Day 4 Raja Tours Pondicherry

Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Overview Pondicherry is synonymous with the Aurobindo Ashram. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926, it is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry and is visited by thousands of people from all over the world. The ashram is also the place of Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Overview The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the highly revered religious places in Pondicherry and is located on the south boulevard of the town. This beautiful church is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is adorned with colourful stained glass panels illustrating the life events of Jesus Christ. A significant place of worship for Christian devotees in the country, the church is a must-visit when visiting Pondicherry. Visit Flower market, very interesting and typical.

Day 5 Raja Tours Pondicherry /Pondichery/ Chidambaram/ Gangaikonda Cholapuram / /

On the way Visit the temple of Shiva at Chidambaram very impressive. The temple complex is spread over an area of 40 acres (160,000 m2) in the heart of the city. The main complex is dedicated to Shiva Nataraja and the complex contains shrines to deities such as Shivakami Amman, Ganesh, Murugan and in the form Govindaraja Perumal. Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built during medieval India and was erected as the capital of the Cholas by Rajendra Chola I, the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola, the great Chola who conquered a large area in South India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Sumatra, Kadaram (Kedah in Malaysia), Cambodia and others at the beginning of the A.D Visit Darasuram also

Day 6 Raja Tours Thanjavur

Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore, is a city in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. The district is located in the delta of the Cauvery River and is mostly agrarian. Visit Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple : This temple is popularly known as Thanjai “Periya Koil” [Big Temple]. The Great Chola Emperor Raja Raja Cholan I [985-1012], dedicated this temple to Lord Siva in the year 1010 AD . This temple celebrated its 1000th year of existence in the year 2010. It is located amidst fortified walls presumed to have been added in the 16th century. This great temple speaks about the architectural excellence of the region. The Tower above the sanctum Sanctorum is 216 feet tall. This tower is one of the tallest tower of its kind in the whole world. The Palace : It is just 1 km from the Big Temple. Little fort and Big fort are the two forts in this town. The Thanjavur Palace is situated in the Big Fort. This fort was raised by the Vijayaraghava Nayak dynasty in a sprawling 110 acre area The art gallery has fabulous collection in bronze icons. The Stone Sculptures are unique and of priceless quality

Day 7 Raja Tours Thanjavur / Trichy / Chettinad

ROCKFORT : It is also called as Ucchi Pillaiyar Kovil. It is in the heart of the city. This is a 275 ft tall Rock Structure. It is amazing to hear, this structure is one of the oldest and calculated close to million years old. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam It is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in South India rich in legend and history. Its location, on an island in Cauvery river, The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls (termed prakarams (outer courtyard) or mathil suvar) with a total length of 32,592 feet or over six miles. This temple has 21 gopurams (towers), 39 pavilions, fifty shrines, Ayiram kaal mandapam (a hall of 1000 pillars) and several small water bodies inside. Chettinadu the Land of Heritage and Devotion . The origin of the Nagaraththar or the successful Trading Community of Chettiars, also called as the Nattukottai Chettiars begins in the 13th century when the Nattu Kottai Chettiars migrated from the Kaveripoompattinam presumably after a massive and devastating flood . Today this region is well known for their food, so we stop there to taste their delicious food.

Day 8 Raja Tours Chetinad/ Madurai

It is called as Thoonga Nagaram that means a City that never Sleeps. Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple : Meenakshi is the Presiding Deity of this 2500 years old Temple, popularly called as Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, a town by itself, is located in the heart of the Madurai town. Lord Siva is named as Sundareswarar in this temple Meenakshi means [meen = Fish, akshi= eyes] Goddess with Fish Shaped Eyes. Meenakshi Amman Temple is an elegant twin temple of Sundareswarar and Meenakshi and the life of Madurai City revolves around this temple. Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal : It was built by Thirumalai Nayakar and it is 1 ½ km from the temple. This Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Islamic achitecture. Stucco work on the domes and arches are very attractive.

Day 9 Raja Tours Madurai / Periyar

It is notable as both a elephant reserveand a tiger reserve. The protected area covers an area of 925 km2(357 sq mi). 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. The park is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and the Pamba. There are 35 species of mammals recorded in the park, including many threatened species. It is an important tiger and elephant reserve.

Day 10 Raja Tours Periyar / Munnar

Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave Visite spice garden, Tea factory and and free time in the beautiful landscape. Possibility of trekking is available here

Day 11 Raja Tours Munnar / Backwaters ( House Boat )

The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala state in southern India. It is one of the best attraction of South India, You will serve Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast next moring. One of the best memory of lifetime. Watch Extraordianry landscape of Kerala. Night at Houseboat Day 12 Raja Tours Backwaters / Cochin

Kochi also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in colonial India. It remained the main seat of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state. Visit Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi Visit St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Mattancherry

Day 13 Raja Tours Cochin / Fly Back to Home

Transfert to airport according to your flight