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SOUTHERN
SPLENDOR
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Duration:
13 Days/12 Nights
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Day
1 : Arrive Chennai
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 On
arrival at Chennai airport, you will be received by our local
representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day
is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Chennai has a blend of Dravidian and Gothic architecture in its
building. One cannot fail to notice the Indo-Sarcenic style buildings
which dot Chennai. The city might have grown but it has never
lost its traditional grace and charm. |
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Day
2 : Chennai
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After
breakfast, proceed for a full day sight seeing tour. Visit Fort
St.
George, Santhome Cathedral, Snake Park, Marina beach and Kalashetra.
Overnight at the hotel.
Fort St. George is amongst the first few bastions built by the
East India Company to protect its interests in India. This fortification
also marks the beginning of Madras (Chennai) as a modern city.
Santhome Cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th century by the
Portuguese and is named after Saint Thomas Snake park is one of
the largest and best snake parks in India.
Marina beach - The Golden sands, a good surf and a simmering clean
sea what the Marina beach is. This beach is counted among one
of the longest beaches in Asia and Kalashetra - a center, which
was established to train people in Bharatanataym a classical dance
form of Indian dance. This temple has developed as an institution
devoted to the revival of traditional dance, textile designing
and weaving which are taught in its natural harmonious environs.
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Day
3 : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kancheepuram - Chennai
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 After
early breakfast, proceed for a full day visit to temple towns
of Mahabalipuram and Kancheepuram. Overnight at the hotel.
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a site of many ancient sculptural
marvels. It was the port city of Pallavas. The two-spired temple
on the shores is unique in itself, as it houses shrines of both
Shiva and Vishnu. Pallavas had mastered the art of construction
without using Bricks or Mortar. They carved out many beautiful
sculptures from rocks. The best example of their art comes out
in the five monolith Chariots. The various panels on the walls
depict scenes from Hindu mythology and fables from the Panchtantra.
The Penance of Arjuna is the world's largest Bas-relief measuring
27m by 9m. The decent of Ganga from heaven, Krishna  lifting
the Govardhan hills to protect his kinsmen from the wrath of Indra,
Vishnu reclining on the coils of the seven-headed serpent is marvelously
carved on the mandapam and caves in Mamallapuram.
Kancheepuram - The golden city of temples is one of the seven
most famous holy cities of Hindu mythology. The plethora of temples
in this city is unique in its own way. The weavers of Kancheepuram
have been famous since ancient times and have maintained its reputation
of providing some of the best weaved silk sarees in the world.
The exquisite designs in combination with fine golden thread have
a class of its own. It has also been the center of culture and
learning. Adhi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest gurus of India
has established his ashram ( Kamakoti Peetam) here. |
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Day
4 : Chennai - Pondicherry
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 After
breakfast, check out and drive to Pondicherry. On arrival, proceed
for a full day sight seeing tour visiting Ananda Ranga Pillai
Mansion, the Statue of Dupleix, Place Du Gouvernement (Government),
French war memorial, Aurbindo ashram and Statue of Joan of Arc.
Later check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Pondicherry means "New Town" in the local language.
The nickname "Pondy" sums up this shared feeling of
belonging, of having come home. It has a varied heritage with
traces of French, Dutch, British and Thai cultures, prominent
being the French.
Ananda Ranga Pillai Mansion - the mansion of Ananda Ranga Pillai
who was the celebrated Dubash of Dupleix, the governor of Pondicherry,
while it flourished under French glory. Pillai's compilation of
diaries serves as a storehouse of information on 18th century
French India. The mansion completed sometime in 1738 is one of
the oldest surviving buildings on the west side - then known as
"natives' quarters." Its architecture represents a curious
mix of French and Indian styles.
The Statue of Dupleix - Pondicherry's tribute to Francois Dupeix,
whose able governorship came to an end in 1754. However, French
recognition came about a century later, when, in 1870, they paid
homage by commissioning two statues - one in France and the other
in Pondicherry. The 2.88m tall structure was erected over six
carved ornamental granite pillars at the Place Du Republique.
It now stands re-stationed overlooking a children's park at the
southern end of the promenade, now named Goubert Avenue, Place
Du Gouvernement - a brilliant example of town planning in Pondicherry.
Comprising the 18th century "Palais Du Government" -
now the 'Raj Nivas' (not open to the public) - and the old tribunals
- now housing the Legislative Assembly - along with a neat three-sided
line-up of other handsome buildings.
French War memorial - Stroll down the peaceful Promenade Goubert
Avenue (locally known as Beach Road), where one will find this
elegant tribute to the uniform. It gets prettily illuminated during
a solemn ceremony every 14th July, Bastille Day.
The Statue of Joan of Arc - A lasting, triumphant image of the
heroic French damsel Joan Arc, is frozen in marble, within the
garden laid out in front of L'Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges.
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Day
5 : Pondicherry - Thanjavur
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 After
breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Thanjavur - the
pride of Tamil Nadu and legacy of the Chola dynasty. On arrival,
proceed for a sight seeing tour, visiting Sri Brihadeeshwara temple
(entry not allowed), the Palace and the Schwartz church. Later
check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola kings and was established
during the beginning of the Christian era. The Dynasty might have
faded in the history books but the glory of the Cholas is reflected
in the 74 and more temples in and around Thanjavur. This place
came up as a major center for learning and culture between the
10th and 14th century. Today, Thanjavur is known as the 'Rice
Bowl' of Tamil Nadu.
Thanjavur is also related with the musical trinity saint Thyagaraja.
Sri Brihadeeshwara temple - The Glory of Thanjavur is the 66.5
m high 'Srivimana' of the Brihadeeshwara temple. The Granite monolith,
which forms a cupola on the top, weighs 81.3 tones. The stone
was placed on the top in same fashion as done in the case of Egyptian
pyramids. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and only Hindus
are allowed inside.
The Palace - Near the temple are huge masonry structure, which
were partly built by the Nayaks in 1550 and partly by the Marathas.
The Thanjavur Palace, as it is known, has huge halls, spacious
corridors, observation & arsenal towers and a shady courtyard.
The palace houses a library, a museum and an art gallery.
Schwartz Church - located in the gardens of the palace. Rajah
Serfoji as a token of his affection built it in 1779 for the Rev.
C V Schwartz of the Danish mission. |
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Day
6 : Thanjavur
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After
breakfast, proceed for a full day sight seeing tour. Visit Thirukandiyur,
Swami Malai and Darasuram. Overnight at the hotel.
Thirukandiyur - This place is known for the fine sculpture work
on the walls of the temples. The two temples worth visiting here
are Brahmasirekandeswar and Harshavi Mochana Perumal temple.
Swami Malai - Part of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya, The temple
is situated on a 30 m high platform where young Swamimalai explained
the meaning of 'OM' to lord Shiva. This 'Om' precedes any Hindu
function or act.
Darasuram - is one of the most famous silk weaving centers in
the country. Darasuram is also famous for the temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva. This temple was built by Rajendra Chola and Thirubuvanam
a temple town built by the Cholas. The place has a 13 the century
temple built by the Cholas and is dedicated to lord Shiva.
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Day
7 : Thanjavur - Rameshwaram - Madurai
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 After
early breakfast, check out and proceed to Madurai. Enroute stop
at Rameshwaram. Arrival and check in at Madurai. Overnight at
the hotel.
Rameshwaram a small island situated in the Gulf of Munnar. This
place is a major Hindu pilgrimage center and also offers beautiful
beaches. The intricate carvings on the temples are to be cherished
throughout life. Particularly pillars and corridors of the temples
are known for their beauty. These corridors are among the largest
to be found in any temple in India. Mythology says that Lord Rama
performed some rituals to thank lord Shiva for his Victory over
the demon king Ravana. This makes the place coveted by both Vaishnavites
and Saivites.
Visit the Ramanatha Swami Temple - different rulers built the
temple at different times after 12th century onwards. It is one
of the best examples of Dravidian architecture. The corridor of
this temple is the largest in India, the Gandamadana Parvatham
- is situated on the highest point in the Island. Here, the imprint
of Lord Rama's feet is placed on a chakra and Ramanathapuram -ancient
town that carries the mark of the past in its Vilasam palace paintings.
It is from here that the Sethupathis ruled. The tomb of Thayumana
Swamigal, a philosopher saint, is worth visiting.
Madurai or the city of nectar is the oldest and second largest
city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was
the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had
built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped
city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed
the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine
nectar (madhu) fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence the
city was named Madhurapuri. This sacred town of south attracts
thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as abroad.
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Day
8 : Madurai
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 After
buffet breakfast, proceed for a sight seeing tour. Visit Sri Meenakshi
Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal and Gandhi museum. Overnight at
the hotel.
Sri Meenakshi Temple - The life of Madurai revolves around the
Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This magnificently carved
temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams
towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared
'Mandapam'. Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is
delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical
pillars, which emit music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical
pillars are carved out of a single granite rock. The temple has
been a hub of Tamil culture and has been sponsoring literature,
art, music, and dance in the region for a long time. The temple
also has an art museum. The city apart from temple is crammed
with shops, street markets and temples and pilgrims choultries,
hotels and restaurants. Though Madurai is considered as pilgrimage
but it has also developed as a business center and is famed for
its traditional handicrafts in bronze and brass, Koodal Azhagar
temple - One of the most ancient temples in Madurai, Koodal Azhagar
temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. In this temple he is seen
in various postures sitting, standing, reclining one over the
other, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal - This palace is an excellent example
of Indo-Sarcenic architecture. It was built in 1523 A.D and originally
was four times larger than what it is today. The gardens, the
 defensive
wall all have gone what remains is the main entrance gate, the
dancing hall and the main hall. Lord Napier renovated the palace
in 1866-72 and later further restoration works were carried on.
Today the main attraction of the palace is light and sound show,
which is based on the life of Thirumalai Nayak and Silapathikaram
and the Gandhi Museum - The museum, was initially the palace of
Rani Mangammal. It gives a clear account of the history of Independence
movement of India. This museum also tells some little known facts
about Gandhi but the real piece of Gandhi Memorabilia is the blood
stained Dhoti, which he was wearing at the time of his assassination.
The local government museum is also here. The small bookshop offers
plenty of reading material from Gandhiji's works. |
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Day
9 : Madurai - Periyar (Thekkady)
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After
buffet breakfast, check out and drive to Periyar - which is amongst
the well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the Southern part of India.
On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure
to enjoy the nature. Overnight at the hotel.
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Day
10 : Periyar
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After
breakfast, drive up to the sanctuary, where you will take a 3
hour walking tour of Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Later return
to the hotel for lunch. The forest of this sanctuary slope into
the man made lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves
as the water hole for the animals and they come here to drink
or bathe. Thus one gets a good view of the animals when they come
to the lake. There are Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers,
which can be spotted here. After lunch return to the sanctuary
to enjoy the boat ride in the lake to view the various wildlife.
Overnight at the hotel.
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Day
11 : Periyar - Cochin
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After
breakfast, check out and drive to Cochin. On arrival at
Cochin, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
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Day
12 : Cochin
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After
breakfast, proceed for a full day city tour. Visit St. Francis
Church, Jewish synagogue and Hill Palace museum. Overnight at
the hotel.
Portuguese Franciscan Friars built St. Francis Church in 1503;
this is the India's oldest European church. It was restored in
1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church
by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of
South India. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524
and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal but his tombstone still remains.
 Mattancherry
Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja
Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi; the Dutch renovated the palace in
1663. On display here are beautiful Murals depicting scenes from
the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the Methological
puranic Hindu legends. The palace is open for public viewing from
10:00 am to 6:00 pm. all weekdays except Fridays.
Jewish Synagogue - Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue
in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese
raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Known
for mid 18th century hand printed, willow pattern floor tiles
from Canton in China, a dock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone
slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates etc., the Synagogue is
open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is
closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Hill Palace Museum - the official residence of the Kochi royal
family, was built in 1865 AD. The palace complex consists of 49
buildings built in the Traditional Architectural Style of Kerala
and is surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a Deer Park
and facilities for horse riding.
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Day
13 : Cochin - Delhi/Mumbai
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After
breakfast, day is at leisure. Check out at noon and transfer to
the airport for return / onward flight.
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Tour
price Includes:
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Accommodation
on twin sharing basis in budget, superior or luxury hotels.
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Daily
Breakfast
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Guided
sight seeing and excursion as specified in the itinerary.
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Domestic (with India) Ground, Air and Train transportation
as per the itinerary.
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All applicable taxes.
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All transfers and sight seeing are by a private vehicle.
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Air transportation is in economy class and Train journey is
in Air-conditioned coach.
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Tour
price does not Includes:
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US
- INDIA - US airfare.
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Room service, in room amenities such as bar, Telephone calls,
laundry and food items etc.
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Still / Video Camera or any other photography equipment
fee wherever applicable.
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Tips, gratuities and porterage.
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Meals other than those specified in the itinerary
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Any other services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
or Tour price includes as stated above.
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