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Day 1 : Cochin
Arrival in Cochin. On arrival meet and greet at the airport by our representative and transfer to your hotel.
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Day 2 : Cochin
After breakfast sightseeing of Cochin, a city till today influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England. You visit St. Francis Church, the Mattancherry Palace or "Dutch Palace" (closed on Fridays). And the amazing Chinese fishing nets. You also see the Jew City with the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city.
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Day 3 : Cochin - Backwaters
After breakfast drive to the jetty to board House boat (Kettuvallom) on the World famous Backwaters of Kerala.
"Kettu" literally means to tie up and "Vallom" means " boats". The boats played a major role in the economic development of ancient Kerala, moving cargo and men from the very nook and corner of otherwise unreachable area, cutting across the length and breadth of the land.
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Day 4 : Backwaters - Periyar
After breakfast on the rice boat (Kettuvallom) get down at Kumarakom and drive to Periyar National Park, which is a unique wildlife sanctuary and is about 780 sq. km centered around an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. On arrival check in at the hotel.
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Day 5 : Periyar - Madurai
Today morning, visit elephant junction for the activities of 30 minutes elephant ride, elephant feeding, elephant-bathing. Later trek for an hour in the cardamom hills.
Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamilnadu with the Dravidian culture reached its zenith in art, architecture, palaces and temple buildings. Once the capital of powerful Nayaka kings, a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers.
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Day 6 : Madurai
After breakfast visit the city that offers a grand ceremonial tank of water called Mariamma with its temple in the middle.
Also visit the famous Meenakshi Temple that is an outstanding example of Vijaynagar temple architecture.
Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a palace in Indo Saracenic style built in 1636, with huge domes and 240 columns rising to 12 m, a beautiful garden and an attached museum.
In the evening, again visit Meenakshi temple to watch the night ceremony, which is a hive of activity, colorfully decorated temple elephant, flower sellers and performances by musicians.
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Day 7 : Madurai - Trichy
After breakfast drive to Trichy. En-route visit Brihadisvara Temple in Tanjore, which is the Jewel of South India, built in 9th century. The magnificent main temple has a 62 meter high vimana (tallest in India), which is topped by dome carved from an 80 ton lock of granite. A 6.5-km long wooden ramp was built to climb it. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Proceed to Trichy, Check in at the hotel.
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Day 8 : Trichy - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast visit the Rock Fort. On the way to Mahabalipuram visit Srirangam, the big temple city, which lies on an island on the Kaveri. After sightseeing drive to Mahabalipuram. Check in at the hotel.
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Day 9 : Mahabalipuram
After breakfast sightseeing of the magnificent rock temples and carvings. Visit Five Rathas, the Shore Temple & Bhagiratha's Penance.
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Day 10 : Mahabalipuram - Chennai
In Chennai visit Kapaleshvara Temple dedicated to God Shiva and offers a good example of South Indian colourful temple architecture. Fort St. George & the 16th century Portuguese old Cathedral of St. Thomas Church in which the remnants of St. Thomas is buried who came to India in 52 AD.
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Day 8 : Chennai departure
On time transfer to the international airport to connect flight back home.
