- Kathkali dance performance in Cochin.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
- Kalaripayattu the ancient martial art performance in Cochin or Thekady.
- Cooking demonstration with a local family in Cochin.
- Experience the houseboat stay in the backwater.
- Enjoy the stay close to nature in the hilly region of Kerala.
- Enjoy a spice plantation walk in Thekkady.
- Enjoy boat ride in Thekkady.
- Be the witness of evening temple procession ceremoney in Madurai.
- Visit Pondycherry where you can still see the influence of French people, language and cuisine.
- Visit the beautiful beach destinations and Five Rath temples.
- Visit Kanchipuram where you can get the chance to see famous handloom saaree weaving.
About the Tour
It is a 14 nights / 15 days tour covering the best of Southern India architecture, culture, cuisine, nature, history etc. To get an insight into our culture and cuisine we have included a cooking demonstration at a local house. During the session while interacting with the host you will get to know our social and family values. When we are talking about South Indian cuisine, the taste comes into our mind are tangy and spicy. In Southern India rice is the main grain as it uses most of its dishes. It is used in breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another main ingredient is coconut is extensively use in southern India cuisine. As Tamil Nadu and Kerala are located close to sea, coastal food is also having its place in their major food list. The tour is a great combination of natural beauty, great monuments, art, and culture.
We have included the most renowned hotels in 5 Star and eco-friendly resort category hotels. The stay will make their space in your mind and heart.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 8th 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
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.