Tamilnadu, Pondicherry and Kerala Tour
Temples, Spices and Backwaters
Day 1
Chennai Arrival to Mahabalipuram (70kms/1hr 30minutes drive)
On arrival at Chennai International Airport you will be received by our Driver and transfer to Mahabalipuram (1h 30 minutes drive)
Check into your hotel.
Stay night at Mahabalipuram.
Day 2
Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (70kms/2hrs each way)
Morning drive to Kanchipuram-one of the 7 sacred cities of India, ancient capital of the Pallava dynasty and one among the 3 main cities famous for silk weaving. Visit the temple of Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara. You can also visit the silk weaving units if you are interested. After the visits drive to Mahabalipuram.
On arrival visit the famous monolithic temples known as the 5 Rathas, old light house, the Shore Temple.
Stay night at the hotel.
Day 3
Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (100 kms/2h 30min)
After breakfast visit the Arjuna penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Varaha Cave and the Krishna mandapam.
Later drive to Pondicherry the former French colony, the centre of the town still retains a French atmosphere in its architecture.
Check in the hotel.
Later visit the Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula vinayagar temple, Notre dame des ange church, walk around the French quarters.
Also visit the Goubert Market-the colourful flower, fruit, vegetable fish market of Pondichery and walk to the beach.
Stay night at Pondicherry.
Day 4
Pondicherry - Chidambaram (2h) - Gangaikondacholapuram (1h) - Kumbakonam (1h) - Tanjore (1h/210 kms)
After breakfast drive to Kumbakonam.
On the way we visit Chidambaram the temple dedicated to the Cosmic dance of Shiva,known as Nataraja. Continue the drive to Gangaikondacholapuram considered built by the Cholas with rare sculptures Later drive to Darasuram, considered to be the finest miniature granite architecture of Tamilnadu.
After the visit drive down to Tanjore.
Stay night at Tanjore.
Day 5
Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore (130 kms/1h 15min)
After breakfast drive to Trichy and on arrival stop on the banks of the holy river cauvery where you can see the pilgrims dipping in the river with many Brahmin priests doing various kinds of rituals, very colourful and unique. Later visit the huge temple Sri ranganathaswami in Srirangam where the town itself is within the temple walls.
Drive back to Tanjore.
Afternoon visit the Bronze museum known as Art Gallery where you can see one of the most beautiful, delicately made wax lost bronze statues.
visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple of Tanjore, one of the many masterpiece skills of the Cholas.
Stay night at Tanjore.
Day 6
Tanjore to Chettinad (120kms/2h 30min)
After breakfast drive to Chettinad the land of traditional bankers and traders who built spectacular bungalows and mansions all around this region.
On arrival check into your hotel.
Afternoon visit a paletale Chettiyar House and in the evening walk through the village to have a glimpse of the local life.
Stay night at Chettinad.
Day 7
Chettinad - Madurai (80kms/2hrs)
After breakfast drive to Madurai and on arrival check into the hotel and relax.
Afternoon visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace-a gracious building in Indo ceramic style, famous for the Stucco work. In the evening visit the great temple dedicated to the Godess Meenakshi considered to be a big pilgrime center for the Hindus.
Stay night at Madurai.
Day 8
Madurai - Periyar (150kms/4hrs)
Post breakfast drive to Periyar which is famous for its wildlife sanctuary.
Check into the resort and later enjoy 2hrs elephant package which includes 1hr ride and then bathing, feeding, timber dragging process, command and communication, etc.
In the evening watch a theatrical performance of Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial art show.
Stay night at Periyar.
Day 9
Periyar - Munnar(100 kms/3hr)
After late breakfast visit a Spice garden where you can see the different types of spices grown.
Drive to Munnar.
Visit a Tea manufacturing Factory.
Stay night in Munnar.
Day 10
Munnar
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Trekking in the tea plantation.
Stay night in Munnar.
Day 11
Munnar - Alleppey (190kms/5hrs)
After breakfast drive to Alleppey through the tea, rubber and pine apple plantations. On arrival check in to your Houseboat traditionally known as Kettuvalam. You will be served with your lunch on board. Relax and enjoy the nature and the people.
Dinner on the boat. Stay night in Houseboat.
Day 12
Alleppey - Cochin (70kms/1h 30min)
After breakfast the houseboat leaves u at Alleppey by 9.30am, from where you will be picked and transfer to Cochin.
On arrival check into your hotel.
Stay night at Cochin.
Day 13
Cochin
Breakfast in the morning. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St.Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and the Chinese Fishing nets. Later in the afternoon 2 hours sunset cruise.
Stay night at the Hotel.
Day 14
Cochin Departure
After Breakfast you will be transferred to connect the onward flight.
