Highlights

• The five Ranthas
• Arjuna Penance
• The shore temple
• Savour an authentic South Indian meal on a banana leaf in Mahabalipuram
• Kanchipuram excursion
• Sri Aurobindo ashram
• Puducherry visit enroute
• Brihadeshwara temple & fort
• Thanjavur Palace & Museum, Trichy Excursion and Rock Fort temple visit
• A culinary Experience
• Chettinad temples and architecture
• Bullock cart ride
• Visit to Athangudy tile makers and Handloom cotton weavers
• Meenakshi Temple
• Spice Plantation Visit, Periyar nature walk, Witness a dare-devil ring martial art performance of Kalaripayattu
• Backwater experiences on Houseboat
• Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Mahabalipuram

On arrival, our welcome ambassador will greet you at Cochin Airport and escort you to your hotel for an overnight stay. Mahabalipuram is a small town renowned representative of rich Indian culture and heritage. The city is all about old archaeological marvels, salty air, and coastal splendour. You will arrive at Cochin International airport and reach Mahabalipuram, which is 50km south of Chennai. Check-in and overnight sojourn at the hotel, having all modern amenities and luxuries.  Your hotel offers an array of accommodation options and a stress-free aura to help you unwind after your journey.

Day 2 : Full day sightseeing Mahabalipuram

After the sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, you will get a day at leisure for independent activities. The day is at leisure or you'll head to visit monumental heritage sites in Mahabalipuram like Arjuna's Penance, Pancha Rathas, and the majestic Shore Temple, followed by a drive to the cuisine lane to taste the South Indian delights in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is a temple town that will fill you with an absolute sense of pleasure. Roam around the city that boasts of abundant ornate stone-carvings made out of uncut rocks. Other optional activities include visits to Arjuna's Penance on the face of a huge rock. Visit the beautiful and majestic Shore Temple houses shrines to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest temples in India, built out of blocks of granite. Another most prominent place to visit in Mahabalipuram is the Pancha Rathas that translates as the Five Chariots. These chariots, monolithic rock-cut temples carved out of a single massive rock, are worth admiring. Take a dip in the culinary sea by relishing authentic south Indian feasts on a banana leaf in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3 : Visit Mahabalipuram Coastline

The extensive coastline gives rise to several exotic beaches in Mahabalipuram. Explore the adventures of the sea by visiting the charming beach for a peaceful getaway. Some beaches here are lined with large rock boulders, making it a perfect hangout place.  Take an optional visit to Kanchipuram, another town full of spectacular architectural treasures. The Ekambareswarar Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Kailasanatha Temple, and Vaikunta Perumal Temple, all of these temples feature intricate carvings and stonework to amaze the visitors. Visit down the lanes of Kanchi, a major silk-weaving centre, to shop for souvenirs. You'll visit the tranquil beaches of Mahabalipuram at the start of the day. Then you will head to the town of Kanchipuram to unravel the architectural wonders in the form of temples, followed by a visit to the silk-weaving centre of Kanchi for shopping.

Day 4 : Mahabalipuram to Kumbakonam

An early morning drive to the Kumbakonam town, which is also known as the temple town, due to the sheer prevalence of temples here. You will start your day with a visit to the town of Kumbakonam, also known as the Cambridge of South India. As for optional activity, you'll en-route to Puducherry, a former French colony that features an odd fusion of European culture and Indian traditions. Sri Aurobindo Ashram will be your next place to visit. Meditate and relax in the various halls around the ashram and experience a sense of calmness and serenity. Bliss for people who wish to witness the significant temples should come here without a second thought. The afternoon is saved for optional activity with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry. Set in November 1926, the ashram is famous for its work put forth by the community towards the healing of humanity. Continue the drive to Thanjavur, check-in to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 5 : Full day sightseeing Kumbakonam

Located in the fertile Cauvery delta, and is just as famous for its plenty of temples, arts, and handicrafts. Thanjavur is also a leading centre for rice cultivation, famously known as the ‘Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’. After city orientation, you'll head to a significant landmark in Thanjavur, the great Brihadeeswara Temple, also identified as the Big Temple. The temple stands at 216 feet at its highest point and is carved entirely out of granite stone. Built by the great Chola king in the 10th century, the temple is famed for size and intricate detail. It features signature Tamil architecture style–high walls,  long corridors, a fort-like entrance, and Lord Shiva's paintings on the walls. The rest of the day includes optional activities, starting with a visit to the Thanjavur Palace & Museum, Trichy Excursion, and the Rock Fort Temple.

Day 6 : Kumbakonam to Chettinad

Post breakfast, get ready to leave for the city of Chettinad renowned for its houses embellished with marble and teak. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel, and spend your day to unwind and relax, experiencing the luxuries amenities at your hotel or explore Chettinad. As for optional activities,  relish the predominantly non-vegetarian Chettinad cuisines in the evening. The traditional cuisine of Chettinad is also known to be one of the spiciest and the most aromatic in India. If you wish to learn the art of cooking Chettinad cuisine with the elderly lady) from the village, visit Visalam.

Day 7 : Full day sightseeing Chettinad

Start your day by exploring the culturally rich city of Chettinad with a visit to the Chettinad temples. Whether it is the cultural legacy, extrinsic food, and extraordinary representatives of Dravidian architecture, Chettinad is a real delight. The glorious past of the city is visible through the grand mansions and opulent temples in the city. 10 Kms from Visalam, Aathangudy is a village famous for its handmade tiles. Chettinad is also popular for its cotton sarees and textiles. Explore its old streets, temples, markets, and antique stores on a comfortable bullock cart ride, followed by authentic South Indian Chettinad Cuisine. You will explore the magnificent temples of Chettinad that adorn majestic towers, exotic architecture, and a holy tank called Oorani. Rest of the day is free for optional activities such as exploring tile workshops in Athangudi for viewing the handmade tiles; visiting local handloom unit where you get to see local weavers at work and making the most vibrant Indian sarees and textiles and taking bullock cart ride for roaming in the city.

Day 8 : Chettinad to Madurai

After savouring your morning breakfast, drive to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, Madurai. Settled on the banks of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, Madurai is a cultural hotspot, known for its food, delicious cuisine, architecture, shopping, and welcoming people. Upon arrival at the fascinating city, check-in at your hotel. Visit to the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is an excellent specimen of Dravidian architecture and creativity. A visit to the Meenakshi Sundreshwara Temple spread over 14 acres area and has 4,500 pillars and 14 towers is massive. The temple includes four entrances sprawled over an area of six hectares. It also comprises 12 mesmerizing towers standing tall at the height of 45 to 50 meters and 985 opulently carved pillars. You can opt to spend your evening experiencing the extraordinary night ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, known as 'Bedtime of the God'.

Day 9 : Madurai to Thekkady

After early morning breakfast, you will head to Periyar, a district in ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala. On arrival, check-in at the hotel and prepare for the afternoon visit to the Thekkady Periyar Spice Plantation. Get set for an afternoon visit to the Thekkady Periyar Spice Plantation. Experience a walk through the spice plantations with the aromas of cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, etc. A walk along the streets and windy pathways filled with the aromas of spices

Day 10 : Full day sightseeing Thekkady

Your day will start with an early morning guided tour to Periyar Nature Walk. The Thekkady Periyar Nature Walk, nestled with the undulated forests, beautiful trails for treks, and mountain walks, is a home for its infinite fauna and flora. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. If interested, you can witness the daredevil and the oldest martial arts performance of Kalaripayattu. Enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Lake, a two-hour boat safari that takes you through the visual treat. Here, you will see herds of elephants grazing, spot deers, sambars, gaurs, and wild boars flocking around the area.

Day 11 : Thekkady to Alleppey

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, and coir industry. The houseboat rides come equipped with all the comforts of a good hotel room, having furnished bedrooms, toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen, and even a balcony for angling.  You will start your day driving to Alappuzha. The houseboat stays, and its pristine beaches are the prime tourist attractions. The chain of lakes and lagoons parallel to the coast with the Arabian Sea forms an unmissable vision. You will enjoy traditional Kerala lunch comprising tapioca, followed by an elaborate meal of rice and curry consisting of Pappadam, Salad, Pickle, Payasam/Tropical seasonal fruit. Your ride on the houseboat will continue after lunch taking you through the Kerala backwaters.

Day 12 : Alleppey to Kumarakom

Your day will start with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and then a drive to Kumarakom. Situated 14 km from Kottayam in Kerala, Kumarakom has become synonymous with backwater cruises around the world. At arrival, check-in at the hotel, and the rest of the day is free for leisure. If curious, take a trip to the Philipkutty’s Farm, a small farm island in the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake.

Day 13 : Full day sightseeing Kumarakom

You'll start your day in Kumarakom with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Get a chance to indulge in several activities like a visit to Ayurveda therapies at your hotel, enjoy bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and get a sustainable Village experience. Located on the east shore of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom has mesmerizing landscapes dotted with forests, hills, rivers, Ghats, and the sea. Experience the Ayurveda therapies at the hotel from skilled professionals. Explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a favorite haunt of migratory birds. Get a sustainable village experience at Kavanattinkara after a briefing session.

Day 14 : Kumarakom Houseboat Experience

You will head to Cochin after early morning breakfast. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and later start your visit. A visit to the Jewish Synagogue will draw your attention to the glass chandeliers and blue willow-pattern Chinese floor tiles. The next stop will be a visit to St. Francis Church, which is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. In Cochin, you will also find Chinese fishing nets distinctly unique to this place.

Day 15 : End of the Itinerary

After breakfast check out from hotel and drive towards Cochin international airport to connect flight for onward journey. Cochin International Airport is an international airport that serves Kochi in Kerala, India. It is the first airport of its kind which is constructed under a public-private partnership model in India.

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