SOUTH INDIA TEMPLE TOUR - INDIA

Scantly built and skillfully designed temples of southern India are truly incomparable when it comes to Indian architectural work. These temples are the finest living examples of India's rich tradition and culture. Temples of famous cities of Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Periyar and Cochin will present the true picture of skill and hard work that these artisans have put into these monuments.

Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
Places covered : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar – Cochin

Day 01: Chennai.
Arrive in Chennai and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Chennai.

Day 02: City tour of Chennai
Chennai city tour visiting Kabalishwara Temple, Santhom Church, St. George Fort and Madras (Chennai) Museum. Overnight at Chennai.

Day 03: Chennai - Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
Chennai to Kanchipuram. Visit Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Varatharaja Temple and Ekambareswara Temple. Drive to Mahabalipuram. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.

Day 04: Full Day city tour
Mahabalipuram full day sightseeing including visit to Arjuna's Penance. Five Rathas, Shore Temple, Tiger Cave and Krishna's Butter Ball. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.

Day 05 : Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry, visiting Auroville en route. Check in to hotel at Pondicherry. After lunch visit Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight at Pondicherry.

Day 06: Pondicherry – Tanjore
Drive to Chidambaram - special ceremony at Nataraja Temple. After lunch drive to Gangai kondacholapuram, Kumbakonam, Darasuram. Overnight at Tanjore.

Day 07: Tanjore – Trichy
Tanjore half day city tour - Bragadeeshwara Temple, Art Gallery and Palace. Drive to Trichy. Overnight at Trichy.

Day 08: Trichy – Madurai
Explore the city of Trichy including visits to Srirangam Vishnu Temple and Rock Fort Temple. After lunch drive to Madurai. Overnight at Madurai.

Day 09: Madurai
Madurai half-day city tour that includes visits to Mariamman Teppakulam, Meenakshi Temple and Nayak Palace. Afternoon at leisure. Evening option for witnessing night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at Madurai.

Day 10: Madurai – Periyar
Drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary through lush green agricultural and hill areas. Check in to hotel then take afternoon boat ride on Lake Periyar. Overnight at Periyar.

Day 11: Periyar - Alleppey – Cochin
Option for boat ride and Spice Plantation tour. Drive to Kottayam. After lunch take private boat on the backwaters to Alleppey. Car will pick you up in Alleppey and drive to Cochin. Overnight at Cochin.

Day12: Full day sightseeing of Cochin
Full day sightseeing of Fort Cochin. St Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Spice Market, Matancherry Palace, Antique Market and Jewish Synagogue. Evening Kathakali dance program. Overnight stay at Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin – Out
Transfer to railway station or airport for your onward journey.