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ITINERARY-II-CHENNAI-KERALA

Day 1- Arrival at Chennai International Airport -Transfer to Hotel The Park-Overnight
Day 2- Breakfast and leave for Chennai sightseeing:

Chennai- Highlights:
Before the British there was no Madras. In fact, there was no Chennai either. The first city of South India and capital of Tamil Nadu, that historic land of ancient culture, is a comparatively new city. It owes its genesis to Francis Day and Andrew Cogan of the Honourable East India Company, two determined men who despite their superiors' pessimism, gratefully accepted a grant of land negotiated for the Company in 1639 by Day's dubash Beri Thimmappa, from the local Nayaks (Governors) at Poonamallee. On this strip of beach they founded a factory (a trading post) that was to grow into the seat of British power in the East. There are several examples for the fine architecture in Chennai. What - a few idea of the buildings along the Marina beach. To start with the Senate House is a manifestation of the peak of architectural form and detail with its Byzantine styled domes and tall saracenic architectures. This was done by British architect Robert Fellowes Chistom and was completed in 1879. The Amir Mahal on Pycrofts road which continues to be the residence of the Prince of Arcot even today is a charming building located in between the busy streets of Triplicane. It is a queer mix of various styles ranging from Palladian to the gateways resembling those of Forts in Northern India. Another interesting area in Chennai is Mylapore and Santhome. Unlike other areas in the city these two are towns that existed even prior to the British. While the history of the former bears references to the time before the birth of Christ, the latter is an old Portuguese settlement of the 16th century. The two share much in common, having once been the centre of fervent religious activity, Mylapore associated with the Hindus and Santhome with the Christians.



Kapaleeswar temple in Mylapore is believed to be 300 years. As with many traditional temples the walled enclosure is pierced on the east and the west by gopurams or entrance towers. These gopurams are intricately carved in the Vijaynagar Style. The bank on the West was created in the 18th century on land donated by the Nawab of Arcot. In a gesture of gratefulness the hindu community still offers the tank to the Muslims for use in Muharram. Replete with history the temple maintains its religious importance and its festivals continue to be of special significance in adding o the exuberance of the neighbourhood.

The present Santhome Cathedral by the beach on Santhome High road is actually a replacement of a church of th 1600s. With a long history that begins with St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, who is believed to have built a small chapel there the present cathedral is the third to be built on this site by the Portuguese. The building houses the remains of the Apostle, relocated here from the shores.

Day 3- Leave Chennai to Pondicherry via Mammallapuram or Mahalipuram and on arrival at Pondicherry, check in at Hotel Le Orient -Overnight.



Mahabalipuram, now known as Mamallapuram is just 60 kms. South of Chennai. This ancient port city was the capital of the Pallava Kings around the sixth and seventh centuries. The Pallavas were master sculptors. Looking at Mammallapuram one could say that the Pallavas viewed even architecture as delicate sculptures.

The city boasts some of the finest rock-cut caves and sculptures in the world. The Shore is an architectural wonder. The specimens here were created around 600 to 750 AD. The rock cut monuments of Mammallapuram belongs to the earliest phase of Dravidian temple architecture. Mythological episodes, epic battles, demons, gods animals are all vividly depicted on the wall. The sculptures are breathtakingly real. Among the nine cave temples, the Krishna cave is notable for is realistic portrayal. In the Mahishasuramardhini cave, there is a magnificent bas' relief of Lord Vishnu in repose (Aanthasayanam) on one side and on the other side there is Goddess Durga fighting a buffalo haded demon.



Pondicherry the former French Colony still retains a distinct aura of the French influence and presence. Traces of the French influence lingering in the policeman's red kepis and the buildings and the layout of the city. A charming town with interesting houses.

Day 4: At leisure at Pondicherry.

Day 5: Leave Pondicherry to Tanjore-enroute visit Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram…At Tanjore check in at hotel Ideal Rivier Resort.-Overnight stay.

Day 6: Use Thanjavur as the base and explore the former Dutch colony of Tranquebar



Day 7: Leave Tanjore to Karaikudi. On arrival check into the Bangala. Arrive at Bangala by Lunchtime.

Day 8: at Leisure at Karaikudi

Day 9: Leave Karaikudi for Madurai- Arrive Madurai-Check into Taj Garden Retreat:

Madurai famous city for the famous Meenakshi Temple and the Tirumalai Nayak Mahal. Late evening visit Meenakshi Temple once more for witnessing the night ceremony, pooja performed in the Temple corridors before the closure of the Temple.

Day 10: Leave Madurai for Thekkady (Kerala)

Thekkady: St in the heart of the Cardamom hills of Kerala. Check into Spices Village Resort, at the Periyar Tiger Reserve. -Take a boat ride, visit a coffee plantation and evening trekking.



Day 11: Leisure at Thekkady.

Day 12: Leave Thekkady and proceed towards Kanjirappally. Here nestled among rubber and spice trees you can stay in a 100 year old Syrian Christian House.

Day 13: Leave Kanjirappally and proceed to Cochin- Check in at Brunton Board Yard. the Dutch built Boat Yard, and Portuguese built Fort Cochin, A walking tour in Mattancherry and the Jew town during the evening.

Day 14: At leisure at Brunton Boatyard. Explore the city of Cochin, do some shopping for spices and textiles.



Day 15: Check out and proceed to Kumarakom-Coconut Lagoon.

Coconut Lagoon is a superb setting on the Vembanad Lake surrounded by the tropical greens of rice paddies and coconut grooves. This uniquely designed "heritage resort" is a recreation of a traditional Kerala village and each of the wooden houses are original Kerala houses which have been brought from all over the state and carefully re-assembled by skilled craftsmen. .(Read more ..Kerala itinerary).



Day 16: at leisure at Kumarakom.

Day 17: Check out and proceed to Maararikulam - Marari Beach Resort.



(Read more on Marari--Kerala itinerary).
Day 18-at Lleisure at Marari bach..Check out the Ayurveda Centre
Day 19: At leisure at marari-Take a trip toAlleppey -20 minues away).



Day 20: Leisure at Marari_Take a cycle ride in the fishing village.
Day 21: Check out and proceed to Nedumbasserry Airport.

Rate per person: USD:2010. (plus services taxes as applicable. Rate includes accommodation s mention on CP basis. AT Karikudi Bangla on AP basis., Transport with Toyota Qualis-AC with driver-Inter State permit and parking fees. Not included are entry charges to monuments, personal expenses, other extra meals.

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