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18 Nights of Southern delights covering the two seemingly similar states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala bringing a rich kaleidoscope of arts and culture. Starting from Chennai, Tamil Nadu has a profusion of temples, arts and culture from intricate rock carvings, exquisite temple architecture, classical music melodies, dance forms and festivals making this state the cultural capital of India. Ending in Kerala with its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, exotic hill-stations, sprawling plantations, enchanting art forms, colourful festivals, alluring cuisine and the revitalizing Ayurveda-the age old natural science for good health. Both states have of course, its welcoming people making your visit unique through their warmth and less like a foreigner in a strange land. Tamilnadu and Kerala though Geographically on boundaries to each other on the Southern Part of India , are very different in many aspects, like language, customs, festivals, cusine and landscape. Kerala with its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, exotic hill-stations, sprawling plantations, enchanting art forms, colourful festivals, alluring cuisine and the revitalizing Ayurveda-the age old natural science for good health and ofcourse the people- Tamil Nadu is known for its large number of temples.Many of them are huge with towering structures called gopurams.Intricate rock carvings, festivals,classical music and dance highlight the cultural heritage and make Tamil Nadu the cultural capital of the country. Tamil Nadu, the land with ancient history, rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and progressive outlook. Tamil, the official language of the State, is the mother of other Dravidian languages. Tamil literature and grammar are related to the period before 500 BC. Thirukkural, the masterpiece of Tamil literature with the highest and purest expressions of human thought, dates back to this early period.The tour, "AMAZING SOUTH" gives you a choice to explore the best temple experiences in Southern India and the greeny side of India,Kerala.The tour is well designed to cover the destinations which give you lifetime memories.

TOUR DESTINATIONS

Day 01 - COCHIN
On arrival at Cochin, the Queen of Arabian Sea, you will be received by our meet & greet team to transfer you to your hotel. Evening watch a classical art performance at Greenix Theatre which is a kaleidoscope of Kerala classical arts like Kathakali, Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts),Bharatanatyam etc. Overnight at Hotel. Ernakulam, (The City side of Cochin), located on the coast of Arabian Sea, is a booming business metropolis. A fascinating mixture of old and the new, Kochi (Cochin), is the commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin is considered as one of the finest natural harbours in the world, was once a major centre for commerce and trade. The British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc have all come to its shores in search of exotic spices and sandalwood

Day 02- COCHIN
Morning, after breakfast, you will go for a guided village backwater cruise at Poothotta, an island backwater village near to Cochin. Afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Cochin. Overnight at Hotel. Village backwater Cruise - An unforgettable journey in a country boat into the pristine backwater villages of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds....country boat making....a natural fish farm where you can go fishing- You will witness coir making, toddy tapping and enjoy a typical Kerala lunch at a farmhouse. Cochin Sightseeing - St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble.

Day 03: COCHIN - HOUSEBOAT
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey(1.5 hours) to board the houseboat for a night's stay with on board lunch and dinner, covering the nearby villages and the ethnic life around these villages. Overnight in the houseboat. What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including well furnished bedrooms with aircon, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejenuvated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.

Day 04 - KUMARAKOM
After breakfast on board, houseboat will drop you at a panoramic resort set on Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. Overnight at Kumarakom Hotel. The slender coconut palms everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves full of nesting birds of a hundred varieties in the pristine beauty of Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres; the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Day 05 - KUMARAKOM
Full day to explore the beauty of the Kerala backwaters. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom. You have the option to take a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage.Overnight at Kumarakom Hotel.

Day 06 - KUMARAKOM - PERIYAR ( 4.5 Hours drive)
Today, you will be transferred to Periyar ,the famous wildlife destination of Kerala. Rest of the day at leisure to walk through the border of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Early evening visit a Spice Plantation. Overnight at Periyar Hotel. Periyar - The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. With the animals of the wild and the simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Day 07 - PERIYAR
Full day explore the wildlife of Periyar. Your Naturalist will guide you for your activities for the day.You may opt to go for a half day jungle trekking or a full day Jeep Safari through the forest There is also a provision for boating in Periyar Lake but advance seat reservation is not possible.You will have to be on the queue to procure the ticket as they don't allow the agents to take the ticket.Overnight at Periyar Hotel. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers a soul-stirring pleasant experience. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge. The tiger and leopard are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

Day 08 - PERIYAR - MADURAI
After breakfast drive to Madurai (3.5 hours drive), an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east.Afternoon City tour of Madurai to enjoy the glorious architecture of Meenakshi Temple.Watch the closing ceremony at Meenakshi Temple which is a spectacular scene.. Overnight stay at Madurai hotel. Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine nectar ("Madhu") fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence the city was named "Madhurapuri". This sacred town of south attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as abroad. Madurai is synonymous with The Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Mariamman Tank, Koodal Alagar Temple, Gandhi Museum and Government Museum. Meenakshi Temple - In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Siva. The pillars of the Mandapam are decorated with scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared 'Mandapam'. Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars, which produce music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved out of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has been sponsoring literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time.

Day 09 - MADURAI-CHETTINAD
After breakfast drive to Chettinadu Village.(2.5 Hours Drive). Day to explore the ancient heritage of Chettinad Village.Evening visit the local villages. Overnight stay at Chettinad Hotel. Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars , a prosperous banking andbusiness community, many of whose members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today there is a diaspora of Chettinad people, who live in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, among other places.Chettinad is well known for its Chettinad cuisine, Mansions, and Temples.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 eggwhites to give a smooth texture.

Day 10 - CHETTINAD
Full day to explore the Chettinadu villages. Visit the Palace nearby and the artisan's village, Athangudi where a unique kind of floor tiles are made manually. You may also visit the old chettiar mansions, local saree weaving house, local markets and a street with antique shop etc. Your visits can be on bicycle or on bullock carts. You may also be in the Chettinad kitchen to learn one of the unique dishes. The accommodations in Chettinad Village are all with the Mansions converted as heritage hotels where the staff all will join as a family and you will also one among the family. No Chettinad experience is complete without a visit to the streets lined by palatial homes. Many of them are uninhabited today, their owners having moved on with the times. But they stand proud, unbending to the vagaries of time, along with a few other reminders of a glorious era. Like the weekly santhai(market),the Raja's special waiting room at the local railway station, the sari weaving centres, the tile manufacturing units at Athangudi and the many temples-the latter, an integral part of every Chettinad family. Overnight at Chettinad Hotel.

Day 11 - TRICHY-TANJORE-KUMBAKONAM
After an early breakfast, proceed to Trichy. (2 Hours) Day to explore the ancient heritage of Trichy temples. After lunch drive to Tanjore (1 hour drive).City tour of Tanjore. By evening drive to Kumbakonam for overnight stay. Tiruchirapalli - Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city has given great Tamil scholars whose contributions to the Tamil literature have been very significant. Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), situated on the banks of river Cauvery, is famous for the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam, Rock Fort, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, Tiruvannaikaval, Srirangam, Museums & Art Galleries. Thanjavur rose to the glory during the later Chola reign between the 10th and 14th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture. Thanjavur is still the centre of all the classical arts and music. The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. It is the headquarters of Thanjavur district, the 'Rice Bowl' of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive art style, which is usually a combination of raised and painted surfaces.Tanjore paintings are deeply rooted in tradition and still innovative within limits. This art is sacred and dedicated.The Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery has some fine pieces of stone and bronze sculptures from the 9th and 12th centuries.

Day 12 - KUMBAKONAM
Kumbakonam is one of the Oldest towns in Tamilnadu. After breakfast,visit Darasuram Iravadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO Monument),Mahamaham Tank etc.Also visit the local village and Kumbakonam Temples.Overnight at Kumbakonam Hotel. Kumbakonam is one of the Oldest towns in Tamilnadu.and its famous for its Mahamaham Festival. In the 7th century, it was the capital of chola kings. kumbakonam is located among the two rivers Cavery & Arasalar. The town is famous for brass, vessels,bettel leaves. It is primarily a market town for the predominatly agriculture based villages surrounding it. Darasuram is a panchayat town located 3 kilometres from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The town is known for the Airavateswara temple constructed by the Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century AD. The temple is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage monument. This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture. The vimana is 85 feet high. The front mandapam itself is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. The temple has some exquisite stone carvings. The main deity's consort Periya Nayaki Amman temple is situated adjacent to Airavateshwarar temple.

Day 13 - KUMBAKONAM-PONDICHERRY
Morning, proceed to Pondicherry (3 hrs drive) which still carries a strong flavour of the French presence in India. Afternoon free for leisure walks through the French quarter and the beach. Overnight stay at Pondicherry Hotel. Pondicherry - Pondicherry has a long history dating back 2000 years when it was an important Roman trading post. Pondicherry still remains something of its French flavor in its street names, policemen's kepis, spellings of names, the French accent which shows through in the pronunciation of English and Tamil words, a mixture of French words in ordinary conversation, and research institutions and monuments which are named after and dedicated to French heroes. With well- laid out streets and avenues, the city is amongst the easiest to move around in. The city presents an unusual combination of European culture and the Indian traditions.

Day 14 - PONDICHERRY
Full day tour of Pondicherry. Visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. You may also opt to try a bit shopping as Pondicherry has its own uniqueness in things like furniture, home d'cor items like light fittings etc. Overnight stay at Pondicherry Hotel. Auroville (City of Dawn) is an "experimental" township which was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (since her definitive settling in India called "The Mother") and designed by architect Roger Anger as a project of Sri Aurobindo Society on Wednesday 28 February 1968. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. The Government of India endorsed the township, and in 1966, UNESCO also endorsed it inviting the member-states to participate in the development of Auroville. UNESCO re-endorsed Auroville four times more in the course of the last 40 years. In the middle of the town is the Matrimandir, which has been acclaimed as "an outstanding and original architectural achievement". It was conceived by The Mother as "a symbol of the Divine's answer to man's inspiration for perfection". Silence is maintained inside the Matrimandir to ensure the tranquility of the space and entire area surrounding the Matrimandir is called Peace area.

Day 15 - PONDICHERRY-MAHABALIPURAM
After breakfast, drive to mahabalipuram(3 hour drive).Afternoon to explore the architectural beauty of Mahabalipuram. Evening at leisure on the beach. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram Hotel. Mahabalipuram - It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna's Penance - This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas - relief sculpture in the world. There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one. Five Rathas -These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the fort of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

Day 16 - KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM
Morning, after an early breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples.(75 kms-2 Hours drive) After sightseeing, drive back to Mahabalipuram. Evening at leisure on the beach. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram Hotel. Kanchipuram - Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as "the city of thousand temples", is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples and a few more in its outskirts. Today, apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Ekambareswarar Temple - The eleven-storey structure which is adorned with beautiful sculptures is one of the tallest temple towers in South India. The ancient mango tree in the courtyard is revered by childless couples. They faithfully strung small cradles to the branches of the tree and leave with the hope that their desire for an offspring will be fulfilled.

Day 17 - MAHABALIPURAM
Full day to explore the beach. Overnight at Mahabalipuram Hotel.

Day 18 - MAHABALIPURAM-CHENNAI
After breakfast,drive to Chennai,(2 Hours drive) known as "the gateway to southern India" one of the oldest cities of the country.Afternoon city tour of Chennai; Visiting Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple and Marina beach. Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel. Chennai - There are several tourist attractions worth visiting in and around Chennai. Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government's secretariat. Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarathy Temple. Adayar Banyan Tree is one of the largest tree in the world. It measures 238ft from north to south and 250ft from east to west. The total area exceed 59,500 sq ft. This tree is a unique specimen. It has been the centre of many notable gatherings of the Theosophical Society and thousands of visitors have rested in its shade.

Day 19 - CHENNAI-Departure
Like all good things, your tour in South India comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Chennai International airport to connect your flight home.

HOTEL & PRICE DETAILS

Prices are on per person on twin sharing basis and cost includes land arrangements only. Contact us for customizations and exclusive prices. Prices are not applicable for travel during Festival Season and between December 15 - January 15 both dates inclusive.

Package Cost Includes:
* 18 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the itinerary based on Standard Rooms
* Daily Breakfast at the hotels/ resorts
* All meals - Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast at the Houseboat
* All transfers and sightseeing by Standard A/c car as per the itinerary
* English Speaking Guide at Chennai Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Trichy,
Madurai & Cochin
*Arrival/Departure assistance
*Monument Entrances at all destinations (One Entry)
*Plantation Tour in Periyar
* Tea Factory visit in Periyar
*Greenix Cultural show at Cochin
* Village Backwater Cruise at Poothotta with lunch
*Mineral Water throughout the journey
*All Taxes including Service Tax
* Driver allowances, fuel, parking fees & tolls etc

Package Cost Excludes:
* Any meals other than those specified
* Any sightseeing unless otherwise specified
* Any train/ air/ Ship fare.
* Camera fee, Ride, Guide fee other than those specified etc.
* All expenses of personal nature like soft/ hard drinks, Telephone/ Fax, Laundry, Tip etc.
* All other services not mentioned under package cost include section.

Note:
* Confirmation of all services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
* At houseboat A/c will be available from 08 PM to 06 AM only
* List of Hotels preferred will be available on Hotel List.
* Prices are valid from 1st OCT 2010 till 31st MARCH 2012 except for the Highseason period mentioned above Payment:
* Reconfirmation of all services against full payment only.
* All cancellations must be communicated in writing and will be subject to following refund/retension policy
* 100% Refund for cancellations prior to 60 Days of Check In
* 50% Refund for cancellations prior to 30 Days of Check In
* 25% Refund for cancellations prior to 15 Days of Check In
* No Refund for cancellations within 15 days of travel.

    Tailor-made extensions are available on request. PLEASE INQUIRE HERE!