Day 1 Wed: Depart North America
Depart North America for Chennai on your exciting tour of the Temples & Traditions of South India.
Day 2 Thu: Arrive Chennai
Arrive in Chennai, formerly known as Madras, late this evening. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the AMBASSADOR PALLAVA HOTEL (Executive Room).
Day 3 Fri: Chennai / Kanchipuram / Mamallapuram
This morning, enjoy a tour of Chennai, with visits to the Art Gallery, the Bronze Gallery, Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, San Thome Basilica and the Kapaleeswarar Temple. Early this afternoon, depart for Mamallapuram, formerly known as Mahabalipuram. Stop en route to visit Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples,” which is also renowned for its exquisite silks. Overnight at the MGM BEACH RESORT (Deluxe Room). (BD)
Day 4 Sat: Mamallapuram
This morning, visit the rock-cut shore temples and the magnificent bas-relief depicting the “Penance of Arjuna.” The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the beach and enjoy an invigorating swim in the Bay of Bengal. (BL)
Day 5 Sun: Mamallapuram / Pondicherry
Drive along the coast to the former French settlement of Pondicherry, which still bears testimony to 281 years of French Colonial influence. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, a community established to kindle a lasting kinship and exchange of ideas among the diverse citizens of the world. Overnight at the LE DUPLEIX (Suite). (BD)
Day 6 Mon: Pondicherry / Chidambaram / Tanjore
Travel to Chidambaram this morning. Chidambaram Temple, with its fabulous sculpture of “Nataraja,” or Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer, is considered by Hindus to be the cosmic center of the universe. Continue on to Tanjore and visit the Brahadeeswarar Temple, whose central tower is considered a unique feat of architecture. Overnight at the HOTEL SANGAM THANJAVUR (Standard Room). (BL)
Day 7 Tue: Tanjore / Trichy
Continue your journey to Trichy this morning. This afternoon, visit the Rock Fort and the Srirangam Temple. Located on an island in the Cauvery River, Srirangam, with its seven enclosures, is the largest temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overnight at the HOTEL SANGAM TRICHY (Standard Room). (BL)
Day 8 Wed: Trichy / Madurai
Proceed to Madurai, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River. Visit the celebrated Meenakshi temple, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Mariamman Teppakulam. Later this evening, return to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi. Overnight at the HOTEL SANGAM MADURAI (Standard Room). (BD)
Day 9 Thu: Madurai / Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary this morning. This tranquil sanctuary located on the border of Tamilnadu and Kerala is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This afternoon, enjoy a game-viewing cruise on the Periyar River. Overnight at SPICE VILLAGE (Standard Villa). (BL)
Day 10 Fri: Periyar / Kumarakom
After an early morning game-viewing cruise, continue west to Kerala and the ecological backwater reserve of Kumarakom. The Kerala backwater system is considered among the most ecologically balanced regions on the planet. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the WHISPERING PALMS ABAD LAKE RESORT (Lake-Facing Room). (BD)
Day 11 Sat: Kumarakom
This morning, enjoy a backwaters cruise, including a visit to the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. The afternoon is at leisure. This is a great place to enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. (BD)
Day 12 Sun: Kumarakom / Cochin
Depart for Cochin this morning. This afternoon, visit the Portuguese-built St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and see the use of Chinese fishing nets—ingenious devices requiring little human attention. Tonight, enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama followed by a farewell dinner. Overnight at the CASINO HOTEL. (BD)
Day 13 Mon: Cochin / Home
Depart Cochin today for home, bearing fond memories of the Temples & Traditions of South India.
