15 DAYS TOUR CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, MAHABALIPURAM, PONDICHERRY, VELANKANNI, THANJAVUR, MADURAI,

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1 15 DAYS TOUR CHENNAI, KANCHIPURAM, MAHABALIPURAM, PONDICHERRY, VELANKANNI, THANJAVUR, MADURAI, Day 1: CHENNAI KANYAKUMARI, KERALA, KOLKATTA AND GOA Arrive Chennai airport, after formalities proceed to hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Day 2: CHENNAI (Santhome Basilica, Little Mount, St.Thomas Mount & Marina Beach) After breakfasts proceed to visit the Santhome Cathedral was dedicated to St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus who came to Chennai in 52 AD. People from all over visit the famous Cathedral in Chennai to see the tomb of St. Thomas (can conduct Eucharistic celebration) which contains a small bone of St. Thomas and the head of the lance, church museum, glass window painting depicting the story of St. Thomas. Website: Little Mount is a small hillock that lies on the bank of River Adayar. It is traditionally acknowledged to be one of the places where St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus, lived and preached when he came to India. Website: St. Thomas Mount the ancient Syrian Christian community of India trace the origin of their church to St. Thomas the apostle, believed to have been martyred in St. Thomas Mount. Website: Evening proceed to the second longest beach in the world Beach Marina. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Santhome Church Little Mount St. Thomas Mount Marina Beach Day 3: KANCHIPURAM & MAHABALIPURAM (Temple Towns) Early morning breakfast after proceed to visit the famous Kamatchi temple, Traditional silk weaving for saree and tour of kanchipuram. Kanchipuram has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, the Later Pandyas, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Carnatic kingdom, and the British, who called the town "Conjeeveram". The city's historical monuments include the Kailasanathar Temple and the Vaikunta Perumal Temple. Historically, Kanchipuram was a centre of education and was known as the ghatikasthanam, or "place of learning". After proceed to Mahabalipuram to visit an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during the time of periplus (1 st century CE) and ptolemy (140 CE). It was a port city of the south Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. It has a group of sanctuaries carved out of rock in 7 and 8 centuries: rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air rock reliefs such as the famous Descent of the Ganges, and the Shore Temple, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Mahabalipuram Day 4: PONDICHERRY (FRENCH COLONY) & VELANKANNI (Lourdes of the East) Kanchipuram Temple

Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, Gandhi Statue & French style avenues. After proceed to Velankanni.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Gandhi Statue Beach Promenade Sacred Heart of Jesus Day 5: VELANKANNI (Lourdes of

celebration) Velankanni in Nagapattinam district along the shores of Bay of Bengal, this basilica church

This Roman Catholic Basilica church worships Our Lady of Good Health and has also recorded three

survival of Portuguese sailors tormented by a violent sea storm.

2 Mahabalipuram Day 4: PONDICHERRY (FRENCH COLONY) & VELANKANNI (Lourdes of the East) Kanchipuram Temple Early morning breakfast after proceed to visit Pondicherry Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, Gandhi Statue & French style avenues. After proceed to Velankanni. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Gandhi Statue Beach Promenade Sacred Heart of Jesus Day 5: VELANKANNI (Lourdes of the East) After Breakfast, visit The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health (can conduct Eucharistic celebration) Velankanni in Nagapattinam district along the shores of Bay of Bengal, this basilica church in Tamil Nadu is a major pilgrim centre for many Christians. This Roman Catholic Basilica church worships Our Lady of Good Health and has also recorded three miracles; apparition of Mary and Jesus to a sleeping shepherd boy, curing a buttermilk vendor and the survival of Portuguese sailors tormented by a violent sea storm. These three miracles finally led to the construction of the shrine to Our Lady. The shrine also known as the Lourdes of the East is a prominent pilgrim centre visited by Christians in India. Full day at the sanctuary of VELANKANNI. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Website:

Day 6: VELANKANNI THANJAVUR MADURAI Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health Early breakfast, proceed Thanjavur to visit the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments.

The solid base of the temple raises about 5 metres (16 feet), above which stone deities and representatives of Shiva dance.

The image of Nandi is a monolithic one and is the second largest in the country next only to the one at Lepakshi temple.the presiding deity of lingam is 3.7m tall.

The shrine of Goddess was added by Pandyas during the 13th century, Subramanya Shrine by Vijayanagara rulers and the Vinayaka shrine was renovated by Maratha rulers and completed in 1010 CE, the

3 Day 6: VELANKANNI THANJAVUR MADURAI Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health Early breakfast, proceed Thanjavur to visit the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I. The architect and engineer of the temple was Raja Raja Rama as stated in inscriptions found at the temple. The solid base of the temple raises about 5 metres (16 feet), above which stone deities and representatives of Shiva dance. The big Nandi (bull), weighing about 20 tonnes is made of a single stone and is about 2 m in height, 6 m in length and 2.5 m in width. The image of Nandi is a monolithic one and is the second largest in the country next only to the one at Lepakshi temple.the presiding deity of lingam is 3.7m tall. The prakaram (outer precincts of the temple) measures 240m by 125m.The outer wall of the upper storey is carved with 108 dance karanas postures of Bharathanatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu.The shrine of Goddess was added by Pandyas during the 13th century, Subramanya Shrine by Vijayanagara rulers and the Vinayaka shrine was renovated by Maratha rulers and completed in 1010 CE, the temple turned 1000 years old. Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region. Brihadeeswarar Temple (locally known as "Big temple") is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. After tour of Thanjavur we proceed to Madurai. Madurai to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2,500-yearold city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature. Tamil is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world, though most of the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. It was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". Dinner and overnight at hotel. Brihadeeswara Temple Tanjore Painting Meenakshi Amman Temple

Day 7: MADURAI KANYAKUMARI Nayakar Mahal After breakfast, proceed to Kanyakumari to visit

Beach, Our Lady of Ransom Church, Padmanabapuram Palace and tour of kanyakumari.

Church Founded By St. Thomas Day 8: KANYAKUMARI(Thiruvithamkode) JOURNEY OF ST.

Thomas Seven and Half Churches founded by St. Thomas the apostle in the first century.

Syrian Catholic saint and social reformer from the Indian state of Kerala.

4 Day 7: MADURAI KANYAKUMARI Nayakar Mahal After breakfast, proceed to Kanyakumari to visit Thiruvalluvar Statue, Gandhi Mandapam, Vivekanandha Rock, Sunrise and sunset in Kanyakumari Beach, Our Lady of Ransom Church, Padmanabapuram Palace and tour of kanyakumari. Later proceed to visit THE HALF CHURCH founded by St. Thomas the apostle in the first century. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Vivekanandha Rock Our Lady of Ransom Church Thiruvalluvar Statue Pamanabhapuram Palace Half Church Founded By St. Thomas Day 8: KANYAKUMARI(Thiruvithamkode) JOURNEY OF ST. THOMAS After an early breakfast, proceed to visit the Journey of St. Thomas Seven and Half Churches founded by St. Thomas the apostle in the first century. These were at Kollam, Nilackal (Chayal), Niranam, Cherthala Mar Kuriakose Elias Chavara is a Syrian Catholic saint and social reformer from the Indian state of Kerala. Saint Alphonsa (19 August July 1946) was a Syro-Malabar Catholic Franciscan nun who is now honoured as a saint. Sister Alphonsa became the first native Indian saint, canonized in Cape Comorin, Cochin, Trivandrum and Travancore Region Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kochi.

Niranam Church Nilackal Church Kollam Church Cherthala Day 9: JOURNEY OF ST.

churches in Paravur, Kodungallur and palayur, and proceed to Kochi airport

Day 10: KOLKATA Kodungallur Morning breakfast proceed to visit the Mother s

Teresa and her small band of dedicated pupils for the purpose of serving

poor. Their mission was to care for the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the

unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to

After receiving permission from the Vatican to establish her own order,

Diocesan Congregation of the Calcutta Diocese.

Gradually, with the passage of time, it came to be known as the Missionaries

5 Niranam Church Nilackal Church Kollam Church Cherthala Day 9: JOURNEY OF ST. THOMAS Morning proceed to visit the Balance churches of seven and half churches in Paravur, Kodungallur and palayur, and proceed to Kochi airport board flight to Kolkata. Dinner and overnight at Kolkata. Day 10: KOLKATA Kodungallur Morning breakfast proceed to visit the Mother s House The Missionaries of Charity was founded on October 7, 1950 by Mother Teresa and her small band of dedicated pupils for the purpose of serving humanity with the vow of Wholehearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor. Their mission was to care for the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, and all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone. After receiving permission from the Vatican to establish her own order, Mother Teresa established an institute which was initially called the Diocesan Congregation of the Calcutta Diocese. It began as a small community with 12 members in Calcutta. Gradually, with the passage of time, it came to be known as the Missionaries of Charity. In 1965, by granting a Decree of Praise, Pope Paul VI granted Mother Teresa s request to expand her congregation to other countries. Victoria Mahal, Eden Garden and Howrah Bridge. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11: KOLKATA - GOA Mother s House Howrah Bridge Victoria Mahal Morning board flight to Goa.

Dinner and overnight at hotel. Bon Jesus Basilica DAY 12: GOA (Full day tour of Goa) St.

Bounded by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.

It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on

These are both Portuguese-era monuments and reflect a strong European character.goa also has the Sanctuary of Saint Joseph Vaz in Sancoale.

There is also a claimed Marian Apparition at the Church of Saints Simon and Jude at Batim Ganxim, near Pilar, where a number of Goans and non-resident Goans visit.

6 Day 11: KOLKATA - GOA Mother s House Howrah Bridge Victoria Mahal Morning board flight to Goa. Proceed to visit World Heritage Sites: the Bom Jesus Basilica and churches and convents of Old Goa. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Bon Jesus Basilica DAY 12: GOA (Full day tour of Goa) St. Francis Xavier Church Goa is a state in India within the coastal region known as the Konkan in western India. Bounded by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. It is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country. It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators. Goa has two regarded by many Catholics as the patron saint of Goa (the patron of the Archdiocese of Goa is actually Saint Joseph Vaz). These are both Portuguese-era monuments and reflect a strong European character.goa also has the Sanctuary of Saint Joseph Vaz in Sancoale. The Pilar Monastery holds novenas of Venerable Padre Agnelo Gustavo de Souza from 10 November to 20 November yearly. There is also a claimed Marian Apparition at the Church of Saints Simon and Jude at Batim Ganxim, near Pilar, where a number of Goans and non-resident Goans visit. There is also the statue of the bleeding Jesus on the Crucifix at the Santa Monica Convent in Velha Goa. There are a number of churches (Igorzo), like the Baroque styled Nixkollounk Gorb-Sombhov Saibinnich Igorz (Church of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception) in Panaji, the Gothic styled Mater Dei (Dêv Matechi Igorz/ Mother of God) church in Saligao and each church having its own style and heritage, besides Kopelam/ Irmidi (Chapels). The Velhas Conquistas regions are also known for its Goa-Portuguese style architecture. There are many forts in Goa such as Tiracol, Chapora, Corjuem, Aguada, Reis Magos. DAY 12: GOA (Full day tour of Goa)

Morning breakfast, Visit Beaches and relaxing in goa for whole day. Dinner and overnight at hotel. DAY 13: GOA (Full day tour of Goa) Morning breakfast, full day tour of Goa.

7 Morning breakfast, Visit Beaches and relaxing in goa for whole day. Dinner and overnight at hotel. DAY 13: GOA (Full day tour of Goa) Morning breakfast, full day tour of Goa. Dinner and overnight at hotel. DAY 14: GOA MUMBAI Morning breakfast, board flight to Mumbai. DAY 15: Return back to your hometown For morning information, contact: David Hnatiw, Manager, Group Sales, Jose Cerrud, Owner & Manager, Voyages Terra Natura Voyages Terra Natura Office: Office: Cellular: Cellular:

THE GOLDEN CHARIOT. Southern Splendour.

THE GOLDEN CHARIOT. Southern Splendour. Mark Twain (Its) The land of dreams and romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty, of splendor and rags, of palaces and hovels, of famine and pestilence, of genii and giants and Aladdin lamps, of