Southern Wonders of India

Day 01- 20 Nov 2024  Wednesday

Arrive Cochin by international flight.

On arrival at Cochin airport after clearing immigration formalities, you will meet our representative in the arrival hall holding paging of your name. He will further assist you with your vehicle and then hotel check-in formalities. (Standard check-in time is 1200 hours).

He will further assist you with hotel check-in. (Standard check-in time is 1200 hours)

Cochin: This magnificent Malabar coastal city has been attracting towards its shores many traders, explorers, and travelers for over 600 years. The Old Fort Cochin area quench the thirst of the travelers who has historical interest with its famous Portuguese settlement Mattenchery Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace, Old colonial roads with tree line avenues. Huge Chinese fishing nets and St. Francis Church are another attraction. Here one can experience the stay of some of the best Ayurveda Resorts, home stay and traditional Kathkali Dance and traditional Martial art Kalarpayattu.

Evening enjoy Kathakali dance (Classical form of dance drama) describing Indian ancient Hindu mythological stories. They present the story through beautiful dance wearing beautiful traditional outfits. It shows rich tradition and culture of India.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 02- 21 Nov 2024 Thursday

Cochin

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing visiting Mattenchery Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace Santa Cruz Basilica church a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings.

Evening watch Kalaripayattu martial art. Later proceed for cooking demonstration of authentic Kerala dish with a local family.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 03- 22 Nov 2024 Friday       

Cochin – Alleppey (approx. 1.5 hours’ drive)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Alleppey. It is also known as Venice of East. It is home of a vast waterways network. On arrival in Alleppey embarks on the houseboat, locally called Kettuvalam. Kettuvalam is a traditional houseboat with knot, during assembling work of this traditional houseboat not a single nail is used, only coir ropes tied in knot to hold the whole structure.

On arrival at Alleppey Jetty embarks on the houseboat. The cruise will take you through small water canals and while cruising you can see small villages and witness village people and their daily routine.

Dinner & overnight onboard.

Day 04- 23 Nov 2024 Saturday   

Alleppey – Thekkady (approx. 165 Kms/ 4.5 hours)

Breakfast on board.

Post breakfast drive to Thekkady. Post breakfast drive to Thekkady. It is located at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. Thekkady holds nature’s beauty, wildlife Sanctuary, and famous spice plantation. The place has great opportunities.

For mountain walk and trekking.

On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon enjoy boat ride at Lake Periyar.

Evening will be at leisure to relax.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 05- 24 Nov 2024 Sunday   

Thekkady – Munnar (approx. 140 kms/ 4.5 hours)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Munnar. Munnar is carpeted in emerald, green plantations set an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki District.

On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit tea plantation and Tea factory (closed on Monday). Munnar is perhaps the choicest of places to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 06- 25 Nov 2024 Monday   

Munnar

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast visit Ervakulam National Park. It was declared a National Park in 1978. The Park has a rolling hill plateau with a rolling with a base elevation of 2000 mt. Three major types of plant communities are found in the park – grasslands, shrublands and forests. The Park has various population of endangered. Nilgiri Tahr includes other little-known fauna Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small, clawed otter, dusky striped squirrel etc.

Evening will be at leisure to relax.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 07- 26 Nov 2024 Tuesday   

Munnar – Madurai (approx. 160 Kms/ 4.5 hours’ drive)

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Madurai It is one of the oldest cities of Tamilnadu known for Meenakshi Amman Temple ranked one of the greatest temples of India in terms of amazing architectural beauty.

On arrival check in at the hotel.  Later visit Thirumalainayak Palace: The Palace built in 1636 built by King Thirumalai Naik. It is bland of Italic and Dravidian art.

Evening visit Meenakshi Amman temple and be the witness of temple procession.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 08- 27 Nov 2024 Wednesday           

Madurai – Chettinad (approx. 80Kms/ 2 hours drive)

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Chettinad.  The Chettinad region is well known for its 19th-century mansions, whose wide courtyards and spacious rooms are embellished with marble and teak. Construction materials, decorative items, and furnishings were mostly imported from East Asian countries and Europe. The marble was brought from Italy, chandeliers and teak from Burma, crockery from Indonesia, crystals from Europe and wall-to-wall mirrors from Belgium. These mansions belong to Chettiar the trader’s community. The place is also famous for Aathangudi handmade tiles.

On arrival check in at the hotel. After lunch proceed to visit Athangudi tile making process. (Lunch will be on a direct payment basis).

Athangudi tiles, named after the place of manufacture in Chettinad, come in a myriad of colors and patterns, and are made by a unique process using local soil and glass plates. These tiles are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Chettiar community, who effectively adapted many influences on their own brand of local craftsmanship. The designs and colors used in Athangudi tiles are still those of a bygone era. However, of late, new designs and patterns are being incorporated.

The Athangudi tiles are hand-made. However, with a short shelf life and relatively slow manufacturing process, these tiles are not much in demand. The situation has led to the decline in the market.

After lunch proceed for an orientation tour of this beautiful small town.

Chettinad is also famous for its delicious and spicy food, guests can enjoy authentic Chettinad cuisine here.

Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 09- 28 Nov 2024  Thursday     

Chettinad -Tanjore (approx. 160 Kms/ 3-4 hours)

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Tanjore en-route visit Trichurappali, on arrival visit Rock Fort Temple. It is a historic Fort & temple built on ancient rock.

Later continued to drive to Tanjore. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 10- 29 Nov 2024 Friday       

Tanjore

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast proceed for half day city sightseeing visiting Brihdishwara temple dedicated Lord Shiva and Saraswati Mahal Temple, one of the oldest libraries in Asia which display a rare collection of Palm, Leaf manuscripts.

Evening will be free to relax or to pursue independent activities.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11- 30 Nov 2024 Saturday   

Tanjore – Pondicherry (approx. 5-6 hours)

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Pondicherry en-route visit Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram: Ariyalur is best known for the Gangaikondacholisvarar temple in Gangaikondacholapuram, the biggest temple constructed during the reign of Rajendra–I in Ariyalur region. Following the conquest of the Gangetic plains in A.D. 1023 Rajendra–I built a great city called Gangaikondacholapauram and a Siva temple Gangaikondacholisvarar and a lake Chola Gangam in commemoration of his victory. The place, the temple and the lake (Chola Gangam) are the living embodiments of the heroism of the Tamils who unfurled the Chola ‘s Tiger flag on the banks of the River Ganges. He also shifted his capital from Thanjavur to this newly built town. From his period to the end of the Chola family rule in A.D.1279 this city was the capital of the Chola Empire for a period of 256 years. The gigantic stone temple which he built in this place is a rich repository of beautiful sculptures of middle Chola period.

Chidambaram: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva Master of Dance (Natraj). It is a great example of Dravidan architecture.

Continue drive to Pondicherry. The city was under French rule till 1954 and has great influence of them. Still people speak French here and English with French accent. You can observe the influence.

If you take a walk to French colony their building and café still has the same France architecture traces. The city world famous Aurbindo Ashram, Auroville.

On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12- 01 Dec 2024 Sunday       

Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram (approx. 140 kms/ 3-4 hours)

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast proceed for city sightseeing visiting and Aurbindo Ashram,

Later drive to Mahabalipuram. It was the major seaport in the ancient Pallava ruling period. It is a UNESCO world heritage site having beautiful carved temples, Five Rath, shore temple and Krishna butterball.

On arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 13- 02 Dec 2024 Monday   

Mahabalipuram

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing visiting Five Rath, shore temple and Krishna butterball.

The rest of the day will be free to relax or to pursue independent activities.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 14- 03 Dec 2024 Tuesday   

Mahabalipuram – Chennai (approx. 55 Kms/ 2 hours)

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Chennai enroute visit Kanchipuram. It has monuments and temples. dating back to the 6th to 8^th century built by Pallava dynasty. It is also famous for its silk sarees. Also visit Kanchipuram saree handloom.

Lunch will be on a direct payment basis. Later continue drive to Chennai. Chennai capital of Tamil Nadu, earlier also known as Madras. The city is very well keeping South India artistic, culinary, and religious tradition. It has Asia’s second longest urban beach “Marina”. Being the metro modern city, it still has its old charm with simple people, old temples, churches, museum, and monuments.

On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15- 04 Dec 2024 Wednesday

Depart Chennai by international flight.

Breakfast at hotel.

Post breakfast proceed for sightseeing. visit Kapeeleshvar Temple, Fort St. George and Government Museum.

Afternoons proceed for shopping as this will be the last day in the city.

Evening departure dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner assisted transfer to the airport.

Hotel envisaged:

**** we have envisaged standard room category********

14 Nights staying in a 4- & 5-Star Hotels & Heritage Mansion & ecofriendly resorts.

Meals as mentioned above.

01 cooking demonstration followed by dinner with a local family in Cochin.

Seat in coach basis included.

English speaking accompanied guide service is included.

On the last day in Chennai departure dinner is included.

Secure your seat by depositing USD 50 per person/ AUD80/ Euro 50/ GBP 42 which will be non-refundable in-lieu of cancellation.

We would require full and final payment 70 days prior the arrival in India.

Cost includes:

• Accommodation for 14 nights based on above mentioned hotels on DOUBLE/TWIN sharing basis.
• Lunch will be on a direct payment basis.
• Meals are included as follows:
• Breakfast is included at all the hotels at hotel’s coffee shop on buffet basis.
• In Munnar dinner is included on buffet basis at hotel’s coffee shop.
• During the stay on the houseboat all meals are included.
• During the stay in Chettinad we have included breakfast & dinner.

(Please note that on the arrival day breakfast is not included).

• Departure dinner in Chennai is included on fixed menu basis.
• 2^nd Day enjoy cooking demonstration followed by dinner with a local family in Cochin.
• All transportation i.e. airport transfers, sightseeing and interstate drives will be done using following vehicles:
• 06 pax-using tempo traveller (minivan).
• 7- 12 pax Mini coach. (18seater-mini coach)
• Separate arrival transfer service is included.
• We have included 01-time entrance fee as per the itinerary.
• Bottled water and wet tissue throughout in the vehicle.
• All currently applicable taxes. (5% Goods & Service Tax)

Cost Does Not Include:

• International airfare
• Domestic airfare or Internal flights
• Visa charges
• Any room service, telephone charges, mini bar, gratuities, tips.
• Any expenses of personal nature & Insurance of any kind.
• Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Any item not specified under ‘cost includes’.
• Any bank charges during transferring the payment.

Special Notes

• The flight timings and FARES are subject to change at the time of issuance.
• The check-in time at the hotel is 1400 hrs and check-out time is 1200 noon. Incase if you have flight arriving or departing during midnight, we suggest the book room for pre-night/late check-out to avoid any inconvenience.
• The vehicle will be as per the itinerary only and not available during leisure time and strictly as per the itinerary.
• The hotels mentioned are indicative and will be booked only once we get go ahead from your end. The rooms will be subject to availability.
• Incase if any of the guest/s are allergic to any food or have any dietary restrictions, we request you to please advise in advance to update hotels/restaurants accordingly.

Visa process:

• Now you can obtain e-visa online for India. The details and process are available on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Please check the eligibility and apply for Visa accordingly.

Booking terms

• At the time of booking USD 50 per person/ AUD80/ Euro 50/ GBP 42 which will be non-refundable in-lieu of cancellation.
• In case of internal flight ticket is involved we would require air-fare amount to issue the
• ticket well in advance.
• We would require full and final payment 70 days prior the arrival in India.
• In case of air tickets involved, we need payment to issue the tickets as tickets are always issued in advance.

Cancellation terms:

• 49 days prior to arrival in India: 10% of total billing
• 30 days prior to arrival in India: 50% of total billing

10-15 days or less prior to arrival in India: No refund

Flight ticket cancellation:

• 30 days prior to arrival in India: internal/international flights (if issued non-refundable ticket), will refund as per airline policy after deducting our handling charges.

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before leaving for the holidays.