Itinerary for Tamil Nadu & Kerala including Tirupati Balaji 15 Nights-16 Days

Day 01 / Chennai Arrive Chennai - the gateway to southern India, established in 1639 by the East India Company, is one of the oldest cities of the country. Assistance and transfer to hotel. After lunch at hotel, half day sightseeing tour, visiting Gandhi Memorial, Mylapore temple and Marine beach. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 02 / Chennai Tirupathi (154kms-3 hours) After breakfast, proceed to Tirupathi. Lunch at local restaurant Tirupathi is a temple town known for the famous ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara (Lord of seven hills or Balaji, as he is affectionately known ) on the top of the 860mts high Tirumala hills. The temple of Lord Venkateswara is not only believed to be amongst the oldest temples in the country, but also the richest of them all . Legend has it that Lord Venkateswara borrowed money from the divine treasurer Kubera for his wedding expenses. He is still paying back this debt which is why the pilgrims donate generously to the temple funds. Overnight at Tirupathi.

Day 03 / Tirupathi -Chennai - Kanchipuram Mamallapooram After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara , Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Lunch at local restaurant and later drive to Mamallapooram and check in at hotel. Afternoon visit the city - built in 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipooram, this ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town , shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings in the region can be seen. The rock carvings depicting mythological episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are truly poems in stone. The only shore temple which remains here is the spectacular two - spired shrine,

unique because it houses both Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu in its sanctum-sanctorum. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 04 / Mamallapooram Pondicherry After breakfast drive Pondicherry (131kms/ 3.5hrs ) which carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. This erstwhile French colony on the east coast of South India merged with the rest of the country in 1954. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St.Agasthaya settled down. On Arrivial Check into Hotel After freshen up proceed to visit Aurbindo Ashram, the city of dawn, which is 10kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. Also visit Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony. Night stay in Pondicherry.

Day 05 / Pondicherry - Chidambaram Tanjore After breakfast drive to Chidambaram(65kms/1.5hrs) also called as Thillai, which has the famous Nataraja temple with the root of the sanctum-sanctorum covered with golden plates is located in the centre of the town covering an area of 40 acres. In this temple, postures from the Bharatnatayam form of dance are depicted in sculpture. Natraja is Lord Shiva as a cosmic dancer. After lunch at local restaurant, drive to Thanjavur (104kms/03hrs) enroute

visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Brahadeswara temple(or the big temple of God).The temple tower rises to a height of 15mts from a square base of 29 mts and then tapers off, making a total of 66mts.Overnight Stay

Day 06/ Tanjore - Trichy (54kms/02hrs)Trichy-Madurai( 140 Kms -3 Hrs Approx) After breakfast leave for Trichy, short name of Trichurapalli, situated on the banks of Kaveri River is a blend of history and tradition as well as pilgrim centre, it is famous for Ranganath temple at Srirangam. Checkin at hotel. After lunch city tour visiting Rock fort and its temple at a height of over 23mts. Also visit Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple and later to Madurai and transfer to hotel. After Freshen up visit the ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the centre. Afternoon city tour visiting - Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great tank and Gandhi museum. Night stay in Madurai Day 07 /Madurai-Rameshwaram-(155 Kms- 3 1/2 Hrs Aprrox) Early morning after breakfast Proceed to Rameshwaram - the most sacred temple town of India is an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama is said to have visited before going into battle of Srilanka. Legend has it that Lord Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a Lingam for worship when he set foot after defeating Ravana. As Hanuman did not return when the auspicious hour was approaching, Sita made a sand Lingam so that worship could be performed in time, which is where the present day Ramanatha Swamy Temple stands close to sea on the eastern side of the island. One of the twelve Jyotirlingam shrines is also well known for its magnificent corridors and the massive sculptured pillars

lining them. Overnight at Rameshwaram

Day 08/Rameshwaram- Kanyakumari(350 Kms- 6 to 7 Hrs Approx) Early morning After breakfast proceed for Kanyakumari - the land's end of India where the water of the Arabian Sea , the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. An important pilgrim centre of India, it is famous for the Amman Temples - a symbol of unity and sanctity - dedicated to the virgin Goddess , Kanya Kumari. To its South - East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a blend of all the architectural styles of India. Evening enjoy the beautiful sun set .Overnight at Kanyakumari.

Day 09/Kanyakumari Kovalam (100 Kms- 2.5 Hrs Approx) Morning enjoy the sunrise & After breakfast checkout & Proceed to Kovalam Enroute Visit Suchindram Temple & Padmnabhapuram Palace .Arrive Kovalam & transfer to hotel. The international beach Resort with full of Coconut trees. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach of Kerala, with three adjacent crescent beaches. Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful Bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising etc. Evening enjoy the beach. Night stay in Kovalam. Day 10/Kovalam-Trivandrum-Kovalam Morning after breakfast proceed to Trivandrum gateway to one of the most beautiful states in India-Kerela. The city presides over one of the most scenic states, stretching along the southern coast of the Country, with the backwaters of the Arabian sea reaching deep into the verdant countryside, kerela affords a fascinating experience. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Trivandrum visiting The ancient temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy is one of the major attractions in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Napier Museum was built in 1880 and shows a harmonious blending of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Sri Chitra Art Gallery has a good collection Tanjore, Mughal, and Rajput schools of art. The Zoo in Thiruvananthapuram has many shady and delightful walks. Overnight at Trivandrum

Day 11)Kovalam-Alleppey (185Km- 3 1/2 Hrs Drive Approx) Morning after breakfast proceed to Alleppey & check into houseboat around 1230 hrs check in at houseboat. Houseboat cruise is the best way to explore the beauty of backwaters ,see the daily chores of Villages along the banks of Backwaters. Rest of the day at leisure on the House Boat. Enjoy the Evening sunset. Overnight stay in the House Boat.

Day 12/ Alleppey Thekkady (Periyar) (180Kms -4.5Hrs Drive Approx) Morning Proceed through scenic route dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom, cocoa, green pepper and areca nut, to the wildlife reserve at Periyar. Arrive Periyar and Check into Hotel. After Freshen up Proceed for sightseeing of Periyar around in the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee plantations. enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to see a large variety of wildlife, which include elephants, monkeys, deer, wild boar etc, and quite a lot of unique birds can also be spotted. There are also few tribal villages to explore. Overnight stay at hotel. Day 13/Thekkady-Munnar (110Kms -3.5Hrs Drive Approx) Morning after breakfast Proceed to Munnar enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. Arrive & Check into Hotel . Evening free .Overnight stay at hotel in MUNNAR.

Day 14/ Munnar Morning after breakfast proceed for Sightseeing of Munnar ,situated near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats. Proceed to Mattupetty Lake and dam, this is a very beautiful picnic spot. You could enjoy boating in the lake and dam and View Mountains and landscapes . Also visit Eravikulam National Park, 15Kms from Munnar, this is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Thar, a rare mountain goat (Hermitragas Hylocres). Visit The Tea museum & Tea Factory, the local Markets .Night stay in Munnar. Day 15/Munnar-Kochi Morning after Breakfast proceed to Kochi.Arrive Kochi & check into Hotel After freshen up proceed for half day sightseeing of Cochin, Visiting, The Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jews Street, St. Francis church, Chinese fishing net & the indo-Portuguese Museum. Later transfer you back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 16/Kochi Departure Morning after breakfast Checkout from Hotel & Proceed to Airport/Railway Station To connect flight/train for onward journey

Quote for the Itinerary - Per Person On Twin Sharing basis Using below Categorized Hotels Using Moderate Hotels Rs 37,800/- Per Person Using Standard Hotels Rs 43,900/- Per Person Using Deluxe Hotels Rs 56,700/- Per Person Cost Includes: 15 nights accommodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast. Surface Travel by exclusive air-conditioned Indica All Meals in Air-condition Houseboat All taxes, driver allowances, Parking etc.

Does not include: Entrance fee to monuments. Any airfare Tips, laundry. Any item not shown in Cost Includes.

Hotels Used : Moderate Chennai:Hotel Pratap Plaza Or Similar Tirupati: Hotel Sindhuri Or Similar Mahabalipuram:Hotel Mahabs Or Similar Pondicherry:Hotel Suruguru Or Similar Tanjore :Hotel Gyanam OR Similar Madurai:Hotel Supreme Or Similar Rameshwaram: Hotel Vinayaga Or Similar Kanyakumari:Hotel Sun world Or Similar Kovalam:Sagra Beach Resort Or Similar Alleppey:Deluxe Air Conditioned Houseboat Thekkady:Hotel Ambadi Or Similar Munnar:Hotal Hollyhock Or Similar Kochi:Hotel Excellency Or Similar Hotels Used : Standard Chennai:Hotel Breeze Residency Or Simiilar Tirupati: Hotel Bliss Or Similar Mahabalipuram:Hotel Sea Breeze Or Similar Pondicherry:Hotel Richmond Or Similar Tanjore:Star Residency OR Similar Madurai:Germanus Or Similar Rameshwaram: Hotel Royal Park Inn Or Similar Kanyakumari:Hotel Sea view Or Similar Kovalam:Sagra Beach Resort Or Similar

Alleppey:Deluxe Air Conditioned Houseboat Thekkady:Hotel Tree Top Or Similar Munnar:Hotel C7 Or Similar Kochi:Grand Seasons Or Similar Hotels Used : Deluxe Chennai:Hotel Radha Regent Or Simiilar Tirupati: Hotel Fortune Kences Or Similar Mahabalipuram:Ideal Beach Resort Or Similar Pondicherry:Hotel Promenade Or Similar Tanjore:Hotel Ideal River View OR Similar Madurai: Fortune Pandian Or Similar Rameshwaram: Hotel Dewaik Or Similar Kanyakumari:Hotel Sparsha Or Similar Kovalam:Uday Samudra Beach Resort Or Similar Alleppey: Deluxe Air Conditioned Houseboat Thekkady: Wild corridor Or Similar Munnar:Tea County Or Similar Kochi: Travancore Court or Similar Please Note: The Rooms Are Subject to Availability Munnar & Thekkady being High Altitude Area ,Most Hotels do not have Air Condition Rooms. . Air Condition in Houseboats are switched in the Night from 9 pm to Early Morning 05 Am & also note that There is no cruising in the Night & Houseboats are anchored in safer Place Around Sunset . vehicle as per Itinerary & not at Disposal . Peak supplement Extra for Travel between 15 Dec,2012 to 10 Jan,2013