Chennai - Cochin
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Pondicherry - Kumbakonam - Trichey - Thanjavur - Chettinad - Madurai - Periyar - Alappuzha - Cochin
The itinerary start with two major states of South India which are Tamil Nadu & Kerala. Tamil Nadu is known for its rich tradition of literature, music and dance which continue to flourish today. It also known for its monumental ancient Hindu Temples and classical form of dance Bharta Natayam. This state is comprising of about 33,000 ancient temples, many of them over 600 to 800 years old. Then the itinerary takes you to Kerala which is also popularly known as “God’s own Country”. With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters.
Namaste or Namaskar is a customary greeting when individuals meet and a farewell when they part. It is a form of greeting commonly found among people of South Asia, in some Southeast Asian countries, and diaspora from these regions. Namaste or namaskar is used as a respectful form of greeting, acknowledging and welcoming a relative, guest or stranger. It is used with good byes as well. It is typically spoken and performed by pressing the palms of the hands together, but it may also be spoken without acting it out or performed wordlessly;
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport by flight, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel where you will be assisted for check in at the hotel.
Earlier known as Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu is a teeming, sprawling, bustling metropolis of India which established on the site of a fishing village in 1639 around the Fort St. George as the first British settlement in India. The city has a strange mix of British Raj-era monuments, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples, and one of the longest urban beaches on earth. One of its big attractions – Kanchipuram, city of “a thousand temples” – is a day excursion away, while the region’s most celebrated tourist attraction, the Shore Temples, is at Mamallapuram, a spectacular World Heritage Site.
Spend one night in CHENNAI. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Chennai. Visit the Government Museum which was built around 1846 and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays). Also visit the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. The temple depicts Goddess Parvati worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of a peacock. Non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard. Later drive pass Fort St. George located on the banks of Bay of Bengal was built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD and San Thome Cathedral.
Afternoon proceeds for a private road transfer to Mahabalipuram (about 02 hours’ drive).
On arrival check in at the hotel.
Spend two nights in MAHABALIPURAM. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.
After breakfast proceed to visit Kanchipuram Known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, it is one of the oldest towns in India. It is famous for both its temples, many of them remarkably well preserved and for its hand-woven silks. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu. Visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Later drive back to Mahabalipuram.
On arrival proceed to Visit with your guide the magnificent Shore temple, symbolising the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of their kings. Go explore the masterpiece of Mahabalipuram’s Rock cut caves representing the scenes of Hindu myths and finish by the site of the Five Rathas. Each of these temples were named after one of the Pandavas, the five hero-brothers of the epic Mahabharata.
Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast proceed to private road transfer to Pondicherry. (about 02 hrs drive).
On arrival proceed to visit Auroville, located on the outskirts of Pondicherry. This unique spiritual community was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and a French-born woman known as ‘The Mother.’ Here, you’ll learn about the vision and philosophy behind this international township dedicated to human unity
In the afternoon, delight in a rickshaw ride through the French district and the Tamil quarter, guided by an expert. As you pass through the “White Town,” as the French quarter is popularly known, you’ll see beautifully preserved colonial buildings that reflect Pondicherry’s European heritage. Continue into the Tamil quarter and discover the unique blend of Franco-Tamil culture, which creates a diverse and vibrant atmosphere in the city.
Explore lifestyle shops and soak in the bohemian chic ambiance of the French quarter. Visit the Ganesha temple and find inspiration at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram bookshop. Your guide will share fascinating anecdotes and insights into the cultural distinctiveness of this unique town.
Spend one night in PONDICHERRY. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.
After breakfast, proceed for Kumbakonam enroute visit Chidambaram. Once the capital of the Chola Empire, Chidambaram is one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant holy towns. Here, you’ll visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Shiva in his form as the Lord of the Cosmic Dance. This vibrant, active temple is unique in that it has no endowments and is intained entirely through donations. Managed by a group of Brahmins who trace their ancestry back to Kashmir, the temple operates with rituals that resemble family worship more than typical temple rites. The married males of this community are involved in the temple’s management and alms and offerings. The Nataraja Temple, with its intricate shrines and ancient inscriptions, dates back to before the 10th century.
Continue your journey to Kumbakonam, renowned for its temples and religious institutions known as mathas. The town boasts approximately 188 Hindu temples within its municipal limits and many more in the surrounding areas, earning it the titles of “Temple Town” and “City of Temples.”
Upon arrival in Kumbakonam, check in at your hotel.
In evening proceed for visit Airavatesvara Temple.
Spend one night in KUMBAKONAM. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.
After breakfast, proceed for Thanjvur enroute visit Trichy very famous and important Srirangam Temple. Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu.It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, Bhogamandabam. In the Vaishnava parlance the term “KOIL” signifies this temple only. The temple is enormous in size. The temple complex is 156 acres in extent. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. this temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.
On arrival you will be assisted to check-in at the hotel.
Later visit the world heritage-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Constructed in the 11th century by the Chola king Raja Raja I, this architectural marvel is a testament to the grandeur of the Chola dynasty.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Enter through the imposing Nayak gate, followed by two original gopurams adorned with elaborate stucco sculptures. As you explore the temple complex, you will encounter several significant shrines, including one housing one of India’s largest statues of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull. The temple’s west and north walls are lined with exquisite lime-plaster Chola frescoes, offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the period.
Spend one night in THANJVUR. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Madurai embark on a scenic drive to Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest and most culturally significant cities.
Enroute visit Chettinad famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels, equidistant from Trichy, Madurai and Thanjavur. Karaikudi and 74 other villages comprise Chettinad. The Chettiars legacy is the fascinating houses of Chettinad and grand mansions that are an architectural delight and a way of life that is a byword for warmth and
Arrive and enjoy lunch at “The Bangala” a sumptuous lunch, featuring the exquisite flavors of Chettinad cuisine. Enjoy a variety of dishes prepared with aromatic spices and unique cooking techniques that the region is famous for.
On arrival check-in at the hotel.
Later in the evening, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. This sprawling temple complex is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva. Explore the intricate sculptures and colorful gopurams that adorn the temple, and learn about its historical and spiritual significance.
Stay to witness the enchanting night ceremony, during which the bronze idol of Lord Shiva is ceremonially carried to the bedchamber of Parvati. This ritual, accompanied by traditional music and chanting, is a deeply spiritual and mesmerizing experience, offering a unique glimpse into the living traditions of Hindu worship.
After the ceremony, return to your hotel for a restful night.
Spend two nights in MADURAI. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.
Morning: After Breakfast, visit the sprawling Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, 17th century palace of the emperor of the Nayak dynasty and capture its hybrid Dravidian-Islamic style.
Afternoon: walking tour and go deep into the real life of this Tamil rooted oldest city. Walk in the narrow streets flanked by flowers and bananas stands, interact with local people, watch people milking cows by hand and stroll down in the bazaars. Learn with your guide the 5000 years old legends of this busting city while having a meter tea from the corner tea stall.
Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast proceed to area wildlife.
This morning drive to Periyar Wildlife Centaury.
Arrive and check-in at your hotel.
Late afternoon enjoy boat ride at Lake Periyar at Periyar Wildlife Centaury.
After the visit return to your hotel and remainder of the day at leisure.
In the evening enjoy walk and visit of Spice garden.
Spend one night in PERIYAR. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.
After breakfast, drive to Kochi enroute enjoying Day Cruise on Alleppey in houseboat (traditional rice boat). Cruise through the backwaters.
Freshly cooked lunch would be served on board. We will have 01 exclusive Houseboat for our group.
After cruise, disembark boats at Alleppy and drive to Kochi.
Later continue your drive to Kochi and check in at your hotel.
Spend one night in KOCHI. Accommodation is on bed & breakfast basis.
After breakfast, start with the visit of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters like over-sized hammocks have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on every postcard…
Next visit is at the St.Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried and pass by the finest Santa cruz Basilica. Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery, Don’t miss a stop at the Spice Market, where exotic odors of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper emanate from the spice warehouses lining the street. Make a pause and have one “meter tea” at one of the tea stall.. Then you will be invited to get squiggly lines drawn on your hands… This ritual called Mehndi arts holds plenty of cultural significance in Indian traditions and is one of the most important ritual during the wedding ceremonies. Visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and finally stop at the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century.
In the time you will be assisted to board your flight for onward sector.
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Must Carry
All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of booking, and also upon arrival.
Sunscreen & lip balm, Good U/V protection sunglasses
Personal Medications (if any).
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