Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

Sacred South India A magical tour through the spiritual riches and culture of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Marvel at the magnificent Shiva temples and admire the fusion of European and Asian architectural styles in Pondicherry and Cochin. Day 1: UK to Chennai Depart the UK on your overnight flight, via Dubai. Day 2: Chennai D On arrival, you will be met and transfer to your hotel. Day 3: Chennai B/L/D Today, visit Fort St. George, before driving along the elegant promenade by the world-famous Marina Beach taking you to Mylapore. Look inside the San Thome Basilica, the resting place of “Doubting Thomas”. Day 4: Chennai to Thiruvannamalai B/L/D Start in Mahabalipuram to explore its monolithic shrines and temples. Visit the Shore Temple, the cluster of temples known as the Five Rathas and the ‘Arjuna’s Presence’ bas-relief carving. From here continue to Thiruvannamalai. Day 5: Thiruvannamalai to Pondicherry B/L/D Visit the Arunachaleswara Temple, lying at the foot of the mountain of Arunachala. Pass the sanctum sanctorum which houses the ancient Agni Linga. Whilst exploring the Arunachala mountain, see the Virupaksha cave, before continuing on to Pondicherry. Day 6: Pondicherry B/L/D After breakfast take a rickshaw ride around Pondicherry’s French Quarter. Visit the Notre Dame des Anges and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. See how the New-Age philosophy was extended in the 1960s at nearby Auroville. Day 7: Pondicherry B/L/D Enjoy the day at leisure. Day 8: Pondicherry to Tanjore B/L/D Set off for Tanjore, via Chidambaram to visit the Nataraja Temple. Continue to Tanjore to enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner at your hotel. Day 9: Tanjore B/L/D This morning see the Brihadeeswarar Temple and Royal Palace before an afternoon at leisure and an evening cooking demonstration of Indian cuisine. Day 10: Tanjore to Madurai B/L/D Following breakfast, transfer to Madurai. After lunch visit “Potters Village” of Vilacheri. In the evening pay a visit to the Meenakshi Temple. Day 11: Madurai to Munnar B/L/D Travel to Munnar, and enjoy a day at leisure. Day 12: Munnar B/L/D Gaze upon the lake created by the Mattupetty Dam and see the hills at Echo Point. Visit a tea plantation and on your way back, see the Honey Bee Tree. Return to the hotel for dinner. Day 13: Munnar to Cochin B/L/D In the morning, drive to Cochin, then enjoy an afternoon walking tour of Fort Cochin. Witness the St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. Marvel at a Kathakali dance performance at a cultural centre, before dinner at your hotel. Day 14: Cochin to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, via Dubai, or continue on to your chosen extension Meenakshi Amman Hindu Temple, Madurai No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £349 Private Tour Upgrade From £199 . Includes a private guide, transport and choice of departure date. < Cochin Munnar       Madurai Tanjore Pondicherry Thiruvannamalai Chennai < Coach Air Tour highlights ✔ Explore the Pancha Bhuta Temples ✔ Discover the history of Chennai ✔ Visit the Arunachaleswara Temple ✔ Marvel at the mythical red Mountain of Arunachala ✔ Tour of Pondicherry’s French Quarter Tour includes • All meals included • 3, 4 and 5 H accommodation: Chennai-The Residency, Tirvuannamalai- Sparsa Resort, Pondicherry-Shenbaga Hotel, Tanjore-Hotel Parisutham, Madurai-JC Residency, Munnar-Elysium Garden Hill Resorts, Cochin-Le Meridien Kochi • Flights from London Heathrow with Emirates (via Dubai). Regional departures available from Stansted, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester Extend your tour Dubai city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £129 Kerala beach stay, 3 nights, Full Board 5 H from £399 Kerala Houseboat stay, 1 night, 5 H & 3 nights in a houseboat from £499 Tour pace: Challenging Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865 14 days from £1,279 Visit our website or call for full prices and departure dates 146 Southern Asia P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £199