Chennai

CHENNAI

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(13 nights / 14 days)

Day 01

Welcome to India. On arrival at Chennai airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02

After breakfast leave for a full day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram, (65 km, one and half hours) "Golden Town of a Thousand Temples" and one of the 7 sacred Hindu cities in India whose temples date back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Continue to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram (85 km, two hours) - virtually an open air museum of sculpture in living rock rarely to be seen anywhere in the world. The piece de resistance is Arjuna's penance, the world's largest bas relief. Mahabalipuram is equally famous for the Shore Temples, a composition of pure poetry in granite. Return to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 03

Morning excursion to Trichy (55 km, one hour) - known for its Rock Fort and for its temple at the height of over 83 mtrs. Other renowned temples are the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) and Shiva Temple at Tiruvanaikaval, Samayapram Temple. Return to the hotel.

Afternoon, sightseeing of Thanjavur(Tanjore)- capital of the great Chola Empire and later of the Thanjavur Nayaka and Maratha rulers. Your tour includes a visit to the Sri Brihadeshwara Temple - designated as a World Heritage monument; the palace (partly in ruins) and the Schwartz Church. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04

After breakfast, proceed to Chidambaram where on arrival, we shall begin an orientation tour. See the famous temple of dancing Shiva - the Nataraja Temple. The statue of Shiva here is considered to have the most perfect expression of movement. The roof of the temple is gold platted and it has a hall that has 1000 pillars. The dance of Shiva has many mystic interpretations: that is a symbol of god's rhythmic play as the source of all movement within the cosmos, that it releases the souls of all men from the snare of illusion; and that is actually within the heart of the individual. Continue to Tanjore. On arrival check into your hotel. Overnight.

Day 05

After breakfast leave for Pondicherry (130 kms from Covelong). On arrival, check in at your hotel.
Afternoon, sightseeing of Pondicherry, now an union territory, was retained by the French till 1954. Hence it has acquired a distinct French atmosphere. Visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and also a few churches and temples. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06

After breakfast, leave for Madurai (160 km, about four hours). On arrival check into your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel

Day 07

After breakfast sightseeing of Madurai. Visit the famous Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture. Unofficially it is said to have about 33 million carvings. Also visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 08

After breakfast leave by road for Periyar (165 km, four-hour drive). On arrival, check in at your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 09

Early morning, take a boat-ride on the Lake Periyar for some delightful game viewing. The lake was originally created by the British as a reservoir to supply water to the neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Today it is part of `Project Tiger' and a cruise by the lake is the best way to observe wildlife as they quench their thirst on its shoreline. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (121 km, five hours). On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight.

Day 11

Breakfast at the hotel. The day has been kept free to explore the scenic beauty of Lake Vembanad, the bird sanctuary across the lagoon and its surrounding areas. You could even take a cruise (optional) around the lake. Overnight.

Day 12

After breakfast, transfer to Cochin (110 km, two and half hours). On arrival transfer to your hotel. Afternoon, tour Cochin by boat (the best way). Visit Fort Kochi and St. Francis Church, one the oldest European Churches in India. Vasco-da-Gama, who died in Cochin in 1524 was buried here. Also visit the Chinese fishing nets depicting ancient trade between Cochin and China, the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue, the oldest in India. Evening at leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 13

After breakfast, leave for the airport to connect flight to Madras.

Cochin - Chennai
9W 492 (Frequency: Daily)	- Dep :Cochin 1400 Hrs
	- Arr : Chennai 1500 Hrs

You will be met on arrival and tranferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 14

Morning, sightseeing of Chennai. Visit Fort St. George, which currently serving serves as the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The Museum within has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the days of the East India Company of the British Raj. Visit St. Mary's Church, the High Court building, and the Art Gallery. Drive to Kapleshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and past Marina Beach.

Check out at noon and transfer to the airport to connect flight to destination. Leave Chennai with fond memories of your trip to India.