Overview

The two southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are both wonderful destinations to visit but they couldn’t be more different and provide a wonderful contrast to each other on this fabulous journey from coast to coast. Tamil Nadu’s has a variety of cultures to discover, from the former French Colony of Pondicherry (now Puducharri) to its temples and temple towns which are extraordinary with vivid, intricate and colourful carvings adorning their towering gopurams. Once you pass through these, you will witness an intense devotion which can be bewildering to those of us from the west. This is in sharp contrast to the gentle state of Kerala, whose spice plantations, gently rolling hills, tea plantations, backwaters and golden sandy beaches provide a wonderfully relaxing end to this journey.

Highlights of Tour:

  • Visit the Sea Shore temple and relax on the beach in Mahabalipuram.
  • Visit the former French town of Pondicherry and amble through its streets.
  • Shop for the traditional silk fabrics and saris in Kanchipuram.
  • Discover great Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
  • Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding spice plantations.
  • Experience a mesmerizing cruise on backwaters of Kerala.
  • Relax on the white sand beaches of Marari.

Tour Details

01

Day 1 - Arrive Chennai

You will be received by our representative at the Chennai airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for a short sightseeing tour of Chennai which will include a visit to the historical fort of St. George, one of the English East India Company’s first bases in India and a drive past Marina beach before heading back to the hotel. Overnight will be in Chennai.

02

Day 2 - Chennai – Mahabalipuram By road 60kms / 2hrs

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. On the way, visit the temples of Kanchipuram. One of the seven sacred cities of India, it is also famous for its exquisitely woven silk sarees. Check in to the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight will be in Mahabalipuram.

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Day 3 - In Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram with a visit to the 7th-century Sea Shore Temple which is surrounded by lush gardens, followed by an exploration of the celebrated bas-relief at Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas. Evening is free to relax at the hotel. Overnight will be in Mahabalipuram.

04

Day 4 - Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry By road 138kms / 4hrs

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry and check into the hotel. The day can be spent sauntering around the quiet streets of this former in French colony with its colonial buildings, beautiful churches, broad tree-lined boulevards and avenues of the French Quarter where colonial heritage villas line the street. You may also choose to experience a rickshaw ride in the French Colony. The sea front promenade is closed to traffic from 7pm to 7am and many people flock there to walk, meet, chat and take in the sea air. Overnight in Pondicherry.

05

Day 5 - Pondicherry to Tanjore By road 177kms / 5hrs

After breakfast, proceed for a tour of Pondicherry and visit the commune of Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French colonial town. The serenity and peacefulness of these places are something well worth experiencing. Later, travel towards Tanjore en route visiting the ancient temples of Gangai Cholapuram and Darasuram. Reach Tanjore and check into the hotel. Overnight will be in Tanjore.

06

Day 6 - In Tanjore

After breakfast, begin your day visiting the town of Trichy. Visit Srirangam, an island that houses the astounding Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple- dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. Next, visit the Rock Fort Temple - a well-known landmark in Trichy as it was built on a 84 m high rock. An added attraction in this fort is an ancient temple, called Lalitankura Pallaveswaram that was built during the reign of the Pallava rulers. Return to Tanjore and visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort built during the 10th century by the great Chola king Rajaraja Chola. Overnight will be in Tanjore.

07

Day 7 - Tanjore to Madurai By road 150kms / 5hrs

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Madurai and check in to the hotel. In the evening, witness the ‘Aarti Ceremony’ at the famous Meenakshi Temple during which an icon of Shiva is delivered by worshippers to the shrine of his wife to rest for the night. Overnight will be in Madurai.

08

Day 8 - In Madurai

Enjoy leisurely breakfast at the hotel and proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Madurai. Start tour with a visit to the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva’s wife Parvati (also known as Meenakshi). Afterwards, visit the weaver’s colony to learn how the famous Madurai cotton is woven, creating some of India’s most beautiful saris. Later, visit the Gandhi Museum and witness the sound and light show at Thirumalai Nayak Mahal. The evening is free to explore the colorful market of Madurai before returning to hotel. Overnight will be at Madurai.

09

Day 9 - Madurai to Periyar By road 145kms / 5hrs

After breakfast, start your drive towards Periyar. On arrival, check in to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit spice plantations growing such fragrant spices as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. On your way back to the hotel, you can stop at Kumily market to buy some of the spices you have learnt about during the day. Overnight will be in Periyar.

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Day 10 - Periyar to Alleppey By road 155kms / 4hrs

Enjoy a morning boat ride at Lake Periyar. This is a beautiful man made lake which in the early morning has an ethereal quality. You will see a wide variety of bird life, wild otters and if you are lucky, you may witness herds of wild elephants coming down to the water. Later travel to Alleppey. In the evening enjoy sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad. Overnight will be in Alleppey.

011

Day 11 - Alleppey to Marari By road 15kms / 30min

Breakfast will be on board. Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening. Disembark the boat at the finishing point where your driver will be waiting for you to drive to Mararikulam. Arrive and check in to an independent villa at the beautiful Marari Beach Resort. After lunch in the restaurant, it’s time to relax. Overnight will be at Marari.

012

Day 12 - In Marari

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This day is at leisure to explore Marari, enjoy the white sand beach, take a cycle rid around the village or try a treatment in their ayurvedic resort. Overnight will be at Marari.

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Day 13 - Marari to Cochin By road 45kms / 1hrs

Enjoy leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Cochin and in the evening enjoy traditional Kathakali dance performance or a kaleidoscope of martial arts and traditional dance forms of Kerala. Overnight will be in Cochin.

014

Day 14 - In Cochin

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Afterwards, begin the sightseeing tour of Cochin which includes The Santa Cruz Cathedral, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry or “Dutch Palace” and the famous St. Francis Church- the first European Church that was built in India. Later, head to the harbor where local fishermen use the old Chinese fishing nets introduced centuries ago. Overnight will be in Cochin.

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Day 15 - Cochin Departure

Breakfast will be at the hotel. As per the flight timings you will be transferred to the airport to take flight back home with sweet memories of your tour.
TOUR ENDS !