Highlights

• Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace
• Explore Chinese fishing nets
• Discover Malabar escapes
• Tea Museum
• Eravikulam National Park
• Bird watching at Rajakkad estate
• Enjoy walking tour of the farm
• Visit the famous Meenakshi Temple
• Chettinad Culinary Experience
• Thanjavur Maratha Palace and museum visit
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Walking tour of French Colonies
• Auroville and Mahabalipuram
• Arjuna’s Penance, The Shore Temple, The Five Rathas

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Kochi

Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be greeted and escorted by the representative to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Kochi or Cochin in Kerala is known to display a blend of different people and architecture, and it is a place where you can see Portuguese churches, Jewish synagogue, Mosques, Dutch architecture, Hindu temples and Chinese fishing nets all in a day. This enticing city has served as a popular port for more than 600 years and is known for its diverse architecture and museums, religious monuments, cafes, galleries, and antique shops. The city stretches across several islands and peninsulas, and the majority of Kochi’s visitor highlights can be found on the peninsula of Fort Kochi.

Day 2 : Kochi to Alleppey

After breakfast, enjoy the city tour by visiting the following places - Dutch Palace: Built by the Portuguese originally, later on, it was modified by the Dutch and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. The palace has a superb collection of mural paintings portraying scenes from the Hindu classics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Next in is the Jewish Synagogue:  Belgian chandeliers and Chinese tiles magnificently decorate this synagogue. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament are found here. Explore the Chinese fishing nets: These are unique nets and are believed that dealers from the place of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan pioneered these nets here. A vast area of the coast along with Fort Kochi and Vypeen are surrounded with these nets. Finally to St. Francis Church: It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese merchant, was buried in the St. Francis Church.

Day 3 : Full day sightseeing Alleppey

Enjoy yourself at leisure in the morning. Mid-morning, check-out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey to board the houseboat in the noon for a backwater cruise and overnight stay. Board the houseboat and enjoy cruising through canals and rivers. Explore Patharamanal island, heaven for rare species of flora and fauna. While cruising in the floating opulence villas, relax and get ready to see the serene and rustic views - skim past Chinese fishing nets, local inhabitants at work preparing coir products, bowed-down paddy fields and. Enjoy the variety of rustic homes and the elaborately carved ancient temples set amongst the swaying coconut groves. Get off towards sunset and check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4 : Alleppey to Munnar

Perfectly set at the convergence of three mountain streams, Munnar is a gorgeous hill station in the Western Ghats mountain range in Kerala. The village serves as a popular vacation resort, and tourists come here to enjoy the pleasing climate and the picturesque natural surroundings characterized by rolling hills surrounded with streams, colonial bungalows, waterfalls and 19th-century tea plantations. The famous tourist spot here is Eravikulam National Park, which is known for its diverse array of wildlife. The park is also home to the lovely Lakkam Waterfalls, some outstanding hiking trails, and the imposing 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak. Drive towards Munnar to explore its colonial charm and tea plantations. Arrive and check-in at the hotel and unwind, the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5 : Full day sightseeing Munnar

After breakfast, you can head to the tea plantation. Enjoy the evening time by lazing around. You can also take the optional visit to Eravikulam National Park. If you are lucky enough, you can spot mountain goats which are an endangered species. You can also see ruddy mongoose, Nilgiri marten, dusky striped squirrel, small-clawed otter, Golden Jackal, Sambar Deer, Indian Porcupine, Wild Dog, Funambulus etc. Several species of birds are also there such as White Bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black-and-orange Flycatcher etc. You can also visit the Rajamala part of the sanctuary.

Day 6 : Munnar to Palani hills

Expanding over the stunning states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the Palani Hills are a mountain range known for their lush natural beauty and mild climate. This place is home to a range of diverse fauna and flora. The landscape is characterized by undulating hills covered in dense jungles and grasslands. Visitors can trek in the forested hill-slopes and climb Vandaravu, the highest peak in the Palani hills. Do not miss the chance to visit Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, and it is one of the holiest temples of Murugan, the deity of Tamil Nadu. Drive towards Rajakkad Estate. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Relax the rest of the day. Other optional activities include wildlife viewing and bird watching at the Rajakkad Estate. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7 : Palani hills to Madurai

Located in Tamil Nadu, Madurai is the oldest city which is continuously inhabited with a recorded history of more than 2500 years. It is regarded as ‘the city of temples’ because of its numerous ancient Hindu shrines, including the famous Meenakshi-Sundareswaran Temple. The most excellent time to visit Madurai is from October to March when temperatures are pleasant. Finish breakfast at the hotel and then proceed towards Madurai. Enjoy a walking tour of the Rajakkad farm. On arrival in Madurai, check-in to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel. Visit the Meenakshi Temple in the evening and take part in the evening ceremony. This ceremony is worth experiencing.  Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8 : Full day sightseeing Madurai

After breakfast, enjoy the city tour of Madurai to visit Meenakshi temple. Enjoy a paddle rickshaw ride in Madurai. Visit Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, which is an Indo-Saracenic building. Sound and light show on the life of Thirumalai Nayak and the story of the Silapathikaram are carried out every day. Afterwards, visit the Gandhi Museum.

Day 9 : Madurai to Chettinad

Located in Tamil Nadu, Chettinad is well-known for its architecture, agriculture, and distinctive cuisine. Tourists can also enjoy tasting the appetizing and spicy cuisine featuring the well-known Chettinad chicken. Do not forget to relish the Chettinad cuisine, which is one of the fiery and the most fragrant in India. The fresh ground masalas give it the unique integrity in flavour. The cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, but it has some interesting snacks and delicious vegetarian dishes as well. At Visalam, tourists can learn to cook Chettinad cuisine with an elderly lady from the village. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10 : Full day Sightseeing Chettinad

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Discover the locally made skillfully hand-printed cotton fabric and conventional bright-coloured handmade Athangudi tiles. Explore Chettinad Architecture in the morning. Most of the lavish 18th-century mansions that one will get to see here were constructed using materials traded from East Asian countries and Europe about a century back. You can even pick to visit Aathangudy, a town arranged around 10 Kms from Visalam, which is a spot popular for its hand-made tiles. On the off chance that you are a devotee of choice articles of clothing, at that point do settle on a visit a handloom unit making the popular Chettinad Cotton sarees and materials. They are woven on in little handloom home units across Chettinad. On the off chance that doesn't get the job done, at that point prepare to settle on a bullock truck ride and investigate Chettinad's old roads, sanctuaries, markets and antique stores from the solace of a bullock truck ride; setting aside you back in an effort to remember the period.

Day 11 : Chettinad to Thanjavur

Located between Trichy and the Tamil Nadu coast, Thanjavur is a vital centre of art, religion, and structural design. It is also known as the ‘rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’. Brihadeeswara Temple is the most famous monument here which is known for Tanjore painting. The temple is the part of the Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated in and around Thanjavur. Drive to Thanjavur and check-in at the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy the visit to Tanjore. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort and Thanjavur Palace & Museum here. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12 : Full day sightseeing Thanjavur

Finish breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day spared for independent activities. Enjoy visiting the following places - Rock Fort Temple: The temple is a stiff climb up the 437 steps cut into the stone to the peak and is well worth visiting for its views. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the Vinayaka Temple at the summit nor to the Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, which is devoted to Shiva, halfway up. Rarely priests of the temple waive this regulation. Then Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: This temple complex at Srirangam is encircled by seven concentric walls with 21 gopurams and is possibly the largest in India. The temple complex is very well conserved, with outstanding carvings all through and several shrines to gods, though the main temple is devoted to Vishnu.  Finally, take the Trichy tour: The name Tiruchirappalli means "holy little town". Visitors here can enjoy the rich tradition, culture, and architecture of the place.

Day 13 : Thanjavur to Puducherry

Also known as Pondicherry, this is made up of four completely detached enclaves along the Indian coast, all of which were colonized by the French in the eighteenth century. This union territory has preserved a powerful European culture that makes it unlike any other place in the country. Here, you can find antiquated colonial buildings line the serene cobbled streets and tree-lined roads of the old town, and several people still speak French as their first language. We drive towards Pondicherry. Do visit Darasuram, a temple known for art and architecture. Arrive at Pondicherry and check-in at the hotel.  Relax with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14 : Full day sightseeing Puducherry

Breakfast at the hotel. Later enjoy a tour of Puducherry. Enjoy the walk through the lanes of French colonies and know the blend and glimpse of French influence in the local culture. Experience the stories of French culture with an expert while walking past the living. Visit Auroville where people from different faiths, nationalities, and beliefs can live in peace and harmony. Also, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram which is devoted to Sri Aurobindo. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram features among the major places of tourist interest in Pondicherry. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15 : Puducherry to Mahabalipuram

Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and is one of India’s cultural, financial, and tourism hubs. Tourist spots include the city’s museums, beaches, historical sites, and shopping areas, especially the centrally located Kapaleeshwar Temple – a historical holy place to the God Shiva, featuring showily decorative towers covered with colourful carvings. This place also has ancient rock-carved temples at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guindy National Park is another tourist spot, which is home to an array of reptiles, birds, and mammals. Upon arrival at Chennai, the hotel representative will meet you and direct you to a chauffeur-driven vehicle for transfer to the hotel for check-in. Today, from its elaborately carved temples to some of the most well-known beaches in India, there is a lot to explore in Chennai. You can drive towards Mahabalipuram. Spend time on the sandy beach surrounded by Casuarina trees and rent a bike to pedal through the nearby countryside but ensure you allow time to discover this stunning open-air museum, much of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rest of the day you are at leisure to relax. Overnight stay in Chennai at the hotel.

Day 16 : Mahabalipuram to Chennai

Refuel yourself with breakfast at the hotel. Plan your day in your own unique style with independent activities. Overnight stay at the hotel. A few activities that you can participate in are mentioned below: Shore Temple - This stunning and idealistic temple, devastated by sea and wind, represents the final segment of Pallavas art and was constructed in the late 7th century during the rule of Rajasimha. It is said that there were seven such temples, six of them were prey to the natural elements of corrosion. This temple has three shrines; one devoted to Lord Vishnu and the other two to Lord Shiva. The foamy waves form a striking backdrop to the temple, guarded by rows of rock-carved bulls. The most distinctive feature of the temple is that it houses temples to both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Arjuna's Penance - Carved in respite on the face of a huge rock, Arjuna's Penance is the legendary story of the River Ganges issuing from its source high in the Himalaya. The board portrays deities, animals, and other semi-heavenly creatures, a tale from the Panchatantra, and Arjuna doing preparation to get a boon from Shiva. Five Rathas - These are the architectural samples of all Dravidian temples, showing the impressive Vimanas and gopurams; sculptured walls and multi pillared halls, which dominate the background of Tamil Nadu.

Day 17 : End of the Itinerary

After breakfast, get transferred to the Chennai International airport to board flight for your onward destination or return journey back home.