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Enchanting Temples and Backwaters: A South India Exploration

0/5
Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Enchanting Temples and Backwaters: A South India Exploration offers a captivating journey through the spiritual and scenic treasures of South India. Begin your adventure in Chennai, where vibrant temples and bustling markets set the tone for your exploration. Wander through the ancient temples of Kanchipuram and marvel at their intricate architecture. Immerse yourself in the colonial charm of Pondicherry before delving into Thanjavur’s rich cultural heritage and grand temples. Traverse through Trichy and the unique Chettinad region, discovering traditional mansions and flavorful cuisine. Conclude with the natural splendor of Thekkady’s wildlife sanctuary and the serene backwaters of Alleppey, culminating in relaxation on the pristine beaches of Marari.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in, relax, and enjoy the luxurious amenities of the hotel.

Day 2: Chennai

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its Dravidian architecture and colorful sculptures. Discover Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, featuring the St. Mary's Church, a 17th-century church with colonial charm. Visit the Government Museum, housing an extensive collection of art, archaeology, and natural history, including ancient coins, sculptures, and a rich variety of artifacts. Drive to Kanchipuram and visit Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its grand gopuram, sacred mango tree, and elaborate carvings. Explore Kailasanathar Temple, renowned for its exquisite carvings and historical importance as one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram. Visit the Silk Weaving Center to observe the traditional art of silk weaving and the creation of intricate silk sarees.

Day 3: Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before driving to Pondicherry. En route, visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. Explore Shore Temple, a structural temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, known for its intricate carvings and serene ocean views. Discover Arjuna's Penance, a colossal open-air rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, carved into a single boulder. Visit the Five Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples carved from a single rock, showcasing different architectural styles. Continue to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the French colonial architecture, serene beaches, and vibrant markets of Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry

Begin your day with a breakfast at the hotel. Visit Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, known for its peaceful environment and philosophical teachings. Explore the French Quarter (White Town), famous for its colonial-era buildings, charming cafes, and boutiques reflecting French heritage. Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Gothic-style church with stunning stained glass windows and intricate facade details. Stroll along Promenade Beach, a popular seafront promenade with scenic views, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the coastal breeze. Experience Auroville, a unique township focusing on sustainable living and universal community, featuring the futuristic Matrimandir and eco-friendly practices. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Pondicherry - Thanjore (220kms)

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before driving to Thanjavur. En route, stop at Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, an architectural marvel with intricately carved gopurams and famous for its cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. Continue to Thanjavur and explore the Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, known for their massive temple complexes and intricate carvings. Visit Darasuram Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its exquisite sculptures, detailed artwork, and architectural brilliance. Check in to your hotel in Thanjavur and relax for the evening.

Day 6: Thanjore

Begin with breakfast at your hotel. Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its towering vimana (tower) and detailed sculptures. Explore Thanjavur Palace, a historic fortress featuring a mix of Nayak and Maratha architecture, with an Art Gallery showcasing bronze and stone sculptures, ancient manuscripts, and paintings. Visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of Asia's oldest libraries, known for its vast collection of ancient texts, manuscripts, and rare books. Discover the Thanjavur Art Gallery within the palace, displaying a rich collection of art, including ancient bronze sculptures and traditional paintings. Return to your hotel and unwind.

Day 7: Thanjore - Trichy - Chettinad (145kms)

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad. Stop at Trichy to visit Rockfort Temple, an ancient fort complex perched atop a rock formation with panoramic views of the city. Climb the 434 steps to reach the Ucchi Pillayar Temple at the summit, known for its scenic vistas and religious significance. Explore the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in India, famous for its intricate architecture and grand gopurams. Continue to Chettinad and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening exploring Chettinad's unique architecture, known for its elaborate woodwork, spacious courtyards, and cultural heritage.

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

Start with breakfast at your hotel. Explore the opulent mansions of Chettinad, renowned for their unique architecture, intricate woodwork, and grandeur, including ornate carvings and Belgian chandeliers. Visit the Chettinad Museum to learn about the region's history, art, and architecture through a diverse collection of artifacts. Drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Relax for the evening and prepare for the next day’s explorations.

Day 9: Madurai - Thekkady (160kms)

Begin with breakfast at your hotel. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, a spectacular temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, known for its grand architecture, towering gopurams, and intricate sculptures. Witness the evening prayer ceremony, a mesmerizing spectacle of music, dance, and devotion performed by temple priests. Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an imposing 17th-century palace known for its magnificent architecture and historical significance. Drive to Thekkady, a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a traditional martial art and Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Day 10: Thekkady

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a boat safari on Periyar Lake, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, deer, and various bird species. Visit a local spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper. Engage in a spice tasting session and discover the different flavors and uses of various spices. Return to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Day 11: Thekkady - Alleppey (140kms)

Have breakfast at your hotel before driving to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat and embark on a leisurely cruise through the scenic backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of lush greenery, palm-fringed waterways, and rural life along the canals. Relish a delicious lunch prepared onboard with fresh local ingredients. Spend the night on the houseboat, enjoying the serene environment and gentle ripples of the backwaters.

Day 12: Alleppey - Marari (20kms)

Disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Marari Beach. Check in to your resort and spend the day relaxing on the pristine sandy beach, taking leisurely walks, and soaking in the tranquil ambiance. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, enjoy beach activities like volleyball and kayaking, or simply unwind by the poolside.

Day 13-14: Marari

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy two full days at leisure in Marari to soak up the sun, participate in beach activities, and explore the local surroundings. Take leisurely walks along the beach, visit nearby fishing villages to experience local life, or simply relax and unwind at the resort. Pamper yourself with luxurious amenities and impeccable service offered by your resort.

Day 15: Marari - Cochin/ Departure (Flight)

After breakfast, drive to Cochin. Meet your guide and embark on a city tour of Cochin, often referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." Explore Fort Kochi, known for its colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, with its historical significance and beautiful architecture. Explore Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, famous for its impressive murals depicting Hindu epics and its historical artifacts. Visit the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town, known for its exquisite Belgian glass chandeliers and hand-painted Chinese tiles. In the evening, transfer to Cochin airport for your onward journey or return flight home.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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