From Tamil Nadu to Kerala (10 N / 11 D)

From Tamil Nadu to Kerala

You will begin your journey by visiting the temples of the Pallavi kings at Mahalabalipuram. Then travel to Pondicherry and enjoy the distinct charm of this former French colony. Head further south to Thanjavur and Madurai and visit magnificent ancient temples and palaces. Along the way, you explore the surprising region of Chettinad with its extravagant palaces, witnesses of the wealth of a community of merchants. End your stay in the heart of the Tamil mountains at Elephant valley in the Perumalalai region for a wilderness retreat closer to wildlife.

Pristine beaches, stunning ancient temples, charming hill stations and scrumptious local cuisine: Tamil Nadu is full of varied experiences. Located in the far south of India, this state is a living museum. It remains particularly proud of its traditional values, preserved in local art and literature.

While criss-crossing the streets of Chennai, its capital, you will be fascinated by the scenes full of contrasts that you will come across. On one side, you’ll see men and women in traditional dress sitting on the porches of their Dravidian-style homes; on the other, elegantly dressed employees in their chic glass offices. These modern yet deeply rooted cultural traditions make Tamil Nadu a fascinating destination.

Each of its cities having a unique treasure to offer, this state is one of the most amazing in the country.. The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is an important Hindu religious site. The spectacle offered by the powerful waters of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean If you are looking for a destination capable of fulfilling various centers of interest for your holidays, it is Tamil Nadu that you must explore.

Embark on an exciting journey in Tamil Nadu, between beautiful colonial city, vestiges of ancient empires, colorful temples, palaces and crafts. You will discover the rich Tamil culture and its unique local life through meetings and thematic visits.

 

Highlights

Discover the rich history of silk weaving in Kanchipuram

Explore the Gallic charms of Pondicherry

Visit the Flower market and local market for amazing photography

Take a heritahe rikshaw ride and heritage walk in white town Pondicherry

Welcome by a priest (Temple Brahaman) iside the cosmic temple and be the part of hindu ceremony

Admire architectural masterpieces of famous temples

Visit heritage village Chettinad and stay one night beautiful ancient Tamil House like a palace

Visit the night ceremony at Meenakshi temple in Madurai

Enjoy performances of the tradional dance  Kathakali and Kalaripayattu

Boat ride and one night stay in houseboat

Day 1

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram 

Welcome to India!

“Vanakkam”, your driver greets you at the airport, welcoming you in Tamil. You get to know each other on the way to your hotel in the city of Mahābalipuram . This village, an ancient port of the Pallavas dynasty dating from the 7th century, is famous for the many temples it houses but also for its beautiful beach. Depending on your arrival time, drop your things at your hotel and enjoy the delicious breakfast.

After Breakfast enjoy the Remains of the Pallavas dynasty with your excellent guide.

Observe the thousands of sculptures dedicated to Shiva’s glory then, walk to the gigantic bas-relief of the “Ganges Descent”. Note the precision of the Indian sculptors of that time. Then you continue with a visit of the famous Fives Rathas , five chariot-shaped temples in procession, each carved from a single rock of granite.

In the afternoon, Your wonderful journey will start to Kanchipuram (76 Kms – 1 ½ hours) to visit a stunning set of temples, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is also justly famous for its fine silk saris each embellished with stunning patterns. Breakfast at the hotel then departure to Kanchipuram “the golden city” one of the Seven Holy Cities of Hinduism, which is dedicated to the cults of Shiva and Vishnu

Late evening return back to a charming sea sore hotel with swimming pool.  Enjoy the organize delicious dinner nearby pool. Hotel Mahabs.

 

Day 2

MAHABALIPURAM – AUROVILLE – PONDICHERRY

The White City

After breakfast In the morning meet your local  guide on the way to Pondicherry visit a unique international township called Auroville.  And discover Auroville. Auroville is an utopian city created in 1968 by Mira Alfassa and the Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo with its famous Mantri Mandir, a center and place of meditation in the form of a large sphere. Built by French architect Roger Anger, the complex houses an experimental city where people of different nationalities, beliefs and religions are expected to live together in peace and harmony. The location is also controversial. Your guide will tell you more about the community that lives there and its principles.

Afternoon visit a dedicated to the discovery of Pondicherry, a former French counter by heritage rikshaw ride . You begin your visit by discovering the city and its history before strolling on the seafront or continuing to explore the center in which you discover more and more French street names.Take a walk between the white city and the Tamil neighborhood, separated by a narrow canal that marks the border; a great way to discover the city. You are charmed by this mixed city. At the end of the day, why not take a stroll on the Promenade which borders the sea, a real place of life for the inhabitants of Pondicherry, a city that is sure to enchant you. Stay Overnight & dinner in Shenbaga Hotel nearby French town.

Day 3

PONDICHERRY-CHIDAMBARAM – THANJAVUR-

The famous temples of the Chola dynasty

Today,  Early morning breakfast and discover the magnificent temples erected by the kings of the Chola dynasty between the 10th and 12th century, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Welcome by a brahaman or a temple priest, be the part of a temple ritual and blessed by God. Discover the gopurams of the Chidambaram temple , a great tower typical of South India and true jewels of Chola art. It is in this temple that Bharatanatyam , the famous dance of Tamil Nadu, was born, which resembles the cosmic dance of Shiva. Continue to Chettinad.

En route visit the magnificent temple of Thanjavur or Brihadeshwara, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. It is a shrine dedicated to Shiva built at the beginning of the 11th century during the reign of the powerful Chola emperor Rajaraja. Sumptuous and powerful princes, the Chola kings were all, at their peak, great builders. It is to Rajaraja-Deva that we owe the most famous of the chola buildings, the temple of Brihadeshvara, the construction of which was made possible thanks to the spoils taken from a kingdom in the North of the Deccan. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful jewel of this architecture which still deeply marks the South of India, including in the landscape, with its high pyramidal towers, gopurams and vimana.  Dinner and overnight stay Hotel Gnanam

 

Day 4

THANJAVUR- CHETTINAD

You leave early in the morning  to explore the heritage village Chettinad. The surroundings of Karaikudi are the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a merchant caste of historical significance. This Chettiar community, or wealthy bankers, dominated overseas trade with Burma, Ceylon, Java, Sumatra, Singapore and Vietnam, before the colonial period. They established branches throughout Asia from the 19th to the 20th century. Around and in Karaikudi stand their luxurious family homes, whose rich interiors and materials used testify to the status of their owners.Discover with your guide the interior of the abandoned palaces of Chettinad. You can also visit a handmade tile factory in Athangudi, lift the veil on the mysterious Ayyanar temples dedicated to a very local deity and observe the craftsmen at work on the ancient looms. Another peculiarity of the region is its spicy cuisine, a blend of flavors typical of Tamil, European and Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy a culinary workshop at your hotel and learn how to cook some signature dishes from the region.

Also admire the bronze statues of craftsmen practicing the ancient technique of lost wax. Arrive at your ancient tamil house hotel in the village of Karaikudi. The Bangala Chettinad or Chola Heritage. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 5

CHETTINAD – MADURAI

The Tamil cultural capital

You leave early in the morning to reach Madurai, a holy city and a major Hindu pilgrimage site believed to be blessed by Shiva. You will certainly meet more than one sadhu, recognizable by their painted faces. These people have broken all social ties in order to devote their lives to the spiritual quest. You visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, then experience the serenity of Sri Meenakshi Temple, one of the most vibrant temples in South India . In the evening, surrounded by the tunes of the Nagaswaram, an Indian instrument used in the temples, you attend a symbolic procession by the priests of Shiva.

Madurai, a holy city and a major Hindu pilgrimage site believed to be blessed by Shiva. You will certainly meet more than one sadhu, recognizable by their painted faces. These people have broken all social ties in order to devote their lives to the spiritual quest. Then experience the serenity of Sri Meenakshi Temple, one of the most vibrant temples in South India. Visit the tailor market and if you find any interesting clothes, You can get fix it withing few hours.

Night ceremony in the incredible temple. Dinner and stay in Hotel JC Residency

Day 6

MADURAI – THEKKADI

The spice region

Today, you wander through the various tea and spice plantations, lakes and eucalyptus forests, where small hamlets are hidden in the heart of the mountain of the Western Ghats. You visit one of the region’s spice gardens, known around the world. Between cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, pepper, vanilla and star anise, all your senses are awake. Discover the secrets of making the famous Indian Masala that perfumes most Indian dishes. These spices also have many benefits, which make up a large part of Ayurvedic medicine. Fill up on spices for you and your loved ones and set out for Thekkady, a village on the outskirts of the Periyar Nature Reserve. Dinner and overnight Abad Green Forest | Resort in Thekkady or similar.

Day 7

Relaxing day on the Backwaters

This morning, leave the setting of the Western Ghats for the backwaters of Kerala, an immense network of lagoons and canals lined with lush nature and small authentic villages. There is no better way to enjoy your surroundings than to board a houseboat, a traditional floating house, whose crew are ready to welcome you. You will be delighted with this day of tranquility on the calm waters of this little tropical Venice. An ideal way to observe the life of its inhabitants at different times of the day, both on the water and in the ancient houses of teak, mahogany and rosewood lcoated on the shores. Night on a houseboat. Lunch, Breakfast and Dinner in the houseboat.

Day 8

Marari Beach

1 hour drive

Stay on a beach uncrowded by tourists at Marari Beach. Coconut palms and fine sand for a short beachside retreat. You can enjoy Ayurvedic treatments, massages and yoga, à la carte. Night in a hotel by the beach.

Day 9

Cochin, the former colonial trading post

1h30 drive

Your private driver picks you up at the airport and takes you to Fort Kochi, the old Cochin. The city was an important spice trading center on the west coast of India from the 14th century. Occupied by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch, Cochin has attracted traders and explorers for over 600 years. Nowhere in India will you find such a mix: giant Chinese fishing nets, a synagogue over 400 years old, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and remnants of the British Raj. Take the day to stroll and enjoy the charm of the city.Night in a colonial villa.

 

​

 

Day 10

Cochin by bycycle

We suggest you continue your discovery of Cochin with a morning bike ride. You won’t visit any monuments from the inside but it will give you a good overview of this former colonial trading post and its special atmosphere. You will see a small fish market, the Chinese fishing nets, the churches of Fort Kochi, the different districts of the old town of Mattancherry with the bazaar (the traditional spice market), the Jewish quarter, the palace of Mattancherry but also Hindu temples and a traditional laundry (Dhobi Khana). Take advantage of your afternoon to quietly visit the old town of Cochin: the Dutch Palace, the synagogue, the Dutch cemetery or the museum and the Saint Francis Church. Night in a colonial villa.

Day 11

Cochin International Airport

After wonderful experience and delicious breakfast move the the capital of Kerala.

Arrived at afternoon in your airport.  Say to goodbye your driver with wonderful memory.

Le prix:  On Demand

Includes:

Accommodations on Single/Double/ Twin sharing as per booking (4 single occupancy & double occupancy private room)

Comprehensive Package from 12 Nov to 19 Nov 2022

Cooking and Heena class during the tour (optional)

Welcome drink (non alcoholic) on arrival.

Meal Plan Will Be On MAPAI (Room + Breakfast +DINNER ).

All meals on Houseboat

All transfer in By Air Conditioned Private mini bus with wifi and small fridge.

All sightseeing as per the Itinerary

Airport Pick -up & Drop, All Parkings,Toll

Inter State Taxes

Driver Allowance

All Hotel Taxes

All packaged water daily for everyone

Website costing as per luxury hotels, email us for upgraded hotels packages

Kathakali dance in Kumily

Boat ride in Periyar .

English speaking guide in all major sightseeing .

 

Entry fees to Monuments specifically

 

Photography and video making fees at the sites

 

Excludes

 

Meals Not Mentioned In the Itinerary

All Adventure Activities Charges

Anything Not Mentioned In The Inclusions.

Porterage At Hotels And Airports, Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Liquors, Wine, Etc.

All Items Of Personal Nature.

Any Cost Arising Due To Natural Calamities Like Landslides, Roadblocks, Etc.

Any Increase In Taxes Or Fuel Leading To An Increase In Surface Transport.

Mandatory X- Mas / New Year Eve Supplementary Charges , That Should Be Paid By The Guest Directly To The Hotels Concerned.

Tips and gratuities