Amazing south India tour and holidays. Tamilnadu and kerala tour and holiday options, day and night tour. Landscapes, nature, wild life, birding, back water

14 Nights of Southern delights covering the two seemingly similar states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala bringing a rich kaleidoscope of arts and culture. Starting from Chennai, Tamil Nadu has a profusion of temples, arts and culture from intricate rock carvings, exquisite temple architecture, classical music melodies, dance forms and festivals making this state the cultural capital of India. Ending in Kerala with its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, exotic hill-stations, sprawling plantations, enchanting art forms, colourful festivals, alluring cuisine and the revitalizing Ayurveda-the age old natural science for good health. Both states have of course, its welcoming people making your visit unique through their warmth and less like a foreigner in a strange land.…

Tamilnadu and Kerala though Geographically on boundaries to each other on the Southern Part of India , are very different in many aspects, like language, customs, festivals, cusine and landscape. Kerala with its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, exotic hill-stations, sprawling plantations, enchanting art forms, colourful festivals, alluring cuisine and the revitalizing Ayurveda-the age old natural science for good health and ofcourse the people… Tamil Nadu is known for its large number of temples.Many of them are huge with towering structures called gopurams.Intricate rock carvings, festivals,classical music and dance highlight the cultural heritage and make Tamil Nadu the cultural capital of the country. Tamil Nadu, the land with ancient history, rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and progressive outlook. Tamil, the official language of the State, is the mother of other Dravidian languages. Tamil literature and grammar are related to the period before 500 BC. Thirukkural, the masterpiece of Tamil literature with the highest and purest expressions of human thought, dates back to this early period.The tour, "AMAZING SOUTH" gives you a choice to explore the best temple experiences in Southern India and the greeny side of India,Kerala.The tour is well designed to cover the destinations which give you lifetime memories.

DAY 01 – CHENNAI
Arrive Chennai, known as ‘the gateway to southern India’ is one of the oldest cities of the country.On arrival you will be met by our meet & greet service and transferred to the city hotel. Rest of the day for half day sightseeing tour of Chennai; Visiting Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple and Marine beach. Overnight at hotel.

Chennai - There are several tourist attractions worth visiting in and around Chennai. Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government's secretariat. Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarathy Temple. Adayar Banyan Tree is one of the largest tree in the world. It measures 238ft from north to south and 250ft from east to west. The total area exceed 59,500 sq ft. This tree is a unique specimen. It has been the centre of many notable gatherings of the Theosophical Society and thousands of visitors have rested in its shade.

DAY 02 – CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM
Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Mahabalipuram (62 kms – 1.5 Hrs). Enroute visit Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples. After lunch, proceed to Mahabalipuram. Check in at the Hotel. Day to explore the architectural Splendour of this place. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Kanchipuram - Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as “the city of thousand temples”, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples and a few more in its outskirts. Today, apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Ekambareswarar Temple - The eleven-storey structure which is adorned with beautiful sculptures is one of the tallest temple towers in South India. The ancient mango tree in the courtyard is revered by childless couples. They faithfully strung small cradles to the branches of the tree and leave with the hope that their desire for an offspring will be fulfilled.

DAY 03 – MAHABALIPURAM(MAMALLAPURAM)
Explore the ancient heritage of Mahabalipuram temples, built in 7th century is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Mahabalipuram - It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’s Penance - This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas - relief sculpture in the world. There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one. Five Rathas -These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the fort of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

DAY 04 – PONDICHERRY(PUTHUCHERRY)
Morning, proceed to Pondicherry (145 kms/ 3.5hrs) which still carries a strong flavour of the French presence in India. Sight seeing & overnight stay at Pondicherry.

Pondicherry - Pondicherry has a long history dating back 2000 years when it was an important Roman trading post. Pondicherry still remains something of its French flavor in its street names, policemen's kepis, spellings of names, the French accent which shows through in the pronunciation of English and Tamil words, a mixture of French words in ordinary conversation, and research institutions and monuments which are named after and dedicated to French heroes. With well- laid out streets and avenues,the city is amongst the easiest to move around in.The city presents an unusual combination of European culture and the Indian traditions.Visit Aurobindo Ashram,which draws devotees from all over the world.

DAY 05 – THANJAVUR
After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur (225 Kms – 4.5 Hrs) famous for the Brihadeeswara temple, the finest contribution to Dravidian temple architecture. Overnight stay at Thanjavur.

Thanjavur rose to the glory during the later Chola reign between the 10th and 14th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture.Thanjavur is still the centre of all the classical arts and music.The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. It is the headquarters of Thanjavur district, the 'Rice Bowl' of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive art style, which is usually a combination of raised and painted surfaces.Tanjore paintings are deeply rooted in tradition and still innovative within limits. This art is sacred and dedicated.The Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery has some fine pieces of stone and bronze sculptures from the 9th and 12th centuries.

DAY 06 – TRICHY(TIRUCHIRAPPALLY)
Morning, proceed to Trichy. Day to explore the ancient heritage of Trichy temples. Trichy, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Tiruchirapalli - Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city has given great Tamil scholars whose contributions to the Tamil literature have been very significant. Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), situated on the banks of river Cauvery, is famous for the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam, Rock Fort, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, Tiruvannaikaval, Srirangam, Museums & Art Galleries.

DAY 07 – MADURAI
Morning, proceed to Madurai (140 Kms – 3.5 Hrs), an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east. Enjoy the glorious temple architecture of Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine nectar ("Madhu") fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence the city was named "Madhurapuri". This sacred town of south attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as abroad. Madurai is synonymous with The Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Mariamman Tank, Koodal Alagar Temple, Gandhi Museum and Government Museum.
Meenakshi Temple - In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Siva. The pillars of the Mandapam are decorated with scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared 'Mandapam'. Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars, which produce music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved out of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has been sponsoring literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time.

DAY 08 – THEKKADY
Morning, after watching the temple ceremonies, proceed to Thekkady (135 Kms – 4 Hrs), perched amidst dense greenery, in the outskirts of Periyar tiger reserve. Enjoy a boat tour through the Periyar Lake to spot the wild animals. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
Thekkady - the sole Tiger reserve of the Country, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna, is the ultimate reservoir, of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants, which come down to the lakes edge. Thekkady - The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations

DAY 09 – COCHIN
Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Cochin (190 Kms – 4-5 Hrs). Enroute, enjoy your lunch in a plantation bungalow with cooking demo. Evening watch a classical art performance at Greenix Theatre which is a kaleidoscope of Kerala classical arts like Kathakali, Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts),Bharatanatyam etc. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 10 – COCHIN
Morning, after breakfast proceed for a village backwater cruise with lunch to explore the pristine beauty of village backwater life. Afternoon go for a City Tour, exploring Chinese fishing nets, St.Francis church, the Jewish synagogue, Dutch palace etc… Overnight at the hotel.
Village backwater Cruise – An unforgettable journey in a country boat into the pristine backwater villages of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds....country boat making....a natural fish farm where you can go fishing…You will witness coir making, toddy tapping and enjoy a typical Kerala lunch at a farmhouse.

Cochin Sightseeing - St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble.

DAY 11 – KUMARAKOM
Morning, drive to Kumarakom (70 Kms – 2 Hrs), enchanting backwater destination. Overnight stay at a backwater resort at Kumarakom.
The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. It is part of the Kuttanad region, and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise.The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

DAY 12 – HOUSEBOAT
Morning, embark for the houseboat cruise to enjoy the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala. Enjoy your Lunch & Dinner on board. Overnight stay at the boat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Meals would be cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad localities, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejenuvated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.

DAY 13 – KOVALAM
Morning, disembark at Alleppey and proceed to Kovalam (165 Kms – 3-4 Hrs), the world famous Indian tropical beach, boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens. On arrival, check in at a beach resort. Day to explore. Overnight at the resort.

Kovalam is reckoned to be the most trendy beach retreat in India. A combination of three small beaches, Kovalam, meaning "a groove of coconut trees," is just 16 km from the state capital of Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram. The sheltered natural bay, the azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves make it a tropical paradise of sorts.

DAY 14 – KOVALAM
Full day to enjoy the blue beaches of Kovalam. Overnight at the hotel.
Kovalam was a small, sleepy village. It lay in humble obscurity along the picturesque coast of Kerala. Then around 1930, this little village was unexpectedly shaken out of its lethargic slumber and thrust on the international tourist map. The vendors of holiday dreams along the sea had discovered the fabulous silver sands and palm-fringed shores of Kovalam. From then onwards, there was no looking back. From sun bathing to swimming, Ayurvedic rejuvenation to yoga and meditation, herbal body toning massages to special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising, holidays in Kovalam is a tourist delight. The Kovalam lighthouse beach is where most visitors spend their time.

DAY 15 – TRIVANDRUM DEPARTURE
Like all good things,your holiday experience comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience.Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Trivandrum International airport for your flight home!!