South India Temple Tour 9D/8N - India

Inclusions:-

• 01 night accommodation in Chennai.
• 02 nights accommodation in Mahabalipuram.
• 01 night accommodation in Pondicherry.
• 01 night accommodation in Thanjavur.
• 02 nights accommodation in Chettinad.
• 01 night accommodation in Madurai.
• Daily Breakfast.
• Arrival Transfer.

Exclusions:-

• All flights, International & Domestic, reservations, taxes, fees etc.
• Lunches & Dinners
• Porterage
• All other transport
• All expenses of personal nature like tips, mineral water, laundry charges, telephone charges, food
• Any increase in services that may come into force prior to the commencement and any increase in the cost of land arrangements or airfare due to increase in fuel prices, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates etc.
• Gratuities.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Any items not specifically mentioned in “included in price”

On Arrival cochin Assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Cochin is truly a museum city and is found in the most abundant quantities at fort Cochin. Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European settlement in India. Vasco Da Gama first arrived in Cochin in 1502. He returned again in1524 as the Portuguese viceroy of the Indies. He died here and was buried in St. Francis church, the first European church in India. In the evening see a Kathakkali dance drama which is a must while in Cochin. Overnight at cochin.

After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast tour briefing followed by visit of Mahabalipuram. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram the first Tamil dynasty of any real consequence to emerge after the fall of the Gupta Empire. Temples to visit include Shore Temple & Rath temples. Then drive to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is very famous for its Silk Sarees. This is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its temples are spectacular and the gopums can be seen from miles away. Temples to visit include Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kailasanatha temple & Ekambareshwara temple. Late afternoon return back to Mahabalipuram. Overnight at the Hotel.

After Breakfast drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry is a small but fascinating city that sets images different from the entire Tamil Nadu. Now Union Territory of India, Pondicherry was a French colony for long and the influence can be seen still today. Apart from the beach and natural beauty of the city, you can see an Ancient fort Gingee that dates back to 14th century, Aurobindo Ashram and a new town settlement -all of them are the prime tourist attractions in the former French Colony and - Pondicherry. On arrival check into hotel. Evening discover the “French past”: Aurobindo, French institution of India, the museum, the consulate, the Jeanne d’Arc square, churches, etc. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Thanjavur. Enroute visit of Chidambaram. After visit then continue drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival check into hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. 

After breakfast drive to Chettinad. En-route visit of Trichy. Trichy has always been a seat of power in South India and it bears the scars of wars fought to control it. Places to visit include - Rock Fort temple, Srirangam templeBelow the fort, a must is a walk through china bazaar, the big bazaar and down the narrow side streets. Later drive to Chettinad. Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of egg whites to give a smooth texture.  Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Evening is free to explore the village. Overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast day free.

After breakfast drive to Madurai. Madurai is situated on the banks of Vaigai River. This city is more than 2500 years old and was and important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 A. D. when the Pandvas made it their capital. Modern Madurai is a burgeoning industrial centre even though the vast stretches of lush paddy fields. Evening is free to explore the city. Overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast provided in time assisted departure transfer to the International airport to connect flight for onwards journey.