Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Places Covered : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Trichy - Madurai - Kodaikanal - Munnar - Cochin
DAY01: ARRIVE CHENNAI
upon arrival, traditional welcome and transfer to Hotel. This morning we set out to explore the city of madras. Visit the National Art Gallery Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church and the St. Thomas Cathedral and drive along the marina. Walk with our guide though some colourful market areas. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02 : CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM 60 KMS 2 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03 : MAHABALIPURAM
Morning we undertake a full day city tour of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Mahabalipuram, once the principal port of the Pallavas who ruled between the 06th and 09th Centuries AD. "The City of Seven pagodas". Is nothing less than a breathtaking display masterful sculpture carved out of solid rocks of granite, the Shore Temple - a plendid example of early temple construction in the south. Penance of Bhagirata the worlds largest bas - relief also known as "Argon's Penance'. Kanchipuram, city of a thousand temples, Once the capital of Pallava, Kanchipuram still contains no less than 124 shrines. The temples were built mainly by two rulers, Mahendray and Mamalla Narashimha Parman. Typical of their architecture is the Kailasnatha Temple dedicated to Siva, believed to be 1200 years Old . Other important ones include the 16th Century Ekambasreshwar Temple, Kamakshi Temple, and Vaikunta Perumal. Kanchipuram is the centre of Silk weaving and is famous for its saris and materials. Return to the Hotel for an Overnight.
DAY 04 : MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY 120 KMS 4 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive to Pondicherry a former French colony, the strong French influence in clearly visible in the town's architecture and planning. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Pondicherry. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 05 : PONDICHERRY - TRICHY 245 KMS 6 HOURS DRIVE
Drive to Trichy via Chidambaram and Kumbakonam to Trichy . Overnight at Hotel .
DAY 06 : TRICHY
City tour of Tiruchirapalli, visiting the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple, yet another flight leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. The ascend is climaxed by magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri river. Visit Srirangam a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which contains within its walls a bazaar as well. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 07 : TRICHY - MADURAI 145 KMS 3 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive to Madurai ,The ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the centre. After noon city tour visiting - Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great tank and Gandhi museum. Dinner and overnight at hotel
DAY 08 : MADURAI - KODAIKANAL 120 KMS 3 HOURS DRIVE
Morning after a relaxed breakfast drive to kodaikanal, kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. the hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. the hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of south india, spreads over an area of 24 hectares. overnight at hotel.
DAY 09 : KODAIKANAL
Full day sightseeing tour of Kodaikanal visiting the Bryant Park, Coakers Park, Green Valley view and Pillar Rocks.Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10: KODAIKANAL - MUNNAR 190 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
Morning drive towards Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility. the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Afternoon seeing of Munnar and witness tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers, lust green hills, a place so difficult to describe, very low population too far from pollution.Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11: MUNNAR
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Munnar visiting Raja Malai, a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats), Muttupetty dam etc. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12: MUNNAR - COCHIN 130 KMS 4 HOURS DRIVE
Morning Drive to Cochin.Upon arrival check in at Hotel.Afternoon visit the historical sites in Mattancherry/Fort Kochi - Jew Town, Jewish synagogue, St. Francis church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Vasco House, Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi beach, Chinese fishing nets and watch the sunset and Evening transfer to airport to board flight for onward journey.
