Experience South India With Taj Hotels, tour and travel packages, India, kerala backwater tours.

Experience South India tour, tour and travel packages, India tours.

Cochin is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.Then to Periyar which is really famous for its wild elephants, 100-year-old artificial lake and its setting in the beautiful thickly forested Western ghats.Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old.Then travelling to Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of moods. rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives easily with the present.Mamallapuram is today a marvellous open air museum displaying all the wealth of the Pallava craftsmanship..

Tour Itinerary Experience South India With Taj Hotels :

Day 01: (Arrival) Mumbai.
Upon arrival in Mumbai you will be greeted by our executive followed by transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free for own activities. (Overnight stay in Mumbai)

Day 02: Mumbai
After breakfast, at 09.00am proceed for sight seeing tour of Mumbai visiting Gateway of India, Chopati beach , The Prince of Wales Museum and Hanging Gardens. Overnight stay at hotel.

About Mumbai - The city's long association with the British is reflected in the old world charm of its buildings made in the Indo-Saracen style. Some of the well-known landmarks are the Gateway of India at Apollo Bunder overlooking the harbor. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, in the 16th century architectural style of Gujarat The Prince Of Wales Museum was also built to commemorate the visit of King George V. Built in the Indo- Saracenic style, the Museum stands amidst a well-laid ornamental garden. The museum was opened in 1923 and is divided into three sections art, archaeology and natural history.

Day 03: Mumbai - Cochin (By Flight).
Upon arrival at Cochin, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel.
(Overnight at Hotel in Cochin).

Day 04: Cochin Sightseeing.
After breakfast, at 09.00am proceed for sight seeing tour of Cochin visiting - 'The Jewish Synagogue' at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, 'The St. Francis Church', the oldest European Church in India, 'The Santa Cruz Basilica' originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, The Dutch Palace, Spice market at the narrow streets and the 'Chinese fishing nets' are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Return to hotel for lunch and later in the evening at 05.30pm visit the famous dance drama of Kerala, the "Kathakali". This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. (Overnight at Hotel in Cochin).

Day 05: Cochin To Periyar.
Check out from hotel after breakfast at 09.00am and drive to Periyar (also known as Thekkady). The name periyar comes after the Dam made here by the English in 1895. A wild life reserve hence is an ideal place to track down wild life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other varieties of birds. The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by tea, coffee & other spices. On arrival check on to hotel and at 14.00hrs leave for a guided plantation tour to the nearby garden where in various species of spices and other aromatic plants are cultivated. The guide explains & clarifies your doubts on this tour. Depending on the day's opportunity you will also taken to visit a tea factory nearby. (Overnight at hotel in Thekkady).

Day 06: In Periyar/ Thekkady.
Early morning at 06.00 am you go on a Guided Jungle walk at the Periyar tiger reserve / national park. This 03hrs walk (not very hard) is very interesting and gives you the chance to see the wildlife life at a very close distance. If you are lucky you may even spot the rarely sighted leopards & tigers. Return to hotel and rest. At 15.30hrs we leave for the most popular boat trip at the National Park - the best way to observe game in wild is by boat. There are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison's and packs of wild boars that roam through the woods and parade along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You can also see also different species of apes. The golden langur monkey that lives here is rarely seen in the rest of India. Other animals in Periyar are otters and porcupines. Water turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on the pieces of wood that stick out of the water. Osprey and Cormorants belong to the most important species of birds in this area. (Overnight at hotel in Thekkady).

Day 07: Periyar To Madurai (170KMS - 4.0HRS).
Depart from hotel at 08.00am and drive to Madurai - the old city of Tamilnadu. The name Madurai reminds the city of the legend that a drop of sweet nectar from the hair of the god Shiva fell to earth here. 'Madhuram' means 'sweet' in Sanskrit. On arrival check in to hotel and at 18.00hrs visit Meenakshy temple for the ceremony with a fanfare, where the god Shiva is lead to the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. Madurai is also a great place to look for bronze statues, carpets or other souvenirs. (Overnight at Hotel in Madurai).

Day 08: Madurai Sightseeing.
Morning after breakfast sight seeing tour of Madurai by Cycle Rickshaw. The Bi-Cycle Rickshaw tour of Madurai offers you a memorable experience of being in this old city. It takes you to the interesting narrow streets & lanes of Madurai showing the typical life of people in here. The Rickshaw pullers of Madurai were getting very unpopular with the locals, as the locals preferred the more modern mode of transport. The Cycle Rickshaw - the most eco friendly form of transport was fast being phased out, and the hundred and twenty rickshaw pullers of Madurai were being deprived of a lively hood as they were unable to buy the modern forms of transport like the auto rickshaw/taxi etc. To give these pullers another lease of life we at Hi-tours have designed this tour as part of our commitment to promote responsible tourism. By taking this tour you are supporting the rickshaw pullers and at the same time, encouraging the locals to use the rickshaws and all of this in a very eco friendly way. By Cycle Rickshaw we visit - Meenakshi temple (one of the largest temple complexes in south India), Flower/Fruit & Spice Market, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, Small scale Industry like Vessel making & Cloth making. Later return to hotel. Evening at 18.00hrs visit to 'Thirumalai Nayak Palace' for sound & light show. (Overnight at hotel in Madurai).

Day 09: Madurai To Chennai (By Flight).
Check out from the hotel accordingly to board onward flight to Chennai. On arrival in Chennai, meet assistance and you will be transfer to hotel in Chennai. Depending up on your arrival, we proceed for a colonial tour of Chennai. Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai offers several sights and sounds to savour. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government's secretariat and is a famous landmark. Another colonial structure worth visiting in the city of Chennai is Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century. In addition to above the Kapaleeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the oldest temple in Chennai and the Parthasarathy temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is another important temple worth visiting. (Overnight at Hotel in Chennai).

Day 10: Chennai To Mamallapuram / Via Kancheepuram.
After early breakfast checkout from the hotel at 07.30 am and we drive to Kancheepuram - the temple town. On arrival at Kancheepuram sight seeing tour visiting - the famous temples of Varadaraja perumal (dedicated to lord vishu / the 1000 pillard hall is the most attraction), Ekambareshwar(houses the 3000yrs old mango tree which is still alive) & Kailasanathar(dedicated to god Shiva / oldest temple in Kancheepruam). Onward visit to the traditional saree weavers society. Silk has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Indians. Though India is producing all the varieties of silk i.e. , dress materials, scarves/stoles, readymade garments, etc., the silk Sarees are unique. The Saree is almost synonymous with the word silk. It is the traditional costume of Indian woman since time immemorial. There are innumerable references in Indian literature about this draped garment and the style of wearing differs from time to time, region to region and people to people. The silk sarees of India are among the living examples of the excellent craftsmanship of the weavers of the country. After visiting in here we break for lunch and further we drive to Mamallapuram - The beach laid back town. On arrival Check-in to the hotel and rest.
(Overnight at Hotel in Mamallapuram).

Day 11: Mamallapuram Sightseeing.
After breakfast sight seeing of Mamallapuram visiting - 'The Arjuna`s Penance' (Bass Relief), 'Five rathas' (symbolises equality of men & women) & the famous 'Shore temple'. Apart from the above said monuments we also visit many other cave temples. As a special visit, we will take you to a Sculpture studio. Return to hotel for lunch and rest of the day at leisure on the beach.
(Overnight at hotel in Mamallapuram).

Day 12: Departure Transfer to Chennai Airport.
Check out from the hotel according to flight timing and the tour ends today with a departure transfer to Chennai airport, according to your flight timing.

(End of Service)

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
-	Accommodation on twin sharing room with daily breakfast at listed hotels or equivalent.
-	Transportation/Transfers by Air Conditioned Vehicle for entire tour as per itinerary.
-	Sightseeing as per package details.
-	Kathakali dance performance visit at Cochin.
-	Boat ride in Periyar National park.
-	Sound and light show in Madurai palace.
-	Witnessing Pooja ceremony in Meenakashi temple in Madurai.
-	All entrance fees.
-	Service of English speaking tourist guide at sight seeing spots at places –Mumbai, Cochin, Madurai , Chennai and Mamallapuram only.
-	Last day farewell dinner at residing hotel in Mamallapuram.
-	All applicable taxes.

TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
-	Meals except those listed in above inclusions.
-	Camera fee.
-	Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc.
-	Inland/international flight charges any.
	All other than those listed in above inclusions.

Tour Length			11 Nights/12 Days (Private tour - Departure everyday)
Visit			Mumbai (Arrival) – Cochin – Periyar – Madurai – Chennai – Mamallapuram- Chennai (Departure)
Prices			Contact us for pricing.
Dates			Departure Every Day

Kathakali dance performance visit at Cochin.
Boat Ride at Periyar National Park.
Sound and Light show in Madurai.
Witnessing Pooja ceremony in Meenakshi temple in Madurai.

Place	Nights	Type of Rooms	Deluxe Hotels
Mumbai	02	Superior city view room	Taj Mahal Palace
Cochin	02	Superior room	Taj Malabar
Periyar	02	Cottage	Taj Garden Retreat
Madurai	02	Superior room	Taj Garden Retreat
Chennai	01	Luxury room	Taj Coromandal
Mamallapuram	02	Standard room	Taj Fisherman’s cove