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Tamilnadu and Kerala 14d

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Tour's Information

Starts In :	Chennai
End In :	Cochin
Duration :	14 Days / 13 Nights
Destinations :	Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Karaikudi - Madurai - Munnar - Periyar - Alleppey - Cochin

Ashok India Travels welcomes you for your Tamilnadu and Kerala Tour. Our representative will receive you at the International Airport and will handover your travel documents.Take a full day city tour of Chennai (Madras) - the capital of Tamil Nadu, popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South. The places of interest are Kalakshetra, a school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing; Fort St. George built in 1653 during British reign in India, - now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu; St. Marys Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India with its premises; Sri Parthasarathy Temple built by Pallavas in the 8th century AD; Kapaliswara Temple, Mylapore also an eighth century Pallava Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica; and Theosophical Society - the world headquarters of the Theosophical Society formed to encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. Overnight at hotel in Chennai

Departure for Pondicherry. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Pondicherry. Although the French influence is gradually fading, Pondicherry retains a few Gallic accents. Main sights of Pondicherry are the Rai Nivas, the Sacred Heart Church and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram retreat was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo after whose death the spiritual authority passed to one of his disciples, a French woman known as the Mother. The Mother was also instrumental in founding the city of Dawn Auroville, 10 km from Pondicherry. Its original charter aimed at creating a city of the future where people from India and abroad could live and work together in a spiritual environment. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Today visit Tanjore (Thanjavur) which is famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple, constructed more than a thousand years ago by the Chola King Raja Rajan is an architects marvel. The Art Gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Library are also well known places of interest. Drive to Trichy and on arrival, visit Srirangam. Located on an island 5 kms from Trichy, is Srirangam. Surrounded by the Kaveri river is a 600 acre island town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami temple. There are no less than 22 gopurams, one of which is the tallest in India. Trichys most famed landmark is an 84 m high rock, one of the oldest in the world aprox. 3,800 million years old. Later move to Chettinad, in the evening take a walk in this beautiful village. Overnight at Hotel in Chettinad.

After Breakfast, Today we visit temple town of Madurai. The place is known as the cultural and ancient commercial centre in the Tamil Nadu state. Madurai has some magnificent temples including the much coveted Sree Meenakshi Temple. Madurai is also Known as Athens of the East, Madurai is the second largest city on the banks of the River Vaigai. The city is believed to be more than 2500 years old. The city got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shivas locks when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Madurai where the people wake up to the chant of hymns is proud of the magnificent Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple. Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stand at the outer walls of the temple. The 48.8 m high southern gopuram is the most spectacular and has over 1500 sculptures. In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Today morning after breakfast, we leave to the visit of tea plantations, Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park, Devikulam, Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Pothamedu, Attukal etc. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Anamudi is the highest peak in South India, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast, proceed to Vembanand Lake, Alleppey. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. Over 900 km of this canal water is navigable and connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. Cruise through the backwaters to Alleppy. Overnight will be at Houseboat.

Today morning have a leisurely breakfast, relax at the beach and later leave to Cochin. Kochi, formerly known in English as Cochin, is a major port city on the Malabar Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea, which is a part of the Arabian Sea. It is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala and is commonly referred to as Ernakulam. Reach and spend the day shopping and walk around in the Fort Cochin area. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. In the evening proceed for Kathakali Dance Presentation. Overnight at hotel in Cochin (Kochi).