The Country of Gods & Goddesses

(13 Days & 12 Nights in India)
Good Season: August to March. Best Season: November to February

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Chennai & drive to Mahabalipuram; Day 2: Mahabalipuram; Day 3: Pondichery;
Day 4: (en route visit Gongakondaicholapuram & Darasuram); Day 5: Chettinad; Day 6: Chettinad; Day 7: Chettinad - Madurai; Day 8: Madurai - Periyar; Day 9: Backwater Cruise; Day 10: Backwater; Day 11: Cochin; Day 12: Cochin; Day 13: Coachin - Chennai or Bangalore (flight) & transfer to International Airport; Day 14: Return Flight.

The southern part of India is popularly known as god’s own country it is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in east, Arabian Sea in west & Indian Ocean in south, it is a paradise for water lovers & divers. The soil is fertile and different varieties of spices grow here. It seems gods & goddesses lived here as the land seems blessed. The southern people are “Dravidian” & speak Dravidian, which is a completely different language and does not sound similar to any other Indian languages. People in South India are gentle, friendly, kind & hospitable.

They were great builders & travellers. They built as many temples as they could and dedicated them to different gods & goddesses. These temples are from monolithic periods and dates back from 7th to 18th centuries. By visiting these temples you will feel their love not only for the gods but also for the arts and culture. The monolithic temples & caves of Mahabalipuram are regarded as one of the marvels of the world.

The beautifully carved 11th century Temple of Gangakondaicholapuram, Darasuram is a perfect example of human workmanship on stones. The 12th to 17th century Madurai temples remind you of the old Greek temples. This is a lively temple with a small bazaar with activities where people buy & sell the variable products, & if one come to offer anything to the gods the other waits to take away the same offerings. Hence, you will experience a peculiar sight which you will not feel the same in any other part of India. Apart from the visit of temples & other monuments, you will also have a true leisure time in the backwater canals which is a stretch of 1000 km, where you can spend two days and nights in a Keralian Houseboat. It is very relaxing to watch the daily life of the back water people from your moving house boat.

You will have certain intervals to get down from the boat & visit the villages & its people.