Temples & Waterways of the South

MEAL PLAN
•   Breakfast daily
•   Lunch on Day 10
•   Dinner on Days 2-10.

ACCOMMODATION
•   A choice of 3 and 4 star hotels is available.

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 14 passengers.
•   This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (call for details).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

•   Tipping is a way of life in India. It is usual to tip your driver and guide at the end of your tour.
•   Please note local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings of the itinerary.

DAY 1 LONDON TO CHENNAI
Fly from Heathrow via Jet Airways to Chennai via Mumbai arriving the following day.

DAY 2 CHENNAI
Upon arrival in Chennai you will transfer to GRT Grand (three star) or the Vivanta by Taj Coromandel (four star) for an overnight stay. The afternoon is spent exploring the coastal city beginning at the Fort Museum featuring displays of relics from the British Raj including armoury, silverware, paintings and porcelains before visiting the St George Cathedral with its tall spire, marble statues and stained glass windows.

DAY 3 CHENNAI TO PONDICHERRY
Following breakfast you will journey to Pondicherry by road (4-5 hours). On the way you will stop at Mahaballipuram and visit the 8th Century Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal before viewing the intricate stone carvings of Arjuna’s Penance. The final stop will take you to the monolithic cave temples of Ratha, also known as the five chariots of the Pandavas. Arrive in Pondicherry, once the largest French colony of India, and transfer to the Sunway GRT Grand (three star) or the Maison Perumal (four star) for an overnight stay. In the evening visit the settlement of Sri Aurobindo Ashram where the practice of yoga and modern science meet.

DAY 4 PONDICHERRY TO TANJORE
Depart this morning for Tanjore (6 hours) stopping en route to visit the 11th century temples of Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. The majestic Gangaikondacholapuram temple is the finest example of Cholas architecture and features beautiful elaborate carvings. After lunch at the heritage hotel Anandham Swamimalai continue on to Tanjore for an overnight stay at Hotel Parishutam (three star) or the Hotel Sangam (four star).

DAY 5 TANJORE TO MADURAI
After breakfast explore the vast granite Brihadeshwara temple, a reflection on the power and status of the Chola Empire and Tamil civilisation. View the soaring temple tower and many remarkable frescoes that line the interior. Another notable sight is the Royal  Museum, containing a rich collection of South Indian painting and sculptures in the buildings of the palace buildings. Travel to the great temple town of Madurai (4 hours), the oldest city in Tamilnadu and sometimes referred to as the ‘Athens of the East’. Upon arrival transfer to the Fortune Pandyan (three star) or the Taj Gateway (four star) for a two night stay.

DAY 6 MADURAI
This morning embark on a tour of the world renowned temple of Meenakshi, first built over 2,000 years ago and added to extensively between the 16th and 18th centuries. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, this eminent temple complex in the heart of Madurai is spread out over a 6 acre site and contains numerous shrines, towers and pillared halls. The afternoon is spent at the remains of the once great Islamic influenced Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636 by the ruling king of the time.

DAY 7 MADURAI TO PERIYAR
Leaving Madurai travel to Periyar (5 hours) one of India’s largest wildlife reserves and home to a small community of endangered Bengal Tigers as well as wild elephants, deer, antelope, the Nilgiri languor and the Nilgiri tahr. On arrival transfer to the Elephant Court (three star) or the Spice Village (four star) for a one night stay. Spend the afternoon discovering the process of spice cultivation at the popular Spice Plantation. Join a tour through the pepper cardamom, vanilla, coffee and tea plantations.

DAY 8 PERIYAR TO KUMARAKOM
Following breakfast journey to Kumarakom village (4-5 hours), a collection of islands on Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Transfer to the Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort (three star) or the Coconut Lodge (four star) for a two night stay. Surrounded by paddy fields, mangrove forests, coconut groves and waterways, Kumarakom is home to various species of bird and marine life. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 9 KUMARAKOM
Spend the day at leisure exploring the waterways and canals of Kumarakom.

DAY 10 KUMARAKOM TO ALLEPPEY (HOUSEBOAT)
Board your bamboo framed Keralan houseboat or kettuvallam, a converted cargo boat with two or three bedrooms. Cruise through the network of lakes and canals towards Alleppey, all the while witnessing daily life along the backwaters of Kerala as women wash clothes and dishes, men dive for mussels and children play in the shallows. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 11 ALLEPPEY TO COCHIN
After breakfast on board disembark at Alleppy and journey on to Cochin (2 hours) before transfering to the Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel (three star) or Le Colonial (four star) for an overnight stay. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the historic city of Cochin, a major port town which has been ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British Empires. Visit sites such as the Jewish Synagogue, spice market and the Dutch Palace and view the unique Chinese fishing nets.

DAY 12 COCHIN TO LONDON
Fly Jet Airways via Mumbai arriving in Heathrow later the same day.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

KOVALAM
Extend your stay in the idyllic resort of Kovalam, known as the 'Paradise of the South'. Marvel at the beauty and serenity of this popular village during your three night stay.

DAY 12 COCHIN TO KOVALAM
Today travel south along the coast to the beautiful seaside village of Kovalam with its beautiful crescent shaped beach. Spend three nights at the Vivanta by Taj Kovalam.

DAY 15 KOVALAM TO LONDON
Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your Jet Airways flight to London Heathrow via Mumbai arriving the following day.


MUMBAI
Spend some time in a city with an astonishing 19 million inhabitants that is India’s most important port and also the centre of the country’s commercial and entertainment industries.

DAY 12 COCHIN TO MUMBAI
Transfer to Cochin airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival transfer to the Trident Nariman Point for a two night stay. Your time is at leisure to explore this fascinating city, the fourth most populous in the world.

DAY 14 MUMBAI TO LONDON
Fly Jet airways from Mumbai to London Heathrow arriving later the same day.