HIGHLIGHTS:

Take yourself away on a holiday with a laid back theme. This south part of India is a tropical paradise filled with Hindu temples, hill stations, pretty villages, lush green forests and tranquil backwaters. Make friends with a rural family over a meal and learn about local cultural traditions. Get up close to the glorious elephants that the region is known for and return home relaxed after a houseboat cruise. Finally, enjoy the Indian Ocean’s beaches to end this unforgettable getaway in style.

 

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Sightseeing and local guides.

• All meals as per the itinerary. Hotels used are 3 and 4-star category mixture of boutique and heritage hotels.

• Transportation by coach & Houseboat

• Service of a Gay tour manager at all times.

• All the entrance fee to the monuments.

 

CULTURE ASPECTS:

Expect some culture shock. You'll be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different from home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

 

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1 Saturday - Chennai

Arrive at Chennai International Airport. Meet and greet. Transfer to the hotel.

 

Day 2 Sunday - Mahabalipuram

Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Mahabalipuram, upon reaching walking tour/City tour of the ancient monuments. Lunch at Local Restaurant. Check into the hotel. Welcome drinks and dinner at the restaurant.

 (B, L, D)

 

Day 3 - Monday – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning sightseeing including visit to Auroville Ashram. Lunch at restaurant. Overnight at Pondicherry. Dinner at the hotel.

(B, L, D)

 

Day 4 - Tuesday- Pondicherry - Tanjore

Breakfast at the hotel. Thanjavur Art Gallery, situated within the Thanjavur Royal Palace, is one of the main attractions of Thanjavur town. Visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple also known as Big Temple, built in the year 1010 AD by the mighty Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola. It remains as one of the greatest glories of Indian architecture. This temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'Great Living Chola Temples'. In the evening, visit the Bronze Making Artisan’s Village to see the Bronze Casting and Tanjore Paintings. 

Overnight in Tanjore. Dinner at the Hotel

(B, L, D)

 

Day 5 - Wednesday – Tanjore -Trichy - Tanjore

Start your drive to Tiruchchirappalli (Trichy). Have a stop at 'Amma Mandapam' – the holy banks of River Cauvery, where you can see the Hindu rituals after the cremation.  It’s quite interesting to see the rituals performed by the Hindus with the help of the priest. Regarded as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam was built between the 6th and the 9th centuries by the Azhwar Saints. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the 1st of the 108 Divya Desams or Vishnu Temples in the world.

(B, L, D)

 

Day 6 - Thursday – Trichy - Madurai

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s most culturally significant cities. Overnight stay in Madurai.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 7: Friday - Madurai Full Day Tour
Today, you’ll explore Madurai in-depth with a full-day guided tour. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning architectural marvel, and other significant landmarks that highlight Madurai's rich history and religious significance. visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, the Gandhi Museum, and other important sites that reflect the city’s cultural legacy. You’ll learn about the fascinating history and traditions that have shaped the region. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Madurai.

 (B, L, D)

 

Day 8 - Saturday – Periyar/Thekkady

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure for a coach trip to Periyar. Lunch en route. Arrive Periyar and check into the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

(B, L, D)

 

Day 9 - Sunday - Periyar

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning tour to Tiger Reserve including boat trip. Lunch. Afternoon visit to a spice garden and free time. Dinner at the hotel.

(B, L, D)

 

Day 10 - Monday - Alleppey

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure for a coach trip to Alappuzha (Alleppey). Check onto luxury houseboat for an overnight cruise on backwaters. Lunch and dinner on board. (B, L, D)

 

Day 11 - Tuesday - Mararikulum

Breakfast on the houseboat. Return to the coach and drive a short distance to Mararikulum beach. Check into the resort. Lunch. Afternoon free time for individual sightseeing, relaxing, swimming, massage, etc. Dinner at the resort.

(B, L, D)

 

Day 12 - Wednesday - Mararikulum

Breakfast at the resort. Full day free time for individual sightseeing, relaxing, swimming, massage, etc. Lunch and dinner at the resort.

(B, L, D)

 

Day 13 - Thursday - Cochin

Breakfast at the resort. Late morning departure for a short drive to Kochi. Check into the hotel. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon sightseeing of Fort Cochin area.

(B, L, D)

 

Day 14 - Friday - Cochin

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning tour of the city including harbour cruise. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon free time for shopping and individual sightseeing.

(B, L, D)

 

Day 15 - Saturday - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free time for shopping etc. Transfer to Kochi International Airport. Departure. End of service.

(B, L, D)

 

This itinerary is correct at the time of issue and in good faith but is liable to change at any time or place for any reason.

 

 (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)