Temples & Backwaters Tour
10 Nights – 11 Days

Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur are three cities in northern India that have a rich history and contain many historic buildings and monuments. India tour package covers these three destinations in Golden Triangle tour. They also form one of the major tourist circuits in the country. Delhi has a long history, being the capital of Hindu and Muslim dynasties, the Mughals, the British and now the Indians. We will also cover Agra and its surrounding area, which contains many superb monuments built by the Mughal emperors. Then move on to Jaipur, built by the Rajput warriors after the decline of the Mughal Empire. It contains many palaces and interesting structures.

Day 01 : Arrive Chennai
Meeting on arrival at Chennai Airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the time free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 : Chennai – Depart for Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram
After buffet breakfast at hotel proceed to Mahabalipuram by car via visiting Kanchipuram, an ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 temples that has 124 shrines. Check in at hotel on arrival. Rest of the evening free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 : At Mahabalipuram
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel visit temples of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Here, on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock temples, are the examples of Dravidian style of architecture. Afternoon free for independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 : Mahabalipuram - Tanjore
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to Tanjore and check in at the hotel on arrival. Afternoon visit temples of Tanjore. During your sightseeing tour you will visit the famous Chola Temple, the Brihadishwara - a world heritage monument and is one of the highlight of Tanjore. Also visit the palaces and art gallery adjoining to the temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Tanjore - Trichy
Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel proceed by car to Trichy and check in at the hotel. Later tour of Trichy city. Visit the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple. Also visit Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated on an Island. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Trichy - Madurai
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Madurai by car enroute visiting Karaikudi (Chettinad). Check in at the hotel on arrival. Madurai city is over 2500 years old and is also second largest city of Tamil Nadu. Afternoon visit Meenakshi temple (dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams). The temple is built in 6 hectares of land and has 4 entrances. Evening attend Aarti ceremony (closing ceremony of the day) at Meenakshi temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 : Madurai - Rameshwaram - Maduari
Morning after an early breakfast at the hotel depart for full day excursion to Rameshwaram. Remeshwaram is sacred place for Hindus, according to Ramayana Lord Rama worshipped God Shiva at this place to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana. Return to Madurai by evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Madurai - Periyar
Morning after breakfast at the hotel drive to Periyar National Park and check in at the hotel / resort on arrival. Afternoon tour to the spice gardens and nature walk. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 – Periyar / Kumarakom
Early in the morning game viewing in the national park by boat. Later after relaxed breakfast proceed to the jatti and board your waiting houseboat exclusively for you. Hot lunch will be served on board. Sail through the back waters to Kumarakom. Overnight on board at Kumarakom.

Day 10 – Kumarakom / Cochin
Disembark houseboat after breakfast and proceed to Cochin by car. Arrive Cochin and check in at the hotel. Afternoon tour of Cochin city. During your tour you will visit- ‘The Jewish Synagogue’ at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, ‘The St. Francis Church’, the oldest European Church in India, ‘The Santa Cruz Basilica’ originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, The Dutch Palace, Spice market at the narrow streets, Chinese fishing net. Rest of the evening is free for your independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 – Depart Cochin
Transfer to the airport in time to board flight for onward destination.