Tour Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations Covered: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Chettinad - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Kochi - Mumbai
Day 01: Arrival at Chennai
As you arrive at Chennai International Airport, our representative will welcome you and help you with the boarding formalities. Later, he'll escort you to the hotel where you will be staying overnight. Relax for a while at the hotel, after which a luxurious dinner will be served to you. Hit the sack early, if possible, as you have a lot to explore in the coming days.
Day 02: Chennai
A half day's tour of Chennai is booked for you this morning. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you'll embark a guided city tour. Chennai is appropriately called the Cultural Capital of South India. You'll see a number of historical monuments here which narrate the stories of the glorious past. The first destination will be Fort St. George, built by the British in 1653; hence, it stores a number of artifacts from that era. The final destination before noon will be Kapaleeswarar Temple at Mylapore, which sports the ancient Dravidian style of architecture. Return to the hotel at noon for lunch. Thereafter, the rest of the day will be at your discern. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 03: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Wake up early in the morning and after a sumptuous breakfast, drive to the beautiful temple city of Kanchipuram. Popularly known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, it is probably the most ancient of all such temple cities. A large number of exuberant temples dot the entire city. Ekambareshwar and Kamakshi are the two most well-known temples of this city, the architecture of them being highly commendable and astounding. Late afternoon, you'll head to Mahabalipuram, where you will be visiting the famous rock cut Hindu cave temple. On arrival, check in to the hotel to spend the night.
Day 04: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Start off early by visiting the famous Mahabalipuram temple complex, which consists of various big and small temples and rock carved artifacts. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. From here, you'll be driven to Pondicherry, a living memento of the French colonial impact in India. This small city of Tamil Nadu is a mishmash of the indigenous Tamilian and acquired French cultures. As you arrive here, you'll be accommodated in a hotel where you can relax for a while. Post lunch, you'll be taken on a sightseeing trip of Pondicherry including a visit to the famous Aurobindo Ashram. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is another not-to-be-missed attraction, because of its exceptional architecture and craftsmanship. The evening can be spent wandering through the old streets. End the day with dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05: Pondicherry - Tanjore
Have a lip-smacking breakfast at the hotel and proceed towards Tanjore. A stopover at the famous Shiva Temple in Chidambaram will be made. Besides, short halts at Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram Temples at Kumbakonam will also be done. Both these shrines are acclaimed for their Chola style of architecture. You'll reach Tanjore by late afternoon; hence, relax at the hotel and call it a day, post an appetizing supper.
Day 06: Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore
You will be taken on a sightseeing tour of Tanjore in the morning. Post breakfast at the hotel restraint, you'll be visiting the ancient Sri Brihadeshwara Temple, which is an example of the Chola architecture and ancient design techniques. From here, visit the Tanjore Palace, a blended construction of the Nayaks and Marathas. The afternoon is booked for an excursion to Trichy, a historical place with lots to offer despite a mix of several histories. You'll be visiting the Rock Fort which is a mega structure amidst the remarkable landscapes of the area. The next destination on your itinerary will be Srirangam, famous for Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Return back to the hotel in Tanjore for overnight stay.
Day 07: Tanjore - Chettinad
Post a wholesome breakfast, you'll journey to the next destination, Chettinad. After you arrive, make a check in at the hotel and freshen up. Have your lunch and move out for a half day's tour of the city. Your first stop will be Chettinadu Mansion, an architectural marvel dating back to more than 100 years. Thereafter, you'll visit the Kanadukathan village, a quite hamlet situated nearby. Antiques Street will be the last destination for the day, where you can shop for souvenirs. Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 08: Chettinad - Madurai
The weather at Chettinad is mostly quaint and placid, so rise up early to enjoy the pleasant climate. After a gorgeous morning meal, start your journey towards Madurai. This small city, harbored on the banks of the consecrated River Vaigai, is the holiest of all for a number of Hindu devotees. You will check into a hotel on your arrival. Relax here for a while and proceed towards the sightseeing tour. Meenakshi Temple, situated at the heart of the city, is one of the most prominent attractions. The beautifully carved rock cut dome of this striking temple is exceptionally stunning. The next tourist site will be Tirumalai Nayak, a building which is probably the best example of the Nayak architecture. Thereafter, you'll find yourself yet again at the altar of Meenakshi Temple to see the evening Aarti. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 09: Madurai - Periyar
The next destination is the beautiful and inviting Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. After breakfast, you'll embark the journey to this eye-catching natural wildlife reserve. By noon, you'll be at the destination. Check in to the hotel and freshen up. Post lunch, take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to explore the park. If luck favors you, you can spot a number of animals and birds. Get back to the hotel in the evening and spend the night here.
Day 10: Periyar - Kumarakom
After discovering the wilderness of Periyar, you'll continue your tour to Kumarakom, a backwater paradise sited on the picturesque Vembanad Lake. Upon your arrival at Kumarakom, you'll be accommodated in the hotel to spend the rest of the day and night. Take a walk to check out the nearby places and explore the city in the leisure time.
Day 11: Kumarakom
Start your lazed morning with a delicious and traditional Keralite breakfast. The day is at your disposal, so you can recreate and rejuvenate during the day. To add to your comfort, you can enjoy the Ayurvedic spa therapy at the hotel and choose from a number of different treatments. The massages available will be completely refreshing and healing. Stay at the hotel for the night.
Day 12: Kumarakom - Alleppey
Step into the houseboat from the private jetty of your hotel for a cruise on the heavenly backwaters. Kettuvallom is the traditional name for the houseboats available for cruising through the backwaters. These houseboats are the best mode of transport to know the country life of Kerala. Probably the best opportunity to capture the true essence of Kerala! Time to show your photography skills - what say! Spend the night at the houseboat amidst the azure sky and blue waters.
Day 13: Alleppey - Kochi
After a blissful night spent on the backwaters in the houseboat, disembark at Alleppey and drive further towards Kochi. Kochi is regarded as one of the best natural ports in the world. It is still India's best port for trading and is a naval base. On reaching Kochi, you'll be taken on a city tour, exploring the blend of Euro-Indian culture and architecture. You'll be visiting a number of historically important and architecturally prominent places like Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, and Dutch Palace. The last and probably the most interesting part of Kochi's shoreline are the Chinese fishing nets, which are pretty old yet maintained and still functional. An artistic evening awaits you as you'll be taken to a Kathakali dance performance at a local theater. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Kochi - Mumbai
After a sumptuous breakfast, you'll be transferred to Cochin International Airport to catch a flight to Mumbai, the city where dreams are sketched and accomplished. On arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, you'll be received by our local representative who'll escort you to the hotel, where you can relax for a while. Post noon, you'll be taken on a tour of the city including historical sites and modern places, namely, the Gateway of India, Dhobhi Ghat - an eminent part of a Mumbaikar's life, Hanging Gardens, and Mani Bhawan Museum. Come back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 15: Mumbai Departure
After a farewell breakfast, you'll be escorted to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport from where you'll board the flight for your onward journey.
