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DAY 02 : CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM (MAMALLAPURAM) [58 KMS. | 1 ½ HRS]
After breakfast you will be transferred to Mahabalipuram.
The little seaside town of Mahabalipuram, an hour’s drive from Chennai, has a beautiful beach spanning 20 Kms.. The 7th century town is famous for its rock-hewn temples, sculptures and the world’s largest stone basalt relief. Mahabalipuram is a sculptors’ delight. Later, sightseeing of Mahabalipuram covering Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Five Rathas and Shore Temple.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM- MAHABALIPURAM [26 Kms. | 1 hr one-way]
After breakfast proceed for half-day sightseeing of Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram, the city of 1000 temples is one among the 7 most sacred pilgrim centers of the Hindus. The city was the capital of the early Cholas till the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th & 8th centuries. Today you will visit the famous temples of Kanchipuram viz., Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple, Devarajaswami Temple and can have a glimpse of the thriving handloom industry spread over here.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY [115 Kms. | 3 hrs]
Breakfast. Check out and drive to Pondicherry.
A former French colony, Pondicherry is a unique fusion of Indian and French cultures. A 32 Kms. long coastline along a charming French Boulevard town makes it a sought after getaway, attracting many tourists. An added attraction here is the township of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment & Aurobindo Ashram, which draws devotes from all over the world. Later, visit the township of Auroville & Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : PONDICHERRY – THANJAVUR (Tanjore) [172 Kms. | 4 hrs]
After breakfast, check out and drive to Thanjavur. En route visit Chidambaram, famous for the temple of cosmic dancer – Shiva & Dharasuram Temple.
The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is a bustling country town 55 Kms. east of Trichy. Thanjavur is the home of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional handicrafts. The place has the distinction of having been the capital of the Cholas – one of the greatest dynasties of the South. Later, visit Brihadishwara Temple, Palace and the world famous Thanjavur paintings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : THANJAVUR – TRICHY (Tiruchirappalli) [55 Kms. | 1 ½ hrs]
After breakfast, check out and drive to Trichy.
Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, Trichy is the 4th largest city in Tamil Nadu with a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. En route visit Srirangam, known for its Vishnavite Temple dedicated to Lord Ranganathaswamy and Rock Fort Temple at Trichy. It is an 83 meters hill and can be reached by climbing 437 steps cut into a tunnel through the rock. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : TRICHY - MADURAI [129 Kms. | 3 hrs]
Checkout from the hotel after breakfast and proceed to Madurai.
Situated on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai is one of India’s most ancient cities with a history dating back to the 6th century. It was the capital of the Pandyan Empire in the 14th century. Madurai was the seat of Tamil learning and the last of the Tamil Sangams (Academies) flourished here nearly 2000 years ago. Main attraction here is the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : MADURAI
Breakfast at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum and Meenakshi Temple. Watch the ‘Pooja ceremony’ at the Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : MADURAI – KANYAKUMARI [253 Kms./ 6 hrs]
After breakfast, checkout and drive Kanyakumari (referred to as Cape Commorin by the British), is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.
Kanyakumari was once referred to as the Alexandria of the east. This place has been a great center for art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years. Kanyakumari represents the site where the spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda spent days in meditation upon a rock off of the coast. A memorial built in his honor is accessible via ferry. There is also a recently built memorial to great philosopher Tiruvalluvar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 : KANYAKUMARI – KOVALAM [100 Kms./ 3 hrs]
Checkout after breakfast and drive to Kovalam. En route visit Sucheendram Temple; a well-known temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Padmanabhapuram palace, the summer residence of the erstwhile Rajas of Travancore.
Afternoon, check in at the resort in Kovalam. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : KOVALAM
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy Kovalam - a world-renowned beach resort of Kerala with blue and sunny, calm beaches ideal for swimming. The palm-fringed beach of Kovalam is one of the most famous beaches in India. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sand washed away by the surf, make this beach a paradise come true. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, catamaran cruising etc. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12 : KOVALAM – TRIVANDRUM - KOVALAM
After breakfast go for half-day sightseeing tour of Trivandrum.
Just 16 Kms. away from Kovalam is Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) - the capital city of Kerala. Named after ‘Anantha’, the thousand-headed serpent of Hindu mythology, this is an ancient city with trading links that brought it into closer contact with the rest of the world. The seven hillocks over which the city is spread and the great variety of lovely old colonial and traditional Kerala buildings give Trivandrum a special ambience. This tour covers - Padmanabhaswamy temple - with an imposing seven storied tower, this temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture and is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India; Horse Palace - the magnificent wooden palace constructed by the Travancore Maharajas in 18th century & Napier Museum, which is a gem of architectural exuberance, combining traditional Kerala styles with good doses of Chinese and Mughal influences. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 13 : ALLEPPEY - KUMARAKOM (HOUSEBOAT)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and embark on a houseboat for a cruise, which is a totally uniquely 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 (which includes popular fish Karimeen) Cruise till 6 in the evening, and by then the houseboat halts in the lake for overnight stay.

DAY 14 : KUMARAKOM - COCHIN
After breakfast disembark the houseboat & drive to Cochin. One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin, has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala’s commercial hub.
Afternoon go for a city tour, which includes - Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace & Chinese fishing net. Evening watch Kathakali, the traditional art form of Kerala.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 – COCHIN - Departure
After breakfast you will transferred to the Cochin International airport in time for you return flight.

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INCLUSIONS:
• 13 nights accommodation in hotels, room category and meal plan indicated as above.
• 01 night accommodation onboard air-conditioned houseboat on full meal basis.
• All transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary in air-conditioned car.
• Arrival assistance by our company representatives.
• All entrance charges as per the itinerary.
• All currently applicable taxes (any Govt. or State taxes subsequently introduced will be extra.)

EXCLUSIONS:
• Any entrance charges, which is not mentioned in the given itinerary.
• Expenses of a personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, local guides, entrance at monuments, still/video camera fees at monuments, laundry, phone/fax, tips & gratuities and any items not specified above.
• Any meals, accommodation or services not mentioned in the itinerary, hotel list or ‘includes’ list.
• Flight / Train tickets.
• Any increase in fuel costs.

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