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Almost untouched by invasions, the Indian heritage has remained intact here. This is a land of temples, of the devout where new wonders await - the profusion of orange flowers, the shade of banyan trees, and the soft beat of distant drums as yet another festival starts...
Places : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakum - Kochi
Duration : 10 Days
Day 01 : Mahabalipuram
Transfer from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram (Mammalapuram) is famous for its Shore Temple, which has majestically stood on the seashore since 7th century, and for other monuments that are in a form of epic recreated on stone (Arjuna's Penance).
Day 02: Mahabalipuram
Sightseeing in Mahabalipuram: Dravidian Ganesh Ratha, seashore Five Ratha, and some Mandapam (sanctuaries)… Remaining day to relax on the beach amidst the fish boats.
Day 03 : Pondicherry
Reach Pondicherry - famous for its beautiful boulevards, gothic structures (Sacred Heart Church) and quiet beaches. Later head out for boat trips to see dolphins. Also visit Auroville (city of dawn), the famous center for spiritual learning and meditation named after Guru Sri Aurobindo Ghosh.
Day 04 : Madurai
Drive to Madurai, which has been a spiritual center of pilgrimage and teaching since centuries. Visit Dravidian masterpiece Meenakshi Sundereshwar Temple, and Tirumalai Nayak Palace, which used to be a splendid Muslim palace.
Day 05 : Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Drive through
forested mountains and rubber
plantations to reach the best of India Wildlife Tours - Periyar National Park, one of the best jungles in India to see wild elephants. Day free to explore on your own.
Day 06 : Periyar
Boat excursion over Periyar Lake, in the middle of the jungle.
Day 07 : Kumarakom
Sail through the backwaters and reach Kumarakom, an island with extremely serene atmosphere. Enjoy the coconut lagoons and narrow canals you will go through, and watch birds like kingfishers, woodpecker… After lunch, excursion in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Day 08 : Houseboat
A leisurely start of the day in a paradise known as Kumarakom. By noon board a Kettuvalom - your virtual home till next morning. It is a traditional rice boat converted into a mini hotel on sails.
Day 09 : Kochi (Cochin)
Drive to Kochi, the cultural and commercial hub of Kerala. Watch a spectacular Kathakali performance along with its make-up process. Evening free to explore the vibrant markets.
Day 10 : Kochi
Different communities (Jewish, Muslim, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch…) have long cohabited in Kochi, which makes it very eclectic. Walk in the narrow streets and visit monuments: 16th century Jewish synagogue and Catholic Church, Fort Cochin, Dutch Palace…
Southern Experience
| Highlands of South India
| Heritage South India
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