South India Tour (8N/ 9D)

After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram, the ancient seaport of the Pallava dynasty which attracts visitors from the world over. Its monuments, identified as World Heritage monuments are hewn out of solid rock, bear testimony to  the magnificent heritage of the Dravidian Architecture. Among the highlights of Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple, one of the oldest in South India. A 27m long and 8 m high bas-relief depicts the Arjuna’s penace. Early rock-cut temples depict stories from Indian mythology.   Yet another marvel of sculptural excellence are the Five Rathas or Chariots.  Later proceed to Pondicherry. Visit  visit the Auroville City which is an experimental township,  the famous Aurobindo Ashram founded by the Bengali philosophe in the early 20th century. Later, visit the Vinayaka Temple, Seside prominade etc.Evening relax on the beautiful beaches of Pondicherry. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3:  Pondicherry- Tanjore
Today proceed to Tanjore- A thousand years ago Tanjore was the capital of the powerful Chola dynasty. Today the town is set amidst lush rice fields of the Cauvery delta. Tanjore’s crowning glory is the Brihadeshwara temple with its 66.5 m high Srivimana  dominating the city. The Saraswati Mahal Library has an extensive collection of over 30,000 manuscripts, palm leaf inscriptions and books. It is also a major centre for Carnatic Music. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3:   Tanjore – Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai. Located on the Vaigai river,  Madurai dates its history  to over 2500 years back when it was a seat of learning in the Sangam period. Among the sights of Madurai  the most famous is perhaps the Meenakshi temple – once the centre of social and religious activity, attracts thousands of visitors every year. Its highlight is the marvellous hall of thousand pillars – all of which are elaborately sculpted, besides a set of musical pillars carved out of a single block of granite and  a large temple tank. Madurai is also famous for its traditional fine handloom fabrics and brass lamps.

Day 4:   Madurai – Rameshwaram
Today after breakfast proceed to Rameshwaram – The holy city. The temple and the island of Rameswaram have attained this name because, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here on return from Sri Lanka to expiate the “dosha” of killing a brahmin, Ravana.Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5:    Rameshwaram- Kanyakumari
Today proceed to  Kanyakumari- the “Alexandaria of the East”, Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, Kanyakumari is an abode for art, culture, civilization and pilgrimage.Visit the temples, Chueches, Vivekananda Rock memorial,Govt Museum, Valluvar Statue and witness the sunset in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 6:    Kanyakumari- Kovalam
After breakfast drive to Kovalam  which lies just 14 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the finest beaches in India. Today visit  Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala.  The city literally means the city of Ananta and there is a massive temple dedicated to Sri Padmanabhaswami. Evening relax at the beaches of Kovalam.

Day 7:    Kovalam- Alleppy
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to  Alleppey  to experience a night on board the “Kettuvallam” on the backwaters of  Kerala.  Enroute experience life in the rural areas of Kerala as it has been for the past many generations. Enter the enchanting waters of Vembanad Lake, enjoy the panoramic views and glimpses of life along the banks.  Have scrumptious Meals, cooked and served on board the House boat. Overnight on board the house boat.

Day 8:   Departure
Disembark from the house boat. Later proceed to Cochin. sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting the Cochin Harbor Terminus, the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Cochin and  the Chinese fishing nets.Then drop at the airport or railway station for your departure journey.