Day 1: Cochin Arrival

Upon your arrival at Cochin airport, our dedicated representative will warmly welcome you. They will facilitate a smooth transfer to your chosen hotel in Cochin. After settling into your room and freshening up, the evening offers a cultural treat. Experience the mesmerizing Kathakali, a traditional dance form of Kerala known for its vibrant costumes, intricate makeup, and expressive storytelling.

 

Day 2: Cochin to Alleppey (60kms)

Kickstart your day with a guided city tour of Cochin. Delve into the rich history and culture as you visit Fort Cochin. Admire the ancient St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Witness the unique Chinese fishing nets lining the coast, an iconic symbol of Cochin. Next, journey to Mattancherry to explore the Jewish Synagogue, adorned with exquisite Belgian chandeliers and Portuguese tiles. Nearby, the Dutch Palace showcases Kerala's traditional architectural brilliance. After this cultural immersion, proceed to Alleppey. Here, you'll embark on a houseboat, your floating sanctuary amidst Alleppey's enchanting backwaters. Glide through serene canals, passing by lush paddy fields and quaint villages.

 

Day 3: Alleppey to Thekkady (160kms)

Bid farewell to the houseboat after breakfast and drive towards Thekkady. As you traverse the scenic route, notice the transition from backwater landscapes to dense forests and spice plantations. On reaching Thekkady, check into your hotel. The evening promises an adrenaline rush with a Martial Arts and Kathakali Dance performance. Be enthralled by the performers' agility and the dance's emotive storytelling.

 

Day 4: Thekkady Adventure

Rise early to experience the serene beauty of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Hop onto a boat for a tranquil cruise along the Periyar Lake. The sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity, housing a variety of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and rare lion-tailed macaques. Later, delve deeper into the region's essence with a guided tour of a spice plantation. Witness the cultivation of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee. Engage with local farmers, learning about organic farming practices and traditional harvesting methods.

 

Day 5: Thekkady to Munnar (100kms)

Today, journey towards Munnar, Kerala's picturesque hill station. The road to Munnar offers breathtaking views, with winding roads cutting through lush valleys and misty mountains. Enroute, make a stop at Ramakkalmedu, a scenic hilltop offering panoramic views of Tamil Nadu's plains and the Western Ghats. As you arrive in Munnar, check into your hotel. The evening is at leisure, allowing you to explore the quaint town, soak in the fresh mountain air, or simply relax amidst nature's beauty.

 

Day 6: Munnar Exploration

Begin your day with a visit to Pothamedu, an idyllic spot offering panoramic views of Munnar's sprawling tea and coffee plantations. Next, proceed to Mattupetty dam, a popular picnic spot nestled amidst rolling hills. Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the reservoir, soaking in the surrounding greenery. Later, venture into Rajamala, part of the Eravikulam National Park. This sanctuary is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat species. Conclude your day with a visit to the Tea Museum, where you'll learn about Munnar's tea-growing heritage, from plantation to processing.

 

Day 7: Munnar to Madurai (160kms)

After breakfast, leave the serene hills of Munnar behind and head towards Madurai. On arrival, check into your hotel. Madurai, often referred to as the 'Athens of the East', is renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage. In the evening, visit the iconic Meenakshi Temple, a marvel of Dravidian architecture. Witness its towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with intricate sculptures and vibrant paintings. Later, explore the grand Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, an architectural masterpiece reflecting the grandeur of the Nayak dynasty.

 

Day 8: Madurai to Thanjavur via Trichy (190kms)

Today's journey takes you to Thanjavur, the cultural heartland of Tamil Nadu. Enroute, explore Trichy, a bustling city steeped in history. Visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Climb up to the Rock Fort Temple, perched atop an ancient rock formation. Enjoy panoramic views of Trichy city and the Kaveri River below. Continue your journey to Thanjavur, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brihadeshwara Temple. Marvel at this architectural marvel, a testament to the architectural prowess of the Chola dynasty. Later, explore the Thanjavur Palace and Museum, showcasing a vast collection of ancient artifacts, royal memorabilia, and exquisite sculptures.

 

Day 9: Great Living Chola Temples Tour (150kms round)

Embark on a fascinating excursion to the Great Living Chola Temples. Visit the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, showcasing intricate carvings and towering vimanas (temple towers). Proceed to Darasuram to explore the Airavatesvara Temple, a gem of Chola architecture adorned with intricate sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Conclude your temple tour with a visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, renowned for its majestic Shiva temple and intricate stone carvings. Later, return to Thanjavur and visit the Palace and Museum to delve deeper into the region's vibrant history and cultural heritage.

 

Day 10: Thanjavur to Rameshwaram (250kms)

Post breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Rameshwaram. This pilgrimage town, located on Pamban Island, is steeped in mythological significance. Check into your hotel upon arrival. Later, visit the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple. Marvel at its majestic gopurams and explore the expansive corridors adorned with intricate carvings. Don't miss the iconic 1,000-pillar corridor, an architectural marvel. Also, make a visit to Adams Bridge, a unique geographical formation connecting India and Sri Lanka. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and scattered islets.

 

Day 11: Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari (310kms)

Today, journey to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland. On reaching, check into your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Kanyakumari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Devi Kanya Kumari. Admire its intricate architecture and soak in the spiritual ambiance. Next, explore the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace, a splendid wooden palace showcasing Kerala's traditional architectural style. Proceed to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, situated on a rocky island in the midst of the Arabian Sea. This memorial is a tribute to Swami Vivekananda's spiritual journey and offers panoramic views of the confluence of three oceans – the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Conclude your day with a visit to the Vattakottai Fort, a seaside fort offering panoramic views of the coastal landscape.

 

Day 12: Kanyakumari to Kovalam (80kms)

After breakfast, drive to the tranquil beach town of Kovalam. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Later, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, renowned for its architectural grandeur and spiritual significance. Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the Attukal Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Conclude your day at the Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery, showcasing an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, traditional paintings, and contemporary art pieces.

 

Day 13-14: Leisure Days in Kovalam

Relish the serenity of Kovalam's pristine beaches over the next two days. Unwind under the sun's gentle rays, take refreshing dips in the azure waters, or indulge in thrilling water sports like surfing and parasailing. For those interested in culture and history, explore the local markets to shop for traditional handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Don't miss out on sampling the delectable seafood, a specialty of the region. Alternatively, rejuvenate your body and soul with traditional Ayurvedic therapies and spa treatments offered by renowned wellness centers in Kovalam.

 

Day 15: Departure

After a delightful breakfast, as per your travel plans, our team will assist in your transfer to either Trivandrum Airport or Cochin Airport. As you bid adieu to the enchanting landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, carry back cherished memories, vibrant cultural experiences, and a heart full of stories from your incredible journey through the southern tip of India.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 13 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.

- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

Cochin x 1 night
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Thanjavur x 2 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Svatma

Rameshwaram x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Kanyakumari x 1 night
3* - Sea Shore/ Hotel Seaface
4* & 5* - Anantya Resorts/ Annai Resorts and Spa

Kovalam x 3 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/ Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach

- Any flight ticket

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.