. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeswar [self-manifested] and Goddess Shakthi [Uma] as Karpagambal. Marina Beach is an invigorating landmark of Chennai that draws several visitors from across the country. It is the longest natural urban beach of the country and the widest stretch of the beach is 437 m. The whole long stretch of 12 km with turquoise waters makes Marina Beach, the second largest beach of the world and one of the top places to visit in Chennai.

Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram

Early breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kanchipuram, on arrival, visit local temples & market.

Kanchipuram, 50 miles (80km) southwest of Chennai, was capital of the Pallava dynasty during the 6th to 8th centuries, when the Pallavas created the great stone monuments of Mamallapuram. Today a typically hectic modern Indian town, it’s famous for its numerous important and vibrant temples (and their colorful festivals), some dating from Pallava, Chola or Vijayanagar times. It’s also known for its high-quality silk saris, woven on hand looms by thousands of families in the town and nearby villages.

Kanchipuram Sightseeing

One among the “Pancha Bhoota Stalam” [five Shiva temples each representing five elements of life], Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the most sacred Shiva temples. It represents the element Earth. Shiva is worshipped as Ekambareswarar. The temple is thousands of years old with the current structure being a reconstructed one, around 600 AD by the Pallavas. Southern India is well-known for its cultural heritage, and the Kamakshi Amman Temple represents an important gem from the past. Set in the midst of Kanchipuram, also known as the City of Temples, this place of worship is home to the divine Goddess Kamakshi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility and strength. Kailasanathar Temple is a Shiva Kanchi, which is one among the three Kanchis in Kancheepuram, the other two being the Vishnu Kanchi and the Jain Kanchi. Varadharaja Perumal Temple located in the city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is of immense religious importance. Vaikuntha Perumal Temple is the most prominent Vishnu Temple located in Shiva Kanchi. Like Kailasanathar temple this is also a temple extremely popular with the students and scholars of history, art history, and temple architecture.

Continue drive to Mahabalipuram, on arrival sightseeing of Mahabalipuram.

Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, 31 miles (50km) south of Chennai, was the major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom based at Kanchipuram. A wander around the town’s magnificent, World Heritage–listed temples and carvings inflames the imagination, especially at sunset.

The Five Rathas were, astonishingly, all carved from single large rocks. Each of these fine 7th-century temples was dedicated to a Hindu god and is now named after one or more of the Pandavas, the five hero-brothers of the epic Mahabharata, or their common wife, Draupadi. The rathas were hidden in the sand until excavated by the British 200 years ago. Standing like a magnificent fist of rock-cut elegance overlooking the sea, surrounded by gardens and ruined courts, the two-towered Shore Temple symbolises the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of the Pallava kings. Arjuna’s Penance, the crowning masterpiece of Mamallapuram’s stonework, this giant relief carving is one of India’s greatest ancient artworks. Inscribed on two huge, adjacent boulders, the Penance bursts with scenes of Hindu myth and everyday South Indian life.

Overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Day 3 Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

Breakfast at the hotel, leisurely check out and drive to Pondicherry.

The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) was under French colonial rule until 1954. Some people here still speak French (and English with French accents). The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, draw large numbers of spiritually-minded visitors. The older ’French’ part of town (where you’ll probably spend most of your time) is full of quiet streets, lined with bougainvillea-draped townhouses numbered in an almost logical manner. Enjoy fabulous shopping, French food, beer, and plenty of yoga and meditation.

On arrival, check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Pondicherry
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Pondicherry

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Auroville and the Pondicherry sightseeing.

The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) was under French colonial rule until 1954. Some people here still speak French (and English with French accents). The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, draw large numbers of spiritually-minded visitors. The older ’French’ part of town (where you’ll probably spend most of your time) is full of quiet streets, lined with bougainvillea-draped townhouses numbered in an almost logical manner. Enjoy fabulous shopping, French food, beer, and plenty of yoga and meditation.

Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 5 Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Kumbakonam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Kumbakonam

Breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kumbakonam. En-route visit Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram & Darasuram.

Nataraja Temple-One of the most significant temples in the holy town of Chidambaram, Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped in the form of Nataraja.

One of the largest temples in India, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple has Shiva as the principal deity. The main temple tower stands 55 m tall and the imposing building is covered in rich art and sculptures that adorn the premises in absolute grandeur. It is a part of the trip of the ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ along with the Airavastesvara Temple and Brihadeeswara Temple; also listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A temple that is much more than a place of worship; a living tribute to the rich history of India and the legacy of the marvellous Dravidian architectural genre. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is a repository of the ageless sculptures of the Chola period in South India.

Built in the 3rd century and a primeval city in India, Kumbakonam was the citadel of the Pallava kings. Later it was under the reign of the Cholas who erected many monumental temples. As Kumbakonam went under the reign of different kings, the architectural wonders of the place expanded. This town is famous for the Mahamaham festival which is conducted once in every 12 years.

Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram is deicated to Lord Shiva. A UNESCO world heritage site, it is a part of the popular trio known as the Great Living Chola Temples. Airavatesvara Temple was built by the Chola King Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. It is amongst the eighteen medieval era Hindu temples in the Kumbakonam area. The shrine displays the Vaishnavism and Shaktism legs of Hinduism, and the traditional Nayanars- the Bhakti saints of Shaivism.

On arrival, check in and overnight at the hotel in Kumbakonam.

Note: Night in Kumbakonam can also be in Thanjavur, as per hotel category & availability.
Day 6 Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai

Breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of Thanjavur.

Thanjavur (Tanjore), here are the ochre foundation blocks of perhaps the most remarkable civilisation of Dravidian history, one of the few kingdoms to expand Hinduism beyond India, a bedrock for aesthetic styles that spread from Madurai to the Mekong. A dizzying historical legacy was forged from Thanjavur, capital of the great Chola empire during its heyday. Today Thanjavur is a crowded, modern Indian town – but the past is still very much present. Every day thousands of people worship at the Cholas’ grand Brihadishwara Temple, and the city’s labyrinthine royal palace preserves memories of other, later powerful dynasties.

Thanjavur’s royal palace is a mixed bag of ruin and renovation, superb art and random royal paraphernalia. The mazelike complex was constructed partly by the Nayaks who took over Thanjavur in 1535, and partly by a local Maratha dynasty that ruled from 1676 to 1855. Brihadeeshwar Temple is one of the most beautiful architectural splendors of the country. It is erected amidst the great walls made perhaps in the sixteenth century. Inside the temple, there is a temple tower famous as Vimana among the devotees and tourists. This temple tower has an elevation of 66 meters. Vimana is one of the tallest temple towers on the earth. A rounded apex structure is there in the Brihadeeshwar Temple, which is believed to be constructed out of carving on a single stone only. This temple is a perfect illustration of the great heights achieved in the field of architecture by the Chola rulers. It is a homage paid to Lord Shiva and is a display of power of Raja Raja Chola I.

Continue your drive to Trichy. On arrival visit Trichy

Welcome to the geographical centre of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirappalli, universally called Trichy or Tiruchi, isn’t just a travel junction: it also mixes up a heaving bazaar with some major temples. It’s a huge, busy city, but Trichy has a strong character and long history, and a way of overturning first impressions. Trichy may have been a capital of the early Cholas in the 3rd century BC. It passed through the hands of the Pallavas, medieval Cholas, Pandyas, Delhi Sultanate and Vijayanagars before the Madurai Nayaks brought it to prominence, making it a capital in the 17th century and building its famous Rock Fort Temple.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, is one of the most illustrious Vaishnav temples in the country, dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Bhagwan (God or Lord) Vishnu. Situated in an ethereal setting on the island of Srirangam that is bounded by the two rivers of Cauvery and Kollidam (a tributary of Cauvery), this living temple and sacred centre of pilgrimage is counted as the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu. The Rock Fort Temple, Perched on a large rock with a height of 85 meters, the temple was initially built by the Pallavas but the Nayaks made use of its naturally fortified position and designed it as a fort. There are 344 steps carved out of rock lead to the top. The fort complex has witnessed fierce battles between Madurai Nayakas and Bijapur, Carnatic, and Maratha forces. The fort played an important part during the Carnatic wars, helping lay the foundations of the British Empire in India. The Rockfort is the most prominent landmark of the city.

Drive to Madurai.

Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.
Day 7 Madurai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Madurai

Breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing of Maduai city, enjoy Tuk Tuk ride as well. Evening, visit Meenakshi Temple at the Aarti time.

Chennai may be the capital of Tamil Nadu, but Madurai claims its soul. Madurai is Tamil-born and Tamil-rooted, one of the oldest cities in India, a metropolis that traded with ancient Rome and was a great capital long before Chennai was even dreamed of. Tourists, Indian and foreign, come here for the celebrated Meenakshi Amman Temple, a dazzling mazelike structure ranking among India’s greatest temples. Otherwise, Madurai, perhaps appropriately given its age, captures many of India’s glaring dichotomies: a centre dominated by a medieval temple and an economy increasingly driven by IT, all overlaid with the hustle, energy and excitement of a big Indian city and slotted into a much more manageable package than Chennai’s sprawl.

Sightseeing of Madurai includes the beautiful Meenakshi temple. The prime attractions in Madurai include King Tirumala’s Palace, Gandhi Museum, and Great Tank.

Enjoy the magnificient Aarti time at the Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 Madurai - Thekkady
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Madurai - Thekkady

Early breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thekkady.

On arrival, visit Spice plantation & Periyar Tiger Reserve on a shared boat.

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spreads across the entire district are the picturesque plantations and hill towns that nestle beautiful trails for treks and mountain walks. It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country and the forests of Periyar is embellished by the presence of endangered species.

The wealth of spices of India, especially Kerala have lured foreigners for centuries. The appetizing flavors and the intoxicating aroma of spices need to be experienced to see the reason for the temptation. Thekkady cultivates spices in their blissful weather and location. Owing to a number of lush green spice plantations, it is undoubtedly the heartland of spices. Enjoy a spice tour in Thekkady, in the Western Ghats, close to Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Proceed for the boat ride at Lake Periyar for wildlife viewing. Herds of Elephants, bisons are common sights here. This reservoir is famous for its water birds which can be observed from close quarters when you go boating on the lake. Periyar Lake is inside a protected area and contributes to the conservation of plants, fowl, fish and wild animals, some of which are rare, endemic and also endangered.

Later, check in to your hotel. Evening, witness the Kalaripayattu Martial Art show in the local theatre.

Kerala’s martial art form, Kalaripayattu, is well-known worldwide. Most of Kerala’s art forms are influenced by Kalaripayattu. In the past kalaris (combat arena or battle field) formed an integral part of the lives of ordinary citizens. Having no gender bias, boys and girls of all ages would be taken to the Kalaris for practice in their early years. The status and sway of Kalaris shifted along with the social climate.

For example, there is ‘Meipayattu’ (physical training), ‘Vadipayattu’ (fighting with sticks or swords), ‘Valpayattu’ (fighting with knives), and ‘Verumkaiprayoga’ (fighting with brooms) (bare hand exercise).

One gets to experience the legendary martial art form in all its glory with exercises being presented by trained fighters. The audience will also get a deeper understanding of the techniques used to showcase this ancient practice.

Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.
Day 9 Thekkady - Houseboat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Thekkady - Houseboat

Early breakfast and drive to Alleppey.

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. One of the most delightful experiences while in Alappuzha is the houseboat cruise. The houseboats you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact a reworked version of the Kettuvallams of olden times. Kettuvallam is a Malayalam word, ‘Kettu’, which refers to dwelling structures and ‘Vallom’ means boat. In the olden days, ’Kettuvallam’ or a boat with a thatched roof that covers wooden hulls was used to carry tons of rice and spices. Of late, houseboats come equipped with all the comforts of a good hotel room including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. An uninterrupted view of life in the backwaters can be enjoyed while you are on a houseboat.

On arrival, embark on your houseboat. Sail through the backwaters in your houseboat.

Lunch, evening snacks, and dinner are to be served onboard housboat.

(Note: All houseboat don’t serve alcohol onboard, hence, you can take your own.)
Day 10 Houseboat - Beach Stay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Houseboat - Beach Stay

Breakfast onboard the houseboat, disembark at 09 am, and then drive to your beach stay.

Ovenright at the beach resort.
Day 11 Beach Stay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Beach Stay

Breakfast at the resort. Day free for leisure. Overnight at the beach resort.
Day 12 Beach Stay - Cochin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Beach Stay - Cochin

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Cochin. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Set on a magnificent estuary, serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers and travelers to its shores for over 600 years. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant Chinese fishing nets, a 450-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese and Dutch colonial-era houses, and the crumbling remains of the colonial British Raj. The result is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal and Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. It’s a delightful place to explore, laze in arty cafes and relax at some of India’s finest homestays and heritage hotels. It’s also an important centre for Keralan arts (traditional and contemporary) and a standout place to see Kathakali and Kalarippayatu.

Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 Cochin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cochin

Breakfast at the hotel. Start with the tour for Fort Kochi area & Mattanchery.

Evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance show.

Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.
Day 14 Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Departure

Departure transfer to airport for flight back home or onwards destination. (breakfast subject to time availability).

+11

14 days tour

Classical South India

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Classical South India

Arrive Chennai

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

Pondicherry

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai

Madurai

Madurai - Thekkady

Thekkady - Houseboat

Houseboat - Beach Stay

Beach Stay

Beach Stay - Cochin

Cochin

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