South Indian Splendours Tour Package From railtourismindia

Day 01: Arrive Chennai

Meeting on arrival at International airport, Chennai and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Day 02:Chennai - Mahabalipuram

After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Chennai.Visit National Art Gallery and Museum "closed on Fridays", Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, Drive along Marina Beach (the second longest in the world), San Thome Cathedral,Mylapore Shiva Temple. Later proceed by surface to Mahabalipuram.Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 03: Mahabalipuram

After breakfast at hotel proceed for sightseeing of Mahabalipuram. Visit Shore temple. It boasts of some of India's most sublime rock cut art comprising of Arjuna's Penance - the largest open-air bass-relief, Five Rathas structured temples, man-made caves and chariots. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

After morning breakfast at hotel drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check into hotel. Later visit Aurobindo Ashram - It spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science and Auroville or the City of Dawn, an international settlement where community living is the focus of life. The sphere shaped Matri Mandir a hall of meditation is the splendid centre of Auroville. Also visit Pondicherry Museum which has an outstanding collection of artifacts. The sculpture gallery is a treasure house of Pallava and Chola art. Evening relax at the beach, which runs along the city. Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 05: Pondicherry -Tanjore 'Thanjavur'

After morning breakfast at hotel drive to Tanjore. On arrival check into hotel. Later proceed to visit beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeshwara, capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Overnight stay at hotel in Tanjore

Day 06: Tanjore- Trichy - Madurai

After morning breakfast drive to Madurai.En-route visit Trichy which was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between the French and the English. Visit Lord Robert Clive's house and Danish Church. Also visit Srirangam temple and Rock Fort.Further continue drive toward Madurai. On arrival check into hotel.Overnight stay at Madurai

Day 07: Madurai

After morning breakfast at hotel proceed for sightseeing of the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering gopurams rising high above the surrounding country side. Later, visit the Tirumalai Nayakar Palace - A gracious building in the Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes and arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Evening is kept free for your leisure activities. Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.

Day 08: Madurai - Thekkady 'Periyar'

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady. On arrival check in to the hotel. Later in the day, set out on a sightseeing trip of Thekkady. By evening go on the famous cruise by the Periyar lake to see wildlife from close quarters.Overnight stay at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 09: Thekkady - Kochi

After morning breakfast at hotel first half of the day is free for leisure activities such as spice plantation visit or Elephant ride etc (at an extra cost). Later in afternoon drive to Kochi. On arrival check into hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Kochi.

Day 10: Kochi

After morning breakfast at hotel proceed for sightseeing tour of Kochi (Cochin). Visit the Dutch Palace - the oldest Synagogue of the British Commonwealth, St. Francis Church - India's oldest European church, Bolghatty Palace-One of the oldest existing Palaces built by the Dutch in India and Chinese Fishing Nets at Vasco De Gama square. Witness the traditional Kathakali Dance Show in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel in Kochi.

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast at hotel in time transfer to airport to board flight for your onward journey.