Day 01 / Arrival Mumbai and connect directly to Delhi from the local airport.
Upon arrival in India, you will be taken directly via shuttle to the local airport to leave to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi, meet the travel assistant at the airport & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 02 / Delhi - Agra - Jaipur
( By train and car )
Early morning pick up from hotel & transfer to railway station to board the superfast air-conditioned train to Agra. Breakfast in the train, Arrive Agra in approx. 02 hours & visit the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the seven wonders of the world surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. Also visit the Agra fort - the rusty and majestic red-sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back, the Emperor heard public petitions. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience)where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded Peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms& enjoy a lavish buffet lunch in a 5* hotel in Agra. After lunch drive to Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri-a perfectly preserved red sandstone “ghost town” which was the estranged capital of mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive Jaipur & transfer to Hotel. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 03 / Jaipur - Delhi ( By train )
After a leisurely breakfast , visit the majestic Amber Fort, one that cannot be easily described. Ride up on Elephants to the former capital of the royals set against the backdrop of the wooded hills. Later visit the City Palace, Palace of Winds also known as Hawa Mahal. This elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world. Past, present and future merge at Jai Singh's observatory, where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century. Evening transfer to railway station to board the luxurious air conditioned train to Delhi. Dinner in the train. Arrive Delhi & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 04 / Delhi
After breakfast checkout from hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was the Jewel in the crown of the British empire. Visit the 11th century Qutab Minar, India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House, Red Fort, Mahatama Gandhi Memorial. Also visit Laxmi Narayan Temple popularly known as Birla Temple. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Delhi.
Day 05 / Delhi - Haridwar
Morning pick up from hotel & transfer to the railway station to board the super fast train Shatabadi Exp. to Haridwar. Arrive Haridwar & transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit various temples including Pareshwar Mahadev Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. Evening visit Har-ki-Pauri (the footstep of God)- one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. Later witness Aarti of the Holy River Ganges. Aarti is the beautiful ceremony in which deeyas (the oil lamps) are offered to God. Aarti can be done to a deity in the temple or it can be done to a saint. It is performed to God, in any manifestation, any form, by any name. The essence of the aarti ceremony is a time when we say "thank you," and we offer the light of our thanks, the light of our love and the light of our devotion. We realize that the small deeya is nothing compared to the divine light which shines on us all day. Night stay in Haridwar.
DAY 06 / Haridwar - Rishikesh - Delhi
Morning spend 01 hour with astrologer to discover your future, love fortune, lucky number, compatibility with your life partner, zodiac signs, professional astrological information or any other information required by you. Later drive to Rishikesh - also known as the 'place of sages', at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of 'Hrishikesh' had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name. It is the starting point for the Char dham pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism.
In Rishikesh visit Laxman Jhula- a hanging bridge on the river Ganga is one of the most famous spot in Rishikesh. According to Indian mythology, Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama crossed the Ganga with the help of hanging bridge made of Jute. The bridge offers a scenic view of the river Ganga as it tumbles down to Haridwar.
Also visit Bharat Mandir - the oldest temple in Rishikesh, near the Triveni Ghat. This temple is dedicated to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram. Optional activities -White water rafting. Late afternoon drive to Haridwar & transfer to railway station to board the train back to Delhi. Arrive & transfer to hotel.
DAY 07 / Departure
Transfer to airport to board the onward flight. Depending on your preferences at this stage, you may continue on with other tours in India, or return to Mumbai for some fantastic shopping before flying back home on the much appreciated SAA flight! With the extra 10kg weight allowance you can bring so much more of India home!
Day 05 / Delhi - Haridwar
Morning pick up from hotel & transfer to the railway station to board the super fast train Shatabadi Express to Haridwar. Arrive Haridwar & transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit various temples including Pareshwar Mahadev Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. Evening visit Har-ki-Pauri (the footstep of God)- one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. Later witness Aarti of the Holy River Ganges. Aarti is the beautiful ceremony in which deeyas (the oil lamps) are offered to God. Aarti can be done to a deity in the temple or it can be done to a saint. It is performed to God, in any manifestation, any form, by any name. The essence of the aarti ceremony is a time when we say "thank you," and we offer the light of our thanks, the light of our love and the light of our devotion. We realize that the small deeya is nothing compared to the Divine Light which shines on us all day. Night stay in Haridwar.
DAY 06 / Haridwar - Rishikesh - Delhi
Morning spend 01 hour with astrologer to discover your future, love, fortune, lucky number, compatibility with your life partner, zodiac signs, professional astrological information or any other information required by you. Later drive to Rishikesh - also known as the 'place of sages', at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of 'Hrishikesh' had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name. It is the starting point for the Char Dham pil Shore Temple, a lovely beach and some of the most beautiful rock cut temples in the world. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD. This, town was a workshop for temple building. Visit the seven pagoda style shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed in a single century long burst of creative enthusiasm, starting in the reign of Narasimhavarman 1 (AD 63068). End the visit by photography of the beautiful Shore temples at sunset. Night stay in Covelong.
Day 03 / Covelong – Pondicherry
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry.
Pondicherry, which was up until the 1950s, a far-flung outpost of the French maritime empire. It is so different from the rest of Tamil Nadu that one feels that one has entered another country! This busy coastal town is divided roughly into two: the old White Town of elegant French houses, restaurants & administrative buildings and the Black Town west of the canal where India takes over again. Also visit Botanical garden, Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later visit the township of Auroville or the city of Dawn.
Designed by a French architect Roger Arger, it is an entirely new concept in education and urban living. Night stay in Pondicherry.
Day 04 / Pondicherry – Tanjore
After breakfast drive to Tanjore (177 kms. / 4½ hrs.)
Arrive Tanjore and transferto hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Tanjore- the capital of the Chola Empire from the tenth to the fourteenth centuries. A Chola king, Raja Chola, who held the throne from 985 to 1016, built the greatest of the empire’s 74 temples, the Brahadeeswarar, with its soaring tower over the inner sanctum. This tower rises more than 62 meters (200 feet). On its dome rests a single block of granite weighing 80 tons. Night stay in Tanjore.
Day 05 / Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai (190 kms./ 5½ hrs.) enroute visiting Trichy. City tour of Trichy includes visit to the ‘Rock Fort Temple’ which rises abruptly to a height of 273 ft. A steep staircase cut into the rock leads upto the Fort. At the first level are the remnants of a huge hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwarer Shrine dedicated to Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, the ‘Uchhi Pillayar Koil’ - a Ganesh Temple offering a commanding view of the city. Arrive Madurai and transfer to hotel.
Later visit the Meenakshi temple - Leave the hotel for the temple by cycle rickshaws. At 9 PM, attend the night ceremony at the temple. This is a ceremony that takes place every evening when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati. The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and temple music.Night stay in Madurai.
Day 06 / Madurai
Morning, visit the Meenakshi temple one of the biggest temple complexes in India 46 ft. long by 790 ft broad built in the 17th Century. It is a rectangular twin shrine : the southern temple dedicated to Meenakshi (the consort of Shiva) and the other to Shiva. It is Madurai’s greatest landmark a virtual city within a city: the complex includes a bazaar that bustles from dawn to nightfall. The high point of the Meenakshi temple is Hall of a “Thousand Pillars”, built in the 16th centuary which is as great a work of structural engineering as it is of art. Also visit the palace of Tirumala Nayak which is an example of the architectural mastery of the Nayaks a blend of Hindu and Saracen architecture. It’s enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 foot high stoned pillar still stands. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Madurai.
Day 07 / Madurai - Periyar
After breakfast drive to Periyar (177 kms./ 5 hrs.).Arrive Periyar and transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing covering.
Periyar- Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. Night stay in Periyar.
Day 08 / Periyar – Kumarakom
Early morning boat cruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast
Thereafter drive through the winding “Ghats” lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (150 kms./ 4 hrs.) enroute visit the tea estates.
Kumarakom- a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. Night stay in Periyar.
Day 09 / Kumarakom - Cochin
Morning at leisure. Then take a speed boat to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed directly to Cochin
Cochin - Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager to its shores. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Arrive Cochin & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 10 / Cochin
Morning tour of Cochin or “Kochi” the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance + make up demonstration - Kathkali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 11 / Cochin - Chennai - Departure
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport to board the onward flight. Depending on your preferences at this stage, you may continue on with other tours in India, or return to Mumbai for some fantastic shopping before flying back home on the much appreciated SAA flight! With the extra 10kg weight allowance you can bring so much more of India home!
Day 01 / Arrival Mumbai and connect directly to Chennai from the local airport.
Upon arrival in India, you will be taken directly via shuttle to the local airport to leave to Chennai, meet assistant at the airport and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Chennai.
Day 02 / Covelong
After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples is one of the oldest towns in India. It is famous for both its temples, many of them remarkably well preserved and for its hand-woven silks. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu. Visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns. Visit the local homes of the weavers and watch them create magic out of silk thread into saris.
Mahabalipuram -This is a small, quiet seaside resort with a unique 7th century Shore Temple, a lovely beach and some of the most beautiful rock cut temples in the world. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD. This, town was a workshop for temple building. Visit the seven pagoda style shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed in a single centurylong burst of creative enthusiasm, starting in the reign of Narasimhavarman 1 (AD 63068). End the visit by photography of the beautiful Shore temples at sunset. Night stay in Covelong.
Day 03 / Covelong – Pondicherry
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry (162 kms./ 4 hrs.)
Pondicherry, which was up until the 1950s, a far-flung outpost of the French maritime empire. It is so different from the rest of Tamil Nadu that one feels that one has entered another country! This busy coastal town is divided roughly into two: the old White Town of elegant French houses, restaurants & administrative buildings and the Black Town west of the canal where India takes over again. Also visit Botanical garden, Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later visit township of Auroville or the city of Dawn. Designed by a French architect Roger Arger, it is an entirely new concept in education and urban living. Night stay in Pondicherry.
Day 04 / Pondicherry – Tanjore
After breakfast drive to Tanjore (177 kms. / 4½ hrs.)
Arrive Tanjore and transferto hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Tanjore- the capital of the Chola Empire from the tenth to the fourteenth centuries. A Chola king, Raja Chola, who held the throne from 985 to 1016, built the greatest of the empire’s 74 temples, the Brahadeeswarar, with its soaring tower over the inner sanctum. This tower rises more than 62 meters (200 feet). On its dome rests a single block of granite weighing 80 tons. Night stay in Tanjore.
Day 05 / Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai (190 kms./ 5½ hrs.) enroute visiting Trichy. City tour of Trichy includes visit to the ‘Rock Fort Temple’ which rises abruptly to a height of 273 ft. A steep staircase cut into the rock leads upto the Fort. At the first level are the remnants of a huge hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwarer Shrine dedicated to Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, the ‘Uchhi Pillayar Koil’ - a Ganesh Temple offering a commanding view of the city. Arrive Madurai and transfer to hotel.
Later visit the Meenakshi temple - Leave the hotel for the temple by cycle rickshaws. At 9 PM, attend the night ceremony at the temple. This is a ceremony that takes place every evening when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati. The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and temple music.Night stay in Madurai.
Day 06 / Madurai
Morning, visit the Meenakshi temple one of the biggest temple complexes in India 46 ft. long by 790 ft broad built in the 17th Century. It is a rectangular twin shrine : the southern temple dedicated to Meenakshi (the consort of Shiva) and the other to Shiva. It is Madurai’s greatest landmark a virtual city within a city: the complex includes a bazaar that bustles from dawn to nightfall. The high point of the Meenakshi temple is Hall of a “Thousand Pillars”, built in the 16th centuary which is as great a work of structural engineering as it is of art. Also visit the palace of Tirumala Nayak which is an example of the architectural mastery of the Nayaks a blend of Hindu and Saracen architecture. It’s enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 foot high stoned pillar still stands. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Madurai.
Day 07 / Madurai - Periyar
After breakfast drive to Periyar (177 kms./ 5 hrs.).Arrive Periyar and transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing covering.
Periyar- Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. Night stay in Periyar.
Day 08 / Periyar – Kumarakom
Early morning boat cruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast
Thereafter drive through the winding “Ghats” lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (150 kms./ 4 hrs.) enroute visit the tea estates.
Kumarakom- a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. Night stay in Periyar.
Day 09 / Kumarakom - Cochin
Morning at leisure. Then take a speed boat to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed directly to Cochin
Cochin - Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager to its shores. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Arrive Cochin & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 10 / Cochin
Morning tour of Cochin or “Kochi” the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance + make up demonstration - Kathkali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 11 / Cochin - Chennai - Departure
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport to board the onward flight. Depending on your preferences at this stage, you may continue on with other tours in India, or return to Mumbai for some fantastic shopping before flying back home on the much appreciated SAA flight! With the extra 10kg weight allowance you can bring so much more of India home!
Kamakshi Temple - day 2
Auroroville - day 3
Shore Temple, a lovely beach designed by a French architect Roger Arger, it is an entirely new concept in education and urban living. Night stay in Pondicherry.
Day 04 / Pondicherry – Tanjore
After breakfast drive to Tanjore.
Arrive Tanjore and transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Tanjore- the capital of the Chola Empire from the tenth to the fourteenth centuries. A Chola king, Raja Chola, who held the throne from 985 to 1016, built the greatest of the empire’s 74 temples, the Brahadeeswarar, with its soaring tower over the inner sanctum.
This tower rises more than 62 meters (200 feet). On its dome rests a single block of granite weighing 80 tons. Night stay in Tanjore.
Day 05 / Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai (190 kms./ 5½ hrs.) enroute visiting Trichy. City tour of Trichy includes visit to the ‘Rock Fort Temple’ which rises abruptly to a height of 273 ft. A steep staircase cut into the rock leads upto the Fort. At the first level are the remnants of a huge hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwarer Shrine dedicated to Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, the ‘Uchhi Pillayar Koil’ - a Ganesh Temple offering a commanding view of the city. Arrive Madurai and transfer to hotel.
Later visit the Meenakshi temple - Leave the hotel for the temple by cycle rickshaws. At 9 PM, attend the night ceremony at the temple. This is a ceremony that takes place every evening when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati. The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and temple music.
Night stay in Madurai.
Day 06 / Madurai
Morning, visit the Meenakshi temple one of the biggest temple complexes in India 46 ft. long by 790 ft broad built in the 17th Century. It is a rectangular twin shrine : the southern temple dedicated to Meenakshi (the consort of Shiva) and the other to Shiva. It is Madurai’s greatest landmark a virtual city within a city: the complex includes a bazaar that bustles from dawn to nightfall. The high point of the Meenakshi temple is Hall of a “Thousand Pillars”, built in the 16th centuary which is as great a work of structural engineering as it is of art. Also visit the palace of Tirumala Nayak which is an example of the architectural mastery of the Nayaks a blend of Hindu and Saracen architecture. It’s enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 foot high stoned pillar still stands. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Madurai.
Day 07 / Madurai - Periyar
After breakfast drive to Periyar (177 kms./ 5 hrs.).Arrive Periyar and transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing covering.
Periyar- Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. Night stay in Periyar.
Day 08 / Periyar – Kumarakom
Early morning boat cruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast
Thereafter drive through the winding “Ghats” lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (150 kms./ 4 hrs.) enroute visit the tea estates.
Kumarakom- a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. Night stay in Periyar.
Day 09 / Kumarakom - Cochin
Morning at leisure. Then take a speed boat to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed directly to Cochin
Cochin - Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager to its shores. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Arrive Cochin & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 10 / Cochin
Morning tour of Cochin or “Kochi” the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance + make up demonstration - Kathkali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 11 / Cochin - Chennai - Departure
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport to board the onward flight. Depending on your preferences at this stage, you may continue on with other tours in India, or return to Mumbai for some fantastic shopping before flying back home on the much appreciated SAA flight! With the extra 10kg weight allowance you can bring so much more of India home!
Day 05 / Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai enroute visiting Trichy. City tour of Trichy includes visit to the ‘Rock Fort Temple’ which rises abruptly to a height of 273 ft. A steep staircase cut into the rock leads upto the Fort. At the first level are the remnants of a huge hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwarer Shrine dedicated to Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, the ‘Uchhi Pillayar Koil’ - a Ganesh Temple offering a commanding view of the city. Arrive Madurai and transfer to hotel.
Later visit the Meenakshi temple - Leave the hotel for the temple by cycle rickshaws. At 9 PM, attend the night ceremony at the temple. This is a ceremony that takes place every evening when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati. The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and temple music.Night stay in Madurai.
Day 06 / Madurai
Morning, visit the Meenakshi temple one of the biggest temple complexes in India 46 ft. long by 790 ft broad built in the 17th Century. It is a rectangular twin shrine : the southern temple dedicated to Meenakshi (the consort of Shiva) and the other to Shiva. It is Madurai’s greatest landmark a virtual city within a city: the complex includes a bazaar that bustles from dawn to nightfall. The high point of the Meenakshi temple is Hall of a “Thousand Pillars”, built in the 16th centuary which is as great a work of structural engineering as it is of art. Also visit the palace of Tirumala Nayak which is an example of the architectural mastery of the Nayaks a blend of Hindu and Saracen architecture. It’s enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 foot high stoned pillar still stands. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Madurai.
Day 07 / Madurai - Periyar
After breakfast drive to Periyar (177 kms./ 5 hrs.).Arrive Periyar and transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing covering.
Periyar- Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. Night stay in Periyar.
Day 08 / Periyar – Kumarakom
Early morning boat cruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast
Thereafter drive through the winding “Ghats” lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (150 kms./ 4 hrs.) enroute visit the tea estates.
Kumarakom- a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. Night stay in Periyar.
Day 09 / Kumarakom - Cochin
Morning at leisure. Then take a speed boat to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed directly to Cochin
Cochin - Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager to its shores. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Arrive Cochin & transfer to hotel. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 10 / Cochin
Morning tour of Cochin or “Kochi” the palm green, commercial capti
