South India Architecture and Backwater Tour
Duration: 12 Days/11 Nights
Destinations: Bangalore - Chennai- Pondicherry
- Chidambaram - Tanjore- Trichy - Madurai- Periyar-Quilon-Cochin
Day 01: Arrive Bangalore
You will be received by our representative at the airport, who will then escort you to the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 02: In Bangalore
In the morning after breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing tour with our guide. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Vidhan Saudha, Nandi Temple, Lal Bagh and Botanical Garden. Overnight in the hotel at Bangalore.
Day 03: Bangalore - Chennai
After breakfast transfer to the railway station to board a train for Chennai. On arrival our representative will receive and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight in the hotel at Chennai.
Day 04: In Chennai
After breakfast our guide takes you to the full day excursion to Mahabalipuram, which was famous as a major seaport of the great Pallava Kings between the 8th and 10th century. Mahabalipuram is noted for its rock carvings and the Shore Temple. Return to Chennai in the evening. Overnight in the hotel at Chennai.
Day 05: Chennai-Pondicherry
In the morning after breakfast drive to Pondicherry en-route
stop at Mahabalipuram for sightseeing. In the afternoon
visit Aurbindo Ashram, which is 10 kilometers north of
Pondicherry. The ashram promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing
about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science to unite
the spirit and matter. After lunch visit Auroville a unique
experiment in international living and in creating a new
environment where men and women of all nationalities live
together in harmony. Overnight in the hotel at Pondicherry.
Day 06: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Tanjore
In the morning after breakfast drive to Tanjore, en-route visit Chidambaram, which is famous for the Nataraja temple with the root of the sanctum-sanctorum covered with golden plates. The temples adorns the sculpture, which depicts various form of Bharatnatayam dance. Later, drive to Thanjavur visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Upon arrival check-into the hotel. Overnight in the hotel at Tanjore.
Day 07: Tanjore - Trichy
In the morning explore the famous Chola Temple of Brideshwar at Tanjore and then drive to Trichy, which is situated on the banks of Kaveri River. The place is a melting pot of history and tradition. Trichy is a pilgrim center and famous for Ranganath Temple at Srirangam. Upon arrival check into the hotel. In the afternoon explore the temples of Trichy with our guide. The prominent temple in Trichy are the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam Temple. Overnight in the hotel at Trichy.
Day 08: Trichy - Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai, a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers. After lunch explore the famous Meenakshi Temple with our guide. The temple is a superb example of the Dravida School of Architecture and is popular for its beautifully carved and gigantic gateways. Overnight in the hotel at Madurai.
Day 09: Madurai-Periyar
After breakfast drive to Periyar. On arrival check into the hotel. In the afternoon our guide will take you on a spice plantation tour. The tour will be followed by a boat ride on the Periyar Lake. The boat ride is a fine way of enjoying the wildlife of Periyar wildlife sanctuary. You come across various animals on your boat ride. Overnight in the hotel at Periyar.
Day 09: Periyar-Quilon
After breakfast drive to Quilon, which is a four-hour descent through rubber, cardamom and concount plantations, bringing you to the tropical plains of Kerala. Afterwards enjoy a fascinating 3-hrs cruise on the famous backwaters from Kottayam to Allepey and get a wonderful view of village life along the banks. Later, a short drive will take you to Quilon, which is popular for cashew, coir and marine products. Overnight in the hotel at Quilon.
Day 10: In Quilon
the day is free to relax at the hotel. Overnight in the
hotel at Quilon.
Day 11: Quilon- Cochin
After breakfast drive to Cochin. Upon arrival check into the hotel. After fresh-up visit the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. Overnight in the hotel at Cochin. Later, we organize a Kathakali Dance performance for you. Before the performance you will be taken to the green room where you can see the dancers dressing up for the performance. The dressing up for the Kathakali is the most exciting and important part of the dance. You see the dancers applying natural colors to their face, hands and feet. Our guide will brief you about the nitty-gritty of the traditional dance. Overnight in the hotel at Cochin.
Day 12: Cochin-Flight Back Home
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch a flight back home. Tour ends.
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