Swagatam Tours Private Limited

South India Holidays

South India Tours

» SCENIC SOUTH
Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations : Madras - Mahabalipuram - Madras - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Cochin - Madras

The south of India boasts a more leisurely existence. See lush green vistas, narrow waterways and tiny villages combined with the many temples which are the heart and soul of this region.

Day 1 : Madras(Chennai)
Arrive Madras(Chennai). Transfer to your hotel for 3 nights. Beverley Hotel.

Day 2 : Madras
In Madras. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour including Fort St. George, St Mary’s, the Government museum and the San Thome Basilica.

Day 3 : Mahabalipuram
Visit Mahabalipuram a tiny village by the sea, which is dwarfed by a sculpture carved into the rock. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 4 : Madras - Tanjore
Drive early this morning to Swamimalai where upon arrival, you will have lunch at the Sterling Swamimalai Hotel. After lunch, visit an Iconography workshop in one of the local bazaars. Later drive to Tanjore. Visiting Darasuran en route to view the Airavateshwara Temple. Sangam Hotel.

Day 5 : Tanjore - Madurai
Morning sightseeing tour of Tanjore including the Brihadeeswara Temple with its exquisite sculptures and the Palace, the home of the former royal family of Tanjore. Afterwards, drive to Karaikudy where you will visit Chettinad Palace. Lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Temple for Evening Aarti, a short colourful spiritual ceremony. Sangam.

Day 6 : Madurai
Half day tour of Madurai, the "Temple City", includes Meenakshi Temple and the Palace of Thirumalai Nayak. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 7 : Madurai - Periyar
Continue to Periyar. Participate in a cooking demonstration or attend a nature slide show at the hotel. Spice Village.

Day 8 : Periyar - Kumarakom
Boat ride on Lake Periyar to view the flora and fauna then travel overland to Kumarakom, a quaint resort on the backwaters of Kerala, a bird sanctuary.

Day 9 : Kumarakom
Day at leisure. There is an opportunity to experience an optional Ayurveda Massage. Also you may wish to participate in an optional Sunset cruise this evening or join an optional cooking demonstration arranged by the hotel.

Day 10 : Kumarakom - Cochin
Boat ride on the backwaters to Allepey then continue to Cochin. Visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jew Town and Fort Cochin. Hotel Casino.

Day 11 : Cochin - Madras
Fly to Madras Airport where the tour ends.

DEPARTURES:
Monday (2005): Jan 17; Feb 14; Mar 21; Apr 18; May 23; Jun 20; Jul 18; Aug 15; Sep 19; Oct 17; Nov 21; Dec 12, 26

PRICES:
Please request prices for the time you wish to travel.

PRICE INCLUDES:
Accommodation with private facilities at first class hotels, breakfast daily + two lunches, transfers and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicles, services of an English-speaking tour guide, air fare Cochin/Madras.

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