Tour Highlights
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March
Destination Covered: Chennai – Mahabalipuram- Kanchipuram – Tiruvannamalai – Pondicherry – Chidambaram - Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai - Rameshwaram – Kanyakumarir – Trivandrum – Kovalam – Alleppey – Periyar – Munnar – Cochin Departure
| Places | Best Available Hotels |
|---|---|
| Chennai | The Grand Chola |
| Mahabalipuram | Kaldan Samudra palace |
| Kanchipuaram | Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels |
| Tiruvannamalai | Sparsa Tiruvannamalai |
| Pondicherry | Lagoon Sarovar Premiere Resort |
| Tanjore | Svatma |
| Trichy | Courtyard By Marriott |
| Madurai | Courtyard By Marriott |
| Rameshwaram | The Residency Towers |
| Madurai | Courtyard By Marriott |
| Kanyakumari | Annai Resort & Spa |
| Kovalam | The Leela Kovalam |
| Alleppey | Blue Jelly Cruises |
| Periyar | Poetree Sarovar Portico, Thekkady |
| Munnar | Blanket Hotel & Spa |
| Cochin | Grand Hyatt Kochi |
Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is known for its cultural heritage & temple architecture. The region was served as an important administrative, military, & economic centre dating back to the 1st century. The first Westerners were Portuguese, who arrived in the year 1522 & built a port. It then passed on to the Dutch in 1612. In 1639 the British East India Company established a fort & trading post & since then this coastal centre of trade has drawn traffic from all over the world.
Overnight Hotel – Chennai
Day 02: Chennai
Post breakfast guided sightseeing of Chennai, visiting:
Fort St. George, built in the year 1640 AD by the British East India Company, under the direct supervision of Francis Day & Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George.
St. Mary's Church, built in the year 1680 & oldest Protestant Church in the East contains several antiquities, not the least being the oldest British tombstones in India.
Fort Museum, with 10 rooms displaying the old uniforms, coins, padlocks, old prints & palanquins. Santhome Cathedral derives its name from St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have visited Madras sometime during 52 AD. He was killed on St. Thomas Mount just in 78 AD & was interned in Santhome beach, where church was built. Several years later, another church was built & his mortal remains were transferred to the new one. Museums, established in 1857, it is undoubtedly one of the country's finest museums. It has sections devoted to geology, archaeology, anthropology, botany, zoology, sculpture & numismatics. Its most prized possessions are the relics from 2nd century AD Buddhist site of Amaravathi & the prehistoric antiques of South India.
Kapaleeswarar 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.
Evening is free to explore Marina Beach.
Overnight Hotel- Chennai (B)
Day 03: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (65 Kms / 1 ½ Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram, 7th century port city of the South Indian. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th & the 9th century, & has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monuments are mostly rock-cut & monolithic, constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. On arrival check into your Hotel
Later proceed for sightseeing of Mahabalipuram visiting;
Shore Temple; one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 7th Century AD & is a good example of the first phase of the structure of temples constructed in the Dravidian style. Designed to catch the first rays of the rising sun & to illuminate the waters after dark, the temple ended up with an unusual lay-out.
Arjuna's Penance; is the world's largest bas-relief. This huge whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds.
Rathas; monolithic temples fashioned as chariots. They remain an architectural mystery, for each is apparently a faithful reproduction of a structure built of wood. In fact, even the grain of the timber beams & rafters has been simulated in stone. Of the eight Rathas, five have been named for the Pandava brothers, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata.
Rest of the time is FREE for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Mahabalipuram (B)
Day 04: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram (70 kms / 2 Hrs approx..)
Post breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, is one of the seven holy cities in the country. It was a city of learning for both Tamil & Sanskrit, & was believed to be visited by Hsuan Tsang. In ancient times it was called Kachi. Once had over a thousand temples & today there are more than a hundred extant. It is also known for its temples & silk sarees.
In Kanchipuram We visit Kailasanatha Temple, built in 8th Century AD. It is built in the typical Pallava style, with a pyramidal tower, a pillared hall & vestibule, enclosed by a wall. The temple is famous for exquisite carvings & attracts devotees & tourists alike. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine, as a compound wall. Fresco style paintings adorn the inner walls of the temple.
Next we visit Ekambaranatha, ancient temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. The 57 metres high Raj Gopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India. The 3000 year old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yielding different variety of mangoes.
Before go to Mahabalipuram we visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, built in 12th century AD, as an important Shakthisthalam, known as Parabrahmaroonpini. The main deity is seated on Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Eswara & Sadasiva.
Rest of the time is free to explore local market.
Overnight Hotel – Kanchipuram (B)
Day 05: Kanchipuram – Tiruvannamalai (125 Kms / 2 ½ Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to Thiruvanamalai, Tiruvannamalai is a Hindu pilgrimage town in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. At the foot of sacred Arunachala Hill is the vast, ancient Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with intricately carved gopurams (towers). To the west, the huge Sathanur Dam was constructed in 1958 on the Thenpennai River. Nearby there are gardens, plus a crocodile farm and a small zoo. On arrival check into your Hotel.
Later visit the Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Annamalai hills in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and specifically the element of fire, or Agni. Shiva is worshiped as Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar, and is represented by the lingam, with his idol referred to as Agni lingam.
Next visit Sri Ramana Ashram, also known as Sri Ramanasramam, is the ashram which was home to modern sage and Advaita Vedanta master Ramana Maharshi from 1922 until his death in 1950. It is situated at the foot of the Arunachala hill, to the west of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, where thousands of seekers flocked to be in his presence. His samadhi shrine continues to attract devotees from all over the world.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Tiruvannamalai (B)
Day 06: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (110 Kms / 2 Hrs approx)
Post breakfast drive to Pondicherry; it a serene beach destination while others nicknamed it as the “French colony of the south”. However, Pondicherry in South India is an amalgamation of both, range of postcard like beaches bordered by French named roads and French architectural wonders. Attractions in Pondicherryreflect a unique harmony between Indian culture and French colonialism. Colonial buildings, churches and statues contribute to a wide range of Pondicherry attractions.
The beaches all across the small French style town are ideal places to relax, rejuvenate, practice yoga and cherish the soothing beauty of nature. They take you far away from the hustle bustle of city life and offer you miles to walk along. On arrival check into your Hotel.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Pondicherry (B)
Day 07: Pondicherry
Post breakfast proceed to visit The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community located in Pondicherry, in the Indian territory of Puducherry. The ashram grew out of a small community of disciples who had gathered around Sri Aurobindo after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry in 1910.
Also visit Aurovile Matrimandir, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Museum, Pondicherry Beach, Chunnambar Back Water.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight hotel – Pondicherry (B)
Day 08: Pondicherry – Chidambaram - Tanjore - (185 Kms / 4 ½ Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to drive to Tanjore, flourished during the rule of the Nayaks & Mahrattas. It has been the treasure house of art for centuries. It is called the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is well-known throughout the world for its exquisite handicrafts like the Art Plate, pithwork, bronze icons, Thanjavur paintings & the classical South Indian musical instruments.
Later proceed for guided sightseeing of Tanjore visiting;
Brihadeshwara temple, also known as Big Temple, built by Rajaraja Chola I was completed around 1010 CE. This 10th century CE temple, one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a brilliant example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The beautiful Chola Fresco paintings on the inner walls of the temple are no way less than Ajanta paintings.
Saraswathi Mahal Library, also called Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library is a library located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the oldest libraries in Asia established during 16th century by Nayakar kings of Thanjavur and has on display a rare collection of Palm leaf manuscripts and paper written in Tamil and Sanskrit and a few other indigenous languages of india. The collection comprises well over 49,000 volumes, though only a tiny fraction of these are on display.
The Thanjavur Nayak Palace Complex, known locally as Aranmanai, today is the official residence of the Bhonsle family that ruled Tanjore from 1674 to 1855.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Tanjore (B)
Day 09: Tanjore - Trichy (60 Kms – 1 Hrs approx)
Post breakfast drive to Trichy, which has very historic temples, monuments & churches. It was an important town in the days of the later Cholas, Nayaks as well as during the early days of the British East India Company. On arrival check into your Hotel.
Later proceed for guided sightseeing of Trichy visitng;
Srirangam Temple, surrounded by the waters of the River Kaveri on one side & its tributary Kollidam on the other is a 600-acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. There are not less than 21 Gopuram here in this temple, one of which is the tallest in South India.
Rockfort most famed landmark is an 83 m high rock which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one of the oldest in the world approximately 3,800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland & older than the Himalayas.
Ucchi Pillayar Temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple, one dedicated to Lord Ganesha located a top of Rockfort, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. According to legend, this rock is the place where Lord Ganesha ran from King Vibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam. Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort is also fondly called as Malaikottai in Tamil
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel- Trichy (B)
Day 10: Trichy - Madurai (140km – 2 ½ Hhrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to Madurai, rich cultural heritage passed for more than 2500 years old & has been an important commercial centre as early as 550 AD. It is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu & was originally known as Kadambavanam or the forest of Kadamba. On arrival check into your Hotel.
Later proceed for guided sightseeing of Madurai visiting;
Meenakshi Sundareshwar was first built 2000 years ago & was substantially expanded between the years (1623-55 AD). Initially there was only the Shiva temple. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure known as Ayiramkaal mandapam or the Hall of a thousand pillars in the outermost corridor.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace;was built by king Thirumalai Nayak in year 1636 (hence its name) in Indo-saracenic style with tall arches gracing the palace. Being erstwhile residence to the king, only one-fourth of the actual structure is intact. Efforts have been made in recent years for renovation of the palace.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Madurai (B)
Day 11: Madurai – Rameshwaram (180 Kms / 3 ½ Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to Rameshwaram, Rameshwaram is a popular pilgrimage destination located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a part of Pamban Island, connected to mainland India via the famous Pamban Bridge. Hindus worldwide visit Rameshwaram, one of the Char Dhams of the country, to attain salvation.on arrival check into your hotel.
Later proceed for a city tour of Rameshwarm and visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. This is one of the seven places in India where pilgrims pray for salvation. The place is unique with 22 holy springs and the longest corridor in India.
Our next visit is to the five faced Hanuman Temple (Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple). The temple also has a floating stone outside the temple exhibiting the famous stories from the Great Indian spic, Ramayana.
Agni Tirtham; is one of the Tirthas of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. The beach east of Ramanathaswamy Temple is known by this name. This Tirtham is one of the most visited Tirthams of Rameswaram for a holy bath.
Adam's Bridge;, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka
Pamban Bridge; is a railway bridge which connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India. Opened on 24 February 1914, it was India's first sea bridge, and was the longest sea bridge in India until the opening of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in 2010
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Rameshwaram (B)
Day 12: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari (310 Kms / 5 Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to Kanyakumari the southernmost tip of Indian sub-continent also a fantastic tourist spot with the specialty as three major sea joints together there(Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal). It’s a holy place for Hindu Pilgrims too. On arrival check into your Hotel.
Later visit the Thiruvalluvar Statute; Dedicated to the accomplished philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, this beautiful statue finds itself on a small island near Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar was the author of a legendary work in the world of Literature, Tirukkural, the classic Tamil text. In his devotion, the work for the statue started in 1990 and continued till 1999, during the year in which the figure finally got completed.
Also visit to Vivekananda Rock; the magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on a small island off Kanyakumari. It has the picturesque Indian Ocean in its backdrop and hence serves as a peaceful and serene destination for visitors from all across the globe. It is situated on one of the two adjacent rocks projecting out of the Lakshadweep Sea and comprises of the 'Shripada Mandapam' and the 'Vivekananda Mandapam'. The ferry ride up to these rock islands is a thrilling journey and hence attracts a lot of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
In the evening experience the wonderful sunset from the Vivekananda rock situated in the sea.
Overnight Hotel – Kanyakumari (B)
Day 13: Kanyakumari– Trivandrum - Kovalam (90 Kms / 2 Hrs approx)
Post breakfast drive to Kovalam en-route visiting the Padmanabha Swami Temple (IMPORTANT: Foreign Citizens are not allowed to enter in Garbhagriha of Temple, however you can go around temple), dedicated to Lord Vishnu is held sacred by the Hindus from antiquity. The temple has a large complex with a huge Gopuram. It has a tank beside it for ritual bathing. Next we visit It is situated north of the city, at Museum road & 400m east of Indian airlines. It displays an eclectic assortment of historical & contemporary ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings & life-size figures of Kathakali dances in full costume. It has a famous collection of 8th-18th century south Indian bronze.
Sri Chittira Art Gallery, an excellent collection of Indian art with examples from early to modern schools. Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma& works from Mughal & Rajput miniature paintings &Tanjore paintings embellished with semi- precious stones are displayed.
Rest of the day is FREE for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Kovalam (B)
Day 14: Kovalam
Post breakfast full day at leisure.
Or
Proceed to explore flea & Street market market of Kovalamyou'll find a number of shops selling souvenirs and traditional Indian handicrafts and handlooms.
There are Many shops that Sell handicraft items, junk jewellery, decorative items made of rosewood and teakwood and seashells jewellery Etc . You can see Handicrafts and souvenirs shops that sell ‘ethnic ‘stuff from Tibet, Rajasthan and Kashmir. The city is known for its teakwood and rosewood statues, carpets, and ethnic clothes.
The stalls at the Lighthouse beach sell artefacts and hats, sarongs and beachwear. You might stumble upon some hidden gems at a good price in shops behind the beach front stores.
Shopping in Kovalam is quite an exciting affair with innumerable shacks or shops lined up along the beach sides. Kovalam is famous for statues made of teakwood and rosewood. There are a Large Numbers of shops in Kovalam selling handicrafts, ranging from carpets to clothes. The beach area of Kovalam is a treasure trove for shopping. Small shacks on the beach are ideal for picking pretty trinkets and small handicrafts. Besides from this items there are lots of beachwear and jewellery made of seashells are also interesting items for shopping in Kovalam are sold here .Shop for batik lungis or sarongs that are sold on the beach by hawkers who also sell cheap sunglasses and beach equipment. The shops at Kovalam which sell handicrafts items of different states attract the international tourists.
Shop for Souvenirs buy an exciting range of collectibles from Tibetan Knick- Knacks to Kashmiri Shawls , chunky Silver Ornaments to Ethic Jewellry , Malabar Spices to kerala Artefacts and much more from the numerous shop lining the Beachside . Quality Painting, Antiques, Curios and Hand-woven Saris are other good buy from these Shops
Overnight Hotel – Kovalam (B)
Day 15: Kovalam– Alleppey (A/C Houseboat) (Drive 160 Kms / 4 ½ HrsApprox)
Post breakfast drive to Alleppey, Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a town in Kerala. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters & lagoons, it was described as the Venice of the East. It has a wonderful past, it owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams & canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece & Rome in BC & in the middle Ages. Alleppey now is the hub for backwaters tourism in Kerala.
On arrival we board the houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, cruise around backwaters of Kumarakom – Alleppeyto observe & experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters.
Overnight Houseboat – Alleppey (B, L, D)
Day 16: Alleppey - Periyar (140 km - 3 ½ Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to Periyar, Set on an attractive lakeside, it is South India's most popular Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is a place to cruise on the lake & gives an opportunity to see wildlife. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, monkey, a wide variety of birds. on arrival check into your Hotel.
Later explore Elphant Junction, Rose park & the sanctuary to experience the beauty & ecological pattern, followed by visit to the spice garden where you can see how spices like pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg are grown.
Later enjoy sunset boat ride to view enchanting wildlife in the sanctuary on Lake Periyar (Approx 02 hrs)
Evening experience the popular folk dance of Kerala “Kathkali”.
Overnight Hotel – Periyar (B)
Day 17: Periyar – Munnar (90 Kms / 3 Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to Munnar, most popular hill stations in South India, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni&Kundala. It was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British officers in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book town, winding lanes, trekking & holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel– Munnar (B)
Day 18: Munnar
Post breakfast @ 09 AM proceed for private guided sightseeing of Munnar visiting Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Dam, Tea Factory, Photo Point, KFDC Garden and Blossom Park.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel– Munnar (B)
Day 19: Munnar - Cochin (90 km / 3 ½ Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast disembark the boat at Alleppey and drive to Cochin, a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, Dutch & British. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Cochin (B)
Day 20: Cochin
Post breakfast proceed for a Guided sightseeing of Cochin visiting;
Jew Town, synagogue, built in the year 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles & Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.
Also visit the spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices & history that brought the world to its doorstep.
Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Evening, we take you to view a Kathakali dance performance (time for photography of a lifetime) Enjoy and observe the elaborate pre dance make up ritual.
Overnight Hotel – Cochin (B)
Day 21: Cochin Departure
Transfer to International Airport to board the flight to onward journey taking back memories of a wonderful INDIA trip.
Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.
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