South India Tour with Aranmula Boat Race Kollam
(15 Days / 14 Nights)
  (Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Trichy-Karikudi-Madurai-Palakkadu-Cochin-Alleppey-Kollam-Kovalam-Trivandrum)

Welcome to South India
Welcome

Rajasthan

North India

South India

East India

North East

Kerala

Gujarat

Kashmir

Ladakh

Himachal

Sikkim

Bhutan

Nepal

Tibet

Adventure

Bird Watching

WildLife

Safaris

Temples

Goa/Beaches

Special Tours

Train Tours

Ayurveda

Yoga

Festivals

Hotels

Car Rental

View All Tours

References

South India Temple, South India Tour

South India Tours

South India Intensive

Karnataka Tour

South India Wild Life

Sandalwood Spice

South India Honeymoon

South India Temple

South India Coastal

Deccan India

South India Tour

South India Horse Safari

Best of South India

26 Days South India Tour
Temple and Tiger Tour
Bird Watching in South India
15 Days South India Tour
South India Train Tour
14 Days South India Tour
Rajasthan and South India Tour
South India Tour

Kerala Tours

Kerala Beaches Tour

Kerala Backwater Tour

Kerala Coconut Land

6 Days Kerala Tour

6 Days Kerala Backwaters Tour

7 Days Kerala Tour

Kerala Short Tour

Kerala Honeymoon Tour

8 Days Kerala Tour

8 Days Kerala Holiday Package

Kerala Holiday Tour

10 Days Kerala Tour

Kerala Ayurveda Tour


Aranmula boat race is one the most popular events in Kerala. It is one event where one can see the true meaning of friendly rivalry. In Kerala, Aranmula boat race is celebrated on the last day of the 7-day long Onam festival. The Aranmula boat race of Kerala is held at Sri Parthasarathy temple where thousands of people assemble to cheer up for the participants of the boat race.

The snake boats are usually 100 feet long, that have a tapering end, which stands up like a scorpion's tail. It is capable of accommodating more than 100 people. There are usually around 100 oarsmen, 20 singers and 4 helmsmen on a single boat. The objective of the race is not winning a trophy. The boats have keep up with each other's speed and try to reach the finish line simultaneously. This promotes healthy attitude among people and everyone enjoys while cheering and watching the boatmen trying to keep up with each other. The boats are beautifully decorated and ornamented with red silk umbrellas. It is basically the time to enjoy and spread cheer.
 

The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.


Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallomkali is conducted in the Pamba River in front of Sri Parthasarathi Temple. Though, large snake boats take part in this festival they do not race with each other. Instead, they row in union, to the accompaniment of songs and reach their destination together because Lord Krishna is believed to be present in each boat. Since 1971 this procession has taken the present form of a race conducted by the Palliyoda Seva Sangh.

Each boat, nearly 100 feet long, is a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, with the stem curved to resemble the hood of a snake and a tampering bow. Festooned with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, the boats are manned by a crew of more than 100 men.

Location : Kerala
Main Attractions : 
100 Feet Long Boat Races
Centre of Activity : 
Village Aaranmula
Held In : 
August / September
 

Aranmula Boat Race dates

Monday, August 31, 2015
 

Day 01: Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Around midnight arrival at the Chennai airport. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by our representative and drive to Mahabalipuram and transferred into the resort. Mamallapuram is a historical retreat set amidst natural beauty, about 58 km south of Chennai. Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram, the city of Bali. This ancient city is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This ancient place was the major seaport of the Pallava dynasty and was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Mamallapuram is globally known for the famous shore temples.

Day 02: Mahabalipuram

Today in the morning after breakfast we take a short trip to the shore temples. The Shore temple is located on a rocky hill very close to the sea. This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. After visiting the shore temples we visit the Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is known for its silk sarees all over India and world. After having a small visit to Kanchipuram we return back to the resort. Evening at leisure to spent the day at the beach.

Day 03: Mahabalipuram - Trichy

Today after an early morning breakfast we leave Mahabalipuram and drive to Trichy. Upon arrival at Trichy check into your hotel and relax. Trichy is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. Once the citadel of the Cholas, this strategic city, was much too benevolent, under the rule of the Nayaks of Madurai. In the evening we visit the famous Srirangam Temple and the famous Rock Fort Ganesha Temple.

Day 04: Trichy - Karikudi

Today morning we proceed towards Karikudi. On arrival you will be transferred to the Bangala home stay. This home stay belongs to the local Chettiar family and is a quaint assortment of buildings, built over the last 75 years, that has been recently renovated and restored as a Heritage Hotel for visitors to Chettinad. Today we explore Karaikudi with its fabulous mansions, and its many temples and also visit various antique shops and the Village market.

Day 05: Karikudi - Madurai

Today we will drive to Madurai. Madurai, the city of Nectar is located on the banks of the River Vaigai in the south of Tamil Nadu. It is the second largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also considered as an important cultural and commercial centre of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is known for the famous Meenakshi temple dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi. Today, this splendid temple is also known for its imposing gopurams that soar over the city. This temple, which is the centre of social and religious activity, attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over the world. In the evening we will visit the temple to witness the famous night ceremony when the temple bronze of Lord Siva is carried to the bedchamber of Goddess Parvati with some religious prayers and music.

Day 06: Madurai - Palakkadu

Today we drive towards Palakkadu. Nearly all the agricultural land you will pass on the way here from Palakkad belonged to the Kandath family. Their impressive ancestral home was built on part of the estate in 1794 using mud and teak. In the evening we have a walk through the winding roads through an unspoilt countryside and paddy fields together with a visit to the local village temple to watch the evening rituals and pooja. Overnight stay at the house.

Day 07: Palakkadu
In the morning, one can have a trek to the “Chaya Kada” (corner tea shop) and as well as Visit the local temple, where the presiding deity is Lord Siva. As this a family temple so the non Hindus accompanied by someone from the house only can enter the temple premises or one can enjoy the various activities like a bullock ride through the countryside an Visit to the nearby potter.

Day 08: Palakkadu - Cochin

Today in the morning after having breakfast drive to Cochin. Cochin or Kochi is the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Cochin is located on the western coast of Kerala. Cochin is set on a cluster of islands surrounded by sparkling blue lagoons and backwaters on the vast area of the Vemband lake. Cochin is the most interesting town in South India at Malabar Coast and is also known as Venice of south. On arrival drive to the hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and the Chinese fishing nets. In the evening we visit a Kathakali dance school. Kathakali dances come from Kerala and in its traditional form relates stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.


Day 09: Cochin - Alleppey

Today we will drive to Alleppey to board the House boat which is known as Kettuvalam. It would be a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters of Kerala. Today you will cruise on the backwaters through the lush green paddy fields and swaying palm trees. Overnight stay in the house boat.

Day 10: Alleppey 

Today you will be dropped at a home stay set on the backwaters of Alleppey. This ancestral house is built in the traditional way with “Nalukettu”. Full day at leisure at the home stay.


Day 11: Alleppey - Kollam

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Quilon and upon arrival check-in at the Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or do boating on the Backwaters. Overnight at the hotel.
 

Day 12: Kollam
Breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed to Adoor to witness the spectacular Elephant pageant (Gajamela) and other cultural activities of the event. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 13: Kollam - Kovalam
Today you will drive to Kovalam. In the evening we will visit the Kovalam beach. Overnight stay at the resort.

 

Day 14: Kovalam - Trivandrum
Today in the morning after having breakfast drive to Trivandrum. Today we have sightseeing in Trivandrum. The main tourist attractions in Trivandrum is the Shanghumukham Beach. The Shanghumukham Beach is a favourite place for the sunset viewers. The main attractions of this beach are an indoor recreation club, the Matsya Kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish. Another tourist attraction in Trivandrum is the most famous Sree Padmanabha Swami temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. After having sightseeing in Trivandrum return to the resort and have an overnight stay.

Day 15: Flight to Home

Transfer to the airport to connect the flight back to home destination.

 

Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour please submit the Query Form or send us an e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.

 

About Hotels:
We provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels are all five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a combination of 3 and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a combination of 2 and 3 star or similar hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money.
 


 
Proposed Hotels


Nights

Indo Vacations – Inclusions:

Accommodation in a double room with shower /bath & WC in the hotels as
    indicated.

Half board (breakfast and dinner in the booked Hotels). 

Dinner & breakfast  during the tour.

An experienced english speaking Tour Guide / Tour Escort for the local sightseeing
    throughout the whole tour (An Accompanying Tour Escort will be provided on the
    group strength above 10 traveler
).

An air-conditioned vehicle, including insurance, fuel etc. with chauffeur (experienced,
    reliable and English speaking) during the entire tour.

All entrance fees of the mouments as per the tour itineray.

All applicable taxes.

    Not included are: International Flights, Camera fees, gratitude, drinks and personal expenses of any nature!

   

    Note:

(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)  

We suggest that you book the international flights in your country as this is mostly
    cheaper.

Please note you will need a visitor visa for India. We recommend to apply for the
    same well in advance.

For individual travelers joining the group will not  be charged extra for both the airport
    transfers (advance notice required
)

If the desired travelers do not register for the tour – An option will be available to
    operate the group tour with less people with some extra charges. These charges
    will be informed well in advance and till then there is no obligation or no cancellation
    charges of registration.

Registration for the group tour with Indo Vacations is without any cost. Only at the
    time of confirmation we will send you the travel documents and ask for 25 % of the
    total amount as advance payment. The due amount can be paid after your arrival in
    India. (more information is available on query).

Indo Vacations reserve the right of changes which may be beyond our control.

Details for the vehicles used are available at the below given links:  

 

For 1 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats)

    http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm

For 2 person – Tata Indica - (4 seats)
   
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindica.htm

For 3 person – Tata Indigo - (4 seats)
   
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tataindigo.htm
For 3 - 5 person – Tavera Chevrolet / Toyota Innova - (6 seats)
   
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tavera.htm;
    http://www.indovacations.net/english/ToyotaInnova.htm

For 6-9 person - Tempo Traveler - (10 seats)
   
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tempotraveler.htm;

Hotel Ideal Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram

***

Mahabalipuram

2

Breeze Residency
***

Trichy

1

Hotel Saratha Vilas (Heritage)

Karikudi

1

Hotel GRT Regency, Maduari (Deluxe)***

Madurai

1

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Palakkad (Deluxe Resort)*****

Palakkadu

2

Cherai Beach Resort (Resort)***

Cochin

1

House Boat, Alleppey (Deluxe)

Alleppey

2

Hotel The Raviz, Kollam
Lake Ashtamudi
*****

Kollam

2

Beach & Lake Ayurvedic Resort***

Kovalam

1

Hotel The Travancore
(Heritage)
***

Trivandrum

1

 Total Nights               14

 

Heritage Hotels:
Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.

 

Testimonials & References from the customers who already traveled with us!

 

 

 

 

Rajasthan Travel Guide

About Rajasthan Cuisines History Rajasthan Tours Social Profile
Accommodation Customs & Traditions Museums & Galleries Rajasthan Villages Telephone Codes
Adventure Distance Chart Music & Dance Rajasthan Weather Tourist Attractions
Art & Culture Economy of Rajasthan Parks & Sanctuaries Reaching Rajasthan Travel Tips
Ayurveda in Rajasthan Fairs & Festivals Photo Gallery Religious Rajasthan Traveling Around
Camel Safari Forts & Palaces Rajasthan City Tours Royal Train Tribes
Cities in Rajasthan Heritage Hotels Rajasthan Craft Rural Bazaars Women Travel
Climate Horse Safari Rajasthan Links Rural Rajasthan Yoga

 

 
Tours all over India – Nepal and Bhutan Home Mail to tourism expert of India e-mail  Online chat regarding travel and tours to India Chat Get contact information to Indian Tour Operator and Travel Agent Contact  Send your enquiry or tour request. Enquiry  Tour and Travel experts for India and Indian sub-continent About Us

Your feedback about travel and tours to India and Indian sub-continentFeedback

FAQ

Visit the site map of Indo Vacations Site Map India related and other useful links Links


www.indovacations.net

Copyright © Indo Vacations. All Rights Reserved.