ROUTE:

Chennai - Mamallapuram -Tanjore - Karaikudi (Chettinad) - Madurai - Periyar (Thekkady) - Cochin - Alleppey - Backawaters - Marari Beach

Accommodations: 

Depending on your budget, we can offer in most places, luxury as well as budget accommodations.

 

Day 1: Arrival Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai, our Executive will meet you at the airport, followed by transfer from Airport to your hotel. The capital of Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest metropolitan city in India, Chennai or Madras is a bustling city, that enchant visitors with its historical delights. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2: Chennai to Mamallapuram/Via..Kanchipuram (140Kms/4.0Hrs)(B)

After breakfast, begin tour of Chennai, where we visit Government museum, Santhome church, a soaring Roman Catholic Church said to house the remains of the apostle Thomas. Also visit the Fort St. George built around 1653 by the British East India Company, which over the years has undergone many alterations and now is a precinct housing the Secretariat and Legislature Assembly. Then drive to Kanhceepuram and visit Varadaraja Perumal temple, Ekambareshwar temple and Kailasanathar temple. Later visit the silk weaving in and transfer to Mamallapuram.
Overnight at hotel in Mamallapuram

 

Day 3: In Mamallapuram (B)

Mamallapuram is also known as Mahabalipuram. 'Mamallapuram' listed as a world heritage site, was once a port city ruled by the Pallava Kings. Today we will visit "Arjuna`s Penance"- the largest Bas Relief whale-back shaped rock which has figures of Gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and infants carved into it, representing the entire creation. Visit the "Five Rathas", also known as Pancha Pandava Rathas consist of five monolithic temples where each temple is created in different style. Also visit the famous "shore temple", one of the oldest temples in South India, built in the 8 century. At the end of the tour, as a special activity we will also visit a sculpture studio to know more in detail about sculpturing.
Overnight at hotel in Mamallapuram

 

Day 4: Mamallapuram to Tanjore/Via..Kumarakom (280Kms/ 6hr) (B)

Drive to the ancient town of Tanjore where many cultural and architectural delights await you. En-route we stop at places of historical interest such as 'Darasuram' and 'Gangai konda cholapuram'. Explore the fascinating town of Tanjore today or early tommorow. We will also visit the 'Brihadeeshwara' temple in Tanjore which is a world heritage monument and one of the 'must-see' monuments in India.

 

Day 5: Tanjore to Karaikudi/Chettinad (90Kms/2.0Hrs) (B)

Drive towards Karaikudi, the capital city of Chettinad famous for its heritage and traditions. The 18th century palatial mansions with their rare architecture make Chettinad a place of rare charm, and a must-visit destination.Karaikudi is also known for its cuisine. On arrival check in to hotel and later visit the area. Overnight at Chettinad Mansion

 

Day 6: Karaikudi to Madurai (90Kms/2.0Hrs) (B)

Check out from hotel and drive to Madurai, one of South India's greatest temple towns synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple.

Enroute visit local village school, sugar cane gardens with Jagerry making and Brick chambers where in you will also try hands. Picnic lunch enroute. Upon arrival at Madurai, check into your hotel. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple to attend the popular evening ceremony where the Hindu God Siva is taken in a palanquin to the bedroom of his consort Meenakshi.
Overnight at hotel in Madurai

 

Day 7: In Madurai/Sight seeing (B)

Madurai is known to be one of the oldest cities in south India. Further tour of famous Meenakshy temple, where you can experience the real south Indian temple. Later visit Gandhi Museum and Tirumalai Nayak palace, which in its heyday was considered to be one of the wonders of the South. In the evening visit Tiruparankundram, an evocative cave temple said to be much older and has a more sacred atmosphere than the Meenakshi temple.
Overnight at hotel in Madurai

 

Day 8: Madurai to Periyar (170Kms/4.0Hrs) (B)

Drive to Periyar, an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. Late in the afternoon, join a the popular boat trip on Periyar Lake for Wildlife sighting.
Overnight at hotel in Periyar.

 

Day 9: Periyar to Cochin (195Kms/5.0Hrs)

Enroute to Cochin, enjoy plantation tour at a garden where various species of spices and other aromatic plants are cultivated. After plantation tour continue Cochin. Upon arrival check in to your hotel and the rest day free to rest or wander around.
Overnight at hotel in Cochin

 

Day 10: Cochin Tour (B)

A port town since early centuries, Cochin, offers some fascinating snippets of history and culture. Our sightseeing tour will explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - the Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance, a famous dance drama of Kerala. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up.
Overnight at hotel in Cochin

 

Day 11: Cochin to Alleppey Backwaters/Houseboat (65Kms/1.5Hrs) (B/L/D)

Drive to Alleppey – the land of backwaters. Enroute visit a modern coirfactory producing various coirproducts from this region. Upon arrival at Alleppey, embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves.Your houseboats or 'Kettuvalloms' are luxurious boats with well appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings, it's the life along the backwaters that makes this a fascinating experience.
Overnight onboard Houseboat

 

Days 12, 13 &14: Disembark & Drive to Mararikulam (25Kms/0.5Hrs) (B)

Disembark from Houseboat at around 09am and transfer to the picturesque fishermen’s village of Mararikulam and check into your resort. Tucked away inside quiet and lush coconut groves and set by the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari beach is quieter and selecuded then the rest of Kerala's beaches. Three nights stay at lesuire in the resort.

 

Day 15: Departure transfer to Cochin Airport (B)

Departure transfer to Cochin Airport for onward flight .End of Services