Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive Cochin

Arrival at Cochin Airport.

Assistance upon arrival at Cochin Airport, transfer to the hotel and check-in

Cochin - a modern port city in the state of Kerala, south-west coast of India, is a potpourri of economic activity and history intertwined together. It has a rich trading past with Jewish, Portuguese, British and Dutch influences, which make it a rather unique mix of cultures and religions, reflecting one of the most fascinating facets of India: cultural plurality. During your stay here, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s diverse historical and cultural heritage.

Evening, enjoy Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre, a strenuous dance form once only the bastion of men for the high energy required to perform tells stories from the Mahabharata & Ramayana where Gods are made larger than life the colours clearly differentiate the good from the bad and the size of costume differentiate the Gods from the mere mortals. Facial and hand gestures tell innumerable stories, so it is a good idea to watch the artists put on their make up for a show – an elaborate process as the colours are made from natural mineral & stone – no chemicals for them.

Overnight: Cochin

Meals: None

Day 2 | Cochin

Breakfast at the Hotel. 

After breakfast, visit to Mattancherry or “Jew Town”, where the last few remaining Jews of Kerala are still living. Visit the Jewish Synagogue - built in 1568 AD, which contains Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Kochi rulers. The floor of the synagogue is paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. The area surrounding the synagogue is full of spice shops selling cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and a host of other spices. Later visit the Dutch Palace, which was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Kochi Raja in 1555 AD. 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana, can be seen here. Post visit, board tuk - tuks and drive back to Fort Kochi. 

Visit St Cruz Basilica. This historic Church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Cochin, and was demolished. In 1887 Bishop Dom Gomes Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site. The Church has since been proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. 

Later visit of Santa Cruz Basilica, you walk down to St Francis Church via Princess Street followed by another short walk in Fort Cochin - visiting the Chinese fishing nets, with the live fish market and the local stalls and then through the small lanes of Fort Cochin. While walking down the streets of Fort Cochin, you will get to see the profound Dutch influence in most of the town in its present form. During the Dutch era, Fort Cochin climbed the heights of fame as a rich commercial centre, major military base, an illustrious cultural hub, a noted ship building yard and an age-old centre of Christianity.

Overnight: Cochin 

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 | Cochin - Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (approx. 48kms /1 ½ hrs drive). 

Upon arrival in Kumarakom, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Rest day at leisure.

Kumarakom, a cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake is interspersed with a network of canals making it the largest backwater in Kerala. It is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The adjoining bird sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise with a spectacular habitation of resident and migratory birds. These include the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron, cuckoos and teal.

Overnight:  Kumarakom

Meal:       Breakfast

Day 4 | Kumarakom - Embark Houseboat

After breakfast check out, embark on to your traditional deluxe houseboats on the backwaters.

The most memorable way to experience the true magic of the backwaters is to sail at your own pace – through jungles of palm and fruit trees, past green paddy fields and waterside villages – on a beautifully crafted traditional old rice barge or Kettuvallam. Many of these have been converted to provide comfortable houseboat accommodation. Each has one or two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a sitting room and a sun-deck, with a crew to look after you and serve delicious local cuisine during a leisurely cruise. 

Lunch and dinner will be served on board. 

Overnight:  At the Houseboat

Meal:       Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5 | Disembark Houseboat Alleppey - Periyar

After breakfast, disembark at Alleppey and drive to Periyar (approx. 128kms /4 hrs drive). 

Upon arrival in Periyar, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Periyar in Kerala is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered one of the major tiger reserves in India. Lying amidst the mighty hills of the Western Ghats, Periyar entices tourists with its exotic wildlife and scenic charm. 

Rest of the day free to explore the town on your own 

Overnight:  Periyar

Meal:       Breakfast

Day 6 | Periyar

Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast visit - The Periyar national park - offers 1.5 hrs boating trips at the lake near the sanctuary. A herd of elephants or a group of sambar deer are common sights near the lake. You may be able to spot herds of Gaur and wild boars in the grasslands adjacent to the shores. A variety of avian fauna such as darters, egrets and kingfishers can be seen resting on dead tree trunks that stick out over the lake. During your boat ride, there is also a high probability of observing the antics of the Smooth Indian Otter.

Later visit of spice plantation, where you can see the cultivation of a whole range of spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, vanilla, cinnamon etc. 

Overnight:  Periyar

Meal:       Breakfast

Day 7 | Periyar - Madurai

After breakfast, drive to Madurai (approx. 149kms /4 hrs drive).

Upon arrival in Periyar, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Madurai, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River, is the ancient capital of the Pandyan Kings and a sacred place. In its ancient heyday, Madurai traded with Greece and Rome and was the centre for Tamil poetry and literature. Today, it is symbolized by the iconic Meenakshi temple, visited on morning and evening tours, along with its surrounding bazaars. Other attractions are the noteworthy Tirumala Nayak Palace, and Temple Tank, which is usually the centre for Madurai’s many festivals.

Later visit the Meenakshi temple - a superb example of Dravidian architecture and sculpture, the focal point around which the city has developed. Even though the temple has two main sanctums, one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Meenakshi, Goddess Meenakshi is considered the main deity. This could be based on the matrilineal traditions of south India. The splendidly carved temple complex, with its immense gopurams or towering gateways adorned with colourful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals and tales from Hindu mythology, and its many sculpted and pillared halls, dominate the city skyline. The beautifully carved “Hall of thousand Pillars” houses the Madurai Museum.

Visit the Tirumal Nayak Palace constructed in a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles in 1639 AD. The curved dome, standing without the support of a girder or rafter, is an architectural feat. Pass by the Mariamman Teppakulam - the tank with a mandapam or raised dais in the centre. 

Evening, attend the Night Ceremony at the Meenakshi temple. This is a ceremony that takes place every evening at 9:00 PM, when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the boudoir of his consort, Parvati. The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and temple music. 

Overnight: Madurai 

Meal: Breakfast

Day 8 | Madurai- Chettinad

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad (approx. 95kms / 2 hrs drive). 

Upon arrival in Chettinad, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Chettinad, the ancestral homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, is renowned for its mansions and rich and distinctive cuisine - dishes such as chicken or mutton biryani, fresh fish curries and vegetarian stews are finely flavoured with upto 23 different spices. The Chettiars were wealthy bankers and merchants who built handsomely and extensively across their region, and Chettinad is full of examples of huge mansions with exquisite teak and silkwood pillars, marble detailing and lime-plastered walls. The region is famous for many things, including shandys (or village markets), silver and goldsmiths and marvellous antiques - including the highly sought after traditional Chettinad saris.

After some rest, proceed for visit antique market in Karaikudi.

Enjoy special Traditional Banana Leaf lunch - The Chettiars were well known for their opulence but also for their real world practicality. While they evolved their own style of eclectic sensibilities from their many travels, they also kept close their traditional preferences. This is reflected in the lunch hall where the food was served on freshly cut banana leaves and the food eaten with the hand from Spartan tables devoid of any ornateness. Most dishes have been invented centuries ago and are enjoyed in the original format even today. The recipes have been handed down over generations and use ingredients selected from local sources. The process of dining is an experience in itself and the staff at Chidambara Vilas are at hand to guide you on the traditional method of partaking the meal, including how the various dishes are traditionally paired with each other for the best experience.

Later visit the old Chettiar mansions and the Athangudi village to see their unique hand-made tiles. 

Overnight: Chettinad 

Meal: Breakfast & lunch 

Day 9 | Chettinad - Trichy - Thanjavur

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur (approx. 95kms / 2 hrs drive). Enroute visiting Trichy.

Arrive Trichy and see the magnificent Rock Fort, built on an immense rock formation over 84 meters high. 437 steps cut into the rock lead up to the Vinayaka temple. The view from the temple is magnificent. At a lower level along the rock is the Tayumanaswamy temple dedicated to Shiva. The fascinating temple town of Srirangam is on an island in the Cauvery. Seven concentric courtyards encircle the temple and town. Dedicated to the Lord Ranganathaswamy, the temple has 21 magnificent gopurams (gateways) and is adorned with lavish sculpture. You will also see Lord Robert Clive's house and the Danish Church (if the climb proves a challenge, it is still a magnificent view from the base). 

After sightseeing drive to Thanjavur and upon arrival check into the hotel.

Upon arrival in Thanjavur, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Thanjavur is also known as Tanjur is the headquarters of the district of Thanjavur. It is considered the rice bowl of Tamilnadu. This place was once the capital of the Chola kings from the 10th to the 14th century. Thanjavur has had a splendid past. In and around it was born many an illustrious god-men, who heightened the glory of the sacred land, by establishing and propagating the diverse creeds of Hindu Dharma. It was the centre of enlightening forums. It is a testimony to all that Tamil Nadu offers - art, architecture, culture and culinary heritage. Several remarkable mellifluent concerts and literary contests were held here.

Overnight:  Thanjavur

Meal:       Breakfast

Day 10 | Thanjavur - Darasuram - Thanjavur

After breakfast, drive to Darasuram for day trip (approx. 38kms/45 mints).

Visit Brihadeswara temple is dedicated to Nandi, the Bull, a masterpiece of the captivating Chola architecture. This mount of Lord Shiva was made from a single granite rock. Similarly, the dome of the temple rests on one granite rock. The Chola king Raja Raja I built the Brihadeswara temple in the 10th century AD. The architecture of the temple, simply put, is beautiful and wondrous and the best amongst the many in the temple town of Thanjavur. The Brihadeswara temple stands 216 ft. tall but it has been built in such a manner that throughout the day its shadow never falls on the ground. Right next to the temple is the Palace that was built by the Nayaks and the Marathas in parts and is worth visiting for its magnificent masonry. 

Also visit the Thanjavur Art gallery for its splendid statues in bronze and stone, which date back to the 9th to the 12th centuries. The Saraswathi Mahal Library is renowned for its compilation of manuscripts on paper and palm leaves in several Indian and European languages.

After sightseeing drive to Darasuram, 4 kms west of Kumbakonam. Visit Airateshwara temple, built by Raja Chola II is an excellent example of 12th century Chola architecture, which has been restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple has in the front columns with unique miniature sculptures. In the 14th century, the row of large statues around the temple was replaced with brick and concrete statues. At the main shrine, a huge decorated lingam stands, natural light illuminating it from sunrise to sunset.

Thereafter, visit Gangaikondacholapuram - once the capital of the Chola King Rajendra, the town of Gangaikondacholapuram (means ’the city of the Chola who conquered the Ganga’) has now all but disappeared. The temple and the 5kms long 11th century reservoir embankment survive.

Later drive to Thanjavur.

Overnight:  Thanjavur

Meal:       Breakfast

Day 11 | Thanhjavur - Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry (approx. 178kms/3 hrs)

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is the capital and most populous city of the Union Territory of Puducherry in India. The city is in the Puducherry district on the southeast coast of India and is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal to the east and the state of Tamil Nadu, with which it shares most of its culture, heritage, and language.

Upon arrival in Pondicherry, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Later visit Auroville - the City of Dawn inhabits people of 43 different nationalities who live together irrespective of their religion, caste, colour and nationality. It is an experimental township dedicated to peace and harmony. Enter this city and you will witness over 100 small settlements scattered across the countryside. It is a must-see attraction in Pondicherry that promotes human unity.

Also visit the Aurobindo Ashram, located on Rue de la Marine, the most popular attraction in Pondicherry. The Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, the poet-philosopher in 1926, to help man reach the zenith of his evolution through spiritual exercises and yoga, combined with physical activity and productive work. Thus, the ashram offers maximum employment to the people on its farms. The ashram also runs craft workshops for weaving, embroidery, batik, pottery and incense making. After Sri Aurobindo passed away, one of his disciples, Mirra Alfassa, a French lady, later called “The Mother”, became in-charge of the Ashram, until her death in 1973 at the age of 95. The Ashram has a nice garden and contains the Samadhi (tombs) of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. 

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is said to have been established almost 5 centuries ago. Situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai. 

Overnight:    Pondicherry 

Meals:        Breakfast 

Day 12 | Pondicherry - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram (approx. 182kms/4 hrs)

Enroute visit Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, literally meaning the `City of Gold’ or the `Golden City’ is one of the seven sacred cities in India. An erstwhile capital of the Pallavas and Cholas, Kanchipuram is dotted with the soaring spires of a thousand temples. It has been a seat of learning and a center of culture since early times. By universal acknowledgement this town produces the finest silk wedding saris ‘Kanchipuram Silk’ in India. Their designers and weavers have been doing this for centuries – to justifiable acclaim. 

Visit weaving centre at Kanchipuram.

After that, visit the Kailasanatha Temple built in the 8th century AD by the Pallavas. This is an excellent example of early Dravidian architecture. Built of honey coloured sandstone, the temple has 54 small shrines around it. The Ekambareswarar Temple is the most impressive with its 57m high gopuram. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of “Prithvi” (earth). The temple is famed for its thousand- pillar hall and an ancient mango tree that is supposed to be 2500 years old. Another beautiful temple, the Vaikuntaperumal Temple is dedicated to Vishnu. Elegant pillars carved with lions, edge the temple courtyard. Around the temple, carved in relief are battle scenes depicting the wars fought by the Pallavas. 

After visiting continue drive to Mahabalipuram.

Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Mahabalipuram is a historical retreat set amidst natural beauty. Lying 58 kms South of Chennai, this ancient seaport of the Pallava dynasty invites connoisseurs of art. Its monuments hewn out of solid rock, though ravaged by the sea and wind, still bear testimony to the magnificent heritage of Dravidian architecture. The sculpture here is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of everyday life - women milking buffaloes, pompous city dignitaries and artful looking young girls.

Overnight:    Mahabalipuram 

Meals:        Breakfast 

Day 13 | Mahabalipuram

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast visit the great Bas-relief of Arjuna's penance - a panel depicting the mythical story of the River Ganges issuing from its source high in the Himalayas and also shows animals, deities and other semi divine creatures, fables from the Panchatantra and Arjuna doing a penance to obtain a boon from Shiva. 

The five Rathas, are full-sized models of different kinds of temples and are named after the heroes of the Mahabharata epic. They are mainly of interest for their internal figure sculptures. 

In the evening enjoy a visit to the glorious Shore Temple, one of the oldest in South India, standing on the seashore with its paved forecourts. It represents the final phase of Pallava art built in the late 7th century. The weathered perimeter walls support long lines of bulls and mythical deities that guard the entrances. And finally witness a spectacular sunset in the Bay of Bengal at the end of the tour.

Overnight:    Mahabalipuram 

Meals:        Breakfast 

Day 14 | Mahabalipuram - Chennai

After breakfast, drive to Chennai (approx. 58kms/1 ½ hrs)

Upon arrival in Chennai, transfer to hotel and check-in.

Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350 year-old city is the gateway to the South, providing many fascinating vignette of southern heritage.

Later enjoy a tour of Chennai – the gateway of South India spread over 50 miles and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the Bay of Bengal. Drive past the flower and fruit market, High Court built in Indo Saracenic style, visit Fort St. George built in 1653 by the English Company of the Eastern India (CAIO) & St. Thomas Cathedral. 

Kapaleeswarar temple, an ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest temple in Chennai. A masterpiece of Dravidian style, it displays the architectural elements – gopurams, mandapams and a tank. There are also some fragmentary inscriptions dating back to 1250 AD.

Overnight:    Chennai 

Meals:        Breakfast 

Day 15 | Chennai Departure

Breakfast at hotel.

Later transfer to Chennai Airport to board the flight for onward destination.

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