GOA, TAMILNADU, PUDUCHERY  & KERALA

Day 1
Goa Arrival

GOA, known for its beaches with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea, a former Portuguese colony with a rich history, the small yet beautiful state has a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture attracting tourists from across the world.

On Arrival in Goa Airport, you will be met and transferred to Hotel. Day at Leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 2
Goa – North Goa Sightseeing

After Breakfast, the day is dedicated to the exploration of North Goa beaches. The charm of Goa beaches lies in its beautiful beaches lined on the seashore and attracts a huge crowd of Indian and international tourists. Some popular beaches that you can visit include Anjuna, Baga and Calangute. These beaches will allow you to indulge in water sports such as Para sailing, scuba diving and water skiing.

Goa is also known for its massive forts which were built by Indian rulers and Portuguese colonies which settled in Goa in the 15th century. The day’s invested in exploring the unbounded beauty of Calangute Beach. Besides, you can visit the famous ‘Fort Aguada’, whose major portions have been converted into a luxury hotel. Later, return to hotel for overnight stay in Goa.

Day 3
Goa: Half Day Local Sight Seeing + Boat Cruise in River Mandovi (Optional)

After Breakfast, proceed for half day local sightseeing of Old Goa. Visit Basilica of Bom Jesus, The Archaeological Museum, Sé Cathedral de Santa Catarina, church of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Augustine’s Tower, Panjim, Miramar, and Dona Paula Jetty.

Evening. Optional program, enjoy the boat cruise on the River Mandovi in the most attractive entertainment with live Goan Cultural Show and music on board. Later, return to Hotel for Overnight Stay

Day 4
Goa Chennai transfer by Air (Domestic flight)

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, proceed to Goa Airport to connect flight to Chennai.

On arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Hotel. Check in at Hotel. Standard check in time- 1400hrs, early check in subject to availability. Day at Leisure or free with chosen activities. Overnight stay in Hotel in Chennai.

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India. Located on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition. This ‘capital of the south’, is one among the four metropolitan siblings of India, having a rich cultural history, which it perfectly balances with its metropolis lifestyle.

Day 5
Chennai

After a leisurely breakfast in Hotel, proceed for city tour of Chennai. Visit Fort St. George Museum & Church, National Art Gallery, Kapaleeswara Temple, Valluvar Kottam Temple, Vadapalani Sri Murugan temple, if time permits, Sri Parthasarathi Temple in Thiruvallikeni. Later, spend some time at Marina Beach. Evening at Leisure and overnight stay in Hotel in Chennai.

Day 6
Pondicherry

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, check out & proceed to Puducherry, en-route stop at Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple. Built during the 7th century, Shore Temple is one of the oldest South Indian temples constructed in the Dravidian style and depicts the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. The work of the temple has been listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Five Rathas (Chariots): The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is an exemplary set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. The Rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata.

Arjuna’s Penance: The Arjuna’s Penance is an enormous rock-cut relief, one of the largest in the whole world. It is also known by the name ‘Descent of the Ganges’ because the structure depicts either or both of these two significant and symbolic events of Hindu mythology.

Later, continue to your travel to Puducherry. Pondicherry or Pondy, officially known as Puducherry, is a Union Territory. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds.

On Arrival, check in at Hotel. Later, if time permits, visit Arikamedu, an ancient Roman trade center, the ruins that carried the remnants of the Roman trade in India. Located at the mouth of the river Ariyankuppam and its name has been taken from the Tamil word- ‘Arikanmedu’ which means ‘eroding mount’. This port town was occupied by the people of Rome, Cholas, and French. It has been prevalent as a famous port town ever since the old Roman times.
Visit Auroville: conceived as the ‘Universal Town’: Auroville is one of those towns which appear to come to life right out of fiction. In the union territory of Pondicherry, this township runs on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and ‘divine consciousness’ which were the philosophy of the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Society, Mira Alfassa. You may also visit Aurobindo Ashram to experience and achieve spiritual knowledge, which is named after its creator- Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. Visit Bharathi Park & Botanical Garden.
Later, spend evening at Promenade Beach: Pondicherry beach is a different kind of beach with less sand and more rocks. Rest of the day at Leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 7
Thanjavur

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, check out from hotel and proceed to Thanjavur, Tanjore, which is known as city of temples.

Thanjavur has a lot of cultural value and is known for its famous Tanjore paintings, antiques and handicrafts, textiles and saris, its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples. Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization.

On arrival in Thanjore, visit Brahadeshwara Temple: The biggest attraction of Thanjavur, an architectural marvel, built during the reign of the Great Chola emperor, Raja Chola. The shrine itself is a 216feet structure. The sanctum is dotted with paintings from the Chola and Nayak periods. The statue of Nandi; the Bull welcomes at the entrance.
Also, visit Vijayanagar Fort & Royal Palace, a mixed bag of ruin and renovation, superb art and random royal paraphernalia. Later, travel to Trichy (Tiruchirapalli).
Later, check in at Hotel and spend rest of the day leisurely. Overnight stay in Hotel at Thanjavur.

Day 9
Thekkady (Periyar)

After breakfast, proceed by surface to Thekkady (Periyar).

Thekkady, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Set on an attractive lakeside, Periyar is the home to herds of Wild Tuskers, Bison and Spotted Deer. Upon arrival in Thekkady. We assist you to check in at Hotel. Afternoon proceed for the sightseeing of Boat Ride (optional, to be paid directly), Spice & Tea Plantations. Evening at Leisure.
Overnight in Hotel in Thekkady (Periyar).

Day 10
Kumarakom Transfer
Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, proceed to Kumarakom. On Arrival, check in at Hotel. Day at Leisure and overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom, an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting watch ways and canals adorned with white lilies. . The melting sun has painted the horizons in orange and crimson hues. Clad in the soft warmth of the golden yellow rays, the placid backwaters reveal the effervescent nature in all its true glory. At a distance, the dark silhouettes of the coconut palms are seen dancing to the rhythms of the gentle breeze.

Kumarakom known for its backwaters and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is rich with a number of noteworthy species including the Dater of Snake Bird, Little Cormorant, Night Heron, Golden Backed Breasted Water Hen and the tree Pie.

Day 11
Kumarakom
After breakfast, explore the scenic beauty of the Vembanadu Lake, day cruise, board on a House Boat for a thrilling experience in the magnificent backwater.

Lunch will be served on House Boat. Continue, Cruise through the Vembanadu Lake / Backwater. Later, checkout from House Boat and return to Hotel. Evening at Leisure.
Overnight stay in Hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 12
Kochi Sightseeing

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, check out from hotel and proceed to Kochi (Cochin)

Cochin, one of the finest harbour’s on the Arabian coastline, famous as a port for overseas trader’s from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala’s commercial hub.

On Arrival, proceed for half day Cochin City tour – Visit Fort Kochi and St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European Churches in India, Dutch Palace and the 1568 Jevish Synagogue. Visit the Chinese Fishing nets depicting ancient trade between Cochin and China.

Later, check in at Hotel. Relax rest of day with chosen activities. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kochi

Day 13
Departure Transfer

Breakfast is taken at Hotel. Later, proceed to Nedumbasseri International Airport, Cochin to connect flight for onward journey.

Flight Schedule:
END OF PROGRAM

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irPGDMX3qfE