Exotic South India Tour

Upon leaving the aircraft at Chennai International Airport, follow the signs for passport control and
baggage collection. Complete the immigration formalities, collect your checked luggage, and clear
customs.

Then proceed to the arrival area and you will be greeted by our company representative and assisted
with transfer to your hotel.
In afternoon (Post lunch), set off to discover half day tour of Chennai. The visits include: Fort St. George
(it houses a diverse collection of antiquities in well-organised galleries), St. Marys Church (the St Mary’s
Church is the oldest masonry building within Forth St George walls. Visit Kapaleeswarar Temple as well
(a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva).
Return to your hotel for a restful night.

Hotel: Taj Coromandel

Overnight :Chennai

After a delicious breakfast to get the day off to a good start, sets off for Mahabalipuram, a small town on
a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake. Drive via Kanchipuram which is known
for its beach, the temples and the monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries.
After Kanchipuram visit continue drive to Mahabalipuram, arrival and check-in for 02 nights
The evening free at hotel and overnight.

Hotel: The Radisson Resort Temple Bay

Overnight :Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a well-known site for the spectacular rock sculptures and monuments, which have
been collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Proceed flor the visit of following places:

The Caves - There are nine rock cut cave temples.

The Shore Temple - This is one of the ancient temples in South India. They were built in 8th Century A.D.
and is an excellent example of the first phase of the structure of temples constructed in the Dravidian
style. The two spires of the temples contain a shrine for Lord Vishnu and for Lord Shiva.

Five Rathas - These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent examples of Pallava art. Fashioned in
unusual styles, the five Rathas are named after the Pandava Brothers & Draupadi – the heroes of
Mahabharata epic.

Arjuna’s Penance - This huge whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts,
and birds and in fact, can be said to represent creation itself. It also illustrates Arjuna - one of the
Pandava brothers and a skilled archer, is standing on one leg, doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord
Shiva.

Return to your hotel and rest of the time is free for independent activities.

Hotel: The Radisson Resort Temple Bay

Overnight :Mahabalipuram

Today, get ready for a delightful adventure and drive to Pondicherry.

Explore the city, which is known for its blend of French colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and
a unique spiritual centre called Sri Aurobindo Ashram - established in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo after
whose death the religious authority passed to one of his followers, a French woman. Auroville – located
at 10 km from Pondicherry. Its original deed aimed at creating a city of the future where people from all
over the world with different religions could live and work together in a spiritual environment (a prior
permission is required to visit).

Walk through the white town and enjoy tea/ coffee at a café. Visit the flower and fruit market as well.

Hotel: Palais De Mahe

Overnight :Pondicherry

Proceed to Chidambaram and visit famous Nataraja temple, later visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram and
then continue towards Kumbakonam.

Optional: Tucked away in a quiet corner of Veppathur village, it’s an ode to the region’s rich legacy. Where
historical, cultural and spiritual experiences blend, to take you on a journey through time, designed
around the Tamil Panniyar and Brahmin way of life and crafted by nature’s own wonders.
Visit Darasuram Airavateeswarar Temple.

Hotel: Mantrakoodam

Overnight :Kumbakonam

Today free for your own activities or enjoy the activities like Saree Weaving, Bronze Idol making, Bullock
cart ride etc…

Hotel: Mantrakoodam

Overnight :Kumbakonam

Drive to Madurai and enroute visit Famous Brihadeeswara Temple (UNESCO site) in Tanjore.
The World Heritage–listed Brihadeeshwara Temple was built between 1003 and 1010 by Raja I (‘king of
kings’). The outer fortifications were put up by Thanjavur's later Nayak and British regimes.
Continue driving towards Madurai and in the afternoon Madurai visits. Visit Meenakshi amman Temple
and Thirumalainayakkar palace.

Hotel: The Taj Gateway

Overnight :Madurai

Early morning, participate in another of our Madurai team’s local initiatives, Vanakkam Madurai - a
morning walking tour in the central city. This is a magical experience and well worth setting an early
alarm.

Return to hotel for breakfast. Later drive to Periyar which is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife
sanctuary. The surrounding hills are covered with plantations of pepper, cardamom, cumin, coffee,
cloves, etc.

in the evening witness the Kalaripayattu Martial Art show in the local theatre.

Hotel: CGH Spice Village

Overnight :Periyar

The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spreads across the entire
district are the picturesque plantations and hill towns that nestle beautiful trails for treks and mountain
walks. It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country and the forests of Periyar is embellished by the
presence of endangered species.

Optional: In the morning, you will enjoy a guided trek through the national park (covers at least three hours)
where you will have the opportunity to witness the various species birds, squirrels, antelopes, buffalo,
and the traces of elephant. Possibility to have a boat ride or joy ride of Elephant.

Return to hotel and time free at leisure.

Later, explore the spice plantations and visit the local kumily market.

Hotel: CGH Spice Village

Overnight :Periyar

After breakfast, bid farewell to Periyar and set off to Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is selected by National Geographic as one of the destinations in the world that must be
visited in one's lifetime, Kumarakom is the perfect place to experience houseboat cruises/backwaters.

In the evening, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on vembanad lake.

Day free at leisure.

Hotel: CGH Coconut Lagoon

Overnight :Kumarakom

Breakfast at hotel.

Early afternoon, proceed to a local jetty and enjoy a day boat cruise on Vembanad Lake followed by
lunch. The palm-fringed shores, lush mangrove forests, and emerald paddy fields will make you feel
relaxed.

Evening at leisure at hotel or you may enjoy Ayurvedic massage at hotel.

Hotel: CGH Coconut Lagoon

Overnight :Kumarakom

Morning free at leisure and later drive to Cochin.

In the evening, enjoy an evening show of Kathakali dance, which is the traditional dance of Kerala. You
will be impressed by the colorful makeup, the elaborate costumes, and the hand gestures, which are
quite typical in this classical Indian dance.

Hotel: Brunton boatyard

Overnight :Cochin

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin. The Dutch palace at Mattancherry is located at 10 kms from
Ernakulam is well-known for its medieval charm. It houses a gallery of interesting paintings and murals,
thus signifying the rich customs of the Hindus through art.

The Chinese Fisher nets were introduced by Chinese traders are used for a very unique and unusual
method of fishing. Jewish Synagogue - located at the Jew Street was built in 1568. It is also rated as the
oldest synagogue among all commonwealth nations. St. Frances Church - first European church here the
body of late Vasco Da Gama was originally buried.

Afternoon free to explore the city on own.

Hotel: Brunton boatyard

Overnight :Cochin

Transfer to Cochin International airport and fly back to your country.