India is a land of spirituality and religious faith reflected in the profusion of temples present throughout the country. From large monumental structures to small stone-carved buildings, India’s temples are lavishly built, aesthetically designed and unmatched in architectural brilliance. The temples are living embodiments of India’s rich tradition and culture and are extremely important in the lives of people who hold them in devout regard.

The journey takes us through the famous South Indian cities of CHENNAI-MAMALLAPURAM-PONDICHERRY-CHIDAMBARAM-TANJORE-TRICHY-MADURAI-PERIYAR-KOTTAYAM-ALLEPEY-COCHIN in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala on a guided tour for a glimpse of spiritual India.

Important Note :

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.

Itinerary

Review

Itinerary

Review

Day 1 :

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrive in Chennai where you are warmly welcomed by our representative and then driven to Mamallapuram. En route we visit Kancheepuram, one of the sacred cities of India, to see the temples of Kailasanatha, Ekambareshwara and Vaikuntaperumal. We continue onwards to Mamallapuram, the famous historical wonder Mammallapuram situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. We check in to our hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure relaxing on the beach or enjoying a stroll through town. Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 :

Day 2: The temples of MAMALLAPURAM & a trip to the Cholamandam Artists Village

This morning after breakfast at the hotel we visit the Rock Carvings and Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India which dates back to the 8th century. We take an excursion to the Cholamandam Artists Village and see the traditional Indian works of art such as pottery, batik, sculptures and paintings in the permanent gallery. Return to Mamallapuram for the night stay. Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 :

Day 3: Visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in PONDICHERRY

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Pondicherry, visiting Auroville en route. Check in to our hotel in Pondicherry and take an afternoon visit to the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later we may take a walk through town before returning to our hotel. Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 :

Day 4: The temples of Shiva-Natraja and Brihadeshwara in TANJORE

After breakfast we drive to Tanjore. En route we visit the Shiva-Natraja Temple at Chidambaram, one of the few temples where Shivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined within the same place. Upon arrival in Tanjore we check in to our hotel and depart for a visit to the Bronze Museum and the prized architectural wonder of Brihadeshwara Temple, a superb example of Chola temple construction. Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 :

Day 5: Day trip to Rock Fort and Srirangam in TRICHY

After breakfast we drive to Trichy and check in to our hotel. We enjoy an afternoon visit to the Rock Fort and Srirangam Temples, the largest functioning temple complex in the world. Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 :

Day 6: Sightseeing in MADURAI & closing ceremony at Shree Meenakshi Temple

We drive to Madurai after breakfast and check in to our hotel. We go for a city sightseeing tour this afternoon followed by an evening visit to the Shree Meenakshi Temple to witness the Closing Ceremony. Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 :

Day 7: Relaxing boat ride in PERIYAR

Transfer by road to Periyar and check in to next hotel. Spend the remainder of afternoon at leisure and enjoy an evening boat ride on Lake Periyar where we have the opportunity to spot some wildlife. Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 :

Day 8: Journey to COCHIN via motorboat and car

We drive to Kottayam this morning after breakfast and board our waiting motorboat from jetty. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the backwaters until we reach Alleppey, where a private car awaits to drive us to Cochin. Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 :

Day 9: City tour of COCHIN

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel followed by a full day city tour of Cochin, visiting places such as Fort Cochin, Dutch Palace, the Synagogue and the Antique Market. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 10 :

Day 10: Depart COCHIN

This morning after breakfast we check out of the hotel and proceed to the international airport to board departure flight home or to your next exotic destination. Meals: Breakfast