Total Holiday Options - Specialist in the travel of Art

After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing tour. The capital city of Tamil Nadu state is popularly regarded as the ‘Gateway to the South’ and represents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. Chennai has flourished into a charming city in a time span of just over 350 years, encouraging all forms of development, both modern technology and the traditional arts and crafts, embracing a series of paradoxes. People in Chennai are deep rooted in their cultural moorings and traditions, even though modernity has its own impact. Chennai was the site for the East India Company’s first settlement founded in 1639 and had its military headquarters at Puzhal, which is now a small village on the outskirts of the city. In the 19th century the city became the seat of Madras Presidency, the southern division of British Imperial India. After independence in 1947 it became the capital of Madras state that was renamed Tamil Nadu. The city is a wonderful blend of the traditional Tamil Hindu culture and modern British culture. The numerous temples, shrines, churches, forts and palaces are a reflection of the rich and diverse historical heritage of the city. Visit Kalakshetra, a school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing; St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Church in India with its premises; Sri Parthasarathy Temple built by Pallavas in the 8th century AD; San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica. Dinner and over night at Chennai. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Mahabalipuram, en-route visit Kanchipuram, the city of a thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus; back in 2nd century BC the city was the capital of the early Cholas Kingdom. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and religious backgrounds for centuries and its imposing temples of unique architectural beauty bear eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. The temples feature high roofs surmounting the sanctum sanctorum and gopurams. The city is also famous for its silk weavers, settled around 400 years ago and has given it an enviable reputation. Woven from pure mulberry silk, the saris in dazzling colours are embellished with fine gold thread (zari) and are available in every imaginable design and variety, making the job of selection quite challenging. Later proceed to Mahabalipuram, on arrival check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Mahabalipuram. (B,D)

The temple city of Mahabalipuram was a flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers, a Dravidian dynasty that once ruled over the major portion of peninsular India. Earlier known as Mamallapuram, the city is said to be a fabulous “open-air museum” of sculpture under the vault of the burning sky. After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour, where the Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, monolithic Rathas (Chariot) and Temples. The majestic Mahabalipuram invokes a certain kind of mystery, with its sculptural extravaganza depicting strong artistic temperament of the Pallava rulers who are considered by many as the conceivers and the driving force behind the Dravidian art movement. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mahabalipuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators. The wonders in rock leave one enthralled, conveying an impression of beauty and harmony. Rest of the evening at leisure with dinner and overnight at Mahabalipuram. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Pondicherry, on arrival check in to the hotel. The town is adorned with natural beauties of the Deccan Plateau; on the red soil the dense green trees create marvellous scenery, with trees in majority of cashews, palm and neem. After some rest enjoy the sightseeing tour of this city ruled by French for about 281 years before independence, and a profound influence of Southern France is still very prominent. The medieval town of the French province, Pondicherry has managed to preserve its French aura, from its delectable restaurants offering French cuisine to streets bearing French names. The grand boulevards make Pondicherry a richly cosmopolitan city. The numerous palm-fringed beaches, splendid backwaters, fabulous tiny fishing villages and hamlets make it a beautiful town. Dinner and overnight at Pondicherry. (B,D)

After breakfast we drive to Swamimalai, en-route visit Chidambaram and Gangai konda Cholapuram. At Chidambaram lies one of the oldest, most venerated and magnificent temples of South India. Shiva Nataraja or the Dancing Shiva stands in his cosmic dance pose in the golden rooted sanctum Santorum. Flanking the temple are 108 sculptures illustrations of Bharat Natya Shastra. A Chola period sculptural monument also known as Thillai, the temple sculptures depict postures from the Bharatnatayam form of dance. Gangai konda Cholapuram at one time the capital of the Chola kingdom, has the Shiva temple noted for its hugeness and rich carvings on the walls of demi-gods in dancing positions. A huge Nandi bull guards the entrance and there is a lion-head step well in the complex. The whole temple is thrived with rich and intricate carvings that are exclusive to the Chola style of artistry and the architecture is a portrayal of complex carvings on the hard granite stones. Mind blowing sculptures adorn the walls and ceilings of the temple. On arrival check in to the resort. Dinner and overnight at Swamimalai. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Trichy; en-route visit Thanjavur, the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" also known as the Granary of the South India, lying in the deltaic region of the famous river Cauvery and criss-crossed by a lengthy network of irrigation canals. The royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas, Thanjavur has a rich and varied heritage, which is renowned across the globe. The center of knowledge and culture reached its zenith between the 10th and 14th centuries under the reign of the Cholas, though the magic of Thanjavur continues un-faded over the period of time. It is a fortuitous combination of flourishing agriculture, competent monarchs and a long religious revival. The Chola rulers were also mighty builders who erected large number of exquisite temples in their Empire which reflect the power, genius and architectural grandeurs of their authors displaying the unique and magnificent proficiency in sculpture, painting and wood carving. The town is also famous for its ancient handicrafts-making of bronze icons, Thanjavur art plates, bell-metal castings, bowls and powder boxes of metal with beautiful and artistic in-laying and engraving work of motifs well known as “Tanjore swami work” and the wonderful Tanjore style of paintings, developed over multiple layers, usually centred on the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. On arrival check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Trichy. (B,D)

The historical city of Tiruchirappalli, popularly known as Trichy, is situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, has a long history going back several centuries before the birth of Christ. This Chola Dynasty citadel is known for its profound wisdom of the Sangam Age and still carries an age-old aura about it. The present-day city, with a blend of glorious past and acclaimed divinity through the famous Dravidian temples, stands as a commercial and tourist hub of Tamil Nadu. After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of the city and visit Rock Fort; a spectacular landmark of Trichy perched on a massive rock out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to over the old city, a climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple; famous for its superb sculpture, the 21 impressive gopurams and its rich collection of temple jewelry and Sri Jambukeshwara Temple; named after the elephant which is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as Water. Afternoon take a stroll in the streets of this holy city, home to many historic temples, monuments, churches and mosques. Dinner and overnight at Trichy. (B,D)

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour, to the second largest city on the banks of the River Vigai believed to be more than 2500 years old. One of south India’s oldest cities, it has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Madurai is called Athens of the East because of the way myth meets life here. Originally called Madhurapuram because honey (madhu) is said to have dripped off the locks of Shiva here. Visit a magnificent Meenakshi Temple and experience stunning architecture as the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayaka and built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayaka, the Temple occupies an area of six hectares with 12 temple towers (Gopurams) and the outer towers are the landmarks of Madurai. The temple is lavishly decorated with colourful images and carvings of numerous deities, animals and mythical creatures. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage, legends of warrior princesses, the gods falling in love and divine promises abound and glorious tradition, Madurai is grouped among the antique cities of the India. Afternoon free for your own activities with dinner and overnight at Madurai. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Periyar, on arrival check in at the jungle resort. Periyar conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills, lush green trees, chirping birds, stunningly beautiful landscape and unending spice-scented plantations. The Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. Afternoon take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. On your way back you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Dinner and overnight at Periyar. (B,D)

After breakfast explore the Periyar wildlife sanctuary on the boat, the sanctuary centrepiece being the splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, meanders around the contours of the wooden hills, providing a perennial source of water for the wildlife and is home to Tiger, bison, wild boar, sambar, monkeys, wild elephants, antelopes and a wide variety of birds. There are over 260 species of birds here, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers. Rest of the day is free to explore the area and perhaps take the option of a jungle walk with a local guide. Dinner and overnight at Thekkady. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Alleppey, on arrival embark on the houseboat; while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals, panoramic sights one can never forget. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remain an enduring picture reflecting the charm of this beautiful land. Enjoy fishing and sunset when heading towards Kumarakom. All meals and overnight on the houseboat. (B,L,D)

After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and travel to Cochin now known as Kochi, set on a cluster of peninsulas and islands in the Indian Ocean. It has one of the most beautiful harbors on India’s west coast, serving for centuries as an important trading post. Built along saltwater lagoon, the view of the vast stretch of the blue waters along with Chinese nets is a sight worth beholding. An interesting mix of the Hindu, Muslim and British architecture can be seen on its beaches. Its cosmopolitan spirit is visible in the temples, mosques and synagogues that rise against the city’s skyline. It has a rich network of backwaters and is the culture and heritage centre of Kerala and is called ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. On arrival check in to the hotel. After some rest take a ferry-boat across the waterway to the nearby peninsula, discover the remains of Fort Cochin and St Francis church, the oldest church in India. Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks and worshipped by Roman Catholics, Dutch Protestants and the Anglicans is a wonderful site to visit. On your way back stop at the spice shops selling cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and a host of other spices. Evening witness Kathakali dance show – a famous classical dance drama of Kerala, in an auditorium. Dinner and overnight at Cochin. (B,D)