Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in, relax, and enjoy the luxurious amenities of the hotel.

 

Day 2: Chennai Sightseeing and Excursion to Kanchipuram

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Chennai with a visit to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Proceed to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, explore Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India, and the Government Museum, which houses a rich collection of art, archaeology, and natural history. In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to Kanchipuram, famous for its temples and silk sarees. Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing the five elements of nature, and the Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also, explore the Silk Weaving Center to witness the traditional art of silk weaving.

 

Day 3: Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. Explore the Shore Temple, a structural temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Arjuna's Penance, a giant open-air rock relief, and the Five Rathas, five monolithic temples carved out of a single rock formation. Continue your journey to Pondicherry and check in to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the French colonial architecture, tranquil beaches, and vibrant streets of Pondicherry.

 

Day 4: Pondicherry Sightseeing

Begin your day with a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Explore the ashram's peaceful ambiance and learn about its philosophy and activities. Next, wander through the French Quarter, also known as White Town, to admire the colonial-era buildings, charming cafes, and boutiques. Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a stunning Gothic-style church, and stroll along Promenade Beach, a popular seafront promenade. Later, experience the unique cultural township of Auroville, known for its emphasis on sustainable living and universal community. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

 

Day 5: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (220kms)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and historical monuments. En route, stop at the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, an architectural marvel known for its intricately carved gopurams and legends associated with Lord Shiva's cosmic dance. Continue your journey to Thanjavur and explore the Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

 

Day 6: Thanjavur Sightseeing

Today, delve into the rich cultural heritage of Thanjavur with a visit to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the temple's towering vimana (tower) and intricate sculptures. Next, explore the Thanjavur Palace, a historic fortress with a mix of Nayak and Maratha architecture, and its Art Gallery, which houses a remarkable collection of bronze and stone sculptures, ancient manuscripts, and paintings. End your day with a visit to the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, known for its vast collection of ancient texts and manuscripts. Return to your hotel and unwind.

 

Day 7: Thanjavur - Trichy - Chettinad (145kms)

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad, a region renowned for its unique architecture, spicy cuisine, and cultural heritage. On the way, stop at Trichy to visit the Rockfort Temple, an ancient fort complex perched atop a rock formation. Climb the 434 steps to reach the Ucchi Pillayar Temple at the summit and admire the panoramic views of Trichy. Continue your journey to Chettinad and check in to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the region's architectural marvels, culinary delights, and rich cultural heritage.

 

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

Today, explore the opulent mansions of Chettinad, known for their unique architecture, intricate woodwork, and grandeur. Visit a few of these heritage homes to admire the elaborate craftsmanship, teakwood carvings, and Belgian chandeliers. Later, drive to Madurai, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and magnificent temples. Check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

 

Day 9: Madurai - Thekkady (160kms)

Begin your day with a spiritual journey to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a spectacular temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar). Witness the grand architecture, towering gopurams (entrance towers), and intricate sculptures. Don't miss the evening prayer ceremony, a mesmerizing spectacle of music, dance, and devotion. Afterward, drive to Thekkady, a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Check in to your hotel and unwind. In the evening, enjoy a traditional martial art and Kathakali dance performance.

 

Day 10: Thekkady

Spend the day exploring the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Embark on a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, deer, and a variety of bird species. After the boat safari, visit a local spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and more. Engage in a spice tasting session before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

 

Day 11: Thekkady - Alleppey (140kms)

After breakfast, proceed to Alleppey, often referred to as the "Venice of the East" due to its intricate network of backwaters, lagoons, and canals. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat and embark on a leisurely cruise through the mesmerizing backwaters. Enjoy the scenic beauty, lush greenery, and tranquility as you glide along the waterways. Relish a delicious lunch prepared onboard with fresh local ingredients. Spend the night on the houseboat, lulled by the gentle ripples of the backwaters.

 

Day 12: Alleppey - Marari (20kms)

Disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Marari beach. Check in to your resort and spend the day relaxing on the pristine sandy beach, taking leisurely walks, and soaking in the tranquil ambiance. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, enjoy beach activities, or simply unwind by the poolside.

 

Day 13-14: Marari

Enjoy two full days at leisure in Marari to soak up the sun, partake in beach activities, and explore the local surroundings. Take leisurely walks along the beach, visit nearby fishing villages, or simply relax and unwind by the poolside. Pamper yourself with luxurious amenities and impeccable service offered by your resort.

 

Day 15: Marari - Cochin/ Departure (Flight)

After breakfast, bid farewell to the serene beauty of Marari and drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, meet your guide and embark on a city tour of Cochin, often referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, with its impressive murals depicting Hindu epics. End your tour with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue in the Jew Town area, known for its exquisite Belgian glass chandeliers and hand-painted Chinese tiles. In the evening, transfer to Cochin airport for your onward journey or return flight home.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 14 Nights' accommodation in mentioned hotels or similar.

- 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

Chennai x 2 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thnjore x 2 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Chettinad x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth

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

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

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)

Mararikulam x 3 nights
3* - EL Oceano Beach Villas/ La Plage Marari
4* - Abad Turtle Beach Resort/ Marari Sands Beach Resort
5* - Xandari Pearl/ Marari Beach Resort

- Any flight tickets.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

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

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.