Of temples and Kerala backwaters

AM visit Chennai Museum & crocodile breeding farm. Later continue drive to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram, located around 64 Km from Chennai, is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. This "Golden city of a Thousand Temples" dates back to the early Cholas in the 7th century A.D. Only around 70 temples of the original 1000 old temple complex are still intact and the most famous of them is the Kailasanatha Temple built with sandstone in the early seventh century A.D. Kanchipuram is famous for its silk weaving and a visit to the nearby villages to see the craftsmen at work on their looms is rewarding experience. On arrival at Mahabalipuram, check in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

AM visit the Rock temple at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), which occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the pallava rulers in the seventh century the complex comprises of 14 cave-temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief sculptured  rock panels. These two rock-panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and form the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sub, this has now been declared a World Heritage Site. Later day at leisure for day at the beach.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning leave for Pondicherry. On arrival check into your hotel. The former capital of French territories in India, Pondicherry was established in 1674 by Francois Martin, the first director of the French East India Company. Later visit the Auroville & later walk by the Goubert avenue. Auroville, or the “City of Dawn”, was designed by French architect Roger Anger in 1968. Conceived as a Utopian paradise by The Mother, Mira Alfassa, it was planned as a futuristic international city, where people of goodwill would live together in peace. The Gourbet Salai running along the Bay of Bengal, with its elegant colonial mansions, tree lined boulevards, parks, bars and cafes. 

Overnight at the hotel.

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Darasuram - Trichy (200 Kms & 5 Hrs)

After breakfast leave for Trichy. Enroute visit the awe-inspiring Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, where Shiva is believed to have performed his cosmic dance, the “tandava nritya”. Dharasuram is famous for its Airatesvara Temple built in the middle 12th century, a superb example of Chola architecture. Stories from the epics are depicted on this sculpture. Kumbakonam is noted for its innumerable temples with their colourful semi-erotic sculptures. Sarangapani Temple is the largest Vishnu temple and Kumbeshwara is the largest Shiva temple there. 35 Kms north of  Kumbakonam. Gangakondacholapuram was built by one of the Chola emperors in the early 11th century in the style of the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur (Tanjore). The ornate tower is about 55 mts high. Close to the temple there is a museum exhibiting the remains of a palace that once stood nearby. On arrival at Trichy, check into your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning excursion to Tanjore where you will visit the Brihadeshwara temple & the Thanjavur Palace. Afternoon, sightseeing of Trichy visiting the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple and yet another flight leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. The ascent is climaxed by magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri River. Visit Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which contains within its walls a bazaar, as well.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Madurai. En-route visit the Chitinad which is famous for its wooden aces with extensive carving. In Madurai, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches. Also visit the Algar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock Temple. Later visit Great Meenaskhi Temple Dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams, rising high above the surrounding township. Also witness the evening ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple.

Overnight at the hotel.

Madurai - Periyar (140 Kms & 4 Hrs)

Morning drive to the Nilgiri mountain range to the Cardomom hills at Thekaddy. Afternoon, boat ride on the lake inside the Periyar National Park.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Kumarakom. En-route visit a Spice Garden & a Tea Garden. On arrival embark on your houseboat for a boat cruise through the backwaters to Alleppey. Day at leisure.

Overnight on the houseboat.

Morning disembark at Allepey & drive to Kovalam. On arrival, check in at the beach resort. Day at leisure  

Overnight at the resort.

Day at leisure to enjoy your choice of ayurveda therapy.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Morning at leisure. Later departure transfer to Trivandrum domestic airport for connect flight to Chennai. On arrival meet, assist & departure transfer to International airport for connect flight to home destination.