Goa & South India Tour

 

Goa & South India Tour (13 Days/12 Nights)

Day 1 - Arrival at Chennai

When you reach Chennai, our representative will receive you and bring you to the hotel. Chennai is an old city and the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was known as Madras during British rule. It is a very traditional city, and has many interesting historical and cultural monuments.

Day 2 - Chennai to Mahabalipuram

We tour Chennai. We visit Fort St George built by the British in 1604 AD and within the Fort, we visit the church of St Mary. This church was built in 1680 and is the oldest among the protestant churches of the East. We later travel to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is famous for its ancient rock cut architecture and temples. We stay overnight at Mahabalipuram.

Day 3 - Mahabalipuram to Kanchipuram

Today we tour Mahabalipuram, accompanied by a guide. We visit the Shore temple, dating back to the 8th C AD and the Rathas. Later in the day we go to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is renowned the world over for its silk manufacture and temples. Here we visit the Kailasanatha temple, also belonging to the 8thc AD. After that we visit the Ekambaranatha, an ancient temple that is dedicated to Shiva. We shall also go to Kamakshi Amman. We stay overnight at Mahabalipuram.

Day 4 - Mahabhalipuram to Tanjore

Today we go to Tanjore. Tanjore was a thriving city under the Mahratta and Nayak kings. It is well known for its beautiful handicrafts such as Bornze icons, Pithwork, paintings, Art Plate and musical instruments.Here we visit the Brihadeshwara temple, built by the Chola king Rajaraja I. We stay overnight at Tanjore.

Day 5 - Tanjore to Trichy to Madurai

Today we travel to Madurai. This is Tamil Nadu's oldest city, and was a very important centre for commerce during the sixth century. On the way we halt at Trichy. Trichy was a significant town during the rule of the Chola rajas and has many historical monuments and temples. At Trichy we visit the Srirangam temple and Rockfort. We stay overnight at Madurai.

Day 6 - Madurai to Periyer

We will visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple in Madurai. Later we will go to Periyar ,the most famous wildlife sanctuary in South India, set on a beautiful lakeside. We tour the sanctuary and experience its beauty as well as ecological pattern. There will be an optional tour to a Spice Plantation in Periyar. We stay the night in Periyar.

Day 7 - Periyer to Cochin

Early in the morning we will take a thrilling boat on the Periyar Lake and visit the Wildlife sanctuary. Later we visit Cochin. Historically Cochin has had an important sea trade network with the Dutch, Mediterranean Europe and West Asia. It is also one of India's best natural harbours. At Cochin we enjoy a Kathakali performance by a local dancer. Kathakali is one of Kerala's most popular dance forms. We will stay overnight at Cochin.

Day 8 - At Cochin

Today we tour Cochin. We visit famous places like the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and St Francis Church. We will also visit a spice market. There will be a boat cruise, but this is optional. We stay overnight in Cochin.

Day 9 - Cochin to Goa

We will fly to Goa today. Goa is internationally famous for its magnificent beaches. We spend the night in Goa.

Day 10 - Goa

There will be an optional tour around Goa. Goa possesses a unique combination of Portuguese and Indian culture.The tour will include a visit to old churches in Goa such as the Bom Jesus Church, going back to the 16th C, a visit to Dona Paula village and Miramar beach. We stay the night in Goa.

Day 11 - Goa

The day will be spent relaxing in Goa's sun blenched beaches, flowing spirits and luxurious casinos. We continue to spend the night in Goa.

Day 12 - Goa to Mumbai

We start for Mumbai, the next destination. Mumbai is called the commercial capital of India and is very famous for its movie industry, "Bollywood" which is the world's second largest film industry.We conclude our tour here hoping you will come back to tour with us.