South India with Backwaters

Upon arrival meet and assist by our representative and then transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast visit the city of Chennai covering the government museum and Fort St. George. In the afternoon leave for an interesting excursion to Mamallapuram via Kanchipuram. Here we visit the Ekambaram temple and the Kailashnath temples dedicated to Shiva. The temples in this region date back to the 6^th and 7^th centuries. Then continue towards Mahabalipuram.

Full day excursion of Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram as it is known as in the local language. Visit the shore temple that dates back from the 8^th century. Also see the rock cut monolithic temples including Arjuna’s Penance and Tiger cave.

Board your car in the morning and drive to Chidambaram crossing the unparalleled scenic sights of Southern India. Chidambaram is also known as the “City of the Cosmic Dancer”. This city is also the centre of philosophy art and religion. Post lunch session unfurls the magic of this city of Nataraj – the Cosmic dancer. Visit Chidambaram temple planned and built by the Chola kings in the 11^th century.

Morning en route Tanjore visit Gangaikondacholapuram and its monumental temple called Gangaikondacholisvaram built in 1020 AD.

A short distance away is the second capital of Tanjore district, also the home of intellectuals especially Brahmins, called Kumbakonam. Visit the Nageshwara temple by far the best architectural feat of Southern India. Then continue towards Tanjore to reach by late afternoon.

Visit the Brihadishwara temple a masterpiece in itself built in 1000AD by the Cholas. Next to be seen is the Tanjore art gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library with its unique collection of Chola art and rare illustrated manuscripts.

A short distance away is the eternal city of Tiruchirapalli better known as Trichy. Here worth a visit is Srirangam temple the abode of Lord Vishnu in his reclining form. All the 1000 pillars in the hall are very intricately designed. Continue towards Madurai.

Madurai famous for the Meenakshi Sundereswar temple is the epitome of South Indian temple cities: alive and bustling with pilgrims and religious preoccupations. The temple of goddess Meenakshi houses the hall of 1000 musical pillars known for their intricate work. Some free time later in the day to explore this cultural and religious capital of South India.

Just 135 kms away from Madurai is the famous Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary. Reach Periyar by early afternoon and after lunch get set for a jungle trail by boat.

Proceed to Munnar in the morning and en route enjoy the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by.

Upon arrival in Munnar the Distant India Journeys guide will take you for sight seeing of Munnar which includes the Raja Malai - a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats). Other important places are Muttupetty dam and Indo Swiss project and witness tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers.

Munnar is located at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which climbs up to over 2695 m.

Leave Munnar in the morning and arrive into Cochin by early afternoon. After lunch proceed for a harbor cruise and witness sunset from the Vasco da Gama square.

A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

Leave Cochin in the morning and reach Alleppey a short drive away. Alleppey was once known as the “Venice of the East”. Alleppey is at the centre of the famous backwaters. Here you can catch a glimpse of the Chinese fishing nets that are feast to the eyes. These backwaters of Kerala were used as a quick transport system by the British who also perfected the canal systems. Check in to a traditional houseboat for an overnight cruise to Kumarakom.

In the morning drive to Kovalam. En route visit Trivandrum the capital city of Kerala. This city is famous for its Padmanabhaswamy temple built entirely in Dravidian style but accessible only to Hindus. The main attraction here is the fabulous beach at Kovalam about 11km away. Today relax at the one of the most famous beaches of Southern India.

Relax at the beach resort

Relax at the beach resort

Relax at the beach resort

Relax at the beach resort

Relax at the beach resort and in time transfer to the airport for your flight back home….