The Beaming Beaches & Temple Trace !!

Arrive at Chennai.

You will be greeted on arrival at the Airport.

Our representative will help you with your transfer to your hotel where you can relax.

Briefing (Chennai): The first British Warehouse came up in 1639 when the British acquired the sandy beach from the local Nayaks on lease. It was called Madraspatinam then. Later by 1654, the Fort St. George was built. Still later the neighboring villages were included in the city which came either as grants or gifts. Triplicane was rented from the Sultan of Golconda in the year 1676. In 1744 Robert Clive worked as a writer from the Fort, later to become a military man of British Army. The Fort House, which housed the Governor and his council, were added in the 17th Century, the Assembly Hall in 1910 and the Secretariat in 1925.

All the neighboring areas were merged into the city now known as Madras or as Chennai as it is officially known. Until Independence, Madras was the capital of what in British times was called the Madras Presidency, comprising nearly the whole of South India, including the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada speaking areas.

Check in at hotel and stay overnight.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort.

Proceed for city tour of Chennai in the morning after breakfast visiting Santhome Cathedral, Fort St. George, and Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Santhome Cathedral. Built by Portuguese in the 14th and 15th century, this Cathedral is named after St. Thomas. Historically important, it is one of the pilgrimages for the Christian community.

Fort St. George, one the first few bastions built by the east India company, marks the beginning of Chennai as a modern city. It occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The state legislature and the secretariat are located in Fort St. George. It houses the St. Mary's church the oldest Anglican Church in India which was built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India.

The Fort Museum, once a building that housed Chennai's first lighthouse, first commercial bank and first 'club', is now a well-kept repository of tangible memories of early Madras.

Kapaleeswarar Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar temple has inscriptions from the 13th century A.D. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. The walls and pillars of temple have very delicate and intricate carvings which depict the scenes from Hindu mythology.

Return back to the hotel and overnight at Chennai.

By Road
Distance 76 kms / 2 hrs

Have a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel and later proceed for Mahabalipuram, en-route Kanchipuram.

Briefing (Kanchipuram): It is the ancient capital of the Pallavas and is famous as a city of 1000 Temples. It still consists of 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls.

Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks.

Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram which is also known as Mamallapuram. Reach and check in at the hotel and spend sometime relaxing at the beach. 

Briefing (Mahabalipuram): A few miles south of Chennai, at Mahabalipuram, on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal, a beautiful group of rock-cut monuments evokes the past. This ancient seaport was once the main harbor and naval base of the great Pallava Empire and is today the site of an enchanting seaside assemblage of temples and shrines. It was well known in the 1st century known to Greek traders, and was the Pallava’s second city. Though their power waned nearly 1200 years ago, they left a breathtaking legacy in four distinct kinds of sculpture, Rathas (temple chariots), bas-relief sculptural panels, rock-cut caves, and free standing temples.

Seventh-century carvings of the Pallava dynasty include a series of freestanding boulders carved to resemble small temples and animals. Rock – cut caves and a masterful stone bas-relief are nearby. The 'Penance of Arjuna' relief, cut on two huge rocks, shows scores of figures of deities, people and animals including, according to one interpretation, the emaciated figure of Arjuna, the great warrior of the Mahabharata, standing on one leg and doing penance, praying to Lord Shiva for the strength to destroy his enemies.

Sadhus of today perform this exact act of sacrificial devotion. On the adjacent beach stands one of South India's oldest temples, the Shore Temple, its foundations washed for twelve centuries by the frothy sea.

Overnight will be at the Hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram visiting the Caves, Krishna Mandapam, Arjuna’s Penance, The Five Rathas, and the Shore Temple.

CAVES: There are nine rock-cut temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, depicting the goddess fighting a demon on one side and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one.

KRISHNA MANDAPAM: A bas-relief, notable for its realistic representation. The panel relates to one of the stories of Lord Krishna.

ARJUNA’S PENANCE: This is the world's largest bas relief measuring 27m X 9m. This huge whale-backed rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and almost all of the entire creation. And, this is easily the pride of Mamallapuram.

THE FIVE RATHAS: There are the five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas – and four out of the five Rathas are supposed to have been carved out of a single rock.

THE SHORE TEMPLE: This is one of the oldest temples. Unique about this temple is the fact that it houses shrines for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This belongs to the early 8th century AD and it is a classic example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in pure Dravidian style.

After sightseeing you are free to relax at the beach.

Overnight will be at Mahabalipuram.

By Road
Distance 160 kms / 3 hrs

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.

Later proceed for Pondicherry.

Pondicherry: Pondicherry is referred by names such as ‘Quintessence of French Culture’, ‘India’s Little France’ and ‘The French Riviera of the East’. This territory was under the French rule for nearly 281 years. Still it has the French flavor in it as one can see by the grand colonial mansions, beautiful boulevards, and placid promenades, spellings on sign boards and buildings, names of roads and public places. Pondicherry is a well planned and well built town. This is a typical example as one can learn the way the French people gave importance to order and flair. They are known for their rich and quality living. The French too had an eye on the wealth and the fertility of India. Thus the French dream of Indian empire began and got over by establishing their supremacy in Pondicherry. The French constructed many buildings based on their craft and grand architecture. They developed an oval shaped, lovely ‘boulevard town’ – the French quarter. This French quarter was laid out in a geometric grid pattern with straight roads intersecting at right angles.

Reach and check in at the hotel and later proceed for sightseeing tour of Pondicherry visiting Aurbindo Ashram, and Lady Immaculate Conception.

Aurbindo Ashram: When a tourist visits Pondicherry he would surely never miss the opportunity of visiting the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. This world renowned ashram was founded in the year 1926, by Sri Aurobindo, a revolutionary turned Yogi from Bengal along with The Mother (Mira Alfassa) a French painter as well as a sculptor. It is indeed the best known landmark of Pondicherry and the ashram attracts people from all over the world. Here one experiences the serenity, the great peace and all the wisdom practiced by ancient saints and sages of India. The main ashram building is situated at the marine street just behind the Raj Nivas which is surrounded by several buildings involved with educational and cultural activities of the Aurobindo Society. The central courtyard of the main ashram building has the flower festooned memorials of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo under the frangipani tree. According to Sri Aurobindo – the first principle of true teaching is that nothing can be taught. The teacher is not an instructor or a task master rather he is a guide or a helper to him. The teacher need not teach what knowledge is to the child but shows him the way to go about developing knowledge with their talent.

Lady Immaculate Conception (1791):  It was built on medieval architecture. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is built on the Gothic architectural styles. Englise De Notre Dame Das Anges which faces the sea at Rue Dumas was built in 1952 in Greeko Roman style.

Overnight will be at Pondicherry.

By Road
Distance 175 kms / 3.5 hrs

After a good breakfast proceed for Tanjore.
Tanjore: Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore) is the royal city of the Cholas and Nayaks.  Thanjavur derives its name from Tanjan-an asura (giant), who according to local legend devastated the neighbourhood and was killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Vishnu. Sri Neelamegapperumal Tanjan's last request that the city might be named after him was granted. Tanjore is also known as the “Rice bowl” of India. Historians believe that Thanjavur was captured by Vijayalaya Cholan (AD 846-880) from Perumpidugu Muttaraiyan. From then till Rajaraja Cholan, Thanjavur was flourishing. Chola kings were ruling till 13th Century AD with Thanjavur as their capital. Rajendra Cholan, Rajarajan's son moved the Chola capital to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. After that Chola Kingdom started declining and the Pandya Kings captured Thanjavur. 

An erstwhile viceroy of the Vijayanagar Empire assumed independence and founded the dynasty of the Thanjavur Nayaks. Thanjavur remained the capital of the Nayaks for the next one hundred and twenty five years till Vijayaraghava - the last prince of the line - perished in a tragic. The English first interfered in 1749 AD with a view to the restoration of the deposed King, Saiyaji. In 1758 AD French attacked Thanjavur, but were retaken by British in 1773 AD. Thanjavur became a protected state under the East India Company. In 1799 AD Thanjavur became a British principality and its ruler Sarafoji II was given the fort of Thanjavur and an area outside it.

Reach and check in at the hotel. Relax for sometime and proceed to sightseeing tour of Tanjore visiting Brihadeswara Temple, the Palace, the Art Gallery and Saroboji Palace.

Brihadeswara Temple: The Brihadeswara temple lies to the southern part of the city of Tanjavur between the Grand anicut canal and the Vadavar River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this magnificent temple was built in 1003 AD by the Chola king Rajaraja I. The temple is capped by a monolithic solid granite block 80 tons in weight. The temple, considered among the grandest temples of the Hindu religion is unique to itself. The vimana or the tower over the altar sours into the sky. Popular as the Temples of Temple, the Rajarajesvaram temple displays some of the best expressions of artistic excellence of the Chola period. The temples is bestowed with a unique structure, while the gopurams at the entrances are small the tower above the temple is 216 ft in height with 14 stories. The spherical domed Shikara is octagonal and rest to the top of the granite block. There is placed a gigantic Maha-linga measuring 3.5 meters in the inner sanctum. The Linga was brought from the river Narmada. It is said that the Linga when brought above the waters kept increasing day by day and hence, the name Brihadeswara was given to it.

Also to be found inside is the giant figure of Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva carved out of a single stone which is considered second largest in India after the one at Leepakshi. The structure is 13 feet high and 6 meters long.

The Palace: The Palace of Tanjore also makes an important tourist destination. The royal Palace near the massive Brihadeshwara temple is characterized by its vast corridors, large halls, shady courtyards and observation and arsenal towers. Built by the Nayak in the mid-16th century, the Palace was completed by the Marathas. The Durbar Hall of the palace still retains the grandeur of the bygone era. The palace also functions as a Royal Museum housing a diverse collection of royal remnants, compilations of the early 19th century, the king’s slippers, head dresses and hunting tools.

The Art Gallery and the Saraboji palace – The Art Gallery is another must see of Tanjore. It has a rich collection of 250 Chola Bronze statues and 150 stone statues dating from the 9th to 12th century. These statues belong to the many groups namely the Bhairava, Umasahita Shiva, Kali and the Rama Lakshmana. large and excellent collection of chola bronzes, granite pieces, look for bhairavas, umasahista Siva, kali, somaskandha and the Ramalakshmana group.

Spend night at Tanjore

By Road
Distance 64 kms / 1 hrs

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, start for Trichy.

Trichy:  Tiruchirappalli, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city has given great Tamil scholars whose contributions to the Tamil literature have been very significant. The most famous land mark of this bustling town is the Rock fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It was one of the main centers around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India. The city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is famous for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys.

Reach and check in at the hotel and later proceed for sightseeing tour of Trichy visiting the Rock Fort Temple, and Srirangam.

Rock Fort: The 83m high Rock Fort is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3.800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. The sheer abruptness of its rise is a thrill in itself, but the actual centre of attraction is not the fort itself, of which very little remains, but the temple at the summit. 344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where there are inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century.B.C. Hardly anything remains of the ramparts but the Main Guard Gate is still intact. The fort played an important part during the Carnatic wars and according to an inscription, mainly contributed to lay the foundations of the British Empire in India. At the top of the rock is the Uchipillaiyar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirappalli. A flight of steps leads to the Mathrubutheswarar of Thayumanaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Siva where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself. Below the Siva temple are the two Pallava cave temples that have beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7th centuries. At the foot of the Rock Fort are a tank and a pavilion which are used during the float festival of the temples.

Srirangam: The district's most important pilgrim centre is located in an island just 7 kms from Tiruchi. Srirangam, surrounded by the waters of river Cauveri on one side and its tributary kollidam on the other, is a 600 acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sriranganathaswami Temple.Most of it dates from the 14th to 17th centuries, and many people have had a hand in its construction, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and rulers from Vijayanagar. The largest gopuram in the first wall on the southern side was completed as recently as 1987, and now measures 73m. The main temple is dedicated to Vishnu. Even muslims are said to have prayed here after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the gold - topped sanctum, but they are allowed into the sixth wall. The whole place is fascinating. Bazaars and Brahmins' houses fill the space between the outer four walls.

Return back to the hotel and overnight.

By Road
Distance 130 kms / 2 hrs

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Later proceed for Madurai.

Madurai: One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. The main temple is dedicated to Vishnu. Even muslims are said to have prayed here after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the gold - topped sanctum, but they are allowed into the sixth wall. The whole place is fascinating. Bazaars and Brahmins' houses fill the space between the outer four walls.  The Pandyan King Kulasekarar built a great temple and created a lotus shaped city around the temple. On the day the city was to be named, as Lord shiva blessed the land and its people, divine nectar (Madhu) was showered on the city from his matted locks. This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madurai is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Madurai’s Main attraction is the Famous Sri Meenakshi Amman temple a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with Gopurams carved from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicolored images of Gods.

In the evening visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Enjoy the EVENING AARTI.

Return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight will be at Madurai.

Have a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.

Today we take you for sightseeing tour of the most wonderful architectural temples of Madurai visiting the Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Gandhi Museum, and Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple: The Meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest and certainly one of the most ancient. According to legend Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place. The gigantic temple complex, the statues exploring the entire range of human emotions, everything here is larger than life. The soaring and exquisitely carved towers enclose the temple dedicated to Meenakashi. The south gateway contains the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi and is about nine storeys high. Once Dhananjaya, a merchant of Manavur, where the Pandyas had arrived after the second deluge in Kumari Kandam, having been overtaken by nightfall in Kadamba forest, spent the night in the Indra Vimana. When next morning he woke up, he was surprised to see signs of worship. Thinking that it must be the work of the Devas, he told the Pandya, Kulasekhara, in Manavur, of this. Meanwhile Lord Shiva had instructed Pandya in a dream to build a temple and a city at the spot Dhananjaya would indicate. Kulasekhara did so and thus originated the temple and city.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam:  Is a huge temple tank about 5 km east of the Meenakshi temple. The mandapam in the centre has an idol of Vigneshwara (Vinayaka). It is said to have been found when the earth was being dug out from here to build the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. So, the place attained sanctity and was converted into a Teppakulam (tank). This enormous temple tank is fed by water brought from the Vagai through an ingenious system of underground Channels, King Thirumalai Nayak born in'Poosa' Star. So in commemorating the birth of the king “Float Festival” is conducted in Tamil Month 'Thai' (Jan/Feb) in the tank in a colorful way, which attracts thousands of tourists.

Gandhi Museum: The Gandhi Memorial Museum is one of the distinct places to be visited in Madurai. This Museum is one of the rare living memorials of "The Father of India". The Museum is set in relaxing grounds and has a clear historical account of India’s struggle for Independence.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace: This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa.  In these two parts, there are royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai Nayak celebrated festivals like Scepter festival, Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi festival and the Float festival. He conducted daily dance and music performances in the palace. This palace was destroyed by his grandson Chokkanatha Nayak and the valuables were transferred to other places. During the British rule, in 1822, Lord Napier made several renovation works. Then the palace was utilized to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration. After independence, this palace was declared as a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamilnadu Archaeological Department.

Overnight will be at Madurai.

By Road
Distance 135 kms / 2.5 hrs

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and today we take you to the one of the most famous wildlife sanctuary in South India.

Briefing (Periyar): Four hours drive southward lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.  Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest.  The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, ‘Akananuru’, ‘Purananuru’ etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the ‘Choorni Nadi’ or ‘Thamraparni Nadi’ (Sukasandesam –stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Kerala, is the Periyar famous for its National Park. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park.  This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.  The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

Reach and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day will be at your own leisure.

Spend night at Periyar.

Breakfast will be at the resort.

Later proceed for a boat cruise at Gavi Lake. Enjoy a short jungle trek, and a jeep safari. Also visit the Spice Plantation and on the way back to the hotel, you can shop at the local spice market as well.

Overnight will be at Periyar.

By Road
Distance 175 kms / 3.5 hrs

Have your breakfast at the hotel.

Today we start for Kumarakom.

Briefing (Kumarakom): Kumarakom is one of the top most beautiful villages in the world. Foreign guests used to think that it is like a paradise. Kumarakom is a small village in Kerala, a group of little islands on the Vembanad Lake is an enchanting backwater destination and it forms a part of the Kuttanad Region. It is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests with emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with excellent waterways and canals adorned with while lilies. The Vembanad Lake is locale for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres, and came into existence subsequent preservation hard work from the government. It is a main tourist attraction. Kumarakom is a bird watchers paradise as it is the home to lots of migratory and resident bird species.

Visit the Bird Sanctuary.

Reach and check in into a House boat.

The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.

The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

Spend night at house boat.

By Road
Distance 170 kms / 4 hrs

Breakfast will be at the houseboat.

Reach Alleppey and disembark the boat.

Start your drive for Kovalam which has one of the most fascinating beaches of South India.

Briefing (Kovalam): Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. Kovalam is a dreamland for tourists all over the world. With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. The warm and clean atmosphere by the coconut trees and the white sand bed are perfect for relaxing holidays, as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves. 
With composed climate, luring surroundings, azure sea, soft sand and solacing sun. The nature around Kovalam is mind blowing. The coconut groves, the soothing breeze, the murmuring sea, the sun and the soft sand all adds to the charm of Kovalam, making it a paradise for the beach lovers. 

Reach and check in at the resort.

Rest of the day will be at your own leisure to relax at the beach.

Overnight will be at Kovalam.

By Road
Distance 80 kms / 1.5 hrs

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel.

Today we take you to the excursion of Kanyakumari.
Briefing (Kanyakumari): Kanyakumari City marks the end point of the Indian subcontinent in the south. It is located at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. It was ruled by the Pandyas and named after the deity of the place, Goddess Kanyakumari Amman. This pilgrimage centre is also known as Cape Comorin. The long sandy seashore of Kanyakumari is known for the multicolored sands. This sea side city with majestic hills, vibrant sea shores and fringed coconut groves attracts tourist round the year to enjoy the breath taking beauty of the marvelous temples, sandy beaches and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Kumari Amman Temple - The temple is devoted to the Goddess Parvathi as Devi Kanya- the Virgin Goddess. Legend has it that Devi did penance to secure Lord Shiva's hand in marriage but ultimately when she could not marry him, vowed to remain a virgin all her life. The diamond nose ring of the deity is very famous.

Gandhi Mandapam - This memorial stands on the place where the the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public viewing before being immersed into the sea. This memorial is designed in Oriyan style of architecture. The construction is such that sun's rays fall on the place of urn on Gandhiji's birthday i.e. on 2nd October.

Suchindram Temple - This marvelous temple houses a linga representing the trinity i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It was built in the 17th century. Exquisite sculptures depicting the characters of Hindu mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata can be seen on the walls. Inside the temple, in the Alangara Mandapa, musical pillars are carved out of a single granite block, with the sounds of different musical instruments like mridanga, sitar, tambura, and jalataranga. The huge divine Nandi bull carved in white stone and Lord Hanuman's 18 ft statue are noteworthy.

After finishing sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari, return back to Kovalam.

Overnight will be at Kovalam.

By Road
Distance 16 kms / 30 mins

Trivandrum – Mumbai

Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Spend some time at your own leisure and relax at the beach.

Later you will be transferred to the Trivandrum Airport to connect flight for Mumbai.

On arrival at Mumbai airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Briefing (Mumbai): It is the capital of Maharastra State and the gateway to this beguiling subcontinent. Of the four great cities in India, Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan, spear heading India's move into the 21st century. The word Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisherfolk, the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. The name Mumbai, in its final form, dates back to the 18th century. For Portuguese, the name Bombay is Good Bay ("Bom" "Bay" Good Bay). Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands. These islands of no great value were ceded to Portuguese in 1534 by the Sultan of Gujarat. The Portuguese in turn gave these islands to Englands's Chareless II as part of the wedding dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married England’s Charles II in 1661. In 1668, the British government leased the islands to the East India Company for 10 pounds per annum in the form of gold and Mumbai grew gradually to become centre of trade. 

Reach and check in at the hotel.

Relax and retire for night.

Day 16
Mumbai

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.

Today we take you to the sightseeing tour of Mumbai.

Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit.

Marine Drive: The marine drive is one of the best known aspects of Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. It is a circular stretch of road starting at Nariman Point and culminating at the Malabar Hills. The entire stretch measures about three kilometers. Marine Drive is officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, but it is seldom referred to with that name. It is counted as one of the tourist spots of Mumbai, and a large number of major tourist attractions are lined up around the stretch of this road. A trip around Marine drive can start at either ends. Starting from the Nariman Point end, a tourist can get a magnificent view of the entire stretch of the C- shaped road right up to its end. The skyline of the city looks as breathtaking as the serene sea.

Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The Gateway was built by the British and designed by the architect George Wittet. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay on March 31st, 1913. The Gate was formally opened in 1924.
It is 26m high structures, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the British Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. 

Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.
Hanging Gardens in Mumbai: On the Western side of the top of Malabar Hills, opposite the Kamala Nehru Park, lies the hanging gardens or the terraced gardens. Also called the Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, this is a beautiful place to experience the sunset across the horizon of the Arabian Sea. These are called hanging gardens because they are located on the slope of a hill. The Hanging Gardens was built early in the 1880’s, over Mumbai’s main reservoir. It is often said that these gardens wee made with the purpose to cover the water from the contaminating activities of the nearby Towers of Silence.

Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is popularly known by its acronym VT. Being the headquarters of the Central Railways in India, it is the western-most end point of the division and also the southern end point of the central and harbor lines of Mumbai's metropolitan rail transport system. A blend of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Indian architecture-is displayed by the wood carving, tiles, ornamental iron and brass railings, grills and balustrades in the station  It showcases advanced technical and structural designs  There is a statue of Queen Victoria on the dome of the station.  The first steam train in India-- from Mumbai to Thane was flagged off from here in 1853. It is one of the Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878.

Rajabai Clock tower: Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately decorated storeys the tower is 280ft.in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.

Finish the tour in the afternoon and return to the hotel. Enjoy shopping in the COLABA AREA.

Overnight will be at Mumbai.

By Air

Have a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel.

Later you will be transferred to the airport to connect flight for Goa.

Briefing (Goa) : Located on the western coast of India, in the Konkan coastal belt, Goa is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and is a ‘tourist’s paradise’. Legends have it that Lord Parshuram – an incarnation of the Lord Vishnu – created Goa. Panjim is the capital of Goa. It is located on the banks of the Mandovi River. Over the ages it has been ruled by several successive kingdoms – the Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims etc. However, Goa’s most famous rulers have been the Portuguese. On December 19, 1961, Goa was liberated from the Portuguese clutches by the Indian Army and made an Indian Union Territory. It attained Statehood in 1987.

Reach and check in at the hotel.

Rest of the day will be at your own leisure to relax at the beach.

Spend night at Goa.

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Goa.

Later proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Goa comprising of strong Portuguese heritage in its plazas, cathedrals and architecture.  Although it is best known for its 65 miles/105 km of magnificent, palm tree – lined beaches along the Arabian Sea, Goa has other attractions of significance.

Relax at the beach in the evening and spend night at the resort.

By Air

Have your breakfast at the hotel.

Spend some time at your own leisure at the beach.

Later you will be transferred to the airport to connect flight for Mumbai and back home. Return with sweet memories of India.

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