Tamil Nadu a southern Indian state is considered as the cradle of Dravidian culture. Formerly known as Tamizhagam, is the origin of some of Hinduism's most important schools of philosophy. The Nilgiri hills, 2500 meters high can be considered as the only hills in comparison to the Himalayas. To the east of these hills are the plains of Tamil Nadu and the coastal strip of Kerala to its west along with the state of Karnataka.
On one hand of this diverse land we have Kodaikknal, Ooty, Munnar, some of the most beautiful hill - stations of Tamil Nadu. And on the other we have Madurai, Tanjore, Mahamallapuram which are considered a part of some of the greatest cultural treasures of India. Yet another dimension is given to this culturally rich state by its beaches, palaces and forts.
Chennai, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Perriyar, Kumarakom, Allepy, Cochin
Day 01: Arrival at Chennai
After arrival you will be assisted to the hotel for a two night long stay, followed by a tour around Chennai in the afternoon.
Day 02: Chennai
Known as the city of 1,000 temples, Kanchipuram, is also famous for its silks. We visit Kanchipuram and Lourdes Shrine Church.
Day 03: Chennai - Poducherry (also known as Pondicherry)
The Shore Temple in Mahaballipuram is now counted as a World Heritage monument. A drive to this coastal temple town is arranged, followed by a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram and later a visit to the Pondicherry Museum and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04: Pondicherry - Tanjore
We travel further south to visit temples of Gangaikondacholapuram, through the Kaveri's flat landscapes and heartlands of Chola. A 6hr travel to the 'Rice Bowl' of Tamil Nadu, Tanjore for an overnight hotel stay.
Day 05: Tanjore - Madurai
The Chola dynasty ruled Tamil Nadu between 1st and 4th century. Their capital was Tiruchirapalli or now known as Trichy as mentioned by Ptolemy. We set out for a visit to this historic place along with a visit to the Rock Fort and Srirangam temple complex. After this we continue our journey to Madurai, stay at the hotel overnight.
Day 06: Madurai - Periyar
Synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi temple with tower Gopurams, is one of India's greatest temple towns, Madurai. A visit to this cultural and architectural beauty in the morning and then a continued 5 hour long journey to Perriyar to visit most popular wildlife sanctuary of Southern India followed by a two night long stay the hotel.
Day 07: Periyar
An escape from the buzz of city life is a paradise set in the Western Ghats, Periyar. We start off with a relaxing boat ride early in the morning.
Day 08: Periyar - Kumarakom
A 4hr travel to Kumarakom currently located on the shores of Lake Vembanad, formerly a rubber plantation, the estate is now a bird sanctuary. Stay at the hotel, overnight.
Day 09: Kumarakom - Alleppey
A day cruise on the popular Kerala houseboat and a night on board with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 10: Alleppey - Cochin
After the fun boat ride, we arrive at Cochin, a vibrant city with scenic, is located between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea. Here we visit the Jewish Synagogue, built by Malabar Yehudan people in 1568, and the Mattancherry Palace, that has Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and other exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi, also known as the Dutch Palace, in the afternoon. In the evening we watch a Kathakali dance show, one of the most exotic and vibrant dance forms in India.
Day 11: Departure
Drop at the Cochin airport in the morning.
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