One of the most acclaimed spiritual journeys of Hindus, Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is flocked by millions of tourists every year. Hindus believe that visiting the holy pedestals of this divine circuit blesses the pilgrims with lifelong prosperity, wealth, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. There is an unflinching faith among Hindus that embarking on this pious journey lets them attain liberation from the cycle of birth and birth.
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Chennai , by our airport representative and transfer to hotel. Chennai city is you gateway point to enter and explore Classical South India.
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast proceed for guided city tour visiting Mylapore temple, Kapleshwar temple, Fort St. George Museum, St. Mary's Church and the Marina beach. Rest of the day free for independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel in Chennai
After breakfast, check-out from hotel and leave for Mahabalipuram by road enroute visit Kanchipuram. Ancient Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There are now about 126 temples in Kanchipuram and few more at outskirts. Continue drive up to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, proceed for guided city tour visiting the fascinating rock carvings and temples for which city is famous, including Arjuna's Penance, the world's largest bas-relief, beautifully carved from solid granite. Nearby is the Shore Temple that has stood for twelve centuries with its twin granite spires soaring upward. Afternoon check-out from the hotel and leave for Pondicherry. On arrival, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry
After breakfast, proceed to one time French colony and home to a famous Ashram, the coastal centre of Pondicherry. Today the town retains much of its French flavour where southern India meets the south of France. Proceed to city tours visiting, French coastal settlements. Afternoon, check-out from the hotel and leave for Tanjore. Scenically one of the most enchanting districts in the state - Thanjavur lies to the east of Trichy and has the reputation as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Tanjore
After Breakfast proceed for excursion to one of the best temples in South India, the Brahadeeshwarar temple or the Big Temple built by the greatest Chola emperor “Raja Chola”, is the dynasty's finest contribution to Dravidan temple architecture and the Saraswathi Mahal Library where over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper are preserved.
Overnight at the hotel in Tanjore
After breakfast check-out from hotel and leave for Madurai enroute visit Tirchy. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the fort, there are several churches colleges and missions dating back to the 1760s visiting, Rock fort and Shri Rangam temple. Continue drive to Madurai Known as the “Athens of the East”. On arrival, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.
After breakfast proceed to local flower and vegetables markets followed by the visit to the weaver's colony. Afternoon visit the Meenakshi Temple (one of the largest temple complexes in south India). In evening visit Meenakshi Temple for the Prayer ceremony during whi ch the god Shiva is lead to the bedroom of his wife.
Overnight at the hotel in Madurai
After breakfast check-out from hotel and drive to highlands of Periyar (Thekkady). From 1895, the British maintained the area as a wildlife preserve and there are still opportunities to find elephants, bison, deer, numerous varieties of birds. The rugged landscape is very tropical and well suited to tea, coffee & spices. On arrival, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Periyar
Early morning proceed for guided jungle walk in the reserve to enjoy the flora and fauna. This is the best way to observe game in the wild, including herds of elephants, bison and wild boar that roam by the lake just before sunset. Later in the afternoon, visit to Spice Garden where you will get knowledge of various and most popular spices grown in the region.
Overnight at hotel Periyar
On arrival board private House Boat and begin leisurely cruise through the Backwaters, full of canals, rivers and lakes. Relax on deck or in private lounge, experiencing life on the water - sailing, fishing, swimming, washing, cooking and more. Canoes with huge sails slowly make their way between villages, selling vegetables, fish and other household goods. Between the waterways are extensive rice fields and coconut palms.
Overnight at the house boat
After breakfast disembark private House Boat and proceed by road to Kumarakom. Rest of day free for independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel in Kumarakom
After breakfast leave for Cochin. Cochin is the green commercial capital of Kerala with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. From here, ships set sail for foreign ports with pepper, seafood, rubber and coir. From times immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions on the town. The harbour is the nucleus around which Cochin has grown to become the Queen of the Arabian Sea. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Later proceed for guided city tour visiting, Mattancherry Palace (built in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663, it contains 17th century murals of the Ramayana) and St. Francis Church, the oldest in India and the famous Chinese fishing nets (introduced by a trader from Kubla Khan's China). Stroll through the old Jewish Quarter and visit the old Synagogue (Jews have lived here since the time of King Solomon).
Overnight at the hotel Cochin
After breakfast, relax and enjoy your day at leisure. In the evening proceed to enjoy the classical dance show "Kathakali Dance", based on the Hindu epics, highlighted by the amazing costumes & make-up.
Overnight at the hotel in Cochin
Depending on your flight timings, you will be picked up from the hotel by our representative and transferred to airport to connect
your back home/ onward flight
Duration : 14 Nights & 15 Days
Destinations covered : Chennai – Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry – Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Cochin
