13 Nights & 14 Days
Cochin – Alleppey – Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Madurai – Chettinad – Trichy & Thanjavur – Thanjavur – Kumbakonam – Mahabalipuram – Chennai
13 Nights & 14 Days
Cochin – Alleppey – Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Madurai – Chettinad – Trichy & Thanjavur – Thanjavur – Kumbakonam – Mahabalipuram – Chennai
The region where the great Dravidian dynasties rose and fell in India lies geographically in the Southern part of the country. More tropical in nature than the cold lower Himalayan base of North India or the Thar Desert of the Western part, the hues of South are completely different. Food, sights and the warm breeze of the sea combined, make for a balmy ambiance to enjoy the slow paced backwater canals of Kerala, or the eons old temples of Tamil Nadu and ludicrously stunning sunset points along the beaches. What are bound to stand out are the exquisitely carved temples of Tamil Nadu, verdant and soothing surroundings and a peek into the world of Ayurveda in Kerala and a rich repository of varied landscapes as you meander through the
Chinese Fishing Nets | Kathakali Dance | Backwaters | Vivekananda Memorial | Meenakshi Temple | Kanadukathan | Brihadeshwara Temple | Shore Temple
Arrive at the capital city of Kerala and check in at the hotel in the erstwhile Portuguese, Dutch and Jewish colony of Fort Kochi.
Dedicate the day to explore the town; each street and monument is a reflection of its rich historic lineage. St. Francis Church, the Mattancherry Palace, the Chinese fishing nets that scoop up kilos of fresh catch, the Jewish Synagogue and a Kathakali dance performance make lasting impressions.
Glide through the slim backwater canals of Alleppey in the houseboats. This gives you a chance to see local life at close quarters. Overnight stay in the comfortable and softly bobbing bedrooms on the boat.
Drive to Kovalam after landing from the boat at a jetty.
Enroute the southernmost tip of India, make a short stop for the Padmanabha Temple. At Kanyakumari, Vivekananda Memorial, Kumari Amman Temple and Gandhi Memorial cover all pegs of the city.
Home to the 2500 years old Meenakshi Temple, Madurai is a heady mix of sights and sounds – photographers will love this. The temple is a hive of activity with the rest of the city emulating its charmingly chaotic vibe.
A grand ceremonial tank of water called Mariamma surrounds a temple. Apart from this stunning sight, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in Indo-Saracenic style. A trip to the Meenakshi Temple and the museum inside is imperative.
The ancient city is home to the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking community, who ventured overseas to Ceylon, Burma and Indo-China in the 19th and 20th centuries. A visit to the Kanadukathan, built in 1912, showcases the architectural marvels, and the cultural ethos of the region.
Trichy or Tiruchirappalli is a city whose skyline is dominated by the Rock Fort Temple. The temple can be reached by a steep flight of steps cut into a tunnel through the rock. Later continue drive to Thanjavur.
The iconic Brihadishwara Temple constructed by the Chola Rajendra I in the 10th Century and considered to be the culmination of the classic architecture in South India. This is sure to leave you enthralled.
A day’s stop at Kumbakonam validates a trip to the ancient Gangaikondacholapuram, Kumbakonam and Darasum temples.
Drive to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, after making a short stop at the famous Natraj Temple of Chidambaram.
The unassuming town is known for its spectacular Five Rathas (chariots) ceremonial chariots, rock-cut monoliths, the Shore Temple by the sea and excellent sculptures that surround it.
Leave for Chennai to catch onward flight.
