South India Tour 14 days
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Description
KERALA INDIEN INDIVIDUELL ERLEBEN MIT DEM BADEURLAUB INDIEN
Tour Highlights
- Hike in the jungle.
- Experience temples like Chidambaram Natraja, Gagaikundacholapuram, Darasuram, Brihdeshwara, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Trichi Fort, Madurai Meenakshi.
- Visit spice plantation
- Houseboat accommodation with full board on the backwaters of Kerala, India
- Round trip with a beach holiday on the beach in Kerala, India
- Mahabalipuram
- Chettinadu HeritageHouse stay
- Bicycle rickshaw in Madurai
- Kathakali dance performance
There is so much to see in Kerala India, we set out to experience it all. From Chennai to the Western Ghats, we travel across the country, full of beauty and splendor. We discover the temples of Mahabalipuram, the ruins of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the untouched beauty of Chettinad, and the tea plantations, walls of Munnar that enchant us. The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is a wonder and the Periyar Tiger Reserve is an adventure. The backwaters of Allepey are so quiet, we float past, relaxing and enjoying the view. In Kochi we visit the fort and the beach, and admire the exotic Kathakali dance. And at the end of our adventure, we know that South India has captured our hearts forever. IndiaReiseleiter.de, thank you for the best time in Kerala India, we will never forget these memories.
Tour Plan
Tour Plan
Early arrival in Chennai, greeting at the airport by the company representative or driver. You take a short orientation tour through Chennai.
You will visit Kapileshwara Temple, St. Thomas Cherry . Take the photo break at the Marina beach. Only see FORT, government buildings, etc. while driving. Later transfer to the beach hotel in Mahabalipuram. The time is at your leisure.
- Today you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex, which includes a beautifully located coastal temple and the “Five Rathas”.
Mahabalipuram was a major center of maritime trade with Southeast Asia during the heyday of the Pallava dynasty between the 5th and 8th centuries. Numerous impressive temples were built during this time, many of which have been excellently preserved to this day. The Five Rathas, five monolithic mock temples and three animal figures (elephant, lion and bull), have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and are known worldwide.
The rock relief Arjuna's Penance, which describes the Hindu myth of the descent of the Ganges, is the largest rock relief in the world and attracts many visitors. The coastal temple (SHORE TEMPLE), dedicated to the god Shiva, one of the oldest stone temples in the south of the subcontinent, is the landmark of Mahabalipuram and impresses with its size and majestic appearance.
It was the first phase of stone carving in India.
From there you have a view of Bengaal Bay. The coast was previously called the Koremandala Coast. It was a port city and there were many traders from Arabia, China and South Asian countries there.
Then drive today in the direction of the former French colony. On the way you will visit Auroville. Auroville is a spiritual community and experimental city in southern India, founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and Sri Aurobindo. It is known for its vision of unity, diversity and sustainability.
Auroville is famous for its unique architecture, the Matrimandir, cultural diversity, sustainable initiatives and social commitment. It is a place where people from different backgrounds live in peace and harmony and work together towards a sustainable and spiritual way of life.
Then drive to Pondicherry, where you visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram , the spiritual center of the followers of Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa. Then you should go to Promenade Street, where you can notice the French influences on many buildings.
You will drive in the direction of Chidambaram Temple(Natraja).
Today you will get the idea about the South Indian temples. Chidambaram Temple , also known as Nataraja Temple, is a famous Hindu temple in the city of Chidambaram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva and is often considered the spiritual center for Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form.
The Chidambaram Temple has a long history dating back to the 9th century and has been expanded and remodeled by various royal dynasties over the centuries. The temple is known for its impressive architecture, especially its magnificent gopuram, which forms the main entrance to the temple and is decorated with colorful sculptures and carvings.
The main altar of the temple is dedicated to the dance of Shiva, known as Nataraja. A golden statue of Nataraja is venerated at the center of the temple and attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. The temple is also known for its ritual dances and musical performances that take place in the temple building during various religious festivals and ceremonies.
Another notable feature of the Chidambaram Temple is the sacred hall theater known as Kanaka Sabha, which is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate paintings on the walls.
The Chidambaram Temple is not only an important spiritual place in South India but is also a significant cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. It attracts visitors with its rich history, impressive architecture, cultural performances and spiritual significance.
Then head towards former capital of Chola, Gangaikunda Cholapuram .
Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a historical place in Tamil Nadu, South India, known for its temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple was built in the 11th century by King Rajendra Chola I, one of the great rulers of the Chola dynasty. It was built as a symbol of power and glory of the Chola dynasty.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is known for its magnificent architecture and detailed sculptures. The temple complex consists of a main temple with a gigantic Shiva lingam, various shrines and pillared halls. The highlight of the temple is the large Nandi monument, which depicts the bull-riding attendant of Shiva and is considered one of the largest Nandi statues in India.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is also known for its artistic depiction of episodes from Hindu mythology and history on the walls and gopurams (gate towers) of the temple. The detailed sculptures depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Hindu eras.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant cultural heritage, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The place also offers insights into the history, culture and architecture of the Chola dynasty, which once played a major role in South Indian history.
Today, get your own idea of the great evidence of ancient Tamil civilization.
You drive to the resort hotel.
The place is called Kumbhakonam . Kumbakonam is also known for its delicious coffee served with pure cow's milk.
Try this special style, the filter café in the hotel.
You drive to the city-Trichy for the excursion. There are largest active Hindu temples in the world. The Ranganathaswamy Temple , or Ranganatha Temple, is a Hindu temple in Srirangam. It is one of the largest temples in India and is considered one of the most important Vaishnava temples of the god Vishnu.
Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is spread over an area of around 63 hectares and is surrounded by seven concentric ramparts and 21 towers, making it one of the largest temple complexes in the world. The temple is known for its magnificent architecture that features a mix of Dravidian and Indo-Islamic style elements.
The main temple of Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to the god Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu. The main altar of the temple contains a gigantic reclination of the god, called Ranganatha, which is considered one of the largest sculptures of Vishnu in the world. The temple complex also contains numerous shrines to other deities such as Lakshmi, Rama, Krishna and Hanuman.
The Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is an important site for Hindu pilgrimages and attracts devotees from all over India. The temple is known for its ritual ceremonies, festivals and processions that take place throughout the year and attract thousands of devotees.
The temple is also known for its religious significance, cultural significance and architectural beauty and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.
Then return back to the resort hotel.
Before arriving to the hotel, make a stop at Darasuram .
The Airavateswara Temple in Darasuram was built in the 12th century by King Rajaraja II of the Chola Dynasty and is dedicated to the god Shiva. The temple is part of the so-called “Great Living Chola Temples”, a group of temples in Tamil Nadu that have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The temple is also called Darasuram .
The architecture of Airavateswara Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is known for its delicate stone carvings. The temple complex consists of a main temple with a vimana (dome), a mandapa (pillared hall) and a large courtyard. The walls and pillars of the temple are decorated with ornate sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals and mythological figures.
Particularly notable is the temple's mandapa, known for its 108 dancing Natarajas, the cosmic dance of Shiva. These sculptures are depicted in various poses and gestures and are considered a masterpiece of Indian sculpture art.
Then 15 minutes away it is Airavateswara Temple(Darasuram). It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims who are fascinated by its cultural significance and architectural beauty. A visit to the temple is an opportunity to experience the magnificent architecture and spiritual atmosphere of this important South Indian Hindu temple.
There is free time for personal activities. E.g. Ayurveda Message, etc.
Again new day will be ready to give you new impressions. Fifty minutes away is your destination.
You continue to Tanjore. The city is marked by the splendor of the Chola rulers. Here you will visit the famous Brihadeshwara Temple (UNESCO). It is considered a landmark of the city.
Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as Rajarajeswara Temple, is a Hindu temple. It is one of the most famous temples in India and is considered a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
The Brihadeeswara Temple was built in the 11th century by King Rajaraja I of the Chola Dynasty and is dedicated to the god Shiva. It is known for its enormous size and impressive architecture. The temple complex is spread over an area of about 27 hectares and consists of several shrines, halls, courtyards and pillars.
The main temple of Brihadeeswara Temple is the Shiva shrine, which is crowned by a huge dome, also called vimana. The Vimana is more than 60 meters high and is considered one of the largest solid granite domes in the world.
The temple is also known for its intricate stone carvings, including sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals and mythological scenes that adorn the temple walls and pillars.
Brihadeeswara Temple is also known for its religious rituals and festivals that take place throughout the year and attract large numbers of devotees. A particularly important day in the temple is Mahashivaratri, a Hindu festival honoring Shiva, which is celebrated with great devotion and splendor at the Brihadeeswara Temple.
The Brihadeeswara Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world every year who are fascinated by its cultural significance, architectural splendor and spiritual atmosphere. A visit to Brihadeeswara Temple is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and cultural richness of this important Hindu temple. Perfect symmetries, numerous frescoes and paintings will delight you.
Then drive to Chettinad district. Chettinad is home to the Nattukottai Chettiar merchant caste and is known for its rich architectural and cultural heritage. Apart from its architecture, the Chettinad region is known for its culinary tradition. A particularly tasty variant of Indian cuisine is cultivated in the region. Chettinad cuisine is characterized by its meat dishes. Tamil cuisine is otherwise predominantly vegetarian.
Chicken Chettinad is the most famous dish of Chettinad cuisine. There are numerous Chettinad restaurants that specialize in non-vegetarian food. They are found throughout Tamil Nadu.
The rest of the day is free. You will stay overnight in a heritage house (Nattukotai Chettiar House).
- Today's destination is the pilgrim city of Madurai. Here you will visit the 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace.Then drive to Meenakshi Temple. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, who is considered to be an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Built over several centuries, the temple is known for its magnificent architecture and detailed carvings depicting Hindu deities, mythical animals and episodes from Hindu legends.One of the most striking features of the Meenakshi Amman Temple are the gopurams, the monumentally designed entrance towers that surround the temple. There are a total of 14 gopurams in the temple complex, of which the southern main gopuram is the most impressive at a height of over 50 meters. Decorated with a variety of sculptures, reliefs and paintings, the gopurams are true masterpieces of Dravidian architecture.
Inside the temple are several shrines, including the Meenakshi Shrine and the Shiva Shrine, as well as shrines to other Hindu deities. The temple is known for its religious rituals and ceremonies regularly performed by devotees, including prayers, offerings and processions.
Meenakshi Amman Temple also has great cultural significance as it is a center for the promotion of art, music and dance. The temple serves as a venue for various religious and cultural events, including music and dance performances, theater performances and religious festivals such as the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, which celebrates the marriage of Meenakshi and Shiva.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is not only a religious center but also an important tourist spot. Visitors can admire the fascinating architecture, experience the spiritual atmosphere and explore the rich Hindu culture and history. The temple is also a popular destination for photographers and art lovers who admire the intricate carvings and sculptures.
If you are interested, you can visit again in the evening to experience prayer ceremony.
Today you continue to Periyar. An animal sanctuary, national park. Within the national park lies the 26 km² large Periyar reservoir and the national park and is close to the Periyar River, which rises in the Western Ghats and flows into the Arabian Sea after 244 km.
In the afternoon you can take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.
You visit nearby spice plantations in a farm. The spice plantations in Kerala are fascinating farms to wander as different spices are grown in different sections of each plantation.
Then you can visit a restaurant and taste typical country dishes.
Today you are doing the hike with the people who were former hunters/poachers of elephants and tigers and have stopped everything. They are the residents and are trained by the government and given jobs to protect the jungle and wildlife.
It is an interpretive sandal-wood conservation tracking program that provides an excellent opportunity to observe birds, butterflies and other wildlife through a range of habitats during the 4-5 km, 2.5 hour hike.
Thekaddy is also known for Ayurveda therapy. That's why we make the appointment for the Ayurvedic massage therapy in advance. You will spend around 3 hours in an Ayurveda center, where you will get an idea of Ayurvedic therapy.
The rest of the day is free.
Note: If you do not want to experience the message, we can plan the Kalaripayattu combat demonstration for you.
Kalaripayattu is a traditional Indian martial art that originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is often considered one of the oldest known martial arts in the world and is considered an important part of Kerala's cultural heritage. Kalaripayattu encompasses a variety of techniques including attack and defense techniques, weapon combat, body control, breath control and yoga.
Optional:
1. Full day hiking and rafting tour.
This is a dawn to dusk day trip through some of the richest forest areas in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8am from the boat dock, you'll traverse a mosaic of habitats before embarking on bamboo rafts. The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals such as giant squirrels and Nilgiri langurs. The rafting lasts about three hours and you get a panoramic view of forest-covered hills reflected in the lake. Animals like elephants, gaurs and sambar deer are often seen on the banks of the lake.
The team returns to the boat dock around 5 p.m. An armed escort and four guides will accompany a maximum of 15 tourists. Tea, snacks and a packed lunch are served along the way. This package is an excellent program for nature enthusiasts to experience the beauty of nature.
After breakfast you drive on the winding road to Kumarakom. On the way there are wonderful views of tea-coffee, cocoa and spice plantations.
In Kumarakom you can take a boat trip through the fascinating water landscape of the backwaters, an exotic labyrinth of palm-fringed lagoons, rivers and canals.
The air-conditioned boat has everything you need for a pleasant journey and an overnight stay; an air-conditioned bedroom with bath and shower. There is an airy lounge and a small galley.
( **** Note >>>> * The air conditioning is only turned on between 7 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the morning. * If you have large luggage, it is better to only take the things with you You only need for one night. E.g. toothpaste, toothbrush, mosquito repellent, medicine, etc. Your luggage can stay safely in your car.)
Lunch, dinner, breakfast and overnight stay in houseboat (called as Kettuvallams).
Enjoy the morning atmosphere on board and the sunrise in the backwaters. The fishermen come to the water to fish and the villages on the banks come to life with activity. Experience seas of palm trees and paradisiacal silence before you dock your houseboat back in Alleppey and start the transfer to Marari Beach, which is only about 45 minutes away. Here you will spend the next two nights in a quiet bungalow complex on the beach with a wide, green garden.
India Kerala is known for its Ayurveda treatments and your resort offers you the perfect setting to pamper yourself in the on-site spa. This South India tour with a beach holiday will be an experience!
You can plan the next two days of your trip according to your wishes. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on the beach, swim in the wonderfully warm water or relax in a hammock with a good book.
Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage or take a walk along the beach on a beach holiday in India. Try the delicious Indian cuisine in the hotel restaurant and use the time to reflect on the previous events and the impressions of your trip through India! This South India tour with a beach holiday will be an experience!
Today you leave the beach hotel and enjoy the charming port city of Kochi in all its facets and walk in the footsteps of its colonial past. You see the Chinese nets where the fishermen catch the fish.
Today's program includes the Mattancherry district with the Jewish synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the Franciscan Church. You will quickly notice that the city experienced a diverse colonial period and that a number of European influences still shape the cityscape today.
In the evening you will attend a Kathakali dance performance. Drama, dance, music and ritual – the stories of the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana sparkle with energy.
Today it is time to say goodbye to India.
After breakfast we will arrange a transfer to the airport for you, from where you can start your journey home.
Please note that all of our India tours are carried out individually and on a private basis. The proposed route from Tamil Nadu to Kerala is simply a suggestion of how our components can be combined into a private tour.
We have deliberately not completely planned every day in order to give you room for optional programs to suit your taste. If you would like further adjustments or additions, please contact us. We will be happy to advise you and put together an individual tour that suits your preferences and budget!
If you are interested in a beach holiday in India or an Ayurvedic treatment, let us know.
Tour Map
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Price Packages
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Travel Period
Price Per Person
Includes
Historical Landmarks Exploration- Scenic Ferry Journeys
- Cultural Insights
- Underwater Adventures
- Pristine Beach Exploration
- 08 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar with daily breakfast.
- Budget 3 star travel offer we use Toyota Etios.
- For deluxe and luxury we use exclusive air-conditioned car – Toyota Innova
- Private transfers in an air-conditioned car (as described)
- All entrance fees as described in the tour program.
Excludes
Historical Landmarks Exploration- Scenic Ferry Journeys
- Cultural Insights
- Underwater Adventures
- Pristine Beach Exploration
- International as well as domestic flights and airport fees.
- Any type of insurance such as trip cancellation costs, travel sickness, luggage or Corona travel protection. Visa fees are not included in the price.
- Separate camera and video fees during sightseeing (Although most Indian destinations do not charge a separate photo fee.)
- Tips for local tour guides and drivers are not included in the price.
- All expenses for personal purposes.
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