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Exotic Spa Tour of South India

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Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations Covered : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Kochi

Day 01 : Arrival at Chennai

On your arrival at Chennai airport on the first day of your exotic spa tour of South India, you will be received by the staff of India Tourism Travel and transferred to your pre booked hotel. Following are the sightseeing places that you will see today in Chennai:

Marina Beach - Marina Beach is a 13 km long beach which is always crowded with domestic and international beach lovers. The urban beach is the largest beach in the country and the second largest in the world. The beautiful beach is also popular for food stalls, souvenirs and romantic sunset and sunrise views.

Big Mosque - It was constructed in 1795 and is one of the most beautiful mosques in Chennai. Big Mosque is built of gray granite and no wood or steel is used in the construction or any part of it. It is both historically and religiously important monument of the city.

Parthasarathy Temple - Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple was built in 8th century and is one among 108 Divyadeshams. Parthasarathy literally means "Charioteer of Arjuna". It is designed in South Indian temple architecture style with exquisite carvings on its walls and pillars. One more interesting fact about the Parthasarathy Temple is that it features four different incarnations of lord Vishnu which are Rama, Varaha, Narsimha and Krishna.

Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Luz Church, Kabaleshwara temple, Anna Square and Fort St. George are few more places of interests which we will visit this day during Spa tour to South India. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a hotel at Chennai.

Day 02 : Chennai to Mahabalipuram enroute visit to Kanchipuram (150kms / 4.5 hours drive)
We will be visiting the following destinations of Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) on the second day of our exotic spa tour of South India:

Kanchipuram - Also known as the "City of thousand temples", Kanchipuram will be our first destination to be visited and we shall see the following attractions of this temple town of South India during the day of exotic spa tour of South India.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple - It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divyadeshams. The temple is thronged by a large number of devotees during temple festivals. It was built by Chola rulers in the year 1053. Temple timings for visitors are 6 AM to 12.30 and it also reopens at 4 PM to 6 PM.

You will have to follow dress code to enter the premises of the temple

Ekambareshwarar Temple - Ekambareshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one among the five Panchabhootha Sthalams and represents the element Earth. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. This temple was built in 600 AD and covers 23 acres of area. It is the biggest and the most magnificent temple of Kanchipuram. You will have to follow dress code to enter the premises of the temple.

Kamakshi Amman Temple - Kamakshi Amman Temple was built in 6 CE by Pallava kings. The magnificent temple is dedicated to Kamakshi Devi or Parvati. It is built in Dravidian architectural style and the goddess Kamakshi Amman is seated in yogic posture instead of the traditional standing position in the temple.

After sightseeing of Kanchipuram, you will proceed to Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram- Mahabalipuram is located 55 km from Channai and this day we are going to visit following places here -

Varaha Cave Temple - Varaha Cave Temple is a 7th century temple and a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Varaha Cave Temple is a perfect example of the Indian rock-cut temple architecture. It is built with a monolithic rock and consists of a large mandapam, massive pillars and statues of gods and goddesses which are consecrated in the mandapam.

Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas) - Pancha Rathas is again a fine example of monolith Indian rock-cut temple architecture. The 7th century Pancha Ratha temple of Mahabalipuram is also classified as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ancient temple consists of five monolithic shrines that are carved out of pink granite stone.

Thirukadalmallai - Thirukadalmallai is one of the 108 Divyadeshams and is considered to be the oldest temple of Mahabalipuram. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an Avatrasthalam of Bhoothathazhwar, the 2nd Azhwar. The temple architecture is similar to Pallava style and there is a separate shrine which is dedicated to Lord Narashima

Sea Shore Temple. Dinner and overnight stay will be at hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Pancha Rathas

Day 03 : Mahabalipuram - Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) (320kms - 6 hours)
Our next destination after Mahabalipuram will be Trichy, which is 330 km far. Following are the prime attractions of the city:

Rockfort Temple - Rockfort Temple is also known as Ucchi Pillayar Koil. It is one of the most renowned Ganesha dedicated temple which was built in 7th century. It is 83 m tall and is situated on the top of a rock.

Renganthaswamy Temple (Sri Rangam) - The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, who is one of the forms of Lord Vishnu. Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the 108 Divyadeshams and is located on an Island in Cauvery River. It was built between 6th to 9th centuries in the Dravidian style of architecture. It consists of several shrines, huge halls and 21 Gopurams. Hall of 1000 Pillars is one of the many attractions of Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Sri Jambukeshwarar Temple- Sri Jambukeshwarar Temple is a Lord Shiva dedicated temple which was built by the Chola rulers. It is one of the five Panchbhoot Sthalam and represents "WATER". The temple has a Lingam, called Appu Lingam which is said to be made by Parvati with sand and water of river Cauvery. Our hotel for dinner and overnight stay will be at hotel in Trichy

Day 04 : Trichy - Thanjavur (Tanjore) (60kms - 2 hours drive)
Fourth day of our exotic spa tour of South India will be dedicated to the sightseeing of Thanjavur attractions.

Vijayanagar Fort - The imposiing fort is a must see in Thanjavur. It was built in 1550 AD partly by Nayak rulers and partly by Maratha rulers. The fort consists of Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Saraswati Mahal and Shiva Ganga Garden. It also has an art gallery where you can see huge collection of sculptures and beautiful Tanjore paintings.

Brihadeeshwarar Temple - Also known as Big Temple, it is a Shiva dedicated temple. The magnificent temple is recently completed its 1000 years of existence. This historic temple is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola. It is also the world's first temple which is completely made of granite. 130, 000 tons of granite was used in the construction of Brihadeeswara Temple. Dinner and overnight stay will be at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 05: Tanjore - Madurai (180kms - 4 hours drive)
We will start for Madurai after our breakfast. Today we will visit following the following destinations:

Meenakshi Temple - The magnificent temple is known by many other names like Meenakshi Sundereshwarar Temple and Meenakshi Amman Temple. The ancient temple is built in Dravidian architectural style and is spread over an area of 45 acres. Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati which is known as Meenakshi Amman here and her consort Lord Shiva, known as Sundareswarar Swami. The temple has 12 Gopurams and tallest of them is 170 Ft high. There are many shrines in the temple complex. The sanctum sanctorum of Meenakshi Amman temple has golden roof. The temple complex also consists of many huge halls, a water tank and a Panch Sabhai.

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal - The beautiful palace was made in the 17th century with an amazing blend of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles. King Thirumalai Nayak built the palace in 1636 AD. The exterior and the interiors of Thirumalai Nayak Mahal are equally impressive. The palace is divided into two parts - Swarga Vilasam, which was used as Throne Room, and Ranga Vilasam, which has dancing halls, apartments and other royal rooms. The palace originally had much grandeur than its present form.

Koodal Azhagar Temple - Koodal Azhagar Temple is one of the most sought after Vishnu dedicated temples in Madurai. It is one of the revered 108 Divyadeshams located in India.

We will also visit Mariamman Teppakulam, Pazhamuthir Solai and Tiruparakundram Murugan Temple today. At night, we will be back to our hotel in Madurai for dinner and overnight stay.
Periyar National Park

Day 06: Madurai - Periyar (150kms - 4 hours drive)
Our next halt after Madurai will be Periyar. After early breakfast we will drive to Periyar which is at a distance of 150 km from Madurai. We shall see the below attractions of Periyar during the day:

Thekkady - Thekkady is another name of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. The national park is a Tiger Reserve and an Elephant Reserve as well. It is covered with evergreen and semi evergreen rain forest. Many species of angiosperms, gymnosperms and ferns can also be seen here. In fauna apart from elephants and tigers, 62 different species of mammals can be spotted here. It also has 320 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, 38 species of fishes and 160 varieties of butterflies.

Periyar Lake - Periyar Lake is situated amidst the Periyar National Park. The picturesque lake is spread over an area of 26 km2 and was formed in 1895 with the building of Mullaiperiyar Dam. The beautiful lake is a permanent source of water for the local wildlife and tourists love to enjoy pleasure boat ride in it.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a resort in Periyar.

Day 07: Periyar - Kumarakom (150kms - 4 hours drive)
After spending some adventurous time in Periyar we will start for Kumarakom, which is famous for the backwaters of Kerala. We will stay at a beautiful resort in Kumarakom. We will spend the day in the sightseeing of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is the prime draw of this lovely town.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a heaven for bird watchers and ornithologists. The beautiful bird sanctuary is spread over an area of 14 acres on the bank of river Kavanar. Apart from migratory birds like Siberian cranes, Himalayan Parrot, teal, lark, flycatchers etc., you can also spot the local birds like waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, Brahminy kite and ducks in abundance here. You can also opt for guided bird watching tours to spot most of these birds in the sanctuary. Dinner and overnight stay will at the resort in Kumarakom.

Day 08 : Kumarakom
On eighth day of our exotic spa tour of India, we will enjoy houseboat cruising in the world famous backwaters of Kumarakom.

Kumarakom Backwaters - Kumarakom has picturesque backwater stretches surrounded with lush green paddy fields, palm trees and panoramic natural beauty. Kumarakom backwaters attract both the domestic and international tourists. The backwaters are very popular among the honeymooners who want to spend their intimate moments among the pristine surroundings of the region. There are country rafts, boats and canoe that you can avail to enjoy some great water sporting activities in Kumarakom backwaters. Lagoons and canals make the entire scenery more appealing for the travelers. Dinner and overnight stay will at a houseboat in the serene Kumarakom backwaters.

Day 09: Kumarakom - Alleppey (Vembanad Lake) & stay at Houseboat
This day we will enjoy the beauty of Vembanad Lake through houseboat ride. This houseboat travel from Kumarakom to Alleppey

Vembanad Lake- Vembanad Lake is the largest lake and certainly the most beautiful one as well, in the state of Kerala. The lake is internationally known for the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race that takes place in one part of the lake, called Punnamada Lake. Beautiful resorts are nestled on its bank. Lovely Vembanad Lake is the heart of backwater tourism in Kerala. Dinner and overnight stay at the Houseboat

Day 10: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms - 2 hours drive)
The 10th day of our exotic spa tour of South India will be dedicated to sightseeing in Cochin. Following are the places that we are going to visit today.

Mattancherry Palace - Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace and was built in 1555 AD by the Portuguese. The palace features decorative Kerala murals which are of great religious value. It is built in Nalukettu style of architecture.

Fort Kochi- The imposing fort is situated in Old Kochi. The most interesting thing about is the presence of Chinese fishing nets (Cheena Vala fishing nets) in its vicinity. These huge fishing nets that you see dotted around the coast at fort Kochi can be seen in China or at this place only. Apart from these fishing nets, St Fransis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and many more places of interest are there in Kochi. Dinner and overnight stay will be at hotel in Kochi.

Day 11 : Kochi -Departure
After having breakfast in the hotel at Kochi, our staff will drop you to the airport / railway station. From here you can board-in for your next destination to home.

Exotic Spa Tour Of South India ends with sweet memories!!

Tags : Exotic Spa Tour Of South India, Spa Tour To South India, Parthasarathy Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple