Day 1 : Arrive in Chennai (Flight TBA)
On arrival at Chennai airport, our representative will welcome you and assist for transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Chennai.
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a half day guided tour of Chennai.
Chennai is the cultural centre of South India. Capital of the modern state of Tamil Nadu, it is the fourth
largest city in India as well as the heart of the South Indian film industry.
Begin your tour by visiting Fort St. George, built around 1653 by the British, it occupies a place of pride
and prominence in Chennai. The State Legislature and the Secretariat are located inside this fort. Visit
the Fort Museum which hosts a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the days of the British Raj.
In the afternoon we go on a Trail an easy walk through Mylapore, a bustling neighborhood in the heart
of Chennai, pre-dates the city by at least 2000 years, and has kept alive many traditions and arts that
Chennai is so well known for. Exploring the fascinating stories hidden away in the mundane rituals of
daily life, stories behind everyday sights, stories of Gods and demons, of ancient customs and
symbolisms, and of Mylapore & Madras.
Overnight at the hotel in Chennai.
Day 3 : Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (By Road 140 kms / 4-5 hrs)
Breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Start our drive to the impressive temple town of Kanchipuram - known as the Golden City of a
Thousand Temples, it is one of the oldest towns in India and is famous for both its temples and hand-
woven silks. The prominent temples of Kanchipuram include Ekambareshwar and Kamakshi.
Post visit we continue with our drive for Mahabalipuram, a small seaside village, it was once the main
port of the Pallava Dynasty between the 5th and 9th centuries. Declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO, Mahabalipuram boasts some of India’s most sublime rock-cut art, the.
On reaching Mahablipuram check-in to the hotel. The balance of the day will be at leisure to relax and
enjoy the beach.
Overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Day 4 : Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Road 100 kms / 2-3 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for the tour visiting the prominent sites of Mahabalipuram, The Arjuna’s Penance which is one
of the greatest ancient artworks inscribed in two monolithic rock boulders, The Shore Temple located
along the coast of Bay of Bengal which captivate every traveler. This granite built pagoda provide a
picturesque contrast with usually a clear blue sky and its azure sea making it a must visit attraction. And
then to The Pancha Rathas which is another intriguing complex that us full of architectural beauty. It
lies nea the southern end of Mahabalipuram town and houses five chariots or pancha rathas that are
skillfully carved out of a granite in Dravidian architectural style. These five chariots are named after the
Pandavas from the Mahabharata era.
Post visit we continue our drive to Puducherry (formely) Pondicherry - the French ruled this area for
300 years, and today, it still stands as a living monument of French culture in India. Being a small and
quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has imbibed the Tamilian culture too very well.
On reaching the Pondicherry town we check in to the hotel. The balance of the day will be free.
Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we start our day with the visit to Auroville - a great place of personal and spiritual upliftment. An
experimental township founded in the year 1968, the literal translation of its name means "City of
Dawn". Flocked by people from all around the world looking for spirituality and "Union with the One",
Auroville is the heart and soul of the city of Pondicherry.
Then, to Shri Aurobindo Ashram named after its creator- Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. The foundation of this
ashram was laid on 24th November in the year 1926 when he was surrounded by his disciples all over
after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry. This ashram was set up with the aim of helping
people attain moksha and inner peace. Thousands of tourists from all over visit the ashram to
experience and achieve spiritual knowledge.
Return back to hotel to relax for a while….
Late afternoon we proceed for our Walking Trail to the French Quarter where the Pondicherry’s
colonial past comes alive as we take you through its quaint boulevards and sleepy streets, to discover
this little piece of France left behind in India. Seeped in culture and heritage, every building, every corner
tells a story. Quirky twists of history and unforgettable characters are just some of the things you will
hear about. Behind every charming façade, you’ll find incredible stories. We’ll explore the architecture
and the ironies, the contradictions and the culture, the things Pondicherry did right and many things
that didn’t work out. Surrounded by the British in India, the French here were gritty, stubborn and
refused to disappear and lot more….
Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 6 : Pondicherry – Tanjore (By Road 180 kms / 4-5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and start the drive to Tanjore.
En-route we shall visit the 9th century Shiva Temple at Chidambaram which is one of the most ancient
and celebrated shrines in India. Then we visit Gangaikondacholapuram and Darsuram Temples at
Kumbakonam, famous for their Chola architectural style.
Continue with the drive to Tanjore and on arrival check-in to your hotel. Tanjore has the distinction of
having been the capital of the Cholas, one of the greatest dynasties of the South. It bears witness to
this, being dotted with no fewer than 74 temples, the most famous of which is the Brihadeshwara
temple, a World Heritage monument.
Overnight at the hotel in Tanjore.
Day 7 : Tanjore – Trichy – Chettinad (By Road 140 kms / 04 hrs)
Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Tanjore visitng the Sri Brihadeshwara Temple
built by the great Chola king, Raja I in the 10th century. This World Heritage temple is an outstanding
example of Chola architecture. Continue to Tanjore Palace, a vast structure built partly by the Nayaks
and partly by the Marathas around 1550 AD.
Post visit continue the drive to Trichy, which is a blend of history, a pilgrim site and a thriving
commercial city. Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, it was a Chola citadel during the Sangam
Age and was also briefly ruled by the Pallavas and the Pandyas. Visit Trichy's main attraction, the Rock
Fort Temple. The fort is the centre of the city and is a remarkable structure that dominates the
landscape.
After the visits in Trichy, we continue to drive to our next destination Chettinad, famous for its fortress-
like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. On reaching, check in to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Chettinad.
Day 8 : Chettinad – Madurai (By Road 100 kms / 2-3 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning enjoy an orientation tour to the Chettinadu Mansion & Museum a 100-year-old architectural
marvel situated in a quaint little village called Kanadukathan. Following the mansion tour, enjoy a Ride
on the traditional Bullock Cart through the village and interact with the local artisans specializing in
Traditional Jewellery, Handicrafts and Tilework.
In the afternoon we drive to Madurai tucked snugly into the banks of the sacred Vaigai River. Madurai
is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu and is a destination for thousands of pilgrims for centuries. Upon arrival,
check-in to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.
Breakfast at the hotel.
We start our tour of Madurai city visiting Thirumalai Nayak Mahal - the palace was built in 1636 by
Thirumalai Nayakar. A classic example of the Indo-Saracenic style, the piece de resistance of this Mahal
is its carved dome outsoars without the support of girders or rafters. The stucco work on its domes and
arches is remarkable. The gigantic pillars and structures represent the amazing architectural mastery of
Nayak Kings. The courtyard and the dancing hall are being the center of attractions. There are around
248 pillars of each 58 feet tall and 5 feet diameter. Furniture and utensils used by the kings have been
exhibited inside the palace.
Next visit would be to Sree Meenakshi Amman Temple, the most famous temple in South India. The
huge temple that extends beyond 6 hectares of land is dedicated to god Shiva and it is named after
goddess Parvati. The thousand pillar hall is one of the amazing works in the temple that if famous for architectural brilliance. It is the temple’s museum and statues here are exquisite. Post visit return back
to the hotel.
Late afternoon we proceed for our Walking Trail of the ancient Madurai city and chance upon her
stories; of fickle kings and towering monuments; of whimsical Gods and extraordinary mortals; some set
a millennia ago and some of a more recent vintage….
Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.
Day 10 : Madurai – Thekkady (By Road 150 kms / 3-4 hrs)
Today post breakfast at hotel check out and drive to Thekkady. On reaching Thekkady check in to your
hotel.
After freshen up proceed for a Spice Plantation Tour where you get to understand the different types
of spices grown and available in this region. Thekkady is considered as a heaven for
natural spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove.
Early evening we take you to enjoy a performance of traditional Kalaripayattu, a martial art, which
originated as a style in Kerala itself. The word Kalari first appears in the Tamil Sangam literature to
describe both a battlefield and combat arena.
Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.
Day 11 : Thekkady – Cochin (By Road 150 kms / 4-5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start the day with your visit to the Periyar National Park, here you get the opportunity to view the
wildlife on a Boat Cruise on the Periyar Lake. A boat ride on the splendid Periyar lake is the best way to
experience the sanctuary. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few places where the chances are
pretty high that you will spot an elephant in the wild at close quarters and from the safe confines of a
boat. Not just elephant but if it’s your lucky day, gaur, masher, otter and other wildlife.
Post visit we start our drive for Cochin, now called 'Kochi' is the commercial hub of Kerala and a town
of great historical importance. It has one of the finest natural harbors and is called the "Queen of the
Arabian Sea". On reaching Cochin check in to your hotel and relax.
Evening we take you to enjoy the Traditional Kathakali Dance performance.
Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.
Breakfast at the hotel.
After freshen-up proceed for the city tour visiting The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its
wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally
called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz
Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered
fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders.
Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.
Day 13 : Cochin – Alleppey (By Road 60 kms / 1-2 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Post tour continue drive for Alleppey where you board into a Traditional Kerala Style Boat to begin the
journey in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters for which Kerala is very
famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy
fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can
never forget. Evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a
fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Overnight at the hotel in Alleppey.
Day 14 : Alleppey – Kovalam (By Road 160 kms / 4-5 hrs)
Breakfast in the houseboat.
Post breakfast you shall dis-embark from the houseboat and board your coach to drive to Kovalam. On
reaching Kovalam check in to your beach hotel and spend the next 02 days in leisure and relaxation.
Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.
Breakfast at the hotel. The day will be free for independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.
Day 17 : Kovalam – Trivandum (By Road 15 kms / 30-45 mins)
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out will be at 1200 hrs.
You shall be given the departure transfer to the airport 03 hours prior to your departure fight time or as
advised to report by your airlines.
