THE BEST OF KERALA & TAMIL NADU

Day 1 Arrive CHENNAI – COVELONG/MAMALLAPURAM
On arrival at Chennai airport you will be transferred to your hotel at Mamallapuram or Covelong Beach (30kms from Chennai), where you will spend the next 2 nights in one of the finest beach resorts in Southern India.

Day 2 COVELONG/MAMALLAPURAM-CHENNAI-COVELONG/MAMALLAPURAM
Free morning. A half day city tour of Chennai this afternoon will include Marina Drive , Fort St. George, Thousand Light Mosque and other places of interest. (B)

Day 3 COVELONG/MAMALLAPURAM-KANCHIPURAM-PONDICHERRY (165 kms, 3 hrs)
This morning you will visit the world famous weathered 7th century temple on the seashore, with its monolithic “rathas” (shrines carved out of rock). The romantic theme of the shore temple is simply fabulous, and is one of the most photographed monuments of India . The carvings depict scenes from day to day life. These rock carvings and temples lack grandeur, yet, it is their simplicity that captivates every eye. Sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also seen, scattered through the area. On to Kanchipuram – a spectacular city with its noted temples and thriving handloom industry, and one of the 3 main cities famous for its exquisite silk. View silk-making, then some free time will be allowed to look at silks. Continue on to Pondicherry to overnight. (B)

The seaside resort of Pondicherry has a special ambience, not felt anywhere else in India . It is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town. Colonial buildings, tracing back to the 18th century flank the seashore boulevard, and the Government Park forms the centre, around which most of the government buildings are situated. This bustling, yet tranquil town has quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south. The 18th century Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculée is one of several large churches in Pondicherry . The statues of Francois Dupleix and Joan of Arc are presentative of several remaining French monuments and statues. The French War memorial is another link to the French past.

Day 4 PONDICHERRY-TANJORE(231kms – 4½ hrs)
Visit Pondicherry before being driven to Tanjore. Thanjavur, popularly known as Tanjore, is one of the most enchanting places in South India . It is located on the eastern coast of central Tamil Nadu. It also has the reputation of being the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. The city is set on a fertile delta; agriculture is the principal industry here and makes Thanjavur a great place to be during Pongal (harvest) celebrations in January. (B)

Day 5 TANJORE-CHETTINAD-MADURAI (210kms – 5 hrs)
On to Madurai today, enroute visiting the fabulous Chettiar Mansions. Not yet discovered by the world, Chettinad is a rural area certain to surprise even the most discerning traveller, with its opulence of a bygone era. The Chettiars were a prosperous banking community who made their wealth from trading in the east, and it is estimated that just one of the Chettiar mansions – often with as many as 200 rooms and 995 windows, used 300 tonnes of satinwood and Burma teak in its construction. Apart from the houses, Karaikudi offers extensive antique shopping, a number of temples, visits to Craftmen working with wood and metal, silversmiths and goldsmiths, attractive textiles and exciting Chettiar cuisine. Enjoy typical Chettiar cuisine for lunch, at a charming 75 year old Chettinad Bungalow that has been restored and converted into a heritage guest house, belonging to a Chettiar Family. This evening you will be able to witness the closing ceremony at Meenakshi Temple . Overnight Madurai . (B/L)

One of South India’s great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple . Situated on the banks of the river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.

Day 6 MADURAI
You will discover the main highlights of Madurai on a half day city tour this morning, visiting Meenakshi Temple , Tirumala Nayak Palace and other places of interest. In the afternoon, you will be taken to the Tailor’s Market, where tailor-made clothes in silk or cotton can be made up for you in as little as one hour. This evening enjoy the Sound & Light performance at the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace . Overnight Madurai . (B)

Day 7 MADURAI-PERIYAR (186 kms, 4 hrs)
Drive up into the hills to Periyar today, visiting a spice and tea plantation on the way. Take a late afternoon boat cruise on Periyar Lake to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. (B)

Lying close to the plantations nearby, you can see one of the most fascinating wild life reserves in India – The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary and The Periyar Lake , home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, elephants, and deer. The only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters. From the safety of a boat on the lake.

Day 8 PERIYAR
Free day to relax and enjoy your thatched cottage set in the heart of the Cardamom hills. Take a nature walk around the spice gardens and perhaps enjoy some Ayurvedic treatments. (B)

Day 9 PERIYAR-KUMARAKOM
You will be driven to Kumarakom this morning, with the rest of the day at leisure. (B)>

Kumarakom (78kms from Cochin ) is located on the eastern shore of lake Vembanad at the mouth of the Kavanar River , in the heart of the fascinating backwaters, giving visitors an authentic insight into Kuttanad life. Kerala’s famous backwaters comprise of vast lakes and a system of narrow canals and waterways linking them to one another. Not so long ago, these waterways served as the backbone of Kerala’s transportation. And Kumarakom is the ideal place to experience the backwaters.

Day 10 KUMARAKOM-HOUSEBOAT
Spend a peaceful day on board a Kettuvallam houseboat today, exploring the peaceful back-waters (canals). The serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life. Overnight on the boat. (B/L/D).

Day 11 ALLEPPEY-COCHIN
After breakfast on the houseboat drive to Cochin . Today you will be taken on a half day city tour of Cochin visiting The Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight in Cochin. (B)

Take a cluster of beautiful islands and narrow peninsulas surrounded by sparkling, azure water. Carpet them with mile after mile of unending lush, green paddy fields and towering coconut trees. In a touch of divine whimsy, throw in the oldest European church in India ; a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora; cantilevered Chinese fishing nets; 100 foot long snake boats; winding roads crammed with 500-year-old Portuguese houses; a Dutch Palace containing breathtaking murals depicting scenes from the great Indian mythological epics. Welcome to Cochin – now known as Kochi – ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea ‘.

Day 12 COCHIN
You will be transferred to the airport today for your onward or homeward flight.

THE BEST OF KERALA & TAMIL NADU Tour Costs Include:
• Transportation in private vehicle with chauffeur
• English speaking local guides for sightseeing
• Train Tickets where applicable
• Accommodation for the mentioned number of nights
• Daily breakfast
• Porterage
• Entrance fees at monuments & places of visit
• All sightseeing and tours – including a full or half day city tour at each major destination

COST PER PERSON – Land Only – Daily Departure

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