PLACES: CHENNAI | KANJIPURAM | MAHABALIPURAM | PONDICHERRY | KUMBAKONAM | THANJAVUR | TRICHY | CHETTINAD | MADURAI | THEKKADY | KUMARAKOM | ALLEPPEY | MARARI | COCHIN Explore the essence of South India with our ‘Colors of South India’ tour. Begin in Bangalore and journey through the royal heritage of Mysore and the wilderness of Kabini. Continue to the misty hills of Wayanad, the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom, and the tea-clad slopes of Munnar and Thekkady. Conclude in the charming coastal town of Cochin, where culture and history blend beautifully. Every stop offers a vivid experience, creating memories to cherish. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Chennai. Check in at resort upon arrival, later proceed for a sightseeing tour. Chennai was developed as a British trading post, and as such, Stretched over an area of 13 km, Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Church, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government/’s secretariat. Saint Thome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleshwar Temple is the oldest in Chennai. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram. Upon arrival proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of Kanchipuram (Kanchipuram, famous for its high quality silk, is the golden city of a thousand temples which date from the 2nd century. Today only about 100 remain and the important ones include the Ekambaresvara Temple (non Hindus not permitted entry) dedicated to Siva; Kailasanatha temple is one of the most beautiful temple of the town with intricately carved panels depicting legends about Siva; the other interesting temples are Aradaraja Swamy temple and Vaikuntha Perumal temple. Continue your journey towards Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster. Check in at resort upon arrival. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour. Mahabalipuram is renowned for its series of charming RATHAS and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna’s Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is a rock-cut mandapam with two incarnations of Vishnu — Varaha and Vamana—besides scenes of kings and queens. The KRISHNA MANADAPAM has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his fingertips. Return to your hotel late by evening for Hotel/ Resort. Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure to enjoy the beach. OR you can visit the Dakshina Chitra cultural centre, Crocodile farm and Tiger Cave. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, Continue your journey towards Pondicherry (or Puducheri) meaning ’the new settlement’. It was a French settlement comprising of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam besides Pondicherry. A unique thing about Pondicherry is that it spreads into several states. On arrival check in at your city hotel. During your afternoon tour visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the most parts of their lives. The Pondicherry Museum is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture. Pondicherry also has a pleasant beach alongside promenade and historical monuments. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, transfer to Kumbakonam. Enroute visit Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram. Chidambaram greets us with a beautiful temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja- God Siva in the form of a Cosmic Dancer. This is one of the few temples where Siva and Vishnu are enshrined under one roof. The Tamil Nadu between Vada Venkatam (North Thirupati) and Ten-Kumari is the holiest spot on earth – A Paradise on Earth and to merit this eulogy a divine fragrance permeates the Tamil land. Tamil itself is Sivam and it will be quite in order, to say that the Tamil land is a huge Siva shrine. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is an architectural work of genius. The voluptuous temple stands next to the famous Brihadisvara temple at Tanjore. Gangaikonda Cholapuram is regarded as the reproduction of Brihadisvara Temple that was built by Rajaraja Chola, father of Rajendra Chola. Gangaikonda Cholapuram was erected to outshine the temple made by the father. The temple is renowned for having the biggest Shiva lingam in the Southern part of India. Proceed towards to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, go for sightseeing of Kumbakonam, Swamimalai and Darasuram. Kumbakonam receives a huge influx of Hindu pilgrims from across the country, particularly South India. Ardent history fans too find a way to Kumbakonam, an erstwhile capital of the great Chola kings in the 7th century, who lavished it with Dravidian architectural marvels by way of temples. Adi Kumbheswarar temple, Someswarar temple and Nageswara Swami temple are very popular with the locals. Ideally set at the confluence of Arasalar and Cauvery Rivers, Kumbakonam has its share of green spaces, a generous spattering of architectural temples, residential structures, a colorful street life, and an air of serenity despite the bustle surrounding a pilgrim town. Next, visit Swamimalai, a sylvan hamlet tucked away on the shores of a tributary of the Cauvery River, some five-odd kilometer west of Kumbakonam. It is known for being one of the six ‘padai veedugal’ or battle camps of Lord Murugan. The ancient village temple is perched atop a hillock, and has the locals visiting it through the day. Legend has it that Lord Murugan, also called Subramanya, initiated his father, Lord Shiva with the ‘Pranava Mantra’. The temple is walking distance from the bus stand, and a couple of kilometer from the railway station. Then move to Darasuram. A ‘Sculptor’s dream in stone’, musical pillars, mandapam in the shape of a chariot, a wealth of sculpture and painting are synonymous with Airavateshvara Temple. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a well-preserved example of 12th century Chola architecture. Darasuram is an ancient town about 380 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu and also boasts a silk weaving centre. The original name of Darasuram was Rajarajapuram, which later got corrupted into Darasuram. Proceed to Thanjavur, the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu and the cultural capital of the country in the 18th century, Thanjavur rose to prominence during the Chola reign. Temple architecture was redefined during their rule, and a new paradigm of Dravidian architecture was set. The 11th century Big Temple or the Brihadeeswara Temple in the heart of the town stands testimony to such a tradition. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is unparalleled in terms of grandeur, scale and detailing. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Thanjavur (Tanjore), The main attractions is, the Brihadeeswara temple which for centuries has attracted fascinated artists, curious historians, sociologists, and travelers who delight in its wealth of sculptures, beautiful calligraphy, frescoes, and over a hundred inscriptions on the walls. This artistic tradition was righteously carried forward by the Nayak and Maratha kings, and one can get a glimpse of it in monuments such as Serfoji Mahal Library and Tanjore Palace to name a few. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, drive to Trichy. Tiruchirappalli, 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. The most famous land mark of this bustling town is the Rock fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It was one of the main centres around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India. In Trichy visit Rock Fort, from where the view is spectacular. The Vinayaka Temple at the top is reached by climbing a tunnel in rock. Half way up is the Sri Thayumanswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva having a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold. Also visit Tiruvanaikkaval or Jambukeswara Temple named after the elephant , which is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as water. Overnighat at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast check out and drive to Chettinadu, Chettinadu or the land of Nattukottai Chettiars, is famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. rural town houses many stylish heritage homes, which took years to build, and has courtyards, halls and corridors that are quiet, cool and beautifully decorated with intricate artwork, Burmese teak and Italian marble. Check in to a heritage home stay at chettiandu and ry out the local cuisine for lunch. Later proceed for a bullock cart ride through the village, visit the temples around, go on shopping of antiques at Karaikudi, visit the Chettinadu palace, etc. overnight at Chettinadu. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. Breakfast at leisure to relax. OR visit nearby villages. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, proceed to Madurai, known as the temple town of South India and is also the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check into the hotel for 01 night stay. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. Here the architectural marvels of the temples and the exquisite sculptures fascinate all those who have a look at them. You can also participate in the many festivals and regale in the rich tradition of the locals. Evening visit Sri Meenakshi Temple and attend the Pooja ceremony. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Madurai. Some of the major attractions in the city are the Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Vandiyu Mariamman Teppakula, etc. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast depart for Periyar (Thekkady). Morning drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, a beautiful area of tea gardens, rubber estates and coffee and pepper plantations, located high in the Cardamom Hills. This wildlife sanctuary is an established tourist spot and home to elephants, tiger, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur etc. The artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar Lake adds to the charm of the park. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a declared Tiger Reserve. After check in at Hotel, go for a spice plantation visit. A walk through the plantation opens up a vista of pristine greenery shrouded by low hanging clouds, gurgling brooks and a pale shadow of the Western Ghats in the backdrop. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide you will be taken on tour of the cover, cardamom, pepper, rubber, vanilla, coffee and tea plantations. The most abundantly found spice in Thekkady is pepper, but you will also see a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves on the slanting slopes of the spice plantation. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. Early morning (6 AM), proceed to the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary for boating. Nestled at an altitude with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degree Celsius, the park skirts a serene artificial lake, the Periyar Lake. The most sought after way of wildlife viewing is a steamer cruise on the Periyar Lake past protruding bare tree limbs, while looking out for elephant herds by the water’s edge, sambhars peeking from a thicket, wild boars running amok, and if you are too lucky, you could spot the Great Indian Tiger languishing in a clearing of the forest. Always keep your binoculars handy, you could spot a blue-winged parakeet or a solitary kingfisher perched on an ancient tree limb jutting out of the lake. Of birds, you stand a chance of spotting Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied tree pie, laughing thrushes and flycatchers to name a few. After breakfast, you will leave for Kumarakom, which is a peaceful retreat, which takes you to the world of tranquility. Sprawled across a vast landscaped leisure land with many water bodies, it offers you umpteen reasons to soak in the myriad hues of nature. Kumarakom is a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake. It will take you into the heart of the scenic lake where you will come across plenty of traditional country barges, boats, and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals, and waterways. This backwater is a haven for countless varieties of species of both fauna and flora. When you need to find a solace from the monotonous daily routine then Kumarakom is undoubtedly the best choice in the fascinating paradise on Kerala. The slender coconut palms swaying to the cool winds here, there and everywhere, the never-ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a thousand varieties, can calm and energize your soul and body. Check in at hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day at leisure. Optional: Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. Breakfast at hotel. At noon, board a Kettuvallam (houseboat) and proceed for an unforgettable overnight cruise, through the mesmerizing unique backwaters of Kerala. You will have an exclusive houseboat which cruises till sunset.. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips! The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala’s villages. Houseboats, also known as kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters. Lunch, evening tea with snacks and dinner served on board. Overnight onboard houseboat. After breakfast at houseboat, disembark and drive to Marari Beach, the calm and serene beach of central Kerala located in Alleppey district. A unique beach with coconut palm fringed shore line with fisher men village nearby. An ide al choice for tourists seeking calm and serene settings. Check in to your resort at Mararikulam and explore the wonders of nature. Overnight at Hotel / Resort. Day free to relax at the resort or venture into the nearby fishermen village and interact with the locals. Tickle your taste buds with the local sea food specialties which comes fresh from the fishermens nets around. Optional (extra chargeable) try out a traditional Ayurveda massage which will take away all the fatigue of travel and keeps you rejuvenated. Overnight at Hotel / Resort. After breakfast, you will be dropped at Cochin airport on time for return journey.
Itinerary
A red building with a clock tower
Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. The city also has its share of forts and palaces reminding the tourists the glory of bygone eras.
