Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Chennai
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Welcome to Chennai!
Arrive at the Chennai International Airport. Once you have de-boarded the flight, you will be required to clear immigration and
customs.Our representative (with a paging board) will greet you and escort you to your vehicle once you have cleared the immigration
process. You will then be transferred to the hotel of your choice. Welcome and check-in at the hotel on arrival. Chennai
Witness to the arrival of the Armenians, Portuguese, Dutch, and French and finally the British East India Company, Chennai has a
remarkably variegated history and culture that you can see in all aspects of life here. Its wealth of Indo-Saracenic architecture and
the ancient Tamil culture co-exist with larger-than-life portraits of politicians who watch over the city. Overnight at hotel in Chennai
Day 2
Chennai B:Hotel
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Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, you will meet with your guide in the lobby and set out for a sightseeing experience on the first day. Your first morning visit in the morning will be to the Kapaleeshwara Temple which was built around the 7th century CE. The temple is
in Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is worshiped as Kapaleeshwara and is represented by the lingam
and his consort Parvati is depicted as Karpagambal. Later in the day you will visit the museum to see the bronze gallery with its superb collection of Chola art. Later you will drive through
the flower and fruit market, past the High Court built in Indo-Saracenic style, followed by the Fort Museum with its collection of
colonial memorabilia and end with the Marina Beach. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in CHENNAI
Day 3
Drive to Puducherry B:Hotel
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After breakfast in the morning, you will drive to Puducherry (Driving time: 4 hours; Distance: 165km), en-route visiting
Mahabalipuram. You will visit a collection of temples built in traditional Dravidian style located picturesquely alongside the sea, with a
colossal bas relief sculpture done on a single rock face, chariots carved out of single pieces of boulders, and cave temples, and various
Mandapams. All of these collectively have been inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also have the chance to
see the gravity-defying spectacle called the Balancing Rock or Krishna’s Butter Ball.
Post the tour you will continue on your drive to Puducherry. Puducherry
Set on the Bay of Bengal, Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) is a must visit for its laid back vibe with a definitive French romance,
charming layout, interesting history and chic environs. The former Capital of French territories in India, the town of Puducherry oozes
quaint and rustic charm while showcasing a splendid mix of colonial and local flavours. On arrival, welcome and check in at the hotel. Later proceed to the Aurobindo Ashram which was established in 1926. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the most well-known ashrams in
India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking towards it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a
synthesis of yoga and modern science. Overnight at hotel in PUDUCHERRY
Day 4
Drive to Thanjavur B:Hotel
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Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post your breakfast, you will drive to Thanjavur (Driving time: 5 hours; Distance: 220km). Thanjavur
The Chola Dynasty developed Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur as a bastion of their Empire. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples,
which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. It is famous for its unique style of paintings and
bronze-cast statues, antiques, handicrafts, textiles, and sarees. It is also a centre of Carnatic Music and producer of traditional
musical instruments. On arrival welcome and check-in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, you will visit a factory that manufactures the Indian traditional stringed instrument called ‘Veena’. The origin
of this instrument goes back many centuries and the great Gupta ruler Samudragupta who is also depicted as playing this instrument in
some of his gold coins. Overnight at hotel in THANJAVUR
Day 5
Thanjavur B:Hotel
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You will start your day with a late morning visit to the famous Brihadeeswara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as the Big
Temple, the Periya Kovil, the Raja Rajeswara Temple, and also Rajarajeswaram. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an
excellent example of exemplary architecture dating back to the Chola Dynasty. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
known as the "Great Living Chola Temples". During the tour, you will also visit the Tanjore Art Gallery, housed in the magnificent Thanjavur Palace, which has a rich
representation of Tamil Nadu’s artistic legacy. The walls of the art gallery adorn painting and sculptures from South India, magnificent
pieces that prevailed during the peak of Tamil history. Later you will visit the Royal Palace and Museum.
End your day with a Bronze Casting Demonstration in the company of a Master craftsman and participate in a bronze casting
demonstration. The bronze sculptors of Tanjore have not only kept a millennium-old tradition alive but are also a thriving craft. Overnight at hotel in THANJAVUR
Day 6
Drive to Karaikudi B:Hotel
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In the morning post your breakfast you will drive to the town of Karaikudi (Driving time: 2.5 hours; Distance: 110km). Karaikudi and surrounding areas are generally referred as "Chettinad.Within the span of some 80 sq km of Chettinad, there is
immense architectural, cultural, and culinary heritage that will leave you spellbound from the moment you arrive. Grand mansions
built with the fortunes of Chettiar business communities, beautiful temples, and bustling local bazaars give you plenty to explore. On arrival, welcome and check-in at the hotel. Later take a tour through the town of Chettinad marvelling at some of the most opulent mansions with exquisitely carved teak columns
and beams, beautiful chequered marble floors, Athangudi tiles, ceramics, and much more. You will also see the Chettinad Palace from
the outside. There are also splendidly carved temples, and colourful local bazaar to explore. Get to see local snacks being made and
sample some as well! Overnight at hotel in KARAIKUDI
Day 7
Drive to Madurai B:Hotel
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Post breakfast, continue on your journey to Madurai (Driving time: 2 hours; Distance: 100km) Madurai
A visit to Madurai can be equally mystifying and mesmerizing. The city is more than 2,500 years old and is one of the most ancient
cities of India. Often known as the Athens of the East, the city comprises of a number of temples and historical monuments. It
presents a beautiful blend of art, culture, spirituality, and technology. Later in the afternoon enjoy a rickshaw ride- an auto rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw ride is a great way to discover a different aspect of
Madurai and experience the energy of the city like a local. Late in the evening you will visit the local temple to attend the night ceremony. This is a ceremony that takes place every evening
when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bedchamber of Parvati. The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and
temple music. (Note: Non - Hindus are not allowed inside the inner sanctum of the temple.) Overnight at hotel in MADURAI
Day 8
Madurai B:Hotel
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You will start a little early in the morning to visit the famous wholesale flower market in the city. Just north of the Sri Meenakshi Temple, the daily flower and vegetable market is a labyrinth of bustling laneways strewn with aromatic
herbs and vegetables. In the thick of it, on the first floor of a non-descript cement building is the gorgeous flower market. Vendors
dexterously heap mountains of marigolds and jasmine onto scales for the temple flower sellers here. You will visit the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, a historic Hindu temple located on the bank of the River Vaigai in the temple city of
Madurai. It is dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva. You will also visit the elegant Thirumalai Nayaka Palace (built in 17th century). The Thirumalai Nayak Palace has a grand architecture
and design, and is famous for its giant pillars; the Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles. The interior of the palace
surpasses many of its Indian contemporaries in scale and grandeur. Later proceed to the art museum situated in the thousand-pillared hall, the museum at the Sri Meenakshi Temple compound which
contains a good collection of icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting 1200 years of Indian history. Overnight at hotel in MADURAI
Day 9
Drive to Thekkady B:Hotel
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Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast you will drive to Thekkady (Driving time: 4 hours; Distance: 140km) Periyar National Park located in Thekkady, is open throughout the year unlike many other parks in India, and is good for Elephant
sighting; the large reservoir attracts all kinds of creatures to its shores. A paradise for nature lovers, Periyar and Thekkady offer
plenty of opportunities at wildlife sightings, bird watching, boat rides, and treks and mountain walks through fragrant spice
plantations. In the afternoon, you will take a walk through the diverse habitats of Thekkady that gives you the opportunity to spot different species
of birds, identify wildlife that roam the jungles of Thekkady and capture the primeval natural beauty of the place in your cameras. Overnight at hotel in THEKKADY
Day 10
Drive to Kumarakom B:Hotel
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In the morning, embark on a guided visit of a spice garden to learn about variety of India spices and their scientific usage. Indian spices
are being widely used in every household to cook regular dishes for centuries and the benefits of the spices for a healthy living is now
acknowledged across the world. Later, check-out and proceed to Kumarakom. (Driving time: 3.5 hours; Distance: 125km).Kumarakom
Known for its languid stillness, Kumarakom is a verdant tropical paradise located on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Backwaters, birds,
and boats bobbing up and down are sights that greet you here. On arrival take a day cruise on a Kettuvallam (houseboat). The Kettuvallam or “boat with knots” is a traditional houseboat of Kerala
that dates back to 3000 BCE. They earned the name from the knots of coir ropes that held together the wooden planks used to make
them. These hardy and spacious boats masterfully navigated through the complex lattice of backwaters carrying rice and other cargo.
In recent years, the boats renovated with modern amenities have become a popular way to experience the soporific surroundings of
Kumarakom. You will enjoy lunch comprising of simple but delicious Keralan dishes on-board the houseboat. After sunset, get down at Kumarakom boat jetty and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in KUMARAKOM
Day 11
Kumarakom to Cochin B:Hotel
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After breakfast in the morning you will drive to Cochin (Driving time: 1.5 hours; Distance: 50km). Kochi is the ideal starting point to know more about Kerala’s unique global exchange, both economic and cultural that goes back to
two millennia. Whist the Camel Caravans on the Silk Route plodded through the Thar Desert in India’s distant Northwest corner
braving extreme conditions; in the Southern part of India, the sea traders on the Spice Routes reached Kerala facing treacherous sea
voyages looking for black pepper. It was an import so prized and such was its prominence as a luxury commodity that in 410 CE when
the Huns lay siege of Rome, 3000 pounds of black pepper was demanded as ransom. Just like Jaisalmer, Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt and
Turkey along the Silk Route, several ports and trade centres emerged worldwide along the Spice Routes including Muzuris, Fort Kochi,
Mattancherry and Kozhikode in Kerala. Post your arrival, welcome and check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon you are free to explore the fort area on your own. In the evening take the opportunity to learn about the Anglo-Indian cuisine of Kerala, and the traditional cooking methods with a local
family in fort area. Anglo Indian cuisine embraced everything that was Indian and mixed it with all that was European. Overnight at hotel in COCHIN
Day 12
Cochin B:Hotel
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In the morning proceed to visit the 16th century Mattancherry Palace or the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) which was built by the
Portuguese with stunning murals of Hindu deities and a temple inside its premises as a gift for the King of Kochi. The Dutch later
renovated it. Later you will proceed to visit the 16th century Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) located in the heart of
Mattancherry to listen to the stories of Kerala as the ancient mother of exiles. CHINESE FISHING NETS: After the tour you can spend some time at the Chinese fishing nets, which make for stunning photographs
during sunset. Historians believe that Admiral Zheng Hee of the Imperial Ming Navy introduced the Chinese fishing nets to Kerala. Not
many know that Admiral Zheng’s fleet of 60 ships and 20,000 men landed in Kozhikode in the beginning of the 15th century, almost
100 years before the Portuguese explorer Vasco-da-Gama did and changed the course of maritime history and trade. The next stop is St. Francis Church (closed on Sundays) where Vasco da Gama was originally buried followed by the Santa Cruz Basilica.
Both these churches built two years apart by the Portuguese in the beginning of the 16th century has witnessed several European
invasions; first by the Dutch in the later part of the 17th century who dislodged the Portuguese and then the British who drove out the
Dutch from Fort Kochi towards the end of the 18th century. Later in the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. In this 300-year-old classical dance tradition, scenes from Indian epics are
re-enacted in the most dramatic way with brilliant costumes and a mask like face-do. It is said that an accomplished Kathakali dancers
can move their eyeballs in 17 different ways, their eyebrows in 8 different ways.Overnight at hotel in COCHIN
Day 13
Cochin Depart B:Hotel
In the morning, after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will complete your check-out formalities.
Later you will be dropped at the international airport for your flight back home.