South India: Kerala & Tamil Nadu

Dravadien Culture, tradition and nature of western ghat

Tour to South India to explore the both states “Tamil Nadu and Kerala” are remnants of the golden age. During your trip to south India you will discover its ancient Dravidian culture and the temples of Tamil Nadu of the Cholas Dynasty, Further visit to Kerala spice garden with specialist ( naturalist ), Cruise in periyar lake to observe the wild life and nature beauty, smoothness of cruise in Kerala back water canals thatched by coconut groove and spotted by authentic villages, there are also many churches and mosques that witnesses invaders of the past, at visit of Cochin a former Portuguese colony where past is still present, The tour end up by relaxing at the beach of kerala at your own rhythm.


Day 1: Arrive Madras /Chenai to Mahabalipuram

Day 2: Mahabalipuram,- Kanchipuram — Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Pondichery , 110 kms .

Day 4: Pondichery-Chidambaram Tanjore (238 kms)

Day 5: Tanjore – Trichy (235 km)

Day 6: Trichey -Madurai (142 km)

Day 7: Madurai – Thekaddy- Periyar 140 kms. 5heurs

Day 8: Periyar wild life and spice gardens

Day 9: Periyar – Allepy 140 kms . 3 hours . Back water

Day 10: Allepy – Kochi64 kms.

Day 11: Cochin – Verkhala (240 kms.)

Day 12-13: Au Verkhala.

Day 14: Verkhala- Trivandrum – and onward flight


Day 1: Arrive Madras /Chenai to Mahabalipuram

Arrive Madras – Chenai in the morning, Reception at airport , Transfer to Mahabalipuram via a scenic coastal road. On arrival check in hotel. Later visit to Mahabalipuram which is a small village on the shore of Bay of Bengal, with somptuous rock carved temples belonging to the World Patrimonial. We will discover the very huge carved relief representing Ganga descending on Earth, beautiful temples , the Rathas – big stone carved chariots. We will have a stroll in the village or late afternoon, discover the fishermen coming back from fishing. night in the hotel

Day 2: Mahabalipuram,- Kanchipuram — Mahabalipuram

Leave to visit Kanchipuram which is a famous for its Kailash Nath temple, the first Dravidian temple and the 59 meter high Akambaranath temple which has been built by Pallawas from 6th to 8th century, and extended by Chollas. The most recent part of the wall has been added by Vijay Nagar 500 years ago. after visit back to hotel for Lunch, Afternoon stroll on beach , one can observe the activities of fishermen coming back from fishing. night in the hotel.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Pondichery , 110 kms.

A 110 km drive, 2.30 hours, will bring you to Pondichery, small and charming city on the Bengal sea. It has been the capital of the French territory until 1954. Visit of this former French territory whose culture is still intact, where you will discover the European atmosphere which remains there as well as the big Bazar typically indian. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram , Gandhi’s mark on the see shore , discover the Bazar and Auroville , night in hotel .

Day 4: Pondichery-Chidambaram Tanjore (238 kms)

Chidambaram is an important destination for followers of the Hindu god Shiva and exponent of the fearsome, frenzied Tandav Nritya or the dance of destruction. At the centre of the town is the large Natraj Temple complex dedicated to Shiva as the divine dancer or Natraj, 50 km from Chidambaram is Gangaikondas Cholapuram, at one time the capital of the Chola kingdom. It has a Shiva temple that is noted for its hugeness and the rich carvings on the walls of demi-gods in dancing positions. A huge Nandi bull guards the entrance, night in hotel at Tanjore

Day 5: Tanjore – Trichy (235 km)

Morning you will visit the great temple of Brihadishwara, a masterpiece of Dravidian art declared as world heritage site. Temple dating from the 10th century dedicated to Shiva is one of the few open to non Hindus. Depart for Trichy situated on the banks of the river Kaveri. Visit the famous temple dedicated to Ranganatha at Srirangam. Installation at hotel and visit Rock Fort Temple, Srirangam Temple and Jambukeshwar. Hotel

Day 6: Trichey -Madurai (142 km)

After 4.30 hours driving, we reach Madurai. It is one of the most extraordinary worship place in India, and the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. Its gigantic temple is dedicated to a female goddess Meenakshi, the goddess with fish eyes. One can get lost while visiting number of rooms and corridors, discovering the sumptuous sculptured pillars : for sure the devotion of architecture is deep and interesting. Night in hotel.

Day 7: Madurai – Thekaddy- Periyar 140 kms. 5heurs

Spectacular road traversing several towns of Tamilnadou to the hills of the western Ghat till the village of Thekkady .On arrival check in hotel and later stroll in the forest of periyar., night in hotel.

Day 8: Periyar wild life and spice gardens

Morning cruise in Periyar lake exposes one to the realms of natures and provides a chance to spot the wildlife as elephants, monkeys, deer, wild boar , bison etc. Night in Thekkady, after lunch visit Spice gardens , Afternoon visit the bazaar where you will find a wide choice of spices.. Night in Thekkady

Day 9: Periyar – Allepy 140 kms . 3 hours . Back water

Drive to Allepy, On arrival board in house boat to spend a days at the peaceful rhythm of the Kerala Backwaters, visiting the canals by boat, stroll by foot in the villages in through paddy fields and the coconut trees’, Night in A/C boat.with all meals .

Day 10: Allepy – Kochi64 kms.

Cochin is situated between the Oman’s sea and many small islands. It has been a Portuguese, then Dutch prosperous territory on the silk and spices road. It is a kind of magical place : you will walk in the old streets, visit the Saint Franà ƒ §ois’s church, the synagogue, the Dutch Palace, you will discover the fishermen coming back from fishing and their huge and famous nets fixed on the shore . In the evening, you will be able to see a Kathakhali performance (extra, in option). Night in Cochin .

Day 11: Cochin – Verkhala (240 kms.)

Morning transfer towards Verkhala. Before arrival visit the famous 2000 years old shrine of Janardhan Swami that is important Vaishnavaite in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares or Kashi of South of South) after lunch in the city record in the hotel, time free to enjoy the beach, evening strolls in the surrounding villages, sleeping in the hotel.

Day 12-13: Au Verkhala.

Days on sea side at your own rythem, Evening stroll on shore side, visit small villages around and meet the local people, One can have traditional keralian Ayurvedic massage , night in hotel

Day 14: Verkhala- Trivandrum – and onward flight

Morning as per the flight schedule transfer to airport of Trivandrum to get the flight to your onward destination. No hotel.


COST INCLUDE

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South India: Kerala & Tamil Nadu

India Easy
  • Region: Tamil Nadu - Kerala

  • Activity: Cultural Tours

  • Season: Oct to March

  • Duration: 14 days

Highlights

  • Ancients temples ( Gupuram ) of Tamilnadu,

  • Dravidian culture,

  • Rock carved temples of Mahabalipuram,

  • Aurovindo ashram at Pondichery,

  • Bronze museum of Tanjore,

  • Wild life sanctuary of Periyar and spice gardens,

  • Kerala back water cruise,

  • Synagogue of Cochin and Kathakali performance.

  • Stroll in the villages and meet the hospitable peoples Relax on the Kerala beac


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