Highlights of Tamilandu and Kerala

Arrival in Chennai

Arrival at Chennai International Airport.

Once you have completed immigration procedures and collected your luggage, our representative will be waiting for you outside the terminal.

Arrival at the hotel and check-in. Standard Check-in 2:00 p.m. / Check-out 12:00 p.m.

After breakfast, continue the city tour of Chennai.

You will visit George Town heritage walk: from the trading post of the East India Company in the 17th century to its modern avatar as Chennai’s commercial hub. Explore China Bazaar Road, Vishnu Temple, Kasi Chetty Charities, Mint Street, Sowcarpet, Armenian Church and Madras High Court.

Marina Beach: Marina Beach in Chennai, along the Bay of Bengal, is the longest beach in India and one of the longest in the world, stretching nearly 12 km.

Kapaleeshwar Temple: Initially built in the 7th century by the Pallavas and later rebuilt by the Vijayanagara kings, this temple reflects classic Dravidian architecture.

Overnight in Chennai.

Chennai-Mahabalipuram (58 Km, 1 Hour 30 Minutes)

After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram.

Upon arrival you visit The Shore Temple: One of the oldest temples in South India, built in the 7th century using granite blocks and located along the Bay of Bengal.

The Descent of the Ganges: A massive bas-relief carving depicting deities, animals and mythological scenes, considered one of the largest of its kind.

Five Rathas: Monolithic temples carved from single rocks, resembling temple chariots and showcasing Pallava architecture.

Arjuna’s Penance: A large rock carving with over 100 figures, believed to depict Arjuna’s penance to Lord Shiva from the Mahabharata.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry (100 km / 2 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry.

Upon arrival you will visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram: A peaceful spiritual center ideal for meditation and inner reflection.

Auroville: An experimental township dedicated to human unity, founded in 1965 by Mirra Alfassa (The Mother).

Pondicherry Beach: Known for its scenic beauty and peaceful coastal atmosphere.

Visit the local market by rickshaw: Explore the Tamil quarter with traditional houses, temples and vibrant local markets.

Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry-Pichavaram (76 Km, 1 hour 50 minutes) Pichavaram-Kumbakonam (87 Km, 2 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Kumbakonam.

En route visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest: A unique ecosystem located between Vellar and Coleroon estuaries, known for its scenic waterways.

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, representing the cosmic dance.

Upon arrival in Kumbakonam visit Bronze factory: Famous for traditional bronze idol making, especially Swamimalai artisans.

En route visit Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple: A UNESCO heritage temple known for intricate carvings and Chola architecture.

Mahamaham Temple: A sacred Shiva temple associated with nine rivers, considered highly auspicious.

Overnight in Kumbakonam.

Kumbakonam-Tanjore (98 km, 2 hours 30 minutes)

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore.

On arrival, transfer to the hotel and relax.

Visit Tanjore: Known for its rich heritage and temples including the Brihadeeswarar Temple.

Thanjavur Maratha Palace: Houses Saraswathi Mahal Library and an art gallery with bronze sculptures.

Tamil University Museum: Displays coins, artifacts and musical instruments.

Brihadeeswarar Temple: A UNESCO site built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola I, showcasing grand Dravidian architecture.

Overnight in Tanjore.

Tanjore-Trichy (65 Km, 1 hour) Trichy-Chettinad (82 Km, 1 hour 25 minutes)

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad.

En route visit Trichy Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: One of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Rock Fort: A historic rock formation offering panoramic views and housing temples.

Kallanai Dam: One of the oldest dams in the world, built across the Kaveri River in the 2nd century AD.

On arrival visit Chettinad.

Chettinad Palace: A grand 18th-century mansion reflecting traditional Chettinad architecture.

Chettinad Mansion: A heritage property showcasing old-world charm and architecture.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Chettinad.

Chettinad-Madurai (90 Km, 2 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai.

Vairavanpatti: A temple town known for its legends and spiritual importance.

Soorakudi: A temple located near Karaikudi, known for its peaceful surroundings and traditional significance.

After visits, drive to Madurai.

Upon arrival visit Gandhi Museum: Located in Rani Mangammal Palace, showcasing India’s freedom struggle.

Check-in at the hotel and relax.

In the afternoon visit Meenakshi Temple followed by the evening ceremony.

Meenakshi Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, famous for its towering gopurams and intricate carvings.

Flower Market: A vibrant place with fresh flowers, garlands and local activity.

Evening Ceremony: Witness the traditional night ritual where the deities are taken in procession within the temple.

Note: Dress code applies. Sleeveless clothes and shorts are not permitted. Non-Hindus are not allowed in the sanctum.

Overnight in Madurai.

Madurai-Munnar (160 km, 4 hours 30 minutes)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and visit:

Pothemedu Viewpoint: Offers panoramic views of hills, tea plantations and valleys.

Pallivasal Falls: A scenic waterfall formed by the Muthirappuzha River, best during monsoon.

Blossom Park: A beautiful park offering activities like boating, cycling and peaceful nature walks.

Overnight in Munnar.

Munnar

After breakfast, sightseeing begins.

Tea Museum (Closed on Monday): Showcases the history and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar.

Echo Point: Known for its natural echo phenomenon and scenic surroundings.

Mattupetty: A popular picnic spot with a dam and lake surrounded by hills.

Photo Point: A scenic spot ideal for photography amidst tea gardens.

Kundala Dam: A picturesque dam surrounded by mountains and greenery.

Rose Garden: A colorful garden with various flowers, plants and plantations like tea and spices.

Overnight in Munnar.

Madurai-Thekkady (141 Km, 3 hours 30 minutes)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady.

On arrival visit spice plantation: Learn about spices like cardamom grown in this cool climate region.

Elephant Junction: Experience elephant rides and interaction activities.

Boat Ride at Periyar Lake: Explore wildlife and scenic beauty in the Periyar National Park.

Kalaripayattu Performance: Witness one of the oldest martial arts forms of Kerala.

Return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Thekkady-Alleppey (141 Km, 3 hours 30 minutes) (Full Board)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey.

Arrive and transfer to houseboat.

Alleppey: Known as the Venice of the East, famous for its backwaters and houseboat experiences.

Boat tour: Explore village life, paddy fields and coconut groves through smaller canals.

Overnight stay in Alleppey on houseboat with full board.

Alleppey-Kochi (53 km, 1 hour 30 minutes)

After breakfast, drive to Kochi.

Mattancherry: A culturally diverse area with colonial buildings and religious sites.

Chinese Nets: Traditional fishing nets operating on balance techniques.

Jewish Street: Famous for antiques, handicrafts and local shopping.

Synagogue (Closed Friday & Saturday): Historic synagogue with rare artifacts.

Dutch Palace (Closed Saturday): A Portuguese-built palace later renovated by the Dutch.

Cathedral Basilica: One of the most beautiful churches in Kerala.

Dhobi Khana: Traditional laundry area used by the local community.

Overnight in Kochi.