Route: Chennai(2N) – Mysore(3N) – Kozhikode(1N) – Cochin(2N) – Kumarakom(1N) – Periyar(1N) – Madurai(1N) – Trichy(1N) – Tanjore(1N) – Pondicherry(1N) – Mamallapuram(3N) – Chennai
Date: From 17 February 2024 to 6 march 2024
Chennai, the former Madras. The port city in southeast India is located on the Coromandel Coast. It was once an important center of the British Empire in India. The city’s ancient temples still bear witness to Chennai’s two-thousand-year history. We will first show you the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the 16th century Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Then you will drive past Fort George, the famous Marina Beach and St. Thomas Cathedral. This was built in honor of the Apostle Thomas, who is said to have been in India.
International flight to Chennai
After being welcomed at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Rooms available from 2 pm onwards.
In the morning you will first go on a city tour of Chennai, the former Madras. The port city in southeast India is located on the Coromandel Coast. It was once an important center of the British Empire in India. The city's ancient temples still bear witness to Chennai's two-thousand-year history. We will first show you the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the 16th century Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Then you will drive past Fort George, the famous Marina Beach and St. Thomas Cathedral. This was built in honor of the Apostle Thomas, who is said to have been in India.
Today you travel with the Shatabdi Express express train (departure 6:00 a.m., arrival 1:00 p.m.) to the garden and maharaja city of Mysore. Trip to Somnathpur to see the unique Hoysala Temples. Check in, dinner and overnight at the hotel in Mysore
In the morning you will visit the Maharaja Palace, which magnificently combines Hindu and Indo-Saracenic architecture. After lunch break, drive to Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city. On the way you will meet the gigantic bull Nandi, a 5 m high monolith. The city's colorful fruit and spice market offers attractive photo opportunities. Overnight in Mysore
Trip to Srirangapattanam. the former capital of King Tipu Sultan. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or your own programs. If possible, spend an evening with a typical Indian family to gain a brief insight into family life. Overnight in Mysor
A fascinating city walk in the old town if time allows us
This port city was already a famous trading point for spices in ancient times. You will visit the oldest Jewish settlement and synagogue as well as one of the oldest Franciscan churches, where Vasco da Gama was once buried. You will also be able to admire the Dutch Palace and the famous Chinese fishing nets today.
In the morning, stroll through the city to admire the historic buildings and fishing life. In the afternoon you have the option of taking a harbor trip on a private boat. But this is optional, so you have to pay extra. If you don't want to join in, you can chill out by the pool.
Today you explore the lagoon system of the backwaters by boat. Coconut palms and small settlements line the banks of the canals, which are used as transport routes. Overnight stay on the houseboat. An unforgettable experience!
Drive through beautiful mountain scenery to the spice town of Kumily in Periyar. Visit to a Guwürz garden with a botanical tour, where all the plants are explained.
Drive to Madurai. Madurai is one of the oldest cities in South Asia. The main attraction of our sightseeing tour through Madurai is the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple with its five huge gate towers decorated with figures. The famous temple is bustling with activity from early morning until night, with new groups of pilgrims constantly arriving, some of whom have been traveling for weeks.
Drive to Trichy, also known as Thiruchirapally. Visit the world famous Ranganatha Temple, one of the 5 largest temples in India.
After breakfast, climb the sacred rock temple (432 steps) and the Hall of a Thousand Pillars. Enjoy the entirety of the impressions: the believers, the liveliness of the bazaars, the many interlocking courtyards, etc. Then drive to Tanjavur. In Tanjore or Tanjavur visit the world famous Brihadeshwara Temple. We also look at the production of bronze casting art, which has been made in the area for 1000 years.
The former French colony has retained the flair of a French port city. The French colonial period in Pondicherry began in 1673 when the French East India Company bought the small coastal village from the Sultan of Bijapur. As a result, Pondicherry became a bridgehead for French economic interests in India and soon developed into a thriving colony. To protect their settlement, the French expanded their defenses. In the 19th century, the city's importance declined as French colonial interest turned to Indochina. After the February Revolution in 1848, all residents were declared French citizens. In addition, the famous ashram of the Indian spiritual master Shri Aurobindo “Auroville” is also worth seeing.
Drive to Mamallapuram. Overnight stay at the beach hotel.
All day to relax on the beach.
All day to relax on the beach.
Mamallapuram – Chennai (55 km / 1 hour) to connect flight back home
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