The Best Kept Secret of Kerala & Tamilnadu
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA712
Experience the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of South India on this 12-day tour across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Begin in Cochin, exploring historic sites and enjoying a traditional Kathakali dance performance, then cruise through Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters on a houseboat. Discover Thekkady’s wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations, followed by Munnar’s tea estates, Eravikulam National Park, and picturesque viewpoints. Journey through Madurai, Trichy, and Thanjavur, marveling at grand temples, palaces, and the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Explore Pondicherry’s French Quarter, beaches, and Aurobindo Ashram, before visiting Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, and Chennai’s cultural landmarks. This tour blends history, spirituality, nature, and adventure for a complete South Indian experience.
Day 1: Arrive Cochin
Upon arrival at Cochin airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Cochin, the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is famed for its historical and cultural richness. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing evening as you witness a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala with elaborate costumes, expressive makeup, and dramatic storytelling. The performance narrates mythological tales through intricate movements and music, offering an immersive introduction to Kerala’s heritage. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay, soaking in the coastal charm of Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin – Alleppey (60 kms)
Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel before exploring Cochin’s historic landmarks. Visit Fort Cochin, wander through antique shops, and admire colonial architecture. Explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry with its intricate Chinese tiles. Discover Mattancherry Dutch Palace with murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Marvel at the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront. Drive to Alleppey, board a traditional houseboat, and glide through serene backwaters framed by palm trees and paddy fields, enjoying lunch and dinner on board.
Day 3: Alleppey – Thekkady (160 kms)
After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Thekkady, renowned for its rich biodiversity and wildlife. Check in to your hotel and prepare for an evening Martial Arts and Kathakali dance show. Witness Kerala’s traditional martial arts and dance forms, highlighting intricate footwork, dramatic expressions, and elaborate costumes. Immerse yourself in the cultural essence of Thekkady while enjoying this vibrant evening performance. Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Day 4: Thekkady
After breakfast, embark on a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by dense forests, you may spot elephants, tigers, deer, and a variety of birds. Explore a nearby spice plantation to learn about Kerala’s famous spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee. Understand their cultivation, processing, and historical significance. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the lush landscapes and unique wildlife experiences before returning to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5: Thekkady – Munnar (100 kms)
Start the day with breakfast before driving to Munnar, a picturesque hill station renowned for its tea plantations. En route, stop at Ramakkalmedu for panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the plains of Tamil Nadu, enjoying the cool breeze and lush greenery. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel and relax. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, soaking in the serene surroundings and scenic vistas of this charming hill station. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 6: Munnar
After breakfast, explore Munnar’s natural and cultural highlights. Visit Pothamedu Viewpoint for sweeping views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. Explore Mattupetty Dam, offering boat rides and lush surroundings, followed by Rajamala Hill in Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr. Visit the Tea Museum to understand the history and production of tea in the region. Discover Echo Point, known for its natural echo phenomenon, and explore Mattupetty Dairy Farm under the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Munnar – Madurai (160 kms)
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, a city steeped in history and culture. Check in at your hotel and visit the Meenakshi Temple, renowned for its intricate sculptures and vibrant rituals. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace with its grand arches and domes, reflecting the architectural brilliance of the Nayak dynasty. Visit Alagar Koil and Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, each with unique historical and religious significance. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 8: Madurai – Trichy – Thanjavur (190 kms)
After breakfast, drive to Trichy and visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world with elaborate gopurams. Explore the Rock Fort Temple atop a rock outcrop with panoramic views, and visit Jambukeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Continue to Thanjavur and explore the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Thanjavur Palace and Museum, showcasing Chola dynasty artifacts and history. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 9: Thanjavur – Darasuram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Chidambaram – Pondicherry (180 kms)
After breakfast, visit Darasuram’s Great Living Chola Temple, known for its detailed sculptures. Continue to Gangaikondacholapuram, exploring the Brihadeshwara Temple. Visit Chidambaram’s Nataraja Temple, celebrating Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. Arrive in Pondicherry, check in to your hotel, and spend the evening exploring the local area or relaxing. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 10: Pondicherry
After breakfast, explore Pondicherry’s French Quarter with its colonial architecture and quaint cafes. Stroll along Promenade Beach, enjoying the serene coastline. Visit Aurobindo Ashram for a spiritual experience at the meditation hall and samadhi. Enjoy leisure time on Pondicherry’s pristine beaches, relaxing and absorbing the tranquil environment. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai (240 kms)
After breakfast, drive towards Chennai. En route, explore Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance. Continue to Kanchipuram, visiting Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple, renowned for Dravidian architecture. Arrive in Chennai, check in to your hotel, and relax after a full day of sightseeing. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 12: Chennai – Departure (Flight)
After breakfast, explore Chennai with visits to Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, and the Fort Museum. Discover Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Vadapalani Murugan Temple, appreciating Dravidian architecture and spiritual ambiance. Visit the Government Museum for insights into Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage and stroll along Marina Beach. Transfer to Chennai airport for your onward journey, concluding your memorable tour of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 11 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 11 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 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Svatma
Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa
Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace
- 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.