South India Tamilnadu & Kerala Tour

South India Tamilnadu & Kerala Tour Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive Chennai
   
   On your arrival at Chennai airport or railway station & welcome by Colourful Indian Holidays representative, you will be transferred to hotel for 01 night.
   Chennai – the capital of Tamil Nadu is the 4th largest city in India and a major commercial centre in South India. This city was the first British major settlement in India. Known as the ‘Gateway to South’, Chennai presents culture that is distinctly different from North.
2. Day 2: Chennai / Mahabalipuram drive (58 Km)
   
   cAfter breakfast, today enjoy Tour of Chennai visiting the St. Thomas’ Cathedral which houses the grave of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Bronze Museum, Mylapore Temple. Later drive to Mahabalipuram. Arrive and check in at hotel for 02 nights stay.
3. Day 3: Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram
   
   Morning breakfast at hotel and later visit Mahabalipuram – ‘the city of the seven pagodas’. Witness the breath-taking display of the pagodas or “rathas”, the “Penance of Bhagirata,” the world’s largest bas-relief in stone and the only shore temple, dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva in its sanctum. Afternoon day return trip to Kanchipuram, the city of 1000 temples is one among the 7 most sacred pilgrim centers of the Hindus. The city was the capital of the early Cholas till the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th & 8th centuries. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
4. Day 4: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry drive (100 Km)
   
   Breakfast at hotel and drive to Pondicherry, on arrival check into hotel for 01 night stay. Later visit Arabindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Auroville and beach. Overnight at hotel.
5. Day 5: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam – Thanjavur (150 Km)
   
   Breakfast and drive through the tropical mountains of Chidambaram. In Chidambaram, visit the Natraja Temple which is dedicated to the dancing Lord Shiva, a famous Hindu deity of the Chola Kings. And have a stop in Kumbakonam to visit its 18 famous temples in the town centre. Later continue drive to Thanjavur and check in at hotel for 01 night .
6. Day 06: Thanjavur – Srirangam – Trichy – Madurai (156 Km)
   
   After breakfast visit Brahadishwara Temple (The Big Temple), is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Later drive to Madurai via Srirangam, visit the Ranganathasvami Temple which is one of the largest temples in India dedicated to god Vishnu. And Trichy visit famous Rock Fort which was built on 84 m high rock in the centre of town in about 1660. You will also visit a Shiva and Ganesha temple and enjoy a wonderful view of the surroundings from the top. Continue drive to Madurai, on arrival check into hotel for 01 night stay. Overnight at hotel.
7. Day 07: Madurai
   
   Morning after breakfast visit to Minakshi Temple: which stands today as one of the India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks, was originally built by the early Pandya King Kulasekara. It is also one of the greatest Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu. And Tirumalai Nayaka Palace. This palace was built in the 1636 and represents the Indo-Mughal style. At night visit the closing ceremony or night ceremony at Minakshi Temple. Overnight at hotel.
8. Day 08: Madurai – Munnar drive (170 Km)
   
   Morning after breakfast drive to Munnar, check into hotel for 02 night stay. Leisure and overnight at hotel.
9. Day 09: Munnar.
   
   Breakfast at hotel. This is where you fill your holidays with quiet moments at 1600 meters above sea level. Relaxing within the cool stillness of thirty odd estates fanning out across the expanse of the hills. Your Visit Includes Pothamedu-which offers an excellent view of Tea, coffee and cardamom plantations; Devikulam-an idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna; Pallivasal-the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala; Eravikulam National Park. Overnight at hotel.
10. Day 10: Munnar – Thekkady drive (150 Km)
    
    After Breakfast drive to Thekkady. On arrival by noon, check in at the hotel. The most renowned destination is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady. Here is the natural habitat of Elephant, tiger, bison, spotted and samba deer, gaur, etc. The sanctuary is open throughout the year. Overnight at the Hotel.
11. Day 11: Thekkedy
    
    Morning game viewing by motorized boat at Periyar Lake. Afternoon visit Kalarippart Martial Arts and Kathkali dance performance. Overnight at hotel.
12. Day 12: Thekkady – Alleppey drive (185 Km) (House Boat)
    
    After breakfast at the Resort, transfer to the Kerala Traditional House Boat.(Kettuvallam) The houseboats of Kerala offer exquisite holidays experiences. Every Kettuvallam (house boat) has a drawing cum dining room; a bath attached bedroom, sit-out, sundeck and kitchenette. The water-web slowly open ups at its secrets to you, lush paddy field, pregnant palms, singing Siberian ducks. This will be your memorable experience. House boat will cruise through the Vembanad Lake and canals to Alleppey. Visit includes Pathiramanal, Champakulam Church, R & L Block Kayal etc. Overnight at the House Boat.
13. Day 13: Alleppey – Cochin drive (55 Km)
    
    After your breakfast, disembark from House boat and proceed to Cochin, check into hotel for 01 night stay.

    Later city tour, the sightseeing shows you the prominent landmark of Cochin viz. Jewish Synagogue constructed in 1568. This is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Known for mid 18th century hand painted willow pattered floor tiles from China, ancient scripts on copper plates etc. Visit the “Dutch Palace” with its wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana and Mahabharata on its walls. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

14. Day 14: Cochin – Onward Journey by Flight
    
    After breakfast departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.