AYURVEDA AND YOGA TOUR

25 Nights / 26 Days

Traverse the magnificent Pamban Bridge to Rameshwaram, relax in the cool hillsides of the Eastern Ghats, walk along the seashores of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, spend more than two weeks at Ayurvedic resorts receiving specialized treatments.

Itinerary Route: Chennai - Mamallapuram - Thanjavur - Swamimalai - Trichy - Madurai - Rameshwaram - Kovalam - Chennai

Day 1: Arrive Chennai (Madras)

You will be greeted by a Tour Packages India Representative and then escorted to your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights. After check-in, take the afternoon to tour Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai (excursion to Kanchipuram) (75 km / 2 hour drive)

Enjoy a full day excursion to Kanchipuram for a tour of this famous temple town and equally famous for their textiles. See "Local Attractions" for highlights of Kanchipuram.

Day 3: Chennai to Mamallapuram (55 km / 1.5 hour drive)

After check-out, take the short drive down to the beach resort town of Mamallapuram where you'll spend the next two nights. Spend the evening strolling through the town; later venture down to the beach and dine on fresh caught seafood.

Day 4: Mamallapuram

Spend the day sightseeing. By far and away, the most popular tourist attraction is Arjuna's Penance - one of the largest bas relief works of art in existence - carved out of the hillside rock it never fails to impress. Mamallapuram is famous as a pilgrimage town as well as being the seat of stone carving in South India and you'll see evidence of this especially on the way to the Five Rathas. Don't miss the Shore Temple, a rare item as it's the only monument in Mamallapuram "constructed" as opposed to being carved out of the rocky terrain of the town. Go to the beach and treat yourself to fresh fish in beachside restaurants while listening to the sounds of the surf.

Day 5: Mamallapuram to Thanjavur (280 km / 6 hour drive)

Drive to Thanjavur via Darasuram - famous for its Shiva Shrine ruins of Airavateshwara Temple which is one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. Named after the mythical white elephant, Airavata, known for his devotion to Lord Shiva, the temple is 85 feet tall and a must-see for its exquisite architecture, sculptures and paintings.

Day 6: Thanjavur to Swamimalai (28 km / 45 minute drive)

Take the short drive to Swamimalai and check into the resort of your choosing where you'll spend the next week. Take the day to settle in, explore the grounds, and relax.

Day 7 - Day 12: Swamimalai

Your typical day at Swamimalai:

0600 - 0630: Poojas and Rangoli
0630 - 0650: Initiation to Yoga
0650 - 0700: Meditation
0700 - 0800: Oil Massage / Royal Herbal Bath
0800 - 0900: Theme Breakfast
0900 - 1300: Sightseeing
1300 - 1400: Lunch
1400 - 1800: Sightseeing
1800 - 1900: Cultural performances/ traditional games
1930 - 2130: Theme Dinner
After 2130: Folk performance & folk tales

Day 13: Swamimalai to Trichy (90 km / 2 hour drive)

Drive to Trichy, check-in to your hotel and spend the day sightseeing. (See "Local Attractions")

Day 14: Trichy to Madurai (147 km / 3 hour drive)

Spend the morning driving to Madurai. Take the afternoon to enjoy the town (see "Local Attractions").

Day 15: Madurai to Rameshwaram to Madurai ( / hour drive)

Enjoy a full day excursion to Rameshwaram via a spectacular drive over the Pamban Bridge. (See "Local Attractions" for points of interest in Rameshwaram)

Day 16: Madurai to Kovalam (278 km / 6 hour drive)

Spend most of the day driving to Kovalam with stops along the way. Evening check-in to the Resort of your choice. Explore the town, dine by the beach, relax for the remainder of the day.

Day 17 to 24: Kovalam

Spend the next week undergoing Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurvedic programs are according to your choice of Accommodations.

Day 25: Kovalam to Chennai

Fly to Chennai to spend the night. Take the evening to explore the city.

Day 26: Chennai Departure

Transfer to airport after check-out to continue onward travels.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

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