Duration:
14 Days
Destination :
Chennai (Mahabalipuram) – Pondicherry – Kumbakonam – Madurai – Munnar – Cochin – Alleppry – Kovalam
Price :
Price On Request
Itinerary
Arrive Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Meeting on arrival at Chennai Airport, meet and greet by Equinox representative welcome with Garland and transfer to Mahabalipuram (45 Minutes). Check-in at Hotel (Room available from 1400 hrs)
Full day relaxing and at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Mahabalipuram
Breakfast at hotel
Full day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.
- Morning Visit Kanchipuram:
Kanchipuram was the historical capital of the Pallavas during the 7th - 9th centuries. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Kanchipuram is famous for hand-woven silk fabrics and saris. The weavers use the highest quality silk and pure gold thread. Kanchipuram is also known as Silk City. Sankaracharya 'Math' is situated at Kanchipuram.
- Later Mahabalipuram:
Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal,is a small quiet seaside resort with a unique 7th century Shore Temple, a lovely beach and some of the most beautiful rock cut temples in the world.
Overnight at hotel.
Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (Approx 130 kms / 3 hrs drive)
Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Pondicherry en route sightseeing of Aurobindo Ashram.
- Aurobindo Ashram:
Founded in 1926, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram has grown, under the Mother's guidance, from a small group of two dozen disciples into a large diversified community with almost 1200 members. Counting the 400 students of the Centre of Education and the hundreds of devotees who live nearby, the larger ashram community consists of more than 2000 people.
The Ashram is located in the eastern part of Pondicherry.
The Ashram provides its members with all they need for a decent and healthy life.
Check-in at Hotel.
- Walk through French Quarter:
The modern history of Pondicherry, now known as Puducherry, is largely dominated by the French, and the impressions of the colonial rule can still be found out everywhere, from the symmetrically aligned streets to the layout and design of the city.
Overnight at hotel.
Pondicherry – Kumbakonam (Approx 190 Kms / 4 Hrs Drive)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning Drive to Thanjavur enroute visit Chidambaram, Gangikondacholapuram.
Later continue Darasuram and Swami Malai.
- Chidambaram:
Is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu).The temple , 78 km south of Pondicherry and 235 Km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation.
- Gangikondacholapuram:
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is an architectural work of genius. Located at Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu, Gangaikondacholapuram can be reached easily through regular buses that are available from the main towns and cities of Tamil Nadu. In the early 11th century, the temple got built by Rajendra Chola, who was the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola.
- Darasuram:
Darasuram, Airavateeshwarar temple is a replica of Tanjore Big temple but smaller in size. Darasuram temple was constructed by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century. This temple is a store house of art work. One can see magnificent work of art and the finely chiseled work on each and every stone, carved to perfection. Even the steps leading to the temple has a story to tell. The ceiling of the temple has exquisite carvings. Minute work on the pillars fills the mind with awe and fascination.
Check-in at Hotel.
- Swami Malai:
Swamimalai or Thiruveragam , a holy place near Kumbakonam, in Tamilnadu - South India, houses one of the most sacred temples of Lord Muruga and is the fourth Aarupadai Veedu . Saint poet Nakkerar, in his songs in praise of Lord Senthil Andavar, places Palani in the third place amongst the six battle places ( Arupadaiveedu ) that Lord Muruga has fought to win over evil.
Overnight at hotel.
Kumbakonam – Trichy – Tanjore – Kumbakonam
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning excursion to Trichy visiting Srirangam
- Srirangam:
Srirangam Sri Ranganathasami Temple is also called as “Boologa Vaikuntam". Sri Ranganathasami Temple is the Number One shrine among the 108 Divya Desams. Srirangam is actually a 600-acre island-town, surrounded by the waters of the Cauvery on one side and its tributary, the Kollidam, on the other. “Sri Ranganathar” is the main god of this temple and the “Ranganayaki” is the goddess. Srirangam is considered as the capital of Vaishnavas. The gigantic temple of Sri Ranganatha, occupying 613,000 sq meters (156 acres), is the pride of this island.
Later drive back to Tanjore visit Brideshwara Temple
Kumbakonam – Madurai (Approx 230 Kms / 5 Hrs Drive)
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Madurai En route sight seeing of Chettinad
- Chettinad:
The city of Chettinad is situated in the southern part of Tamil Nadu in the district of Sivaganga. The name of Chettinad comes from the famous Nattukottai Chettiar community who inhabit this region. They are well known for the background in banking and business.
There are 74 other villages that comprise Chettinad. Not yet discovered by the world, Chettinad is a rural area certain to surprise even the most discerning traveler. After lunch, explore Karaikudi with its fabulous mansions and with its many temples. The Chettinad region at one time represented the wealth of Tamil Nadu. The many villages were once the homes of fabulously wealthy merchant families known as the Chettiars. Today it is an area of mostly deserted magnificent mansions. It was estimated that just one of the Chettiar houses used 300 tons of satinwood and Burma teak in its construction. One of the specialties of these houses is the woodcarving especially on the doors. Traditionally in the jewelry and trading
Business, Chettiars now own a variety of companies and continue to funnel funds into this remote area. You will visit some of these mansions, and meet some of the families who have remained in this area.
Explore Karaikudi. The village offers some antique shopping, weekly shandy [village market], visits to craftsmen working with wood and metal, silversmiths and goldsmiths, attractive textiles.
Continue to Madurai
Check-in at Hotel
Afternoon visit Meenakshi Temple & Tailor market
- Meenakshi Temple:
According to legend, the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods indira at Kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in Madurai. The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Indira in this temple is said to be proof for this
Many historical evidences of the temple have been found dating back from early A.D
The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310 following the invasion of the Islamic conqueror Malikkapur. As kings who were followers of Islam were noted for their intolerance towards other religions, the invaders destroyed most of the ancient sculptures of the temple.
Evening - Witness night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
Overnight at hotel
Madurai – Munnar (Approx 250 Kms / 5-6 Hrs Drive)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Munnar. Check-in at hotel
Evening short hike in Tea Plantations and visit Tea Factory.
Overnight at hotel
Munnar – Cochin (Approx 180 Kms / 3-4 Hrs Drive)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Cochin. Check in at hotel
- Cochin:
A cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin or Kochi is perhaps the second best poet on the Western Ghats. Known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', it reflects the best of all that Kerala has to offer. A rich past and a vibrant present, Kochi gained the status of the business hub of the region long back. Comprising of mainland of Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all the parts of Kochi are well-linked by ferries.
Evening - Kathakali Performance in Kochi on seat sharing basis (No Guide during dance witness)
Overnight at hotel
Cochin
Breakfast at hotel
Morning Sightseeing of Cochin Dutch Palace (closed on Friday), Synagogue (closed on Friday & Saturday) and St. Francis church
- Dutch Palace:
Dutch Palace, Kochi is more popularly known as Mattancherry Palace. It is located at Palace Road, 10 km from Ernakulam city, Kochi. The palace was constructed by the Portuguese and presented to the then Rajah of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma. The Rajahs of Keralas made subsequent renovations of the palace, giving it a Hindu texture.
In fact, It has become one of the best testimony of the Hindu Temple Art.
The Dutch Palace in Kochi is a two stored building built around a central courtyard. This traditional style of architecture is known as 'nalukettus' in Kerala. The entrance of the palace is arch shaped, which leads to the suite of public rooms. The rounded doors and windows, the masonry walls of Dutch Palace gives it a European look.
- Synagogue:
Among all the common wealth countries of the world, the Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue. The prosperous Jewish trading community built it in 1568 AD. It was partially destroyed in the 1962 war. Later it was rebuilt by the Dutch. This speaks for the historical importance of the monument.
- Francis church:
Among all the common wealth countries of the world, the Jewish Synagogue, Kochi is the oldest existing synagogue. The prosperous Jewish trading community built it in 1568 AD. It was partially destroyed in the 1962 war. Later it was rebuilt by the Dutch. This speaks for the historical importance of the monument.
Then Stroll near the Chinese Fishing nets at sea shore
- Chinese Fishing Net:
A very unusual method of fishing, operated from the shore.
Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations set up on bamboo or teak poles and are operated from the shores. Used for fishing, each net is at least 10 m in height and consists of a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea. For counterbalance large stones are suspended by rope at the other end. In order to operate each fishing net a team of at least six fishermen is required. The net is suspended in the mid air all along the coast. It is then left untouched for few minutes and then lifted gently by the team. Balance has to be maintained while raising the net.
Afternoon: Harbour cruise at sunset (No Guide during cruise)
Overnight at hotel
Cochin – Alleppey (Approx 75 / 2 Hrs Drive)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Alleppey.
On arrival in Alleppey, transfer to Jetty to embark Houseboat.
Rest of the day explore the backwaters of Kerala onboard Houseboat.
TDH Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at hotel
Houseboat – Alleppey
Breakfast at hotel. Later, disembark at Alleppey Jetty & transfer to the hotel. Check-in at hotel
Day at leisure (No transport + Guide)
Overnight at hotel
Alleppey – Kovalam (Approx 170 Kms / 4-5 Hrs Drive)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Kovalam. Check-in at hotel
Evening at leisure (No transport / No Guide)
- Kovalam:
Means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laidback one and time seems stands still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.
Overnight at hotel
Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel
Full day at leisure own activities (No transport / No Guide)
Overnight at hotel
Kovalam – Trivandrum Airport Drop
Breakfast at hotel
Departure transfer from hotel to Trivandrum Airport to connect flight for onward destination.