Tour of the wonders of South India

Welcome! Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed and transferred to the hotel. Check-in in the hotel and free time at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is devoted to the tour of Chennai. It is a typical Indian city, capital of Tamil Nadu. Nowadays, only two buildings reminding the English domination are presented: Fort St George and the Cathedral. You'll visit the Marina Beach, the world's second longest beach characterized by an elegant promenade, and Fort St George.

In the late morning, you'll move to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, accommodation in the hotel. The afternoon is dedicated to the visit of the city, one of the old harbour on the southern cost of Madras. Here it is possible to admire several sculptures and temples designed according to the typical southern Indian architectural style. You'll visit the Five Rathas, monolithic temples, each one owns a proper style. They are also known as Pancha Pandava Rathas. Four of the five rathas have been carved by a rock. Shore Temple is one of the more ancient, it is devoted to Shiva and Vishun, and is built according to the pure Dravidian style.

After breakfast, departure for Pondicherry. En route, you'll stop to visit Kanchipuram, also known as Golden City due to its hundred temples. It is one of the seven holy cities of India, 70 km away from Madras. It was also the capital city of Pallavas, Cholas and Vijayanagar Kings. You'll visit the Temple Vaikuntha Perumal, an important vishnu temple of the VII century b.C., which boasts several inscriptions about Pallavas and Chalukyas wars. Kailasanatha Temple was built by Rajasimha and its son Mahendra III during the VIII century b.C. Finally, you'll admire Ekambareswarar temple, another ancient temple, restored by Pallavas, Cholas and Vijayanagar Kings.

The tour continues to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, accommodation in the hotel.

The afternoon is devoted to the visit of Pondicherry. Here it is possible to admire Sri Aurobindo Ashram with its "Samadhi" marbles and the historical vestiges of Sri Aurobindo and its mother; the French School Of The Far East and the French Institute.

Back to the hotel and overnight.

Breakfast and departure for Tanjore.

En route, you'll stop to visit Chidambaram, one of the oldest, most beautiful and renowned temples of India. Beyond belonging to the big religions, it also boasts an important historical and cultural meaning. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams representing the five elements: Wind (Kalahasti), Water (Tiruvanaikka), Fire (Tiruvannamalai), Earth (Kanchipuram), and Air (Chidambaram).

At the end of the visit, the tour continues to Tanjore. Arrival and accommodation in the hotel.

The afternoon is devoted to the visit of Tanjore, famous to host the Temple of Brihadishwara designed according to the classical Dravidian style. It was built by Cholas in 10th centuty b.C. and devoted to Shiva, due to its big statue of Nandi. This city is also famous for its art, bronze and silvers products and silk. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast, departure for Madurai. En route, you'll visit Trichy located on the bank of the River Cauvery. The heart of this city boasts the Rock Fort, which overlooks the city with its 83 m. It is also used as home by Vinayakar Temple. Sri Ranganathaswami Temple is considered as one of the largest temple of the century. Furthermore, it is one of the most important touristic attraction of Trichy.

Srirangam is located 2 km away to the north of Tiruchirappalli. The main goddess are Ranganatha or Vishnu, located on Sesa Naga. This is the main temple among the eight sanctuaries of Vishnu.

The tour continues to Madurai. Upon arrival, accommodation in the hotel.

The day is devoted to the visit of Madurai. For more than 2.500 years, it has been the second largest cities in Tamil Nadu. It is an ancient erudition place and boasts a lotus-shape plan. Nayak Tirumalai Palace, influenced by Mughal and Hindu artists, boasts some Hindu-Saracen and Hindu-Moorish influences. Gandhi Museum is located in Tamukkam Palace which belongs to Rani Mangammal and Nayak Dynasty. It was used as official residence of Madurai's district collectors. In 1955, the Government of Tamil Nadu gave its construction and its 12 hectares to Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. The museum hosts an important collection of Khadi's paintings, sculptures, articles and handicrafts.

Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage site. It is located in the heart of the city and is the cornerstone of the religious and cultural life of the city. Millions of pilgrims visit the Meenakshi Temple every day. Its high gopurams adorned with picturesque icons of god, goddess, animals and mystic figures are reference points for the city. The temple has 4 entrances and occupies an area of 6 hectares. Parvati Sanctum is not accessible by Hindu men. The Art Gallery Temple, is a museum located within the complex and enriched by brass stones and images. Do not miss the Aarti Ceremony at Shree Meenakshi Temple in the evening.

Back to the hotel and overnight.

Breakfast and departure for Periyar. Upon arrival, accommodation in the hotel.

The afternoon is devoted to a trekking session in Nature Walk in Periyar. Several natural paths cross trekking trails with their different habitat. It is an alternative program that allows you to observe birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. The paths pass through greeny fields spaced out by humid and deciduous forests. Nature Walk is the right program to get in touch with nature listening to its noises and breathing its perfumes. Participants can follow natural lanes already selected. This program is suitable for those who love bird-watching.

Back to the hotel and overnight.

In the morning departure for Chochin. Upon arrival, accommodation in the hotel and free time at leisure.

In the evening you'll attend a Kathakali Dance show. Its name comes from a epic history of 400 years ago. The dancers, with large skirts, gaudy krones and painting faces represented ancient legends. The show will develop by small brass lights: an unforgettable experience.

Back to the hotel and overnight.

After breakfast visit of Cochin, also known as the "Queen of the Arabic Sea", thanks to its natural ports, is one of the most beautiful places.

The Synagogue Chinese Fishing Nets, the Dutch palaces, the Portuguese architecture and the British influence are perfectly combined in Kerala culture: Cochin highlights the flawless union among these different and diverse elements.

Chinese fishing nets are unique in their genre in the whole India. It is believed that it has been produced here by Chinese court and traded here. Fort Kochi Beach and its promenade will fascinate everyone at sunset thanks to Chinese fishing nets and the sailing boats to the background. Furthermore, European style bungalows stud the seaside.

St Francis Church is an old church built by European. In fact, Vasco da Gama, during his third visit in Kerala, got sick and died here. He was buried in this church. Afterwards, his vestiges were send to its birthplace: Portugal. Anyway, the place in which he was buried is marked. It is worship place for Christian believers.

Dutch palace was built during the XVII century, modified and presented to Raja of Kochi. The coronation of each Raja of Kochi took place inside this wonderful palace, which has been capable to preserve an exceptional collection of frescoes about Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Jewush Synagogue (closed on Friday and Saturday) is located close to Dutch Palace. It was designed in 1568 and was adorned with the typical Chinese shingles and Belgian chandeliers. The Old Testament are conserved here.

Overnight in the hotel.

Free time at leisure during the morning. You can relax or enjoy shopping opportunities.

In the late morning, you'll move to Allepey, where you'll get on board an houseboat to enjoy a unique experience on the canals of Kerala. The Houseboat is built with ecological materials, as bamboo and Anjali, a type of wood. The houseboat provides all comforts: beds, kitchen, Western-style baths and an open deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The traditional cuisine of Kerala will offer you local specialities, as fish and shrimps.

The day is spent on the boat sailing through tribal villages and the calmest waters of the river: it will be an exceptional experience. This cruise will take you to discover typical embarkations, friendly local inhabitants, communities working coconuts, local spirits, shops, fishing nets, colorful canoas. Furthermore, this trip will take you to untouched areas.

Lunch, dinner and overnight on board.

Breakfast and disembarkation in Kumarakom. Transfer to the hotel.

Kumarakom is a touristic village located in Kottayam district in Kerala. It is part of a small group of islands on Vembanad Lake and boasts a wide range of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary where it is possible to observe several migratory birds. Vembanad Lake, is the largest basin of Kerala, and is the suitable habitat for many fishes and shrimps.

Back to the hotel and overnight.

Kovalam is well known for its beautiful sandy beaches and palm fringed coconut trees.

Full day free to relax on the beach, overnight in Kovalam.

Transfer to the international airport of Trivandrum. End of the tour. After the breakfast free time until transfer to the airport.