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  Tour Details   Temples of South India (9 Nights / 10 Days)
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Departures

Departs every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday

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Day 1 - Chennai

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metro city in India. The blue water of the Bay of Bengal mingles with the warm sands at the beaches here. Chennai is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of moods. Rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives easily with the present in Chennai.

Arrive Chennai then drive to Mamallapuram. Enroute visit Kancheepuram, one of the sacred cities of India, to see the temples Kailasanatha, Ekambareshwara, and Vaikuntaperumal. Continue to the famous historical wonder, Mammallapuram, situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. On arrival in Mamallapuram, check-in to the hotel. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beach or relax. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 2 - Mamallapuram

Mahabalipuram is also called Mamallapuram (City of Bali). Mamallapuram lies close to Chennai (Madras) on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, along the eastern coast. Mamallapuram is known for its rock carvings and monolithic sculptures. It boasts the famous Shore Temple, the only one to have survived the ravages of nature. Also known as the Seven Pagodas (temples), six of these structures now lie submerged in the sea. Tourists are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture here is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day-to-day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit the Rock Carvings and Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India, belonging to the 8th century. Excursion to Cholamandalam Artist Village. Return to Mamallapuram and overnight at the hotel.

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Day 3 - Pondicherry

Pondicherry is distinctly divided into two sections. One side of the local canal ‘Pondicherry’ still retains much of its French flavour. On the other side of the canal, you’ll find ‘Puducherry’, a small South Indian town where the flavours aren’t basil and thyme but curry leaves and roasting rai seeds. Pondicherry, with its ashram charm, is sought out by the peace-seeker. And with its safe and secluded beaches, also loved by the sun-seeker. The Heritage Walk of Ponidicherry is allows the stroller to enter the French city “La Ville Francaise”, where one finds the streets still bearing French names like Rue Dumas, Rue Romain Rolland, Rue Saint Martin, etc. Pondicherry is richly cosmopolitan.

Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Pondicherry, enroute visiting Auroville. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Afternoon visit of Shri Aurobindo Ashram. Later you can take a walk through town. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 4 - Tanjore

Tanjore is located on the eastern coast of the state of Tamil Nadu. This city carries the nickname "the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu". Tanjore is known as the ancient capital of Chola kings. The Brihadishwara temple, a World Heritage Site, was built by Raja Raja and is termed the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. The Thanjavur Palace, which was contructed in 1550, has huge corridors, spacious halls, and observation and arsenal towers. You can also visit Brihadeeswara Temple, Saraswati Mahal and the Art Gallery.

Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Tanjore. Enroute, visit the Shiva-Natraja Temple at Chidambaram. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. This afternoon, visit the Brihadeeshwara Temple and the Bronze Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 5 - Trichy

Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) is located on the banks of the River Kaveri (Cauvery). It is a city known for its educational institutions, industries, and temples. Trichy, with a blend of a glorious historical past and acclaimed divinity through the famous Dravidian temples, stands as a commercial and tourist hub of Tamil Nadu. The most famous landmark of this bustling town is the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plains to tower over the old city.

Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Trichy. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Afternoon visit to the Rock Fort and Srirangam Temples. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 6 - Madurai

Madurai is situated on the banks of river Vaigai. It has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil Era more than 2500 years ago. Madurai is one of South India's great temple towns and the most famous structure is Meenakshi Temple, once controlled by Pandya Kings. It is said that Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people, and divine nectar (Madhu) was showered on the city from his matted locks. This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madurai is also famous for Jasmine flowers.

Breakfast at the hotel then drive to Madurai. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing tour. Later evening re-visit Shree Meenakshi Temple to witness the Closing Ceremony. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 7 - Periyar

Thekkady is the location of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an important tourist attraction in Kerala state. In the rich jungles of Periyar is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in Periyar Lake. Thekkady is also famous for various spices, tea and coffee.

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer by road to Periyar and check-in to the hotel. Towards evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar, where you may spot some wildlife. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 8 - Kottayam

Kottayam is an important commercial centre of Kerala. The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning "fort") and Akkam (meaning "inside"). It is a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches. Kottayam is also connected with picturesque Vembanad Lake by a backwater canal.

Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Kottayam. Board your motorboat from the jetty and enjoy a cruise on the backwaters until Alleppey. Your car awaits to drive you to Cochin. On arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 9 - Cochin

Cochin is one of the most interesting places in India. The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula and islands. The ancient temples and the churches in this district are of special interest to tourists. You can also visit the Chinese fishing nets still present off the shores of the city. Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest airports with modern facilities and conveniences for the international traveler.

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day city tour of Cochin, visiting places such as Fort Cochin, Dutch Palace, the Synagogue, and walk through the Antique Market. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 10 - Cochin

Cochin is one of the most interesting places in India. The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula and islands. The ancient temples and the churches in this district are of special interest to tourists. You can also visit the Chinese fishing nets still present off the shores of the city. Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest airports with modern facilities and conveniences for the international traveler.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out by 12:00noon and transfer to the International Airport for your onward journey.