Anglo India Tours, 12 Nights – 13 Days to Tamilnadu

Day 01 Arrive in Chennai

On arrival at Chennai airport our representative having a placard displaying your name will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 02 Chennai – Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram [160 KM / 4 hours]

After breakfast , city tour of Chennai visiting Museum to see the art and bronze gallery Drive through the Flower & Fruit Market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, San Thomas cathedral. Afternoon, leave for Mahabalipuram. En route visit Kanchipuram, Ancient capital of the Pallavas, famous as a city of 1000 temples that still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th & 8th century & has painting on the walls. Continue drive towards Mahabalipuram. On arrival in Mahabalipuram check in to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 03 Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry [100 KM / 2 hours]

Breakfast at the hotel and visit Mahabalipuram. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD. This town was a workshop for temple building. Visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the five Rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. Afternoon drive to Pondicherry. overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 04 Pondicherry – Darasuram – Tanjore [180 KM / 4 hours]

Morning after breakfast visit Pondicherry. Visit the city and Sri Aurobindo Ashram the serene world of distinct spiritual vibration and thus renowned as Sacred Land. Later drive to Tanjore. En route you will visit Darasuram. The temple of Airavatesvara in Darasuram, is one of the 4 biggest temples erected by the Cola Dynasty with those of Tanjore, Gangaikondacolapuram and Tribhuvanam. The temple is a world heritage list of the UNESCO in 2004. Continue drive towards Tanjore. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tanjore.

Day 05 Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai [ 200 KM / 4 hours]

After breakfast visit Brideshwarar Shiva Temple, built by King Raja Rajan from the year 985 AD - 1010 AD. This is one of the superb temple architects of the Chola dynasty. Later visit Raja Rajan art gallery to see bronze statures of 9th-16th century. After the visit drive to Trichy. Arrive and visit Srirangam Vishnu temple. It has 21 gopurmas (towers); one of the gopurma is 73 meters, highest in India. Continue drive towards Madurai. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

Day 06 Madurai

Morning after breakfast at hotel visit Madurai Meenakshi temple, Swami sundareswarar temple, the most notable in the Meenakshi temple is 1000 pillared Hall carrying some beautiful sculptures of the seventeenth Century. Also visit Tirumala Nayak Palace. This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. Later in the late evening attend Puja (worship) ceremony at Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay at the hotel on Madurai.

Day 07 Madurai – Periyar [145 / 3 and ½ hours]

After breakfast drive to Pariyar. Arrive and check in to the hotel. In the afternoon we take boat ride over the Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat on the water's edge. While cruising on Lake Periyar, you are likely to see animals like Wild Boars, Sambars, Wild Dogs, Langur Monkeys and Wild Elephants. Overnight at the hotel in Pariyar.

Day 08 Periyar – Kumarakom [130 KM / 3 and ½ hours]

Drive towards Kumarakom. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Rest of day is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 09 Kumarakom – Alleppey [backwaters cruise till Alleppey]

After breakfast visit the Kumarakom Bird sanctuary is the most visited tourist venue in Kumarakom. This marshy stretch of land is the natural habitat of various species of birds. Migratory birds make this sanctuary their home during the winter season. In the afternoon check in to traditional Kerala house boat for a cruise, which is totally a delightful experience. Cruise through the palm fringed canals; watch the Paddy fields, village folk; relax on board hearing lullaby of the wind & waves. This mysterious strip of emerald green land is stuffed with endless miles of placid backwaters that appends to its charm. Freshly cooked local food is served onboard. Dinner and overnight stay at the houseboat.

Day 10 Alleppey – Varkala [120 KM / 3 hours]

Breakfast at houseboat and then check out from the houseboat. Your houseboat will drop you at Alleppey. Directly drive to Verkala. Arrive at Verkala and check in to the hotel. Evening free at beach. Overnight at the hotel in Verkala.

Day 11 Verkala

Day free at leisure to relax at the beach. OR you can visit major tourist attractions of Varkala. Visit Papanasam Beach: Also popular as Varkala Beach, it is internationally renowned and is very popular among the tourists. Offering picture perfect views of the mighty Arabian Sea. This beach is indisputably one of the most outstanding places of tourist interest in Varkala. Also visit Anjengo Fort: This colossal fort served as the major garrison of the Dutch East India Company and is located in close proximity to the Varkala town. This fort still evokes the commanding status of the East India Company in the state.

Day 12 Verkala – Cochin [175 / 5 hours]

After breakfast drive to Cochin. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore the vibrant market of Cochin city. Evening attend the Kathakkali dance show. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 13 Cochin - Abroad

After breakfast visit of Cochin including The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. In the late evening transfer to the airport to board the flight for your onward destination.