| South India Classic Tour |  |
Duration :Tour Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Places to See :Chennai (Madras) - Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram – Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin – Home.
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| Day 01: Arrive Chennai. |
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As you reach Chennai, meet our representative who’ll escort your pre-booked hotel. Chennai is the largest city in South India. Established in 1639 as one of the four division of the country under Imperial British rule. It is today a significant gateway to Southern India. Spend rest of the time at leisure or you can explore the city by your own. Overnight stay at Chennai.
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| Day 02 : Chennai sightseeing. |
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In the morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Chennai. The major tourist attractions to visit include the Fort St. George, St. Thomas Mount, San Thome Cathedral, Kapaleeswar Temple and the National Art Gallery. Also visit Vivekananda House - The museum houses a collection of photographs and memorabilia from the Swami Vivekanand’s life. In the evening visit the Marina beach that is both beautiful and inviting tourist from around the world. Overnight stay at Chennai.
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| Day 03: Chennai - Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (60 Kms/ 1.5 hrs) |
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Morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Mahabalipuram. The temples of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram are architecture marvel of South India. Stop at Kanchipuram to visit Kailasanthar temple, Ekambareshwarar temple, Vardarajanperumal temple and the Sakkiswarar temple. After sightseeing, continue drive to Mahabalipuram to visit the UNESCO monuments: Arjuna’s penance, The Shore Temple (One of the oldest temple in South India), Five Rathas - These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent examples of Pallava Art, Krishna Mandapam and Mahishasuramardhini Cave. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.
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| Day 04 : Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (105 Kms/ 2-3 Hrs). |
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Next morning after breakfast, drive towards Pondicherry. Reach Pondicherry and check into the hotel. After wash and change, enjoy tour of Pondicherry visit Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Botanical gardens, Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus - built in the Gothic style, Pondicherry Museum - has a fine sculpture gallery and a section for archaeological findings dating back to the Roman settlement at Arikamedu and the ninth century Light house. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.
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| Day 05 : Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Tanjore (180 Kms/ 4 Hrs) |
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In the morning after breakfast, drive towards Tanjore - Tanjore rose to glory during the later Chola period between the 9th and 14th centuries A.D. It also flourished later during the rule of the Nayaks and Mahrattas. Enroute stop at Chidambaram to visit the famous Nataraja Temple - The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is gold plated. Here Lord Shiva is depicted as the cosmic dancer-Nataraja. Continue drive to Tanjavur or Tanjore. On the way visit a Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Reach Tanjore and check into the hotel overnight stay.
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Day 06: Tanjore - Thiruchirapalli – Madurai (190 Kms/ 4 hrs)
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After breakfast, set off for city tour visit Brihadeshwar Temple, Thanjavur Royal Palace. Later leave for Madurai. On the way, stop at Trichurapalli or Trichy located on the banks of the River Kaveri to visit Sri Rangnathaswamy Temple at Srirangam and Rock fort Temple. Continue drive to Madurai. Reach Madurai and check into the hotel. Overnight stay at Madurai.
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Day 07: Madurai tour.
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After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing tour of Madurai visit Gandhi Museum, Alagar Koil, Mariamman Teppakulam and the Vaigai dam. In the evening visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and attend the evening prayer ceremonies at Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay at Madurai.
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Day 08: Madurai – Thekkady (160 Kms/ 4 hrs)
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After breakfast, drive to Periyar (Thekkady). The earliest sanctuary to be set up in 1934, it extends to 777 square kms & forms part of the high mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Amongst the animals which can be seen are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, langur monkeys, etc. Overnight stay at Periyar
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Day 09: Thekkady – Kumarakom (125 Kms/ 3-4 hrs)
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After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom “Motherland of Backwater”. Reach Kumarakom, check-in to the hotel. After relaxing for a while, visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
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Day 10: Kumarakom - Kottayam - Alleppey
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After breakfast, embark the houseboat at Kumarakom. Before reaching Alleppey, stop mid way at Kottayam. The Kerala backwaters have been known for their mesmerizing and alluring charms spread across the whole area. Experience the beauty of Alleppey backwaters for the majestic scenery it offers. Overnight stay at the houseboat.
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Day 11: Alleppey – Cochin (60 kms/ 1.5 hrs). Cochin sightseeing.
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Morning after breakfast, disembark the houseboat and drive to Cochin. On arrival, check into the hotel. After freshen up and relax for some time, enjoy sightseeing tour of Cochin visit Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue. Enjoy the spectacular view of giant Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay at Cochin.
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Day 12: Departure from Cochin.
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Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport to board a flight to Chennai. Reach Chennai and board your onward flight back to home or onward destination.
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| Tour ends here……… | |