Day 01 Arrive Chennai
Arrive in Chennai. After completing formalities with customs
and immigration, you will be received by our representative
with Traditional Indian Welcome (with garlands).
Chennai, one of the four major metropolitan cities of India,
is the capital of the southeastern state of Tamilnadu-the
exotic state famous for its cutworks in the temples, coconut
fringes, and silk saris. The city of Chennai was earlier
known as Madras. The city of Chennai was once a village of
the fishing community. In 1639, the British took over the
place and made it the capital of the British presidency. It
used to be the center of conflict for the supremacy of the
British and the French.
Afterwards transfer to your hotel for the overnight stay.
Day 02 Chennai –
Mahabalipuram ( Approx 80 Kms/02 Hours )
After breakfast you embark on your sightseeing trip of City
which would include the visit to
Fort St. George : The first bastion of British power in
India & built in the year 1640 AD by the British East India
Company. Within the Fort we visit St. Mary's Church, built
in the year 1680 & oldest Protestant Church in the East.
Fort Museum has 10 galleries & displays armory, old
uniforms, crockery & silverware, coins, palanquins,
paintings, letters, old prints, etc
San Thome Cathedral : Built in 1504, is said to house the
remains of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have
visited Madras (Chennai) sometime during 52 AD.
National Art Gallery, established in the year 1857, is
undoubtedly one of the country's finest museums. It has
sections devoted to geology, archaeology, anthropology,
botany, zoology, sculpture & numismatic
Government Museum: Has a fine archaeological section
representing all the major South Indian periods including
Chola, Vijaynagar, Hoysala & Chaulakya. The bronze gallery
has a superb collection of Chola art especially the bronze
statue of Ardhanareeswara, the androgynous incarnation of
Shiva. Its most prized possessions are the relics from 2nd
century AD Buddhist site of Amaravathi & the prehistoric
antiques of South India.
Later you drive to Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram : Town of temples, sand & sea. It is world
renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple & other temples. It
was once the main port & naval base of the great Pallava
kingdom & was later made the capital of this dynasty. Most
of the temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva & Vishnu.
These structures were built by three successive Pallava
Kings, between 630 A.D & 728 A.D, who developed the
Dravidian style of temple architecture within the short span
of a hundred years. The monuments are mostly rock-cut &
monolithic, constitute the early stages of Dravidian
architecture, wherein Buddhist elements of design are
prominently visible. It is known especially for its rathas
(temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave
sanctuaries) & giant open-air bas-reliefs & has been
classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival in Mahabalipuram check in to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03
Mahabalipuram ( Excursion to Kanchipuram ) ( Approx 80 Kms/02
Hours)
After breakfast embark on your tour of Mahablipuram which
would include your visit to
Shore Temple: One of the oldest temples in South India. It
belongs to the 8th Century AD. Designed to catch the first
rays of the rising sun & to illuminate the waters after
dark, the temple ended up with an unusual lay-out.
Arjuna's Penance: World's largest bas-relief. This huge
whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods,
men, beasts, & birds & in fact can be said to represent
creation itself.
Rathas, monolithic temples fashioned as chariots. They
remain an architectural mystery as each is apparently a
faithful reproduction of a structure built of wood. In fact,
even the grain of the timber beams & rafters has been
simulated in stone. Of the eight Rathas, five have been
named for the Pandava brothers, the heroes of the epic
Mahabharatha
Later drive for excursion to Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram: Is one of the seven holy cities in the country.
It was a city of learning for both Tamil & Sanskrit, & was
believed to be visited by Hsuan Tsang. In ancient times it
was called Kachi. Once had over a thousand temples & today
there are more than a hundred extant. It is also known for
its temples & silk sarees.
Kailasanatha Temple: built in 8th Century AD. It is built in
the typical Pallava style, with a pyramidal tower. The
temple is famous for exquisite carvings & attracts devotees
& tourists alike. Fresco style paintings adorn the inner
walls of the temple.
Ekambaranatha: Ancient temple dedicated to lord Shiva. The
57 metres high Raj Gopuram is one of the tallest towers in
South India. The 3000 year old mango tree inside the temple
has 4 branches each yielding different variety of mangoes.
Later we also visit Kamakshi Amman, built in 12th century
AD, as an important Shakthisthalam, known as
Parabrahmaroonpini.
Return back to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04
Mahabalipuram – Tanjore ( Approx 300 Kms/06 Hours )
After breakfast drive to Tanjore. On arrival check in at the
hotel.
Tanjore : Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore) is the royal
city of the Cholas and Nayaks. Thanjavur derives its name
from Tanjan-an asura (giant), who according to local legend
devastated the neighbourhood and was killed by Sri
Anandavalli Amman and Vishnu. Sri Neelamegapperumal Tanjan's
last request that the city might be named after him was
granted. Chola, Chera and Pandya kings were ruling
Tamizhagam even before Mahabharat period. Chola kingdom was
leading and patronizing literature, art, science and
religion than the other two kingdoms. The capital city of
Chola was always changing. Thiruvarur was the capital during
Manuneethi Cholan. Uraiyur, Pazhaiyarai, Thanjavur and
Gangaikonda Cholapuram used to be the capitals of Chola
Kingdom. It has been believed from the Epics that many Chola
kings were ruling from Thanjavur even before Karikala Cholan.
Afterwards embark on your sightseeing trip of
Brihadeshwara temple, also known as Big Temple, built by
Rajaraja Chola I was completed around 1010 CE. This 10th
century CE temple, one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a
brilliant example of the Dravidian style of temple
architecture. The beautiful Chola Fresco paintings on the
inner walls of the temple are no way less than Ajanta
paintings.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Tanjore –
Madurai Via Trichy ( Approx 200 Kms/05 Hours )
After breakfast drive to Madurai . Enroure visit Trichy
Trichy, which has very historic temples & monuments. It was
an important town in the days of the later Cholas, Nayaks as
well as during the early days of the British East India
Company.
Srirangam Temple, surrounded by the waters of the River
Kaveri on one side & its tributary Kollidam on the other. It
is a 600-acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of
the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Rockfort : The most famed landmark is an 83 m high rock
which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the
city. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one
of the oldest in the world approximately 3,800 million
years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland &
older than the Himalayas.
Later continue the drive to Madurai On arrival check in to
the hotel.
Madurai: Is one of the oldest cities of India, with a
history dating all the way back to the Sangam period of the
pre Christian era. The glory of Madurai returned in a
diminished form in the earlier part of this millennium; it
later on came under the rule of the Vijayanagar kingdom
after its ransack by the ravaging armies of Delhi (Malik
Kafur). During the 16th and 18th centuries, Madurai was
ruled by the Nayak Emperors, the foremost of whom was
Tirumalai Nayakar. The Sangam period poet Nakkeerar is
associated with some of the Tiruvilayaadal episodes of
Sundareswarar - that are enacted as a part of temple
festival traditions even today.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Madurai -
Periyar ( Approx 140 Kms/04 Hours)
After breakfast you embark on the sightseeing of
Meenakshi Sundareshwar, first built 2000 years ago & was
substantially expanded between the years (1623-55 AD). A
striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure
known as Ayiramkaal mandapam or Hall of a thousand pillars
in the outermost corridor.
Afterwards you continue the drive to Periyar. On arrival
check in to the hotel.
Periyar : Set on an attractive lakeside, it is South India's
most popular Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a place to cruise on
the lake & gives an opportunity to see wildlife. It is home
to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar,
wild boar, monkey, a wide variety of birds.
Afterwards you explore the Periyar wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Sanctuary : The Periyar wildlife sanctuary an ideal
destination for wildlife enthusiasts, Periyar is reputed as
one of the most popular wildlife sanctuary in India. Visit
Periyar and have a time of your life in a park that is a
haven to a number of wild and feathered species. Also known
as Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, it provides a perfect
atmosphere for watching wild animals in their natural
habitat.
Return back to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 In Periyar
Enjoy your breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free at
leisure..
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 Periyar –
Cochin ( Approx 200 Kms /05 Hrs)
At sun rise take a boat ride to view wildlife in the
sanctuary on Lake Periyar. After two hours of wildlife
viewing we get back to the hotel for breakfast.
Afterwards you drive to Cochin. Upon your arrival check in
to the hotel.
Cochin : Over the centuries , the princely state of Kochi
came under numerous empires. The original local rulers were
dominated by the Portugese, Dutch , British and even the
Zamorin of Kozhikode (Calicut). Around 1530 AD , under the
Portugese, Kochi grew into a prosperous town. The ruler of
Kochi gave the Portugese, permission to build a fort at
Kochi called 'Manuel Kotta' - which is the first European
fort in Kochi .
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09 In Cochin
After breakfast you embark on your full day tour of the city
with would include your visit to
St. Francis' Church, built in the year 1503 by Portuguese
Francisan Friars & known to be the oldest European church in
India. It was restored in the year 1779 by the protestant
Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in
1795. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 &
later moved to Lisbon, Portugal.
Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese. Later in
17th century they modified it & presented it to the Raja
(King) of Kochi (Cochin). The Palace has a fine collection
of mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics,
Mahabharata & Ramayana.
Jew Town, synagogue, built in the year 1568, is
magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles & Belgian
chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found
here
Spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell
of spices & history that brought the world to its doorstep.
Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to
Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the
Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Afterwards you return to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 Cochin – Goa
After breakfast, free till your departure transfer to the
airport to connect your flight for Goa. Upon your arrival in
Goa you are received at the airport and are transferred to
the Hotel. On arrival check in to the hotel.
Goa : A small enclave on the West Coast of India is one of
the best holiday destinations in the World. Famous for its
long stretch of beaches dotted with shacks, it is a
favourite destination for the European tourists who flock to
Goa during the winter months.
Rest of the day free at leisure or for own activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 In Goa
After breakfast you embark on your full day tour of Goa
which would include your visit to
Goa Churches; Basilica of Boom Jesus, built in 16th century
dedicated to Infant Jesus is the most popular & famous of
all churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis
Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here.
Sri Mangueas Temple, surrounded by rolling green hills &
dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most important of all
temples in Goa & is located at Priol in Ponda Taluka.
Dona Paula, a village named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the
wife of a noble man Antonio de Souto Maior, who died as a
young woman in 1682.
Miramar Beach, an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets
the Arabian Sea, a point that offers the best location to
watch enchanting sunsets
Afterwards return back to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 In Goa
After breakfast, full day free at leisure. enjoying the
golden beaches, luxurious casinos & flowing spirits in Goa.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13 In Goa
After breakfast, full day free at leisure. enjoying the
golden beaches, luxurious casinos & flowing spirits in Goa.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14 Goa –
Mumbai.
After breakfast, free till departure transfer to Airport to
connect your flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival met at the
arrival hall and are provided departure transfer to the
International airport to connect your flight back.
Click here for rates & book this tour |
French
Español
Italiano
Deutsch
Português
