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Southern India | Spices of the South

A Southern Indian Temple

Dynamic colours and contrasts of India’s South
The famous Sri Meenakshi Temple and a puja ceremony
Beach temples and the holy city of Kanchipuram
Visit a spice plantation
Game viewing in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

7 days / 6 nights

Location	Nights
Chennai	3
Madurai	2
Periyar/Thekkady	1

Day 01 Arrive Chennai

Arrive in the seafront city of Chennai, on the Coromandel Coast in the Bay of Bengal, where you are welcomed privately and transferred to your hotel.
Taj Fisherman’s Cove (Garden Cottage)

Day 02 Chennai

Chennai, the cultural centre of South India and capital of the modern state of Tamil Nadu is a fascinating mix of old and new. A city tour today includes an ancient Shiva Temple, the San Thome Cathedral, where the remains of St. Thomas are said to be housed, Fort St. George, built in 1653 by the British East India Company and the Government Museum (B).
Taj Fisherman’s Cove (Garden Cottage)

Day 03 Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram

Drive to Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities, and see the Ekambareshwar and Kailashnathar temples. As well as being known as a centre of learning and philosophy, Kanchipuram is famous for its delicate hand-woven silk fabrics. Visit a sari weaving centre to see how gold thread is transformed into exquisite patterns. After lunch visit the ancient Pallava capital of Mahabalipuram, the site of some remarkable seaside monuments. Visit the Pancha Rathas, a series of five temples cut from a single rock, the famous Shore Temple and last of all a magnificent open-air sculptural relief known as the “Descent of the Ganga”. Return to Chennai late this afternoon (B,L).
Taj Fisherman’s Cove (Garden Cottage)

Day 04 Chennai – Madurai

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Madurai. On arrival you are welcomed and transferred to the hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of this magnificent temple town. Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the huge Meenakshi temple for which Madurai is famous. The temple is a constant hive of activity so take the time to soak up the atmosphere: the smell of incense, flowers and ghee wafts through the air amidst a colourful array of pilgrims and priests. This evening return to the temple to witness a puja ceremony (B).
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai (Deluxe Room)

Day 05 Trichy & Chettinad

A full day exploring Trichy and the Chettinad region. Climb up to the top of the Rock Temple in Trichy for a wonderful view of the city, and visit the temple complex at Srirangam. Continue on to Chettinad to see the remains of a once flourishing city. The extreme wealth of the area was displayed in the form of lavish European style mansions, however, following World War II, the region declined and now the once brightly coloured mansions are in decay. A visit to this region provides an interesting contrast to the ancient temple towns of Trichy and Madurai (B).
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai (Deluxe Room)

Day 06 Madurai – Periyar – Thekkady

This morning drive to Periyar. This afternoon stroll through a spice plantation for a fascinating look at how crops such as pepper and nutmeg are grown and harvested. Finish your day with a boat ride on the lake at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – a great opportunity to spot wild elephants, gaur and deer (B).
Spice Village (Deluxe Villa)