Indian Temples and Spice Tour

Detailed Travel Plan

Day 01: Mumbai

Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be received by our representative who will escort you till the hotel. In the meantime he will take you on a journey to experience the Culture and the history of India from close quarters. Reach at the hotel and check in with the help of representative. Take a deep snooze after such a long journey.

Mumbai: - Mumbais skyline is recognizable in advertisements and pictorial depictions stating the countrys technological and financial hub. Its an imposing skyline. The contours are hazy but the residents dont seem to mind. They love this place and this all-encompassing love is infectious.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Mumbai.

Day 02: Mumbai Cochin
By Flight: SG 101 (Dep 14:55 Arr 16:50)

After having a nice breakfast, you will venture out for the sightseeing of the City Mumbai.

Mumbai: What are some of the must-try things and sightseeing spots in the city? A leisurely stroll on marine drive, the gateway of India, warden road, university buildings, fort, town hall, Mumbai high court to name a few. The waves lapping against the embankment add to the essence of Mumbai too, much in the same genre as the skyline. The nightlife of the city that you will witness at the pub and bars here is quite attractive and ranges from the classy ones in the five stars to the hip and trendy ones in Colaba and the suburbs. Mumbai is also known as the Hollywood of India or Bollywood (from the names Bombay and Hollywood) and is one of the biggest film industries of the world.

Later our representative will arrange for you the transfer till the airport to board a flight for Mumbai. On arrival, you will meet another representative. After a transfer to the hotel, you can retire for the day.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Cochin.

Day 03: Cochin

About Cochin: A group of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin or Kochi is perhaps the second best picture perfect destinations on the Western Ghats. Known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', it offers you the best of all that Kerala has in store. Blessed with a rich past and a vibrant present, Kochi evolved as the business hub of the region long back. Including mainland of Ernakulam, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, the islands of Willington, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all the parts of Kochi are well connected by ferries.

On a sightseeing tour of Cochin, you will be taken to The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, which is famed for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue is another attractive spot located at the heart of what is locally known as the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church is again a fascinating spot. It is the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica, which was originally constructed in 1557 by the Portuguese, is also a must visit site. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Finally, you will be visiting on this day the Willingdon Island. The island, named after Lord Willingdon, is the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of India.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Cochin.

Day 04: Cochin Alleppey
By Surface: 64 kms/ 01.5 Hrs*

Have a tasty breakfast and move towards Alleppey. Reach Alleppey and check in at the hotel or resort. Get fresh and embark on sightseeing tour.

Visit Alleppey Beach - Kuttanad - the rice bowl of Kerala, and so on. Later in the evening check into the resort or Hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Alleppey.

Day 05: Alleppey Kumarakom
Overnight Houseboat:

Enjoy your sumptuous breakfast and later check in the houseboat.

Get ready for the 22 hours of backwater cruise from Alleppey to Kumarakom passing through many canals and waterways up to the destination. The backwater cruise in a country boat is recognized as the best way to know about the villages and rural life here. In Alleppey, you will be taken aboard your floating houseboat, a different boat with a bedroom and en-suite rest room for your comfort. While surfing on backwaters sipping a coconut, you will only be disturbed by the chirping of birds and irregular sounds of the ripples in water. Take delight in the mouthwatering delicacies prepared in front of you by your Kitchen crew. Spend the night on board the houseboat. Wallow in the experience of a cruise on the backwater through an intersection of canals and lagoons and savor freshly caught water fish cooked to your taste on board.

About House Boat: The Houseboats of Kerala were known as "Kettuvallam" in the yester years. These huge, ling and tapering barges were traditionally used to transport tons of goods across kingdoms, with portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as a rest room and kitchen for the crew. A familiar sight on the Backwaters, these vessels are made entirely without nails. Plants of jack wood are joined together and coir rope and coated with caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kennels. The careful maintenance of these houseboats has made them last for generations. Today referred to as the Luxury Houseboats, (Kerala Backwaters) they consist of well equipped bedrooms, contemporary style toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. As you sail through the canal, you can see morning newspaper and mail delivered by boat. Vendors in boat move from house to house to sell everyday provisions like rice, vegetables, oil, kerosene etc. with hundreds of quacking ducks around. On boat, you can also see village activities and fisherman's activities. It will be a delightful experience to see old beautiful temples, churches and old fashioned Kerala.

Overnight on board on full meal basis.

Day 06: Kumarakom - Periyar
By Surface: 110 Kms/ 02 Hrs*

After breakfast leave the houseboat to check in at the resort in Periyar. After some refreshment, start the trip to the city.

Tiger! Isnt the word exciting & thrilling too! Today you might feel blessed finding an opportunity to meet the beast. Come! Lets check the Den & go to Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Morning the nature lovers can Trek in the Jungle with a local guide. The guide will acquaint you with the rare birds, trees & flowers here. You can even take a walk through the plantations filled with the pleasing aroma of fresh spice.

A boat safari on the Periyar Lake gives you a lifetime opportunity to spot exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. You will be thrilled to see the eccentric bathing habits of the wild elephants that come down to the lake.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel or resort.

Day 07: Periyar Madurai
By Surface: 133 Kms/ 03 Hrs*

Enjoy your leisure breakfast and head for Madurai. Reach and check in the hotel. Relax and then start city excursion.

Madurai, boasting a rich cultural heritage of more than 2500 years old, has been an important commercial centre as early as 550 AD. It is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu & was originally known as Kadambavanam or the forest of Kadamba.

Today, we visit to Meenakshi Sundareshwar. The site was first erected about 2000 years back and was substantially renovated between the years 1623-55 AD. Initially there was only the Shiva temple. Today, the temple is well known for its astonishing structure known as Ayiramkaal mandapam or the Hall of a thousand pillars located in the outermost corridor.

In the evening, drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 08: Madurai Chettinad Madurai
By Surface: 90 Kms/ 02 Hrs*

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and again take a walk to the town. Later, you will be taken on an excursion towards Chettinad.

Spend the day at the CHETTINAD town, which is one of the most beautiful heritage towns in South India. Enjoy a rickshaw ride here and have lunch at a heritage mansion.

In the evening drive back to the Madurai for an overnight stay.

Day 09: Madurai Chennai Mahabalipuram
By Flight - 9W 3522 (Dep. 08:40 Arr. 10:05)

Have an early breakfast and proceed for the airport to catch the flight for Chennai. After you reach Chennai, our representative will receive you and provide you with the sightseeing agenda.

You will visit Kalakshetra, the world famous cultural center established by Rukmini Devi Arundale and Theosophical Society with its huge Banyan tree (Theosophical Society of India was founded by Dr Annie Besant).

Chennai is the third biggest commercial and industrial centre in India [citation needed, and is recognized for its cultural heritage and fine temple architectural patterns. It is also famous for south Indian classical music and dance performances. Chennai is touted to be the automobile capital of India for it boasts of a major percentage of the automobile industry having a base here. Major portion of the nation's vehicles are also produced here. It has also arguably become the main hub for outsourced jobs from the West [citation needed]. The 12-kilometre long Marina Beach sprawling along the Bay of Bengal constitutes the city's east coast. The city is known for its sport venues and hosts an ATP tennis event, the Chennai Open. Chennai is also one of the few cities in the world that has a national park, the Guindy National Park, within its city limits

After finishing it, continue your driving tour to Mahabalipuram for approx 58 Kms. Once you reach, you will check in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 10: Mahabalipuram

After a leisurely breakfast at hotel in the morning, you will be taken through the fertile Coromondal coastline and reach Mahabalipuram- known for its shore temples and other monuments that boasts of excellent depiction of epics on stone.

Mahabalipuram is famous for its unique 7th century Shore Temple, some of the most attractive rock - cut temples in the world and a stunning beach. Perched on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was already renowned as a seaport in the 1st century AD. This town was a workshop for temple building. Here, you will be visiting the seven pagoda - style shore temples, lapped by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a cluster of monolithic monuments and animal figures etched out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. They were created in a single century - long burst marked by creative fervor and enthusiasm, under the rule of Narasimhavarman 1 (AD 630?68).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 11: Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram Chennai
By Surface: 65 Kms/ 01 Hrs*

You will have an early breakfast and move to Chennai by road. On the way, you will visit KANCHIPURAM TEMPLES. After reaching, you will venture out on sightseeing tour of Chennai.

Chennai: A leisure trip includes visit to Marina Beach which is recognized to be the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, which was made in 1653, is currently serving the state governments secretariat. Santhome Cathedral was constructed around 14th or 15th century. It is another colonial structure that again warrants a visit. Consecrated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeswara Temple is arguably the oldest temple of Chennai. Another important temple to visit in the city is Parthasarthy Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. In the Snake Park, you will come across diverse types of snakes and many other reptiles.

Explore as much as possible and afterwards, you will be driven to the airport for your next destination with cherishing the sweet memories of India.