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Beautiful South India- From US$ 3075/-
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South India tour is made up of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They lie in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula. South India is famous for its natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage thus providing visitors a stimulating experience. In the South India Tour Packages you will visit some of the best and finest temples of South India in the cities of Mahabalipuram and Madurai and also enjoy the vivid tropical vegetation as well as the boat trips on the backwaters of Kumarakom.
All This Included
Our 10-day South- India itinerary takes you through spectacular history and a kaleidoscope of cultures, religions and landscapes. It is an introduction to the varied splendors of India on an itinerary planned to show you only the best.
Accommodations on twin sharing basis as indicated in the itinerary or similar Local Airfare in economy class Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Arrival and departure transfers ,all transfers during the trip All sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees Services of professional guides.
Not included: International airfare, Personal expenses such as laundry; travel insurance; excess baggage fees; communication charges; cost of obtaining passport or visas; meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; any airfares; gratuities to your escort.
Tour Highlights
Peace of mind with Advent Journeys providing support 24/7 Your comfort is always in our thoughts. After your international flight, your hotel room is available for immediate check-in on arrival at your hotel Itineraries designed and timed with your comfort in mind and to avoid the crowds The 'rarely seen' and the 'must see' sights, including sunrise or sunset visits to the Taj Mahal. Unrushed, in-depth travel led by Advent Journeys's superior Tour Director that fully captures the essence of your explorations in India The most sought after rooms in the finest hotels in India.
Notes
All prices and itineraries subject to change. If you would like to extend your stay with a pre- or post-tour extension, please contact our Vacations travel counselor.
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| Details | | Advent Journeys | | Offer valid through 12/1/2008 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Chennai | Chennai (Madras): Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to Hotel .Overnight at the Hotel. | | Day 2 | Chennai | Chennai: Morning sightseeing tour of Chennai, the Capital city of Tamil Nadu state, Chennai is India's Southern Gateway city and one of the biggest centres of trade, and communications.
Santhome Cathedral Church - Santhome Cathedral Basilica is situated on the southern tip of Marina in Chennai. It is a towering basilica built on the spot where St. Thomas (an apostle of Jesus Christ) was buried. It is the church of the Archbishop of Chennai - pastoral head of the Catholic community in the region.
St. Thomas Mount - St. Thomas Mount church is located near Meenambakkam airport in Chennai. The Portuguese built it in 1523. It is a small relic-filled church, which stands at the summit of the 300 foot high St. Thomas Mount.
Fort St. George Fort St. George is located on the Rajaji Salai road in Chennai. The fort was one among the first few bastions that were built by the East India Company in 1640 to protect its interests in India from rival companies. This fortification also marks the making of Madras (Chennai) as a modern city. Overnight-Chennai | | Day 3 | Pondicherry | Chennai - Pondicherry: En-route Morning excursion to Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram.
Mahabalipuram - a quite seaside resort with a unique and glorious 7th century Shore Temple and some of the most beautiful rock-cut caves in the world. Visit the Krishna, Varaha and Mahishasura Mardhini Mandapas besides the famous stone bas-relief, Arjuna's Penance.
Kanchipuram was under the Pallavas from the 6th to 8th century AD and later became the citadel of the Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries. Kanchipuram has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. All the religious cities in India support one of the two sects in Hinduism - Vaishnavism and Shaivism, but Kanchipuram has blended itself equally to both the sects, dividing itself into Vishnu Kanchi, surrounding the Varadaraja Temple, and Shiva Kanchi, surrounding the Ekambareshwar (also spelt as Ekambareshwa) Temple, while the Kamakshi Amman Temple stands in between as a place of Shakti worship.
Later drive to Pondichery (160 kms/4 hrs approx) and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight-Pondicherry | | Day 4 | Tanjore | Pondicherry - Tanjore: Morning sightseeing tour of Pondichery. Pondichery - a former French colony oozes a Mediterranean aura with classy streets, stylish houses and ornamental gardens, is famous for pleasant weather and easy paced life. Visit the serene atmosphere of Aurobindo Ashram, which was founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926 and has attained international reputation for its spiritual tenets including yoga and modern science of living. The Botanical Gardens, conceived in 1826, boast a variety of rare and exotic plants from India and abroad, and take a stroll on the beaches of Pondichery.
Afternoon depart by surface to Tanjore en route visiting Chidambaram & Kumbakonam.
Chidambaram - situated between two rivers in a 40 acre temple - complex, lies the temples of Chidambaram, one of the oldest, most venerated and magnificent temples of South India. Shiva Natraja or the Dancing Shiva stand in his cosmic dance pose in the golden rooted sanctum sanctorum. Flanking the temple are 108 sculptured illustrations of Bharat Natya Shastra. In Akash Lingam hidden by a veil, lies the real secret of Chidambaram.
Kumbakonam is a very important Temple City of South India. Kumbakonam is one of the Oldest Towns in Tamil nadu and is famous for its Mahamaham festival. In the 7th Century it was the Capital of Chola Kings. Visit the Kumbeshwaran Temple.Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight - Tanjore | | Day 5 | Madurai | Tanjore - Madurai: Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Madurai (201 kms/4.5 hrs approx) and upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
A bustling city jam-packed with rickshawallas, pilgrims and traders and resembling a seemingly continuous bazaar. This ancient city set on the banks of river Vaigai with an antiquity of over 2500 years is often referred as the Athens of the East.It is considered to be the cradle of Tamil culture and literature.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Madurai city. Visit the great Meenakshi Temple, an excellent example of Dravidian Architecture, dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Also Visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - A gracious building in the Indo Saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes and arches.
Evening witness the night ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple.Overnight at the Hotel in Madurai | | Day 6 | Periyar | Madurai - Periyar: Morning depart by surface to Periyar (137 kms/4 hrs) crossing over the Tamil Nadu-Kerala boarder to enter into the Gods own Country. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Thekkady, located in central Kerala, is a popular hill station and a wildlife centre. This town, which is an important plantation centre, conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Periyar Forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves of India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold immense opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a fairly good chance of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat.
Afternoon take game viewing boat-ride on the Artificial Periyar Lake. Amongst the animals spotted here are wild elephants, which can be seen and photographed at close quarters, wild boar, sambar, tier, leopard, wild dog and languor monkeys. Dinner and overnight - Periyar | | Day 7 | Kumarakam | Periyar-Kumarakam: Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Kumarakom en route visiting Valiyapally and Cheriyapally (St. Mary's Churches), which is built in 1515 and is famous for its Persian cross and Phalavi inscriptions. This also has some exquisite murals paintings on biblical and non-biblical themes. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Kumarakom an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields, and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world, you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. Kumarakom has also a Bird Sanctuary, which is ornithologist's paradise, with favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Other common varieties like woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots can also be spotted here.
Evening take an Optional sunset Cruise - there can be few better ways to adjust to the pace of backwater life than to spend the waning hours of the afternoon just watching the sun go down. Overnight in Kumarakom. | | Day 8 | Alleppy | Kerala Backwaters - Alleppy: Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Alleppy . Alappuzha referred to as the Venice of the East.It has grown in importance as a backwater tourist center,attracting several thousand of foreign tourist each year.Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races,houseboat holidays,beaches,marine products and coir industry.This morning, you'll board atraditional Keralan rice boat for a journey through the backwaters in and around Allapuzha (Alleppey). The boat will cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes and cruise along peaceful canals where copra and cashews are loaded onto local boats. The on-board cook will prepare locally-inspired food. Relax, read and catch some sun as the boat plies it's route. Lunch, dinner & overnight - House Boat | | Day 9 | Kochi | Backwaters - Kochi: Disembarking at Allapuzha, enjoy a short drive to Kochi (Cochin). The city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. One can see winding streets with mosques, a 16th century Jewish synagogue and Jewish community with ancient roots and500 year old Portuguese cottages! Enjoy the remains of the day your way. Afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Kochi (Cochin) - an important port city with a famous Jewish settlement and Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Chinese Nets, the Church of St Francis and the Tomb of Vasco da Gama.
Evening witness a Kathakali Dance drama performance at one of the auditoriums. This is an age old traditional art form of Kerala, where the artists paint their faces with colours and narrate the story of the Indian epics such as Ramayana or Mahabarat by way of their actions. Overnight - Kochi | | Day 10 | Chennai | Kochi -Chennai ( By Air): This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour,including a walking tour of Fort Cochin. With the afternoon fly to Chennai for your onward flight to your country.
Tour concludes |
| | | | Breakfasts - 10 | Lunches - 3 | | Dinners - 3 | |
| | Four Wheel Drive | Motor Coach | | Boat | |
| | Terms and Conditions
* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land prices are guaranteed. Airfares included as part of air-inclusive tour prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. International customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the tour origination city, we are able to offer the land portion of the package or tour, at the price quoted. |
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