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Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Destination: Chennai - Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar - Cochin

Houseboat in Kerala

DAY 01 Arrive Chennai
Reception upon arrival and transfer from airport to hotel to immediate occupancy. Morning free. Afternoon - sightseeing tour of Chennai to see some of the highlights of India's fourth largest city. Visit the National Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes and South Indian bronzes; the Cathedral of San Thome; the Mylapore Temple, and St Mary's Church.

DAY 02 In Chennai
Morning - excursion to Kanchipuram, known as the Golden City of a thousand temples and afternoon excursion to Mahabalipuram - an ancient coastal port, south of Chennai.

Day 03 Chennai - Trichy (316 kms)
Drive from Chennai to Trichy en route visit Srirangam - an island on the Cauvery River with a massive Vishnu temple within seven walls. Also visit the Jambukeshwar Temple, where Shiva's symbol- the lingam - is submerged in water.

Day 04 Trichy - Tanjore (56 kms)
Morning - city tour of Trichy. The Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the old city. Finally at the top of the hill, is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil - a Ganesh Temple, offering a commanding view of the city. Afternoon drive from Trichy to Tanjore (54 kms/1.5 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 05 Tanjore - Madurai (190 kms/5 hours)
Morning - city sightseeing tour of Tanjore where you will visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. Afternoon drive from Tanjore to Madurai. On arrival check-in at hotel. Madurai - is a colorful city to see its moods walk around the streets. The main city area revolves around Meenakshi temple, with its baroque example of Dravidian architecture & the four tall Gopurams (Pillars) with multi colored Gods, Goddess, Demons & deities. Madurai is surrounded by Coconut Grooves & Rice Paddies. Overnight stay

beach in South India

Day 06 In Madurai
Morning, proceed for sightseeing tour of Nectar City of Madurai - Meenakshi temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 - foot high stone pillar, still stands.

Day 07 Madurai - Periyar (137 kms)
Drive from Madurai to Periyar. Along the way we pass through Tea, Cinnamon, Clove & Cardamom plantations -beautiful to see & smell! Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the surroundings.

Day 08 Periyar - Cochin (192 kms)
Early morning game viewing by boat on Lake Periyar. Drive from Periyar to Kottayam (115 kms/2.5 hours). Backwaters cruise from Kottayam to Alleppey (2-3 hrs cruise). Arrive at Alleppey and drive to Cochin (63 kms/1.5 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel.

Day 09 In Cochin
Morning - sightseeing tour of Cochin. Which also includes a visit to Jewish synagogue, built over 400 years ago. Afternoon - enjoy a motor launch cruise on the backwaters of Cochin, around the harbour, visit the Bolghatty Palace (the beautiful Dutch colonial mansion). You will pass islands with the traditional fishing hamlets, and see the fisher folk in their colorful costumes.

Day 10 Cochin - Chennai
Morning - free for independent activities. In afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport to board flight to Chennai. Upon arrival and transfer from Domestic to International airport. Departure Chennai.

Southern Surprise