Inbound South India Tour – The Soul Of India

On Arrival at Chennai International Airport you will be pick up from airport and transfer to your hotel in Chennai, TAMIL NADU
Evening relax at hotel or explore local markets

SOUTH INDIA - Tamil Nadu is a state in the south-eastern part of the Indian Peninsula. Tamil Nadu is previously a part of the United Madras Province, which was later partitioned based on languages. Tamil Nadu has more than 4,000 years of continuous cultural history. Tamil Nadu has some of the most remarkable temple architecture in the country, and a living tradition of music, dance, folk arts and fine arts. Tamil Nadu is well renowned for its temple towns and heritage sites, hill stations, waterfalls, national parks, local cuisine and the natural environment and wildlife.

Morning depart to enjoy Chennai City Tour
Full Day Chennai City Sightseeing, Waking Tour of Mylapore

CHENNAI or Madras as it was called before is one of the most beautiful city in South India, it is lies on the Coromandel Coast (south-east cost of Indian Peninsula).
Some Famous places to Visit in Chennai are:

Fort St. George : It is a prestigious land mark of the city. British bought this piece of land from the King of Vijayanagar on 22nd August 1639 and built the Fort St. George and named the area as Madraspattinam.

The Marina Beach : It is the pride of Chennai and the Second Longest Beach of its kind in the world.

Santhome Cathedral Bascilica : It is one of the Basilica built over the tomb of an Apostle in the world. It is believed that the remains of St. Thomas were intermed / Buried in this beach in 78 AD, on which a Church was built. Several years later it was shifted to the present location further towards the land. It houses the mortal remains of St.Thomas. Since then this is popularly called as Santhome Church. Pope John Paul II visited and prayed at this tomb on 5th February 1986.

Kapaleeswarar Temple : One of the sacred shrines in Chennai with a lovely and majestic tower exhibits the Dravidian style of architecture. There is a big tank [water body] on its Western Side. The temple and the tank is surrounded by Broad streets on the four sides. The picturesque temple is amidst the crowded residential area. The legend says, Goddess Parvati worshipped Siva in the form of peacock, (means Mayil in Tamil) hence this name Mylapore.

Today in the morning check out and depart to Kanchipuram
Travelling Distance - 75 KM (02 hrs)
Spend the day in Kanchipuram, visit Ancient Temples and Traditional Silk Sarees Workshop
Evening Transfer to Mahabalipuram and Check in at your hotel
Travelling Distance - 68 KM (02 hrs)

KANCHIPURAM is an ancient city in the Tamil Nadu region of southern India. Boasting of an architecture spanning over a millennium, the places to visit in Kanchipuram are endless. Historical records reveal that the city is more than thousand years-old and was once reigned by the Cholas and the Pallava Dynasty.
Once a capital of the Pallava dynasty (4th to 9th centuries AD), Kanchipuram was also a noted centre of learning for Tamil and Sanskrit scholars. Known as ‘the religious capital of the South’ its early 8th century AD Kailasanatha temple is one of the most impressive structures surviving from ancient India.
The Kailasanatha (or Rajasimhesvara) is one of the largest and most ornate ancient temples in the whole of India. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The sandstone structure is enclosed within a highly decorative wall which has interior niches forming 58 separate shrines containing figures of Shiva, Parvati, and Skanda. The shrines also have traces of colourful murals, which is now lost.
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Kanchipuram is the Kamakshi Amman Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi (a form of Durga), the temple is believed to date back to the first millennium AD. The architecture of the temple is so grand that travellers remain awestruck by its beauty. The city is also well-known for the famous Kanjivaram Silk Sarees.

Today spend half of the day at Mahabalipuram
Visit Group Of Monuments, Krishna's Butter Ball, Panch Rath, Sea Shell Museum
Afternoon Depart to Pondicherry
Travelling Distance - 97 KM (02 hr)

MAHABALIPURAM or Mamallapuram is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage. During the reign of the Pallava dynasty, between the 03rd century AD and 07th century AD, it became an important centre of art, architecture and literature. A significant amount of coins and other artefacts excavated from this region also indicate a pre-existing trade relation with the Romans even before it became a part of the Pallava Empire.
It was an ancient port of the Pallavas, who have created many marvellous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, monolithic rathas and temples. The port was constructed by Emperor Mahendra Varman in the 07th century. Its present name is derived from the title given to Narasimha Varman as Mahamalla meaning a great warrior. The place is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture.
Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations, the sculptors have breathed life into stone at this place. The Pallava art monumental splendour and many beaches attract tourists from all over the world.

Today spend full day in Pondicherry and explore the town

PONDICHERRY - Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Pondicherry (Puducherry) is a quiet little town on the southern coast of India. The unmistakable French connection, the tree lined boulevards, the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual sceneries, the endless stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches and backwaters and a surprising choice of restaurants serving a melange of cuisines provide a heady mix of experience that draws travellers from near and far to the city. It is the perfect place to come if you want to take the pace of life down a few notches.
Puducherry, as many people feel, has a distinct spiritual vibration. Stories of resident sages come down throughout its history from the earliest days.
Puducherry has a special vibe, not felt anywhere else in India. It is a blend of spiritual aura, colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town. This inherent ambience of Pondy becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town which flanks the seashore boulevard.

Today in the morning check out and depart to Kumbakonam
Travelling Distance - 130 KM (03hr)
Visit to famous workshop of Heritage Bronze Statue Art makers

HERITAGE BRONZE STATUE ART - The Bronze were part of sacred architecture, the living legancy of unkonw master artist who rendern this subtle and fluid forms as a means of expressing the devine. Made in accordence with codified princeples, and sanctified by worship, these images were the link between Man and his God.
Swamimalai, a small village of Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu, home to ‘sthapatis’, the sculptors and bronze artisans patronized by Chola kings. These artisans have since then handed down their skill and knowledge to next generation. With the descendents of ancient artists still practicing the art, the village has earned a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Chola Bronze Icons.

After the Visit depart to Thanjavur
Travelling Distance - 40 KM (01hr 30m)
On Arrival Check in at hotel and evening assemble for famous Bharatanatyam Indian Classical Dance Performance

BHARATANATYAM, is the oldest Indian classical dance form originated in the Thanjavur district of tamil Nadu and regarded as the mother of many other classical dance forms of India. Bharatnatyam Dance - Bha- Bhavam (means expression), Ra- Ragam (means music), Ta- Talam (means beat or rhythm) and Natyam (means dance) in Tamil.
Firstly, it was initiated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and eventually flourished in South India. It was performed with excellent footwork and impressive gestures and it includes nrita, nritya and natya.
Bharatnatyam dance is almost 2,000 years old. It is believed that Bharatnatyam was revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharata, a famous sage who then codified this sacred dance in a Sanskrit text called the Natya Shastra.
The Natya Shastra is one of the fundamental treatises on Indian drama and aesthetics. Natya Shastra divides dance into two distinct forms- nritta, and nritya. In nritta, focus is on mastery of abstract hand gestures and movements, whereas the dancer employs a complex system of hand signals and body language to depict emotional expressions in nritya.

Today in the morning visit to famous Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur

THE BRIHADEESHWARA TEMPLE - A splendid example of Chola architecture was built by Emperor Rajaraja Chola (985-1012 A.D.). The long series of epigraphs incised in elegant letters on the plinth all round the gigantic edifice reveals the personality of the Emperor.
Brhadisvara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajesvaram. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period. Built by emperor Raja Raja Chola 1st, the temple turned 1000 years old in 2010. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”, with the other two being the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.
The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.
There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 ft (4.9 m) long and 13 ft (4.0 m) high at the entrance. The entire temple structure is made out of granite, the nearest sources of which are about 60 km to the west of temple. The temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
Brihadeeswarar Temple “testifies to Chola’s brilliant achievements in architecture, painting, bronze casting and sculpture.”

Later in the morning depart to Chettinad
Travelling Distance - 95 KM (02 hr)
Visit to Ayyanar Village Temple en route

AYYANAR VILLAGE TEMPLE - It is hard to miss the towering Ayyanar statues that dot the rural landscape of Tamil Nadu and serve as colourful backdrop in many South Indian films. Vimiano's takes you on the colorful ride to the history of Ayyanar, the most popular and powerful security guard in South India.
Ayyanar is possibly the most popular Village God who guards every village in South India. Almost all his temples would be just outside the Village on the border which are open to the sky. And always by his side would be the fierce looking big statues of horses or elephants. On both sides of most of the statues would be his consorts Poorna and Pushkaa.
Ayyanar is a guardian deity, who is believed to protect the villages from all sorts of external threats, like natural calamities, wild animals, enemies, and epidemics. People believe that Ayyanar travels on his horse at mid nights and hunts for bad people and miscreants. Perhaps because of this , people present white horses made of clay to him, when he answers their prayers.
Ayyanar worship is non-Vedic in nature, which is carried out in villages following the rural traditions, from ancient times. The priests belong to the potter community. While the deity is decorated with flowers, garlands and colorful clothes, and prayers are offered with the chanting of hymns, non-vegetarian food forms an integral part of the offering made to the deity. Domestic animals and birds like goats and hens are also sacrificed to him. While the devotees offer small iron tridents and terracotta horses and pray for getting their wishes fulfilled, annual festivals are held for him during springtime.

On arrival at Chettinad Visit Heritage Village of India
Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, architecture and is well known for its houses
Experience the Unique Stay at one of the Heritage House (Maison) of Kanadukathan Village Town

CHETTINAD - The Village Clusters of the Tamil Merchants, Chettinad comprises of a network of 73 villages and 2 towns forming clusters.
The Natukottai Chettiars belong to a lineage of wealthy traders and financiers who made their fortunes by extending their business to the whole of Southeast Asia, particularly during the second half of 19th and early 20th century when they were at the peak of their economic power. Vital component in the south Indian economy, the Natukottai Chettiars represented the major banking Hindu community of South India. Their vast influence and richness allowed the community to build a dense network of 96 villages among which 73 remain.
All the Chettiar settlements possess outstanding physical characteristics of urban and land-use planning with their South-North/East-West grid pattern, including water system, and the development of palatial architecture which depict a unique cultural interchange of cultures with influences from all over the world and the combination of the vibrant Tamil traditions. These settlements and the architecture, built from 1850’s to 1940’s, are directly associated with the rich living heritage specific to the Chettiar community.

Morning Check out and Depart to Madurai
Travelling Distance - 90 KM (02 hr)
On arrival Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple
Visit to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
Auto Rikshaw Tour of Madurai
Visit to Handloom Terry Towel Weaving Factory
Madurai City sightseeing with Market Tour

MADURAI has a rich historical background in the sense that Lord Shiva himself performed sixty-four wonders called “Thiruvilaiyadals”. The place was named Madurai – mathuram meaning “sweetness” in Tamil.
As early as the 3rd century BC, Megasthanes visited Madurai. Later many people from Rome and Greece visited Madurai and established trade with the Pandya kings. Madurai flourished till 10th century AD when it was captured by Cholas the arch rivals of the Pandyas.
The Cholas ruled Madurai from 920 AD till the beginning of the 13th century. In 1223 AD Pandyas regained their kingdom and once again become prosperous. Pandian Kings patronised Tamil language in a great way. During their period, many master-pieces were created.
 In April 1311, Malik Kafur, the general of Alauddin Khilji who was then the ruler of Delhi, reached Madurai and raided and robbed the city for precious stones, jewels, and other rare treasures. This led to the subsequent raids by other Muslim Sultans. In 1323, the Pandya kingdom including Madurai became a province of the Delhi empire, under the Tughlaks.

SRI MEENAKSHI - SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE - Synonymous with Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin Temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city – one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak(1623-55 AD).
Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sundareswarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. There are five massive gateways enclosing these two shrines. Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures.
A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. View from any angle these pillars appear to be in a straight line, an architectural masterpiece indeed In the outermost corridors are situated the matchless musical pillars carved out of stones. When it is tapped, each pillar produces different musical note.

Morning Check out and depart to Periyar, KERALA
Travelling Distance - 138 KM (03 hr)
Kerala is also know as "God's Own Country"
On arrival visit to Spice Garden in Thekkady
Enjoy Elephant Safari and might get the chance to Bath an Elephant
Evening Show of Kathakali Indian Classical Dance and Martial Arts Live Performance

THEKKADY in Kerala State, India's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India.
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spreads across the entire district are the picturesque plantations and hill towns that nestle beautiful trails for treks and mountain walks.It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country and the forests of Periyar is embellished by the presence of endangered species including White Tigers.

KATHAKALI CLASSICAL ARTFORM Famous around the world, Kathakali's magnificence has won great admiration for the state of Kerala. Proud that this renowned artfrom originated, was originated from Kerala’s shores over 300 years ago. It combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up into a divine experience for all who get to view it. It retells the great stories of the past, mostly from Indian epics, and leaves one spellbound at the various intricacies involved in the performance. Every single quiver of the lips, flicker of the eyes or a movement involving the fingers twirling, has great significance. The entire performance sees the audience unable to take their eyes away from the spectacle taking place on stage.

KALARIPAYATTU - THE MARTIAL ARTFORM Considered among the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu was developed in Kerala. Lauded as the pride of Kerala, it is acknowledged and respected across the world.
The training begins with an oil massage of the entire body until it is agile and supple. Feats like chattom (jumping), ottam (running) and marichil (somersault) are also integral parts of the art form. There are also lessons in using weapons like swords, daggers, spears, maces, and bows and arrows. 
The primary aim is the ultimate coordination between mind and body. Another focus of Kalaripayattu is specialisation in indigenous medicinal practices. Kalaris are also important centres of religious worship. Once the course is complete, one should engage in oil massage and practice to maintain shape. 

Morning Depart for a Jeep Safari at natural forest off roads to enjoy the wilderness of the Periyar Forest.
Enjoy Bamboo Rafting and Boating at Periyar Lake
Experience the Ayurvedic Kerala Body Massage

AYURVEDA - Dating back over 5000 years, Ayurveda utilises nature's bounty to create remedies for a wide range of health problem. Ayurveda has been gaining prominence in the modren era and more and more people are opting for natural remedies to treat their ailments.

Today early morning we will join a sesson of Yoga Asanas

YOGA is practices of Excersis called Asanas (bodily postures) to improve body flexibility and strenghten their muscles. For some others, it is a way of relieving mental stress through the performance of body postures. It is true that yoga asanas help to make spine supple and tone up muscles and can bring relief to many physical ailments and relax the body and mind.

After Breakfast Check out and depart to Alleppey
Travelling Distance - 138 KM (03 hr 30 m)
Enjoy Half Day Kerala Bakwater Boat Tour and admire the Spectacular Beauty of Kerala

ALLEPPEY (ALAPPUZHA) Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.
Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is the houseboat cruise. The houseboats you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact a reworked version of the Kettuvallams of olden times. Kettuvallam is a Malayalam word (The regional language of Kerala), ‘Kettu’, refers to dwelling structures and ‘Vallom’ means boat. In the olden days, kettuvallam or boat with thatched roof that covers over wooden hulls was used to carry tons of rice and spices. 

In the morning depart to experience Village life of Alleppey & Kumarakom
Meet the Toddy Tapper and Experience the Toddy Drink at Local Toddy Shop
Spend First half of the Day in Alleppey & Kumarakom, explore the Villages and local life of the people lives in small islands
Visit to Classic Coir Products Village Factory

TODDY SHOP - During your boat cruise or while on a trip across the village, one thing that may have caught your attention is a small thatched building with a black board outside with ‘Kallu’ written boldly in white. This is a traditional toddy shop in Kumarakom, though now many have tiled or concrete roofs.
Toddy is the indigenous Kerala beverage extracted from the inflorescence of the coconut tree.  Tourists could, on request, be taken to see toddy tappers extracting sap by incising the inflorescent stalk using a special knife that they carry on a hand-made, natural waist belt.
The toddy is collected in a clay pot. Freshly extracted toddy is sweet in taste and is called madhura kallu - sweet toddy. On fermentation, the sap will taste sour and will then give a kick. The sweet toddy is used as an ingredient in kallappams or hoppers, a dish made in Kerala houses with rice flour.
The toddy shops in Kumarakom are often furnished with wooden benches and tables and the liquor is served in clay pots. Malayalam film songs or music from the radio is played in most places.
One cannot talk about a toddy shop without mentioning the lip-smacking food there. The well-flavoured curries are known for their tanginess and spiciness, probably to appeal to the customers in various states of inebriation. Rice, mashed tapioca and fish curry, crab curry, mussels fry, Pearl Spot baked in banana leaf, frog leg curry, duck roast, spicy pickles and various delicious meat preparations are available in most of the toddy shops. A hot, spicy dish in combination with the sweet or sour brew is a great combination.

Afternoon Depart to Kochi
Travelling Distance - 53 KM (01hr 15m)
On arrival relax at hotel and spend the evening with Sunset View

KOCHI - The Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi in the State of Kerala offers a cocktail of modernity, old-world charm and a global outlook that, at the same time, facilitates continuity and change.
Kochi is a place with deep roots in history and its streets exude an old-world charm; a place with beautiful monuments and a variety of linguistic and ethnic communities including Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis and so on. Yet another group looks at Kochi as a thriving, expanding market, providing opportunities for growth and prosperity to all who knock at her doors.
For centuries, Kochi had been a main port city, not only of Kerala, but also of the Indian Peninsula. Since the 14th century, Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has had ships from Asian and European countries visiting her port. The traders and travellered from across the globe were welcomed with open arms and minds. This greatly helped in its growth into a cosmopolitan city. Kochi’s growth owes a lot to its strategic position on the northern end of the peninsula that has proximity to the Arabian Sea on the west, and the estuaries and the Western Ghats on the east. As for its geography, it is an indiscriminate mix of hilly areas, estuaries and backwaters, small islands, coastal cities like Fort Kochi and Mattancherry and plain terrain like that of the city of Ernakulam.With its interesting monuments, geographic peculiarities, and emerging cosmopolitan nature, Kochi can keep a tourist engrossed for days.

Today Spend full day in Kochi
Walking tour of fort Kochi Area
Experience Chinese Fishing Nets and you can join the team of fishermans
Walking tour of Mattancherry include Jew Town, Spice Market
Visit to Mattancherry Palace also know as Dutch Palace or Portuguese Palace
Visit to Paradesi Synagogue

FORT KOCHI has  a quaint ambience and the colonial buildings, telling the tales of centuries-old cultural and commercial interaction with the colonial powers of the West, makes a big impression.
The history of Fort Kochi is fascinating with various European powers - the Portuguese in 1500, the Dutch in 1663 and the British in the 18th century – invading, controlling, looting and at the same time enriching the place.

MATTANCHERRY, the western part of the corporation of Cochin, was once a bustling centre of trade, particularly in spices. Invasions from across the sea was frequent and the invaders left indelible marks on the landscape, culture, art and social history of the place.
Mattancherry welcomed every migrant community that came to her with warmth and provided them with ample opportunities to flourish. Thanks to the benevolence of the erstwhile kings of Cochin, many a community like that of Jews, Konkanis, Gujaratis, Jains and Marathis made the place their home.
Even today, Mattancherry has people of different tongues and ethnic identities. Churches, agraharams, mosques and a synagogue co-exist in the area, along with the buildings of the colonial era, pointing to a vibrant past and a harmonious present. 

THE PARADESI SYNAGOGUE, in a corner of Jew Town, is more than a hundred years old and houses many rare antiques.  The synagogue, that woos many visitors, adds to the quaint charm of Mattancherry.
The word Paradesi means foreigner in many Indian languages. It refers to the White Jews -  A mixture of Jews from Kodungalloor, Middle East and Europe.
The Jewish synagogue was built in 1568, almost 1500 years after the beginning of the Jewish connection with Kerala. It was built on the land, adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace, given by the erstwhile king of Cochin.
The synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth, was built by the Jewish community of Cochin. In 1662, it was destroyed by the Portguese and then reconstructed, two years later, by the Dutch.

Today you are free until Departure Transfer to Airport
You will be transfer to the airport according to your flight timing
***End of the Tour***
Bring Sweet and wounderful memories of Incredible India back to your home to share with your Friends and Family !
IMPORTANT NOTICE - Those who will extend the tour they will continue the onward journey as per their schedule.