South India Tour – Incredible Cholas!!!
Day 01: Arrive New Delhi / Mumbai
Our South India Tour starts with your arrival at Mumbai / New Delhi international airport. Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel to relax from Jetlag.
Day 02: New Delhi/Mumbai Sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Delhi/Mumbai. Overnight at hotel.
Mumbai sightseeing: CST Terminus, Gateway of India, Marine drive, Crawford market, Juhu beach and other attractions etc.
Delhi Sightseeing: Red fort, Rajghat, Chandni chowk, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s tomb, Lotus temple, India gate, drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan & parliament house.
Day 03: New Delhi / Mumbai – Chennai
After breakfast on time transfer to airport to board flight to Chennai. On arrival met and transfer to hotel. Later half day sightseeing of Chennai. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Chennai – Chidambaram
After breakfast drive to Chidambaram.Check-in at Lakshmi Villas near Chidambaram – A 150 Years old Bungalow. Enjoy South Indian Traditional Vegan Lunch. Introduction to South Indian History and History of Cholas – A very interesting session by our expert Historians. Explore the marvelous Chidambaram, a stunning 12th-century architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, Nataraja. Immerse yourself in its intricate sculptures, vibrant rituals, and serene spiritual ambiance, reflecting South India’s rich cultural heritage. Live Cultural Show performed by local Villagers Dinner followed by rest
Day 05: Chidambaram – Kumbakonam
Morning Yoga and meditation. Traditional Breakfast. Explore the beautiful Veeranarayanan Lake built by the great Chola king during 935CE. The 16 Km tank has 16 sluice gates serving 100’s of villages. Visit nearby village – Kadambur. Explore a beautiful temple hidden with secrets. Meet the Villagers and their gardens. Understand the culture of people and their practices. Checkout from the resort and leave for a nearby Village called Swamimalai. Check-in to Indeco Resort. Visit a nearby village of Silk weavers. Understand the entire silk weaving process. Natural dyeing process. Live Cultural Show performed by local Villagers. Dinner followed by rest.
Day 06: Kumbakonam
Morning Yoga and Nature Walk. Enjoy a traditional South Indian festival breakfast, experiencing live preparation of 21 delicacies of village breakfast (Farm to Table). Engage with local villagers showcasing their culinary traditions. Resort Tour – enjoy the Resort hosting the largest museum created by a single person in the world. Bronze idol making workshop: Witness the exquisite craftmanship of the artisans, a lost wax method of bronze idols making. Leave for resort for lunch. Enjoy a walk at the banks of River Cauvery – Enjoy beautiful scenic settings at River bed. Enjoy Scrumptious South Indian delicacies. A traditional Lunch served at the Banyan Groove. Rest & relax. Enjoy the South Indian Kumbakonam Degree Coffee with a local delicacy. Explore the Architecture Marvel – Darasuram – UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jewellery of Chola. Explore the temple with an UNESCO Scholar. Return to Resort. Enjoy a special cultural event at the Resort (Folk Performance and Live Music) Enjoy South Indian Dinner with Live preparation.
Day 07: Kumbakonam
Morning Walk and relaxation at the resort. Enjoy a traditional South Indian festival breakfast, experiencing live preparation of 21 delicacies of village breakfast. Engage with local villagers showcasing their culinary traditions. Leave for Gangai Konda Cholapuram. Explore Gangai Konda Cholapuram, unravel fascinating stories of Rajendra Chola and his invasion, gaining insights into South Indian history. Return back to the Resort. Scrumptious South Indian lunch at the Resort. Rest and relax, enjoying a cup of traditional South Indian filter coffee. Visit Tirupurambayam Chola Battlefield, a significant site in South Indian history. Experience a scenic walk through the village and enjoy a live performance by local villagers. Savor village hospitality and snacks prepared by the locals. Discover a 1000-year-old Chola settlement, including a mysterious temple with hidden secrets—a true wonder of the Chola era. Cultural event at the Resort and grand South Indian Dinner.
Day 08: Kumbakonam – Thanjavur
Morning walk and relaxation. Enjoy South Indian Festival breakfast. Kumbakonam – The temple city tour. Visit Mahamaham and Adi Kumbeswarar Temple closely associated to Mahamaham Festival. Traditional shopping at Kumbakonam – Silk Sarees and Brass Utensils. Return to resort and checkout. Leave for Thanjavur. Check-in at Thanjavur. Traditional Lunch – Thanjavur Thazha vaazhai Virundhu at Sangam. Explore Thanjavur Big Temple – Rajaraajeecharam Temple, The Architecture marvel of the Cholas – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax at the Resort…take a walk along the banks of the river. Quick Dinner.
Day 09: Thanjavur
Morning walk along the fort walls of Thanjavur. Discover the water management of Maratha from Thanjavur. Enjoy South Indian Breakfast. Explore Veena Making, Thanjavur Doll making and Thanjavur Painting (GI Product). Visit the villagers house and explore these wonderful artifacts. Traditional Lunch at resort and checkout. Visit Maratha Palace. Drive to Chennai for airport transfer to board final departure transfer.