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Experience

History, culture, UNESCO monuments, heritage sights, temples, rituals, local cuisine and flavours, French connections, Plantations, Wildlife, village experience, Backwaters, Kettuvallam, art performances, culinary experience, art galleries.

Day 1

Arrive Chennai. Transfer to Mahabalipuram (65 Km / 01.5 Hrs)

• Arrival transfer from Chennai airport to Mahabalipuram
• Afternoon – Sightseeing of Mahabalipuram
• Overnight at Mahabalipuram

Arrive in Chennai by flight, you will be welcomed by our representative at the airport and whisked away to your waiting transport and proceed to Hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram - an erstwhile port of the Pallava dynasty, its stone carvings, caves and rock-cut temples also attract tourists. A crocodile farm, a snake venom extracting centre, schools of art and sculpture, and many resorts draw holiday seekers all around the year. Also now plays host to a vibrant festival of dance during January every year. Exponents of Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak perform against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures.

Afternoon visit Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India, built in the 8th century which is now a World Heritage Monument and other stone carvings and rock-cut temples - "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 a different style. At the end of the tour, as a special activity, we will also visit a sculpture studio to learn more in detail about sculpturing.

Overnight at Mahabalipuram

Day 2

Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Day excursion to Kanchipuram
• Vegetarian lunch from a local restaurant
• Afternoon at leisure
• Overnight at Mahabalipuram

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram

The City of Thousand Temples is one of the seven sacred cities and considered as the second holiest place in India. The great Buddhist Vhikku Bodhidharma lived and worked here. Kanchipuram is also famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics

Enjoy a simple vegetarian lunch from a local restaurant

Afternoon return to Mahabalipuram.

Evening at the beaches / own

Overnight at hotel

Day 3

Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (100 Km)

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Pondicherry
• Visit Auroville
• Overnight at Pondicherry

After breakfast proceed to Pondichery

Pondicherry, a former French colony, presents an unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions. Its history can be traced back to Agastya, the revered sage of the south who built his hermitage here in 1500 BC. Everything suggests that the Tamil city of Pondicherry was a small village of fishermen, with the weaving as only other occupation. No text mentioned this old livelihood; however, it was discovered evidence of its trade links with Rome and Mesopotamia, the archaeological sites of Arikamedu and Bahur 20 km of the city. It became a part of India in 1954, but traces of its history as a French colony still remain in its churches, cuisine, grid-pattern streets, and some colonial buildings.

Enroute you may visit the town of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment.

“Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity."

Overnight at Pondicherry.

Day 4

AM Heritage walking tour & Evening Rikshaw ride

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Half day sightseeing of Pondicherry
• Rickshaw ride at Pondicherry
• Overnight at Pondicherry

The heritage walk was designed to highlight Pondicherry’s rich architectural heritage. Today, tourists and residents can still enjoy this exploration of the Tamil and French Quarters.

The buildings in French section of Puducherry are an enduring legacy of French history in India. It tells the story of a colonial adventure in a faraway land, fighting many odds, overcoming a new and difficult terrain and the historic rivalry between the European powers of the time including the Danes, the Dutch and the British besides the French.

The French Heritage walk takes you through streets that are laid out in a well-planned grid pattern. The buildings in the French section are easily recognizable by their ornate gateway arches, garden courtyards with multi-coloured bougainvillea, and the buildings painted in pleasant hues of lime and peach. The grand French names although unpronounceable, add a certain charm.

In the evening stroll through the French street of Pondicherry by Bi-Cycle Rickshaw.

Overnight at Pondicherry.

Day 5

Pondichery to Tanjore(180 Km / 04 Hrs) via Chidambaram & Darasuram

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Tanjore
• Visit Chidambaram and Darasuram
• Overnight at Tanjore

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Tanjore via Chidambaram & Darasuram.

Sacred Chidambaram, where Shiva is believed to have performed his cosmic dance, the tandava nritya, is a traditional temple town where history merges with mythology to create a deeply religious ambiance. All ancient Hindu beliefs and practices are zealously observed here, manifested in an endless cycle of rites and rituals. The focal point of the town is the awe-inspiring Nataraja Temple, built by the Cholas in the 9th century to honour their patron deity, Shiva as Nataraja, the "Lord of Dance". The temple has an unusual hut-like sanctum with a gold-plated roof, the huge, colonnaded Shivaganga Tank, and four colourful gopuras. Take around the surroundings and proceed to Darasuram

Darasuram was built by the Chola King, Rajaraja II. This temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is Airavateshvara, the “Lord of Airavata”. Legend claims that after Airavata, the white elephant of Indhra, the God of the Heavens, regained his lost colour, he worshipped Shiva at this spot (will remain closed from 1200 Hrs to 1630 Hrs).

The four-tiered temple has a Sanctum and three halls, of which the finest is the Raja-Gambira Mandapa conceived as a stone chariot drawn by caparisoned horses with Brahma as its driver. The outer walls have fine friezes and carvings of musicians, dancers, and acrobats as well as depictions from the Periya Puranam, a Tamil treatise on 63 Shaivite poet-saints, the Nayannars.

Visit Swamimalai bronze gallery and Darasuram weavers

Later drive to Tanjavur

Thanjavur is popularly known as the Delta area and the Rice Bowl of Tamilnadu.
It is believed that Thanjavur derived its name from Mythical Demon Tanjan. As per the earliest sources of information, the Medieval Cholas ruled and developed their empire between the 9th and 14th centuries, with Thanjavur as their Capital. Raja Raja Cholan was the prominent ruler amongst the Chola emperors. Thereafter, Pandiyas, Nayaks of Madurai, Thanjavur, and the Marattahs have ruled this region. Many Temples of Thanjavur termed as “Great Living Chola Temples”, have been classified as the World Heritage Monuments by UNESCO.

Overnight at Tanjore.

Day 6

Tanjore

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Half-day sightseeing of Tanjore
• Afternoon at leisure
• Overnight at Tanjore

After breakfast - visit the most spectacular of Tanjore temples, the Periya Kovil (Brihadishwara) capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite rock weighing 80 tons. The temple itself is decorated with carved panels depicting mythological events. An immense Nandi 6 meter long carved out of a single piece of granite stands in front of the shrine. Also, visit Saraswati Mahal Library and Art Gallery with a large collection of Chola bronzes- a unique example of Hindu architecture.

Afternoon free to explore the region on own

Overnight at Tanjore

Day 7

Tanjore to Madurai (190 Km / 03.5 Hrs) – Afternoon Sightseeing and Night ceremony

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Madurai
• Afternoon Sightseeing of Madurai
• Evening night ceremony at Meenakshi temple
• Overnight at Madurai

After breakfast, by 1000 hrs drive to Madurai (80 km / 2 hrs).

Over 2500 years old, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu. It is an important cultural and commercial centre. It was once the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where the Tamil language is spoken in its purest form. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. Modern Madurai is a burgeoning industrial centre, even though the vast stretches of paddy fields, dusty roads and crowded bazaars make it seems like an overgrown village. Modernity has reached the city of Madurai, but not at the cost of its rich tradition and culture.

Afternoon visit the Tirumalanayak palace and Gandhi Museum.

In the evening witness night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.

Overnight at Madurai

Day 8

Madurai to Rajakkad

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Rajakkad
• Rest of the day to explore the region
• Overnight at Rajakkad

Morning drive to Rajakkad Estate at Manjelparappu near Dindigul (145 kms, 04 hrs) It is a world to be found in the lush forests, the coffee estates and the grandeur of the Palani Hills. Pallam Palace is the house that sits at the heart of the old Rajakkad plantation. A small garden hotel with 7 unique bedrooms within an 18th-century wooden structure that perfectly expresses its rich architectural heritage. At 1000 meters above sea level and set in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Rajakkad Estate offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity. For the traveller seeking a world apart or for the explorer in search of adventure there can be no better setting. As for those in search of peace, look no further.

Lunch , Dinner, and Overnight at Rajakkad Estate.

Day 9

Rajakkad Estate, Manjelparappu

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Day at Rajakkadu
• Overnight at Rajakkadu

Day at leisure to enjoy nature or there are several excursions - accompanied by the estate guide: walks up the river through rocky gorges, beneath the spreading canopy of the trees and over escarpments with views in all directions; visits the nearby coffee plantation and the surrounding hills with waterfalls and quiet pools where one can swim and enjoy total peace.

Lunch , Dinner and Overnight at Rajakkad Estate.

Day 10

Rajakkad Estate ,Manjelparappu /Periyar (140 kms , 3.5 hrs).

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Periyar
• Evening spice plantation visit and Kalaripayattu show
• Overnight at Periyar

After breakfast drive to Periyar

Thekkady /Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake; it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants.

Evening witness Kalaripayattu show - It’s a gift to the modern world and known as the mother of all martial arts.
Kalaripayattu the martial art form of Kerala is regarded as the oldest and most scientific of its kind in the world. Training in combat is given at the Kalari (training school). The principles of Kalari education stipulate that training in martial art begins with an oil massage of the body which goes on until the body is agile and supple. Feats like chaattom (jumping), ottam (running), marichil (somersault) etc. are then taught, followed by lessons in the use of weapons such as daggers, swords, spears, maces, the bow and arrow, and so on.

Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body. The traditional training in a kalari includes specialization in indigenous medical practice too. Kalaris are also centers of religious worship. The general guidelines to be followed in Kalaripayattu demand that once the course is complete, a person should undergo oil massage and engage in the practice of the feats regularly to help him keep in shape.

Overnight at Periyar

Day 11

Periyar

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Morning free
• Afternoon common boat ride at Lake Periyar
• Overnight at Periyar

Morning is free to explore the various activities offered by the resort / on own for local markets

Afternoon proceed for a boat ride at Lake Periyar (15.30 Hrs to 17.30 Hrs) it allows seeing the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterflies are spotted in the region.

Overnight at Periyar

Day 12

Periyar to Back waters (140 Km / 04.5 Hrs) – Overnight on House boat

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Alleppey
• Cruise on the backwaters
• Lunch, Dinner, and Overnight on board Houseboat

After a leisurely breakfast proceed to Backwaters

After breakfast proceed to Alleppey to Board the Houseboat by noon and cruise through the tranquil backwaters, wider and narrow canals passing by lush green paddy fields, villages, temples, churches, rustic houses, etc. allowing you to view the life on the backwaters –it beats at its gentle rhythm. You will step into a different world altogether – this will surely be one of the most wonderful experiences of the tour.

HOUSEBOATS, popularly known as “Kettuvallam” is converted from a traditional rice barge. While cruising through the backwaters you will see the glimpses of village life of the people living around the backwater area. You may watch palm-lined bank and narrow strips of land that separate the waterways and the constant quiet traffic of vallam (small boats) is typical.

Traditional Kerala cuisine will be served on board (Lunch , Dinner & Breakfast)
Cruising hours – 12.30 Hrs till 17.00 hrs on Day 01, 08.00 Hrs till 09.30 Hrs on Day 02.
Air-conditioning will be available in the bed rooms from 09 PM till 06 AM
Lunch & Dinner on-board

Overnight on-board house boat

Day 13

Disembark from house boat and drive to Cochin

• Breakfast on board House boat
• Transfer to Cochin
• Cooking demonstration followed by dinner at a family
• Overnight at Cochin

After breakfast disembark from houseboat at Alleppey by 09 AM.

Drive to Cochin (65 Km / 02 Hrs)
(Early check-in at the hotel will be subject to availability).

Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is the green commercial capital of Kerala, a cluster of islands located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The harbour is the nucleus around which Cochin and its mainland part Ernakulam have grown to attain such strategic importance over the centuries as underlined by the sobriquet “Queen of the Arabian Sea “. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala, being the most cosmopolitan and modern city of Kerala where the best shopping, markets, and bazaars are located.

This evening you will have Seafood dining experience with a local resident in Cochin at their residence and experience the traditional flavours and preparations of Kerala Cuisine. They serve closely guarded secret recipes sourced from the old families of Cochin flavourful dishes generously spiced with fresh cinnamon, pepper, red chili, coriander, green chili, curry leaves, vanilla, and ginger. Freshly caught fish and crustaceans grilled or cooked the way you fancy with a fusion of Indian condiments.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 14

Sightseeing of Cochin and evening cooking demonstration followed by Dinner with a Family

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Half-day sightseeing of Cochin
• Evening Kathakali dance show at a local theatre
• Overnight at Cochin

In the morning, your guide will take you to Fort Cochin to visit St Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, where Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to India was originally buried here. Also, visit the Chinese fishing nets believed to be brought to Kochi by the Chinese Traders..

After Fort Cochin, take an autorickshaw ride (commonly known as Tuk Tuk) to Mattancherry (10 minutes). Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays) at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue (Friday and Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. A walk through the Jew Street is a pleasing experience.

Afternoon at Leisure/time to stroll around the colonial city of Fort Kochi.

Evening visit to a nearby theatre to witness Kathakali dance (1700 – 1900 Hrs). The Kathakali is the famous art form of Kerala with elaborate makeup for the artists, each performance based on a story. It will be interesting to watch from the time the artist starts the makeup.

Overnight at Cochin.

Day 15

Cochin to Cochin airport (45 Km / 01.5 Hrs)

In time transfer to Cochin International Airport.

Breakfast (0730 -1030 Hrs)

The room secured till 1100 Hrs

Tour Ends