Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Periya
 - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin - Kovalam - Cochin

Immerse yourself in the passionate rhythm of India on this 14 day package that takes you from the buzzing city of Chennai to sumptuous coastal retreats, through the doors of ancient temples and into the welcoming arms of ashram spiritual hospitality.  We visit the charming former French colony of Pondicherry, a town where east truly meets west, and where a flavour of the continental still remains.  Our accommodation varies from ashrams to cruising houseboats to hotels, and our exploring touches on everything from historical palaces to aromatic spice gardens. This intensive tour is rounded off with two days spent relaxing and reflecting at the gorgeous Kovalam beach resort.  Its a perfect way to open your heart to all India has to offer - a great deal.

ITINERARY

Day 01  CHENNAI (MADRAS)  On arrival in Chennai you will be welcomed by our guide and settled into your hotel.

Day 02  CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM 
Today we drive to the coastal resort of Mahabalipuram.  After checking into your hotel we spend the afternoon exploring the nearby temples with their wonderful sculptures.

Day 03  MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY 
After breakfast we drive to the former French colony of Pondicherry.  Here we visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where all meals are included.  Overnight at the Ashram.

Day 04 PONDICHERRY - TANJORE  
Our journey today takes us to to Tanjore.  Tanjore was once a great capital of the Chola Dynasty and modern Tanjore bears witness to this with no less than 74 temples!  The most famous of these is the Brahadeeswara Temple, a world heritage listed monument.  Overnight in Tanjore.

Day 05  TANJORE - TRICHY 
After some morning sightseeing we depart from Tanjore for Trichy.  After settling into your hotel we spend time visiting the Rock Fortress in the city centre and the Srirangam Temple which is set on a 250 hectare island.

Day 06  TRICHY - MADURAI 
Our next stop is Madurai.  This colourful city of contrast is famous for the Sri Meenakshi Temple.  In the evening we return to the temple for a spectacular sound and light show.

Day 07  MADURAI - PERIYA 
This morning we visit the Ghandi Museum and the Nayakar Palace.  Afterwards we drive to Periya and settle into our hotel.

Day 08  PERIYA 
A time to relax and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periya.  In the afternoon we will visit the aromatic spice gardens.

Day 09  PERIYA - KUMARAKOM - ALLEPPEY
Today we drive to Kumakoram and our accommodation is in board a houseboat.  We will cruise the backwater lagoons heading towards Alleppey.  All meals are on board, so sit back and enjoy the serene cruise.

Day10  ALLEPPEY - COCHIN 
Our houseboat docks at Alleppey, where after we have had a short rest we drive to Cochin and transfer to our hotel.

Day 11 COCHIN - KOVALAM 
This morning we set off for Kovalam, where we will spend two relaxing days at a beach resort hotel.

Day 12  KOVALAM
At leisure.

Day 13  KOVALAM - COCHIN 
We transfer to the airport or station for your return or onward journey.  Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodation on a room-only a basis except where specified.
All transfers by car including pick-ups and drop-offs at airport or station.
All sightseeing tours as specified.

Tour Cost
Per Person on Twin Sharing :  -  USD $ 1383