South India with Beaches

Day 02 : Chennai
The morning after breakfast visit Chennai - the sprawling and gracious city on the "Bay of Bengal" is the fourth largest city in India. Visit the Fort St. George once a stronghold of the British, San Thome Cathedral, Marina Beach and the beautiful Mylapore temple.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 03: Chennai - Pondicherry
This morning proceed to Pondicherry (162 km). Upon arrival, check into hotel. Enroute visit Kancheepuram and Mahabalipuram.

Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram (70 kms from Chennai (Madras)) 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 & has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambareswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varada Raja swamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks.
Upon arrrival at Mahabalipuram check into your hotel.
Later visit Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is (75Kms from Kanchipuram) famous for the 7th Century Temples. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture.
Overnight : Hotel.

Day 04 : Pondicherry
This day proceed to city tour of Pondicherry.
Visit Botanical garden, Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later visit township of Auroville or the city of Dawn. Designed by a French architect Roger Arger, it is an entirely new concept in education and urban living.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 05 : Pondicherry - Tanjore
This morning after breakfast drive to Tanjore (177 kms). Upon arrival check into hotel.
Later visit the 9th century Chola Temple of Brihadeeswara at Tanjore.
This temple, dating back to more than a thousand years, was built during the reign of the Chola king, Parantaka II, also known as Sundara Chola (956-973 A.D.), father of Rajaraja Chola I, who constructed the famous Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur. This temple was probably rebuilt of stone during the reign of Kulottunga Chola I.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 06 : Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai
This morning after breakfast drive to Madurai.Upon arrival, check into hotel. Enroute visit Trichy.
Visit Srirangam and Rock Fort temple.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 07 : Madurai
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a sightseeing city tour of Madurai.
Tirumala Nayak Palace - A gracious building in the Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. There is also an extensive museum dedicated to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi.
Evening witness Temple ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 08 : Madurai - Periyar
This morning drive to Periyar (177 kms). Upon arrival check into hotel.
Visit Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary, Murikkudy, Pandikuzhy etc.
Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Periyar.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 09 : Periyar - Varkala
This morning Proceed on Varkala (220 km). Upon arrival check into hotel.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 10 : Varkala - Alappuzha/Alleppey
This morning drive to Alappuzha/Alleppey to witness the famous boat race.
The snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.
Upon arrival check into hotel.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 11 : Alappuzha
Enjoy the full day at The Snake Boat Race festival "Payippad Boat Race Payippad near Harippad Alappuzha District ".
Overnight : Hotel

Day 12 : Alappuzha
Full day sightseeing tour around Alappuzha area.
Sreekrishna Temple : It is about 14km from Alappuzha. The classic architecture of this temple is worth seeing. Besides its architecture, it is well known for its 'Palpayasam' (sweet milk porridge), offered to the deity.
Chettikulangara Bhagwathy Temple : The locals believe that the presiding deity of the temple has miraculous powers.
Mannarshala Temple : The Mannarshala Temple is about 32 km from Alappuzha and an important center of serpent worship in Kerala.
Arthunkal : Arthunkal is a famous pilgrim center, known for the St. Andrew's church. The Portuguese missionaries set up this Church 1851 AD. The church is popularly known as St. Sebastian's.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 13 : Alappuzha
Enjoy the Aranmula Boat Race Aranmula, Pathanamthitta.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 14 : Alappuzha - Munnar
After breakfast drive to Munnar and transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 15 : Munnar
This morning enjoy the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. In the evening you can go for sight seeing of Munnar which includes the Raja Malai - a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats).
Overnight: Hotel

Day 16 : Munnar - Cochin
This morning drive to Cochin (160 km). Upon arrival, check into hotel.
Reach and spend the day shopping.
Optional : In the evening proceed for Kathakali Dance Performance.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 17 : Cochin
This morning proceed to city tour of Cochin or 'Kochi'- the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets.
After this free for a stroll in Jew town.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 18 : Cochin - Mumbai
This morning after breakfast transfer to the railway station to catch a train for Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, our representative meet you and transfer you to your hotel.Relax for rest of the day.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 19 : Mumbai - Goa
Early morning one hour boat ride across Mumbai. Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. The rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenue leads to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma-the Creator, Vishnu-the Preserver and Shiva-the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering.
Later transfer to Airport for flight to Goa. Upon arrival at Goa airport, our representative meet you and transfer you to your hotel.Relax for rest of the day.Overnight: Hotel

Day 20 : Goa
This day explore the North Goa & South Goa. Visit Fishing village : Fishing villages are part of Goa's rich cultural heritage. Local Goan fishing village is created on the grounds of the hotel, forming a perfect backdrop for a charming evening in a very rustic atmosphere. Artisans display their skills whilst the village dancers whirl to the music of a local band.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 21 : Goa - Mumbai
This morning after breakfast half day free at leisure beaches activities. Later drive to Goa airport to take a flight for Mumbai and then transfer International Airport to board the flight for your onward journey to back home with sweet and unforgettable memories of 'Vardhman's South India With Beaches' escorted by Vardhman Vacations.