Amazing South India

Breakfast at Hotel.

Morning: Excursion to Elephanta Caves (closed to public on Mondays) - Are a complex of ancient cave temples on an Island, an hour-long ferry ride from Gateway of India is designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Elephanta Island is not only a worthy destination in itself, it also provides a great view of Mumbai's skyline and an escape from the chaos of the city, is quiet and picturesque, with light-green foliage and monkeys scampering about. The origins of the temple caves, thought to date from about the 7^th century. Many of Elephanta's priceless statues were damaged or destroyed by the Portuguese, who apparently used the Hindu gods for target practice.

Afternoon: Proceed on City Tour. Visit Prince of Wales Museum (closed to public on Mondays) - Now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum was founded in the early years of the 20th century by some prominent citizens of Bombay with the help of the government, to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. Drive pass The Gateway of India and later visit Dhobi Ghat - Dhobis (washer men) usually run door to door collecting dirty linen from households. After a day or two, they return the linen washed, sometimes starched and ironed. Dhobis were the forerunners on the Indian subcontinent to modern professional dry cleaners. In Mumbai, dhobis are an integral feature of the city. All the dhobis wash their linen in the Mahalaxmi area known as Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhavan - Is a simple old-style, two storied building on Laburnum Road. Whenever Gandhi Ji was in Mumbai between (1917 to 1934).

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Later, transfer to the airport in time to board your flight for Chennai, which is popularly known as 'Gateway to South India'.

Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the Kapaleeswarar temple, Santhome Basilica. Drive-by Marina Beach - The second longest beach in the world lies on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. The sandy shore is the largest crowd puller.

Later visit the Government Museum, established in 1851, is the second oldest museum in India. It is also one of the largest museums in South Asia.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Later, continue by road to Mahabalipuram, en-route visiting Kanchipuram - Is in the state of Tamil Nadu, and is located on the western bank of the Palar River. Such a location already hints at the impressive scenery that can be seen while in this remarkable city. This city is often referred to as the 'golden city of a thousand temples.

Kanchipuram is considered one of the Seven Sacred Cities of India. In this context, it is particularly known for being the seat for bearing culture and philosophy. With such an association being made with this city, it only makes sense that this location has become such a cultural center in modern times. Also known as the "Silken Paradise" is world-renowned for the gorgeous hand-woven silk sarees of myriad rich colors, noted for their shine, finish, and matchless beauty.  

Here, visit the Kambareswarar Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Prithvilingam, this is one the largest and most popular temples in Kanchipuram.   

Sri Kailasnathar Temple – Another temple to Lord Shiva,  Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple - Dedicated to Parvati in the form of Kamakshi, this temple is the site of the famous annual Car Festival in February or March when the Goddess is taken out on a procession throughout the town and Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple.  

After the sightseeing of Kanchipuram, continue to Mahabalipuram.

Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Morning: Visit the Shore Temple - It is believed that there were seven magnificent temples what are known as the seven pagodas, built near the sea share. But the lonely survivor is the shore temples. It was originally constructed during the 7th century and later it was Narasimha Varman II, (Rajasimha) completed the skilled work in his rule. The temple is full of designs made by carvings.

Panch Rathas – Are monolithic temples fashioned as chariots.

Arjuna’s Penance -  One of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world, the Arjuna's penance is 31m long and 9m high.  

Afternoon: Free day for own activities.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Later, continue by road to Pondicherry – A remarkable degree of French influence exists to this date.  

Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel.

Afternoon: visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram & Matrimandir. Pondicherry Museum

Manakula Vinayagar Temple (Ganesha temple).

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Later, continue by road to Chettinad, Via visit Tanjore – Also known as Thanjavur, is a city and a municipality in Tanjore District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The city lies on the south bank of the Kaveri River. Tanjore was the capital of the Mutharayars and Cholas when they were at the peak of their power. Since then, Tanjore has been one of the chief political, cultural, and religious centers of South India. The famous Brihadeeswara Temple, one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites derives its name from Tanjan - an asura (demon) who according to local legend caused devastation and was killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Sri Neelamegapperumal.

Later, continue on your drive to Chettinad - The Land of Heritage & Devotion

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Chettinad Houses – Are rich in cultural heritage, art, and architecture, that are embellished with marble and Burma teak. The houses have wide inner courtyards and spacious rooms.

Afternoon: Continue by road to 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.

Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel.

Evening: witness the “BED CHAMBER CEREMONY” at the Meenakshi Temple  

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Morning: Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace- Built-in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian architect.  

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam - Is the biggest temple tank in the state of Tamil Nadu. Vinayakar Temple - Situated right in the middle of the tank, which is dedicated to Lord Vigneshwara- The Elephant faced God.

Later visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple – The temple forms the heart and lifeline of 2500 years old city of Madurai.

The major attractions of the Temple are the gopurams (Towers). The height of these gopurams ranges between 45 and 50 meters. These gopurams have intricate designs all over them. The entire temple complex stretches for about 6 hectares.

Afternoon: Is at leisure to pursue independent activities.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Later, continue on your drive to  Morning leave by surface to Periyar. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

Afternoon: Boat ride on Lake Periyar (subject to availability) or as an alternate Spice Plantation tour, where you will be shown how these spices grow and you will also discover how they are useful for health.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the HOTEL

Later, continue by road to Alleppey and proceed to Jetty to board the House Boat for an overnight stay and cruise (Cruise is only during day time and after sunset, it is anchored due, to fishing activity).  Upon arrival, you shall be welcomed by your crew and the cruise begins you are served lunch.

Dinner and overnight on board the Houseboat.

Breakfast on board your Houseboat.

09h30: Disembark, and continue by road to Cochin or Kochi - is a major port city on the west coast of India by the Arabian Sea. Kochi, was the centre of Indian Spice trade for many centuries. Fort Kochi was ruled by the Portuguese followed by the Dutch later by the British. So, it still bear the influence of European architecture.

Upon arrival, check-in at HOTEL.

Evening - Attend the Kathakali dance show. The literal meaning of Kathakali is story play. The dance dramas depict scenes and events from Hindu mythology, typically from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Kathakali artists wear heavy makeup and magnificent costumes to depict good and evil characters. You can also witness the makeup applying process.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Morning: Proceed for sightseeing. Visit Mattancherry Palace; The Dutch Palace (closed to public on Friday’s) was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronations of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. Jewish Synagogue (closed to public on Friday’s) - built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.

Later proceed for visit St. Francis Church, Chinese Net; Santa Cruz Basilica; the original church, situated in Fort Kochi,

Afternoon: day free for own activities.

Evening: Enjoy the Harbour Cruise to witness the sunset.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Transfer to airport in time to board your onward destination flight.

End of services.