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HISTORICAL SOUTH |
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Review:
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We explore the historical site of South India beside relaxing on some
beaches. First visit some of the highlight of Chennai, then we move to
Mahabalipurm to admire the Shore Temple, as well as other monolithic
monuments and relax on beach. Pondicherry was ruled by French since
middle of 18th century, and it returned to India in 1954. The town was
originally divided into two by a canal, one side used to be the Ville
Blanc (white town) and the other the Ville Noir (black town) for the
Indian Population. We have time here to explore and feel the French
culture, which still exist in the form of architecture and the
population who still speak French. In Trichy we will visit unique Rock
Fort temple and move to Madurai to explore Madurai temple dedicated to
Meenakshi Sundarama, is a large temple - town complex of walls,
corridors, concentric streets, tanks shops and finally, the main shrine,
with sculptured pillars, and the figures on the Gopurams. The temple has
an interesting museum located in its 1000 - pillared hall. After
exploring sites of South India, we spend some time relaxing at one of
the excellent beach - Kovalam. It is a short distance of 16 Km. south of
Trivandrum.
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Ref: |
MHS |
Duration: |
10 Days |
Season: |
Round The Year |
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Itinerary: |
Chennai
- Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Trichy - Madurai - Kovalam - Trivandrum |
DAY 01. ARRIVE CHENNAI
Arrive Chennai
and Transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
DAY 02.
IN CHENNAI
Full day
orientation drives through this sprawling city which covers Kapaleeshwar
temple, Marina Beach and the Cathedral of St Thomas. Chennai is famous for
its superb foreshore, which includes the 8 - mile long Marina, and is an
important center devoted to the revival of classical Indian dancing. The
capital of Tamil Nadu State, it is a spacious and attractive city with many
imposing buildings and charming old houses.
DAY 03.
CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM Drive 58 Km 1 ˝ Hrs.
Morning drive to
Mahabalipuram, arrive and check in at hotel. This small village offers us
the ideal opportunity to relax; the area is well known for its beautiful
temples and miles of beaches, perfect for an evening stroll or beach -
combing.
DAY 04. IN MAHABALIPURAM
Full day to
explore world heritage 17th century Shore temple, Arjuna's
Penance, the world's largest bas – relief (some 27 m long by 20 m high ),
and one of the most impressive friezes in India, Mandapa cave temples with
interesting relief’s, Five Raths and monolithic temples sculptured out of
the rock in the mid 7th century. Optional short drive brings us
to Kanchipuram, the Golden City of 1000 Temples one of the Seven Sacred
Places of India. Its famous 7th century temples include the Pallavas, the
oldest examples of Hindu architecture in South India.
DAY 05. MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY
Drive 132 Km 3 Hrs.
Morning depart
and drive to Pondicherry. Arrive and check in at hotel. Afternoon visit the
Sri Aurobindo’s Ashram (a meditation center) and city tour of the once
French colony. Post lunch tour of Auroville (an international city with
inhabitants from all over the world) and visit the Mata Mandir meditation
center.
DAY 06. PONDICHERRY – TRICHY
Drive 243 Km
Early morning
depart and drive to Trichy. Arrive and check in at hotel. Afternoon tour to
the famous great rock fort which looms about 300' over the banks of the
Cauvery river. A Ganesh temple stands here, and there are superb views from
the top of the fort looking down on the river island of Srirangam and the
temple of Ranganatha Swami.
DAY 07. TRICHY – MADURAI
Drive 142 Km
Morning depart
and drive to Madurai. Madurai is the Tamil heartland and the acknowledged
center of Dravidian culture. The old town clings around the 9 tall gopurams
(monumental gates) of the 16th century Meenakshi Temple. We explore the Hall
of 1000 Pillars, the Palace of King Tiramalai (a blend of Hindu and Saracen
architectural styles), the Great Tank and the Gandhi Museum. Rising above
the complex, above the festive Pandemonium of swirling crowds of pilgrims
that never seem to cease, are 11 stupendous towers. Recent restorations
include repainting the carvings and stonework in their original colors -
startling effect.
DAY 08.
MADURAI – KOVLAM Drive 315 Km 6 Hrs.
Early morning
depart and drive to Kovlam. Arrive in the evening and check in at hotel.
DAY 09. IN KOVLAM
A sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This
natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. Full day at
leisure.
DAY 10. KOVLAM – TRIVANDRUM –
DEPARTURE
Transfer to Trivandrum airport for onward / homeward journey.
Option: Add on or individually
Kerala Houseboat, Wildlife and hills.
Tour
Ref: EXT KHH.
Duration: 09 Days
DAY 01.
ARRIVE TRIVANDRUM – KOVLAM
Drive 16 Km ˝ Hrs. Arrive
Trivandrum and transfer to Kovlam hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 02 / 10.
KOVLAM – ALUMKADAVU
Drive 100 Km 2 Hrs. EMBARK ON A HOUSEBOAT
Morning
drive to Alumkadavu and board the houseboat and cruise through back water.
Overnight on board.
DAY 03 / 11.
IN HOUSEBOAT (Moving)
Cruise
through backwaters and overnight on board.
DAY 04 / 12.
HOUSEBOAT – ALLPEPPEY – PERIYAR
Drive 180 Km 4 Hrs. Arrive
Alleppey, disembark and drive to Periyar. Arrive and check in at hotel.
Afternoon a boat cruise in Periyar for game viewing.
DAY 05 / 13.
IN PERIYAR WILDLIFE TREK AND DRIVE TO MUNAR Drive 160 Km 3 ˝ Hrs.
Morning a short forest walk, visit spice villages and drive to Munar.
Arrive and check in at hotel.
DAY 06 / 14.
IN MUNAR
Morning half day excursion to
Erivakulam National Park. Afternoon return to Munar, rest of the day at leisure
for personal exploration.
DAY 07 / 15.
MUNAR – COCHIN
Drive 135 2 ˝ Hrs.
Morning
depart and a short drive to Cochin. Arrive and check in at hotel. Rest of the
day at leisure. Evening enjoy Kathakali dance.
DAY 08 / 16.
IN COCHIN
Morning half day river craft
tour to visit Fort Cochin, The Mattancherry Palace and Bolgatty Island.
Afternoon at leisure for personal exploration.
DAY 09 / 17.
COCHIN – TRIVANDRUM – DEPARTURE
Transfer
to airport for onward / homeward journey.
Option Train:
Train to Chennai
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