India Dravidian - To Malabar and Kerala
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
The delightful south; nearly untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other regions of the country.
DAY 1 : Depart for Chennai
Night in the plane.
DAY 2 : Chennai
Arrive Chennai in the morning...! Welcome and transfer to the hotel. Chennai is the gateway to south India and also an important harbour. Afternoon, visit the St. George Fort built in 1640 A.D now the Tamil Nadu State Legislature, San Thomas Cathedral, and the famous bronze Museum. Overnight in Chennai
DAY 3 : Chennai / Mahabalipuram
Depart for Kanchipuram, one of India's seven sacred Hindu cities. It is also known as the city of thousand temples. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk saris. Thereafter, proceed to Mahaballipuram, the ancient seaport city of Pallavas, known for its rock hewn temples. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
DAY 4 : Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (130 km)
Leave for Pondicherry; the erstwhile capital of French India. A part of India since 1954, it still retains its French character. In the afternoon visit the famous Aurobindo Ashram and visit the French quaters. Overnight in Pondicherry.
DAY 5 : Pondicherry / Tanjore
Leave for Chidambram. Visit the beautiful temple of Nataraja - dancing Shiva. Continue towards Tanjore, visit the Brihadeshwara temple, one of the finest examples of Dravidian art. Overnight in Tanjore
DAY 6 : Tanjore / Trichy / Madurai (195 km)
Leave for Trichy. On arrival visit Srirangam Temple, the temple of Ranganath Swami dedicated to Vishnu with its 21 gopurams. Enjoy a short walk at the foot of the Fort of Rock. Depart for Madurai. Overnight in Madurai
DAY 7 : Madurai
Madurai the cultural capital of the South India. It has been a centre of learning for centuries. Visit The Meenakshi temple. Afternoon, visit the city beginning with 15TH Century Tirumalai Nayak Palace. In the evening, attend the night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Overnight in Madurai.
DAY 8 : Madurai / Periyar
Morning, drive to Periyar in Kerala. In the afternoon enjoy a boat cruise to discover the park. Animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. Overnight in Periyar.
DAY 9 : Periyar / Cochin
In the morning, depart for Kottayam from where enjoy a "backwaters cruise", which will take you through the tropical countryside, Palm fringed narrow canals, the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets. Later proceed to Cochin. Cochin, is Kerala's center of trade for innumerable centuries. Cochin boasts of one of the oldest churches in India, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the historical Palace built by the Portuguese, Jewtown, complete with an immaculately preserved synagogues. Witness a spectacle of the Kathakali dances. Overnight in Cochin.
DAY 10 : Cochin / Mumbai (Flight)
Morning transfer to airport to take a flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and depart for sightseeing, visiting Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens, and Marine Drive or "Queens Necklace", the street lights shining like jewels at night. After which enjoy a leisurely walk towards Victoria station and the market of Colaba. Overnight in Mumbai.
DAY 11 : Mumbai / departure
Depart for airport to take flight to your destination.
