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Day 01
Chennai |
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Arrive Chennai by International flight & transfer to hotel
MADRAS
CHENNAI
Madras is India’s fourth biggest city and the Gateway to the South.
From a tiny hamlet in 1639, it grew around the nucleus of Fort St.
George built by the British. Five hundred years earlier the
Portuguese had landed here, and further back in time st. Thomas came
to Madras as a missionary and was martyred here. A lush, green city
famed for its temples and silk, music and dance, Madras gives a
sense of serenity and spaciousness, enhanced by one of the world’s
largest and most beautiful beaches. It retains a distinct
individuality in its gracefulness and old-world charm.
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 02
Chennai |
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Later half day sight seeing in Chennai.
Visit the National Art Gallery, itself a fine old Gothic building,
housing exquisite Chola bronzes, the most famous being that of Shiva
in the cosmic dance pose, which has become a symbol of Indian art.
Proceed to Fort St. Visit the National Art Gallery, itself a fine
old Gothic building, housing exquisite Chola bronzes, the most
famous being that of Shiva in the cosmic dance pose, which has
become a symbol of Indian art. Proceed to Fort St. Geogre containing
the oldest Anglican Church in India, St. Mary’s Church, one of its
benefactors being Elihu Yale, the English merchant after whom the
University in Boston is named. The Fort Museum contains a fine
collection of relics of that era. Drive along the Marina Beach past
the Madras University, the Senate House and the Palace of the Nawabs
of the Carnatic, to the San Thome Cathedral where the apostle is
buried. Visit the ancients Kapaleeshwar Temple dedicated to Shiva,
having a beautifully sculptured “Gopuram” (temple-tower) typical of
South Indian temple architecutre.
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 03
Chennai
- Mahabalipuram |
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Later drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram, Also called Mamallapuram, the coastal temple
town of Mahabalipuram is an hour’s drive from Chennai. It has a
beautiful beach over 20 km long. An erstwhile port of the Pal lava
dynasty, its stone carvings, caves and rock cut temples also attract
tourists. A crocodile farm, a snake venom extracting centre, schools
of art and sculpture and many resorts draw holiday seekers all
around the year, especially during the dance festival held in
January.
On arrival in Mahabalipuram, check in at the hotel.
Later half day sight seeing visiting the temples at Chidambaram,
Gangai Konda Cholapuram and Darasuram.
CHIDAMBARAM, Between two rivers in a 40 acre temple-complex,
lie the temples of Chidambaram, one of the oldest, most venerated
and magnificent temples of South India. Shiva Nataraja or the
Dancing Shiva stands in his cosmic dance pose in the golden rooted
sanctum sanctorum. Flanking the temple are 108 sculptured
illustrations of Bharat Natya Shastra. In Akash Lingam hidden by a
veil, lies the real secret
of Chidambaram.
GANGAI KONDA CHOLAPURAM, The Brihadishwara temple at
Gangaikondacholapuram was conceived and constructed by the Chola
King Rajendra - I after his victory over the kingdoms bordering the
River Ganga. Apart from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful
sculptures including a dancing Ganesha, a lion-headed well and a
stunning frieze depicting Rajendra being crowned by Siva and Parvati
DARASURAM, The Airatesvara or Darasuram temple built by Raja
Chola-II is an excellent example of 12th century Chola architecture
and is well preserved to this day. The frontal columns of the temple
have unique miniature sculptures
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 04
Mahabalipuram / Tanjore |
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Breakfast at the hotel
Later drive to Tanjore en-route visiting Trichy.
Trichy - Tiruchirappalli or Trichy, located on the banks of
the Cauvery River, was mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century BC.
The Nayakas of Madurai built the town and its fort. It was ruled at
various times by different dynasties, each of which has left their
mark on the town. Today, Trichy is a blend of historical town,
pilgrim centre and thriving commercial city. It is also India’s
largest centre manufacturing artificial diamonds.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 05
Tanjore
/ Madurai |
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Breakfast at the hotel
Morning drive to Madurai, on arrival check in at hotel.
Madurai -
Over 2500 years old, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil
Nadu. It is an important cultural and commercial centre. It was once
the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where the Tamil
language is spoken in its purest form. The city is planned in the
shape of a lotus. Modern Madurai is a burgeoning industrial centre,
even though the vast stretches of paddy fields, dusty roads and
crowded bazaars make it seems like an overgrown village. Modernity
has reached the city of Madurai, but not at the cost of its rich
tradition and culture.
Overnight at the Hotel. |
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Day 06
Madurai |
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Later half day City tour - The crowning glory of Madurai is the
Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple Complex, which is dedicated to
Goddess Meenakshi, her consort Lord Sundareshwara, and her celestial
brother, Lord Vishnu. The Meenakshi Temple has a thousand-pillared
hall. Also enjoy a 'light & sound Panorama' in Thirumala Naik Temple
or visit to Alagar hills & Thirupura Rock Temple. In the evening,
listen to the distinctive temple music at Thiruppa Rakundram
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 07
Madurai
- Cochin |
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Breakfast at the hotel
Morning drive from Madurai to Cochin. On arrival in Cochin, check in
at the hotel.
COCHIN – Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and
promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the
Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a
natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar
Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between
Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to
settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places
of worship and their own communities.
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 08
Cochin |
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Later proceed for a full day sight seeing tour of Cochin
The Hill Palace Museum, a fully-fledged archeological museum and
Kerala’s first ever Heritage Museum are the main attractions (closed
on Mondays). Chinese Fishing Nets, this unique style of huge
cantilevered fishing nets were erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by
traders from the Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese King. Santa Cruz
Basilica, this historic church was built by the Portuguese and
elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Pope John Paul II
proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984. The Jewish Synagogue,
constructed in 1568, this is the oldest Synagogue in the
Commonwealth (closed on Saturdays & Jewish Holidays).
The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town, is the centre for
Spice & Handicraft shops. Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace), built
by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the regent of Kochi
(closed on Fridays). |
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Day 09
Cochin -
Periyar |
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning free.
Later in time transfer to airport to board flight (IC 751 at
1220/1320) for Kathmandu.
On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day
10
Breakfast at the hotel |
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Breakfast at the hotel. Boat ride at the Lake Periyar.
Later drive to Thottalty to embark the Houseboat for Alleppey.
Overnight at the houseboat. |
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Day
11
Alleppey
- Kumarakom |
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Disembark the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom.
On arrival in Kumarakom, transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day
12
Kumarakom - Trivendrum |
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive from Kumarakom to Trivendrum. |
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Day
13
Trivendrum - Kanyakumari - Trivendrum |
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Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day visit to Kanya Kumari and Back.
Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day
14
Depart
Trivendrum |
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Breakfast at the hotel.
In time transfer to the international airport to connect flight for
your onward destination.
(NO HOTEL ENVISAGED IN MUMBAI FOR THIS DAY) |
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