AMAZING SOUTH

Experience the amazing South untouched by invasions throughout its history. South India (Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andrapradesh) that differentiates North India by its diversed culture and mystic rituals showcasing the Indian heritage which is more intact here than in other regions of the country. This is a land of temples, a land of the devout where new wonders await.

The Amazing south package takes you through a journey of south India, The adyar Banyan tree, Kanchipuram the land with 1000 temples and 124 shrines, the Dravidian temple architecture at Mahabalipuram, Cochin, Periyar wildlife sanctuary , the mesmerizing houseboat cruise , Kovalam are some of the attractions of the package.

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. Dinner and 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.

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.

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.

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.

Tanjavur - One of the best temples in South India, the Brihadeeswara temple or the Big Temple, is the finest contribution to Dravidian temple architecture. The Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery has some fine pieces of stone and bronze sculptures from the 9th and 12th centuries.

Tiruchirapalli - 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. 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.

Madurai - An ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the East; the second largest city in Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai. 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.

Thekkady - Perched amidst dense greenery, in the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, 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.

Village backwater Cruise - A four hour journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater 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....a delicious traditional Kerala dish on the country boat under a tree.....

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.

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.

This world famous Indian tropical beach, boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens, is a western cultural dot on a traditional and orthodox Kerala physique. Blue water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. Sea, here, is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters.

Located on one of India’s most popular beaches, Kovalam, this property is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwater, lush landscapes, coconut palms, and unspoiled beaches. It is boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens, is a western cultural dot on a traditional and orthodox Kerala physique. Blue water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. Sea, here, is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters.

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!!!