SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR

(13 NIGHTS/14 DAYS)
Chennai (Madras) - Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Kettuvallams (Houseboats) - Mararikulam - Cochin

Day 1:  Arrive Chennai
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Later in the afternoon proceed sightseeing tour of city visiting Fort St. George, St Mary's Church, Indo Saracenic High Court building, Kapaleeswarar temple and San Thome Cathedral. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2:  Chennai-Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram by surface
(123 kms/2 –3 Hrs)
Today you will drive for Mahablipuram via Kancipuram visiting temples located 64 kms from Chennai, one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. Arrive Mahabalipuram and check in at hotel. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 3:  In Mahabalipuram
Morning proceed for a visit to the temples of Mahabalipuram, built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century. The complex comprises of 14 cave-temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels.

Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beach. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 4: Mahabalipuram - Chidambaram -Darasuram-Tanjore
(255 kms / 5 - 6 Hrs)
Today you will drive for Tanjore enroute visiting Chidambaram, the capital of the Cholas from AD 907 to 1310. It is one of Tamil Nadu's most important holy towns. The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres, the roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates.The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the temple. Also later visit the temple of Darasuram. On arrival, check in at hotel. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 5:  In Tanjore
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of city visiting the Brihadeeshwara Temple, the old town, the Raja Museum and the Art gallery. Afternoon proceed for an excursion to Trichy visiting the Rock fort Temple. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 6:  Tanjore-Madurai by surface
(158 kms / 3 – 4 Hrs)
Today you will drive for Madurai. On arrival, check in at hotel. Later in the afternoon proceed for a sightseeing of the city visiting Tirrumalai Nayak Palace, Thirumohur and Meenakshi Temple. Evening watch prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 7:  Madurai-Periyar by surface
(142 kms/ 3 - 4 Hrs)
Today you will drive for Periyar. On arrival, check in at hotel. Late afternoon, enjoy boat ride on Lake Periyar to view wildlife.  Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 8:  Periyar-Kumarakom by surface
(127 kms/ 3H)
Today you will drive for Kumarakom. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 9:  Kumarakom-Alleppey by surface
(51 kms/ 2 Hrs)
Today you will drive for Alleppey, from here board the Kettuvallam (houseboat) for cruising on backwaters. Overnight is onboard house boat.

Day 10:  Arrive Alleppey -Mararikulam by surface
(12 kms / ½ Hrs)
Arrive Alleppey by Kettuvallam and drive for Mararikulam. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure on the beach.  Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 11:  In Mararikulam
Full day is at leisure. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 12:  Mararikulam-Cochin by surface
(63 kms/ 1 ½ Hrs)
Today you will drive for Cochin. On arrival, check in at hotel. Later in the afternoon sightseeing tour of city, visiting the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue – (closed on Fridays) and Chinese Fishing Nets. Evening, attend the Kathakali dance performance. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 13:  Leave Cochin
In time transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination.