TAMIL NADU WITH KERALA (13 NIGHTS / 14 DAYS)

Arrive at the Chennai airport, where our representative will receive you and transfer you to the hotel.

Chennai – More than a city, Madras is a potpourri of impressions: a fistful of color, a whiff of jasmine, the rustling of silk. It brings to mind the subtle, intricate variations of classical music, the evocative grace of Bharatanatyam and a spontaneity of bronzed Dravidian faces. Stray images chase one another: bold colour drawn into the pleats of the Kancheepuram sari; a neat, swaying, ebony plait crowned with a spray of flowers; complicated and exuberant sculpture lacing temple walls. The gateway to the south and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, Madras or Chennai is a vibrant metropolis and a combination of old world charm and modern day efficiency.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Chennai visiting fort St. George, the seat of the state government and the legislative assembly. The fort was built in 1652 by the British East India Company. The fort contains the fort museum with its collection of memorabilia of the East India co. Also see St. Mary`s church the oldest surviving Anglican church in India. Very near to Fort St.George is the Indo Saracenic High Court building, said to be the largest judicial building in the world after the Courts of London.

Opposite the high courts lies the beautiful Marina beach. Proceed on to the Kapaleeswarar temple, a pure dravidian temple and one of the most ancient in Madras. Drive on to the Government museum with its galleries off chola Bronzes

Later leave for Mahabalipuram (58 kms / 1.5 hrs) enroute visiting Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks.

Drive to Mahabalipuram, upn arrival proceed to check in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Drive to Pondicherry, upon arrival check in at the hotel.

In the evening a rickshaw-ride in the French colony (Timings: anytime between 0900-1700 hours).

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Today we will do a bi-cycle tour of Pondicherry. (Timings: anytime between 0900-1700 hours)

In the evening, we will take you to a South Indian family, where we will interact with the host & see their lifestyle along-with having dinner with them.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Later drive to Kumbakonam. Upon arrival in Kumbkonam, check in at the hotel. Enjoy a village walk in the Kumbakonam village, where you will witness local life of the villagers.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Later drive to Madurai: Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai is more than 2,500 years old and has a rich cultural heritage and history. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. Madurai was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.

On arrival proceed to check in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Later a sightseeing tour of Madurai: Madurai’s main attraction is the famous Meenakshi temple located in the heart of the old town, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with gopurams (towers) covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures.   The temple complex is a city within a city and one can spend days exploring its labyrinthine corridors and halls.   Another attraction is the Thirumalai Nayak Palace (1636) restored by Lord Napier, dance drama concerts are performed daily

In the evening, you will once again proceed to the Meenakshi temple complex to witness the evening Aarti ceremony in which Lord Shiva is carried in a palanquin accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests to the temple of his consort Parvati to spend the night.

Special note:Non- Hindus are not allowed inside the inner sanctum of the temple.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Later drive to Thekkady or Periyar.

The name Thekkady, brings to mind images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. Moreover, the flora and fauna of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is absolutely thrilling. The wildlife sanctuary here is the natural habitat of a wide variety of animal species. The Periyar Lake is a paradise for the nature lovers. It gives you an opportunity to observe the wild animals roaming in the jungle. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Moreover, the Sanctuary Watch Tower situated in the forest interior gives you a panoramic view of the park.

Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species of birds here including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers.

Upon arrival proceed to check in at the hotel.

In the evening enjoy Kalaripayatu show (traditional martial art of Kerala, which is known to be the oldest martial art of the world). (Timings: 1700 hours for 1 hour)

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Later proceed for a boat ride in Periyar river (Timings & Duration – 0730 am, 0930 am, 1115 am, 1345 pm & 1530 hrs and duration will be one hour, sometimes get 15 minutes more)

Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and  Indian  bison.  In  the  park’s  north,  Periyar  Lake  is popular for boat rides. Farther north, spice plantations surround the town of Kumily.

After that proceed for a Spice plantation visit along with a guide. (Timings: anytime between 0900-1800 hours)

After plantation tour back to hotel and leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Later drive to Alleppey enroute visit Tea Plantation (Duration approx. 1 hour).

Continue your drive to Alleppey & check in at the Houseboat or Kettuvallam.

Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels

Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view. Most of the boats are poled by local oarsmen. Some are powered by engines. Gliding on serene backwaters, visitors can witness an unspoilt Kerala

Overnight at the Kettuvallam/Houseboat.

Breakfast in the houseboat. Disembark & drive to a village tour in Kumarakom (0830 leave from the houseboat, the tour duration will be 2-3 hours)

The Village tour will include: Tuk Tuk ride, Coconut Plucking, Toddy Tapping, Fishing, coir making, Sari and Dhoti wearing demo etc…

After the village tour, proceed towards a beach destination called Mararikulam.

Full day at leisure in Mararikulam:

Marari Beach or Mararikulam beach is located in a beach village Mararikulam, Alappuzha district, Kerala. It is a quite secluded beach, located 11 Kms from Alleppey and 60 kms from Cochin. The Village and the Beach gives the glimpse of traditional and ancient Kerala One can see fisherman all around and their lifestyle. Rated as one of the world’s top five hammock beach by National Geographic survey this beach is eternal with coconut palm trees and golden sands.  The beach is ideal for activities like swimming, parasailing and surfing. Tourists visiting here in August, can indulge in Snake boat race. At this pristine paradise you can sit for hours just to relax. It is untouched by commercialization. Here one can ordeal the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a re-creation of an ancient, harmonious way of life .The local charm and traditional Kerala hospitality can be experienced at its best.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Full day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Later check out & proceed towards Cochin.

Optional sightseeing in Cochin:

You will first proceed to Mattancherry and visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Saturdays & All the Jewish holidays)in India, built in 1568; it was destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the Dutch a century later.

You will also visit The Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays)- which was built in 1555 and its coronation hall and murals at Ramayana are noteworthy features.

Chinese fishing nets: The cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. Chinese traders are believed to have originally introduced them in the 14th century although, today parts of the nets are known by Portuguese names. Your next stop will be St. Francis Church, originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal, St. Francis Church is the first church to have been in the new European influenced tradition. Originally a wooden building was replaced by the present stone building. Vasco De Gamma died on the site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. 14 years later his body was removed to Portugal. The church was renamed St. Francis in 1663.

In the evening, you will be taken to a Kathakali dance centre where you will witness the most elaborate of the dance forms in southern India. Here you will witness the artists readying themselves up with the make up for the final performance.   Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalarippayattu. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and Puranas. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums in accompaniment of the Chengila (gong).

Overnight at the hotel.

In time transfer to the airport to board the flight to onward destination.

Namaste! Our services ends here, we look forward to welcoming you again!