Cultural Tamil Nadu & Scenic Kerala Tour

Upon arrival at Chennai International airport, you will be greeted by your driver and representative who will transfer you to your hotel in the city. The check-in process will be smooth and hassle-free, allowing you to settle into your room and unwind after your journey.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the local area and adjust to your new surroundings. You may wish to take a refreshing dip in the hotel pool, relax in your room, or venture out to discover the city's attractions.

Chennai is a bustling metropolis and the capital of Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music and dance scene, delicious food, and stunning architecture. You could explore the city's many temples, museums, and markets, or simply take a leisurely stroll through the streets to soak up the atmosphere. The first day of your tour is designed to allow you to rest and acclimatize to your new surroundings before beginning your exciting adventure through South India.

On the second day of your tour, after breakfast& checkout, you will begin your exploration of Chennai city with a guided tour. Your first stop will be Fort St. George, which was built in 1644 and is the first English fortress in India. You will see the St. Mary's Church, which was built in 1680 and is the oldest Anglican Church in India. The fort also houses the Fort Museum, which displays a collection of artifacts from the British colonial era.

Next, you will visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the oldest temples in the city. The temple has a distinct Dravidian architecture and is a popular place of worship among locals and tourists alike. You will get to witness the daily rituals and ceremonies conducted at the temple. After visiting the temple, you will proceed to the Government Museum, which houses a collection of historical artifacts, including sculptures, coins, and paintings. The museum also has a section dedicated to the art and culture of the ancient Tamil civilization.

In the afternoon, you can participate in an optional shopping experience where you can explore local markets and bazaars to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts. Chennai is known for its silk sarees, traditional jewelry, and wood carvings, among other things. After a day of sightseeing and shopping, you will transfer to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and overnight at the hotel

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and embark on a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning rock-cut temples and ancient architecture. Your guide will take you to explore some of the most famous monuments, including the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance.

The Shore Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, sits on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and is considered one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a perfect example of Pallava architecture. You will be amazed by the intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the temple's walls and pillars. Next, you will visit Pancha Rathas, an impressive complex of five monolithic temples carved from a single piece of rock. The temples are dedicated to the five Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharata and are a stunning example of the Dravidian style of architecture. After visiting Pancha Rathas, you will explore Arjuna's Penance, a mammoth open-air rock sculpture that depicts scenes from Hindu mythology. The sculpture is carved on two huge boulders and is considered one of the largest rock sculptures in the world.

Visit other important landmarks in the city, such as the Mahishamardini Cave, Varaha Cave, and Krishna's Butterball. The Mahishamardini Cave is dedicated to goddess Durga and features an impressive bas-relief of the goddess slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The Varaha Cave, on the other hand, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features a beautiful carving of the boar-headed deity rescuing the earth goddess from the depths of the ocean. Krishna's Butterball is a massive boulder that rests precariously on a slope and is believed to be Lord Krishna's butterball. The boulder is a popular tourist attraction and a perfect spot to take some memorable photographs.

Later. Begin your journey towards Pondicherry. Along the way, you will visit the famous Auroville community, a unique experiment in sustainable living and spiritual community building. You will have the opportunity to learn about the community's history and values, as well as explore some of its unique architecture and attractions.

After your visit to Auroville, you will continue on to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your day with a guided city tour of Pondicherry. The tour will take you to some of the city's most notable landmarks, such as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Pondicherry Museum, and the Sacred Heart Basilica. You will also have the opportunity to explore the French Quarter of the city, with its charming colonial architecture and quaint cafes.

After a day of exploring and relaxation, you can stay at the hotel for the night. Enjoy a comfortable night's rest and get ready for another day of adventure and sightseeing.

After breakfast and checkout from the hotel, you will travel to Thanjavur via the towns of Chidambaram and Kumbakonam. Chidambaram is famous for the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. While Kumbakonam is known for its temples and traditional silk weaving. You will have the opportunity to visit these towns and their attractions before continuing on to Thanjavur.

Upon arrival in Thanjavur, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the evening free to relax and explore the local area at your leisure. Thanjavur is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several notable temples and historical sites

After having breakfast & checkout form the hotel, you will go on a city tour of Thanjavur. You will visit some of the most well-known temples & places in the city, including the Brihadeeswara Temple, the Thanjavur Palace, and the Saraswathi Mahal Library. These places are famous for their stunning architecture and historical significance.

Later in the afternoon, you will travel to Madurai via Trichy, En route visit Uchipillaiyar Temple & Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy.
Upon arrival in Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, you will check into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, the guided tour will take you to visit some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Meenakshi Amman Temple, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. In the evening, you can attend the evening ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a daily ritual that involves the closing of the temple gates, accompanied by music and chanting. After the ceremony, you can return to your hotel and relax. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast and checkout from the hotel, you will travel to Thekkady & start your expedition to Kerala, an area located in the Western Ghats Mountain range. This journey will take approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have some time to freshen up.

In the evening, visit a Kalaripayattu martial art show, which is a traditional form of martial arts originating from Kerala. It is a unique and thrilling experience to watch the skilled performers display their agility and strength. Following the show, you can take a nature walk through the surrounding forest and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

After a day of exploring and relaxation, you can stay at the hotel for the night. Enjoy a comfortable night's rest and get ready for another day of adventure and sightseeing in Kerala

Early in the morning have a breakfast and checkout from the hotel. Enjoy boat safari in Periyar National Park, where you can spot a variety of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and birds in their natural habitat. After the safari, head back to your hotel to relish a scrumptious breakfast.

Later, embark on a guided tour of a spice plantation in Thekkady. Here, you can witness and learn about various spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper. After the tour, continue your drive towards Munnar, located amidst the mountains and tea gardens of Kerala. Take in the scenic views as you wind through the lush green hills on your way to Munnar. Check-in at your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Munnar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats Mountain range in Kerala. After a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, you will head out to explore the tea gardens.

The Tea Gardens in Munnar are a major attraction and are spread over vast areas. As you walk through the tea plantations, you will witness the beautiful greenery of the rolling hills and valleys that surround you. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the process of tea making, from the plucking of the tea leaves to the packaging of the final product. You can visit the Tea Museum in Munnar to learn about the history of tea production in the region and the evolution of the tea industry in India. The museum showcases various artifacts and equipment used in tea production and processing, and you can even taste some of the different types of tea available.

In addition to the tea plantations, Munnar also offers several other attractions such as the Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, and Anamudi Peak. You can choose to explore these places on your own or with the assistance of a guide. Overall, Munnar is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the serene beauty of nature and learn about the history and culture of tea production in India.

Spend your evening at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the serene atmosphere of the tea gardens in Munnar. Your night stay will be at the hotel, where you can unwind and rejuvenate before continuing your journey the next day.

After breakfast, you will travel to Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East, for a unique houseboat experience. This journey will take approximately 5 hours.

Upon arrival, you will check into your houseboat and embark on a leisurely cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. As you cruise along the tranquil backwaters, you will observe the daily life of the local people living in the villages along the waterways. You will also have the opportunity to try traditional Kerala cuisine prepared on board by your personal chef.
Lunch & Dinner on board.
Overnight in Houseboat.

After breakfast on board the houseboat, you will disembark and travel to Cochin, also known as Kochi. This journey will take approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Cochin, you will check into your hotel and have some time to freshen up.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Cochin, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and colonial architecture. You will visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, which houses a collection of murals depicting the Ramayana and other Indian epics. You will also visit the Jewish Synagogue, which is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Next, you will head to the St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European church in India and the burial place of Vasco da Gama. Later, you will explore the Fort Kochi area, which is a popular tourist destination known for its eclectic mix of Indian and colonial architecture. In addition to these sights, you will also visit the Cochin Folklore Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage of Kerala. The museum houses a collection of traditional artifacts, costumes, and art forms, including Kathakali masks, temple models, and paintings.

Finally, you will visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, which are large, fixed fishing nets that are believed to have been introduced to the region by Chinese traders many centuries ago. They are now a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Cochin's maritime history.

After a busy day of exploring Kochi, it's always nice to have some time to relax and reflect on your experiences. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel, where you can spend some time unwinding and enjoying the facilities. You can take a dip in the pool, enjoy a massage at the spa, or simply kick back and relax in your room.

If you're feeling up for it, you can head to the nearby local markets by your own and shop for souvenirs to take back home. Kochi is known for its handicrafts, spices, and textiles, so you'll find a wide variety of items to choose from. The markets are also a great place to sample local street food and snacks, such as vada, samosas, and spicy chutneys.

You can also take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the scenic views of the Arabian Sea, or visit the nearby beach and watch the sunset. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Kochi.

It's been a journey full of diverse experiences and new discoveries, giving you a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of India. Take the time to cherish these memories and keep them close to your heart as you depart from this enchanting land. We hope that you have had a wonderful and fulfilling time, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for another adventure.

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and be transferred to the Cochin International Airport for your flight back home.
End of tour!!