= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Southern India | Spices of the South
 A Southern Indian Temple |
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Click to download PDF itinerary:
7 days / 6 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Chennai | 3 |
| Madurai | 2 |
| Periyar/Thekkady | 1 |
Day 1 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 Coromandel (Luxury Room)
Day 2 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 Coromandel (Luxury Room)
Day 3 Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram
Drive to Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities, and see the Ekambareshwar and Kailashnathar temples. As well as being 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 Coromandel (Luxury Room)
Day 4 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 (Superior Room)
Day 5 Chettinad
A full day exploring the region of Chettinad to the east which has a rich culture and heritage. During its heyday the cities were famous for their lavish European style mansions but following World War II the area fell into decline and the once brightly coloured mansions are now in decay. Local craftsmen, however, practice their art in the markets and the temples are a lively meeting place (B,L).
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai (Superior Room)
Day 6 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 (B).
Spice Village (Standard cottage)
Day 7 Thekkady – Kochi
Drive to Kochi airport, where you start your Backwaters of Kerala journey or bid India’s tropical south goodbye (B).
*Flight not included.
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