An Overview 

This is a well curated itinerary from our team for a special interest traveler looking for authentic experiences on South India. It has all elements of History, Nature, Lifestyle, Culture, Cuisine, Beach, Special Art Forms, Homestay Experiences and much more. Stays are well chosen for a different experience of authenticity and character rather than the category or routine hotels. The itinerary gives a lot of opportunities for self-exploration in most of the destinations.

Tour Highlights:

Story telling experience programs

Interaction with local artists

Visit to Asia’s second largest vegetable market

Rikshaw Ride

Tea plantation trekking with Tea Factory visit

Traditional lunch at a village home in Marayoor

Visit to the Tribal village

Kathakali-The Dance drama of Kerala

Colonial tour of Cochin using E bikes

Country canoe cruise with farm lunch prepared by village women

Exclusive visit to the Dolmen site at Marayoor

Cookery show -The best way to interact with a housewife so close

Fishing harbour visit

Interaction with the women entrepreneurs in Responsible Tourism

Exclusive cruise and overnight stay on board Houseboat

At A Glance

15 Nights stay in Tamilnadu & Kerala

Houseboat lunch cruise with lunch on board

Local community oriented sustainable Tourism activities

Interaction with women entrepreneurs who earn living from Responsible Tourism

Visit to cultural sites and architectural marvels

Activity Level:

Active Leisure with cultural and experience trails

Day 01 – Chennai

On arrival in Chennai, you will be transferred to your hotel. By 3.30 PM your story teller will join you to take you through an amazing historic trail of Madras detailing the British connection etc. This walking tour will be for 2 Hours. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Madras Chronicles – Communities, Culture and Trade
(Chennai, Tamil Nadu)

Madras’, now Chennai, history is usually associated with that of the British, courtesy the British East India Company. However, in addition to the British, Madras has been home to the Portuguese, the French, the Scots, the Armenians, the Americans and the Jews. Most of them came to Madras for trade, a few, to try their luck building a global empire.

Today, people from many of these Nationalities live and work in Chennai, their past remembered by way of historic structures built by their predecessors or streets that are named after them. For e.g. a building along the Marina promenade, which was used for storing ice, was the only one in Madras to hoist an American flag. The French were the first to realize that Indians can be organized into a fighting unit, the idea eventually evolved into the Indian Army of today. Armenians were influential traders who contributed towards improving the city’s infrastructure, but more interestingly the first draft of the Armenian Constitution was written right here, in Madras. They are remembered by Armenian Street in George Town. Matters of the heart between British traders and Portuguese women flourished in and around Fort St. George! There are many such stories.

On this tour we visit three historic sites- Fort St. George, George Town, Marina promenade, and explore the connections between Madras and the people who came to its shores.

Day 02 – Chennai- Mahabalipuram (1.5 Hours)

After a relaxing   breakfast, check out and drive to Mahabalipuram. Enroute, you may visit Kalakshetra Foundation, if the school is working on the day. On arrival at Mahabalipuram, check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax on the beach. Overnight at Hotel.

Mahabalipuram has a significant role in the history and architecture of India which gives a major role for the archaeological enthusiasts. This is the only place in India where we have Cave Architecture, Monolythic Architecture and Structural Architecture still existing simultaneously. Also the long stretch of clean beach will give one a peaceful relaxation in Mahabalipuram.

Day 03 – Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, sightseeing of Mahabalipuram to explore the heritage of Mahabalipuram temples, built in 7^th & 8^th century AD which are today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. Afternoon at leisure for free walks. Overnight at hotel.

Mahabalipuram – It is among the most outstanding examples of Pallava art and ar

chitecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’s Penance – This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas relief in the world. There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu’s cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one. Five Rathas –These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

Day 04 – Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry (2 Hours)

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Pondicherry which still carries a strong flavour of the French presence in India. Visit Auroville enroute. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Afternoon a familiarization of the city. The traditional French architecture is still maintained even in the latest renovations and the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is the authorized agency for any such renovations in Pondicherry. After sightseeing, you will be brought to the Beach Road to spend some time walking through the beach side to see the public life around. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

The old town of Pondicherry has a unique charm and the French Quarter is unique in its cleanliness, architecture, discipline etc. To experience the spirit of Pondicherry, its essential to walk through the old town and closely observe the nature of its architectural traditions. It’s interesting to note that if someone wants an old building to be restored in Pondicherry, the local authorities ask for the approval of INTACH on priority. This is interesting and we could see how naturally those old buildings were restored in French style. One will walk through Town Hall (Mairie/Hotel de Ville), Notre Dame des Anges Church, Ecole Francaise d’Extreme-Orient, Cluny Emboidery centre, Alliance Francaise, INTACH Heritage Centre for Exhibitions, Lycees Francaise and lot more.

The main attraction in terms of the universality of Pondicherry is Auroville belongs to no religion, nation, color etc. but to all men of goodwill, all those who thirst for progress and aspire to a higher and truer life. The dream behind this divine destinations is “A place on earth which no Nation could claim as its own, where all human beings of goodwill who have a sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority, that of the supreme truth; a place of peace, concord and harmony where all the fighting instincts of man would be used exclusively to conquer the causes of his sufferings and miseries, to surmount his weaknesses and ignorance, to triumph over his limitations and incapacities, a place where the needs of the spirit and the concern for progress would take precedence over the satisfaction of desires and passions, the search for pleasure and material enjoyment. The shopping plaza at the Auroville is a paradise for shoppers where you find a unique range of eco products made in the local villages.

The beach close to the French quarter is landscaped with wide stone paved pathways and the vehicular traffic is banned from 6 PM till 7.30 AM. It’s strictly maintained and the pedestrians enjoy their walk in the evening. Many of the old heritage buildings are now getting converted to hotels and guest houses. All kinds of restaurants with international cuisines are seen everywhere walk through the market place on M G Road is also amazing.

Day 05 – Pondicherry-Kumbakonam (3.5 Hours Drive)

After breakfast at the hotel check out and visit a Franco -Tamilian family to interact with the members to understand their story of the French influence on lifestyle, architecture etc. Later drive to Kumbakonam check into a village Resort. Overnight at hotel.

Communities of Pondicherry – Meet the Franco-Tamils (Pondicherry)

Pondicherry had many European settlers – the British, Dutch, Portuguese and also the French. Perhaps the most vivid French influence is seen in the unique blend of French and local Tamil architectural styles – Franco-Tamil – seen in buildings across this little town.

Experience Pondicherry with our lovely hostess, a lady with a mixed Tamil and Creole heritage, at her beautiful Franco-Tamil home. She is an absolute pleasure to talk to and her calm and pleasant demeanour at once puts you to ease. She comes from a family of art lovers and collectors and the plain exterior of her mid 19th century home belies the magic within. The home combines a strong, authentic Tamil aesthetic with antique furniture, tapestries, art and artefacts – all reflecting Pondicherry’s multi-cultural influence.

Day 06 –Kumbakonam- Village Experiences

Early morning visit the Darasuram vegetable market which is supposed to be the second largest in Asia. Later after breakfast, you will visit Darasuram Iravadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO Monument).Then drive to Tanjore to visit the Big Temple. Lunch at a traditional hotel. By 3 PM, you will be taken to Tiruvaiyaru, a small village to listen to a lady who works to revive the arts and crafts of this region. This is a story telling program as a part of our responsible Tourism project. Later visit a Dance school run by a woman dancer. (Subject to school holidays/vacation). Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram (Tamil Nadu), dating back to the second half of the 12th century is one of the 4 biggest temples erected by the Chola Dynasty with those of Tanjore, Gangaikondacholapuram and Tribhuvanam. Remarkable monument for its architecture and its great decorative wealth, it has been registered in the world heritage list of the UNESCO in 2004. You can also see the traces of amazing paintings popular with Nayaks’ period of 17^th Century. Again the influence of social life is very much depicted in the paintings as well as the carvings.

Thanjavur rose to the glory during the later Chola reign between the 10^th and 14^th Centuries and became a center of learning and culture. Thanjavur is still the center of all the classical arts and music. The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. It is the headquarters of Thanjavur district, the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive art style, which is usually a combination of raised and painted surfaces. Tanjore paintings are deeply rooted in tradition and still innovative within limits. This art is sacred and dedicated.

Along the River Kaveri: Village Life Experience (Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu)

The river Kaveri is one among seven sacred rivers of India. On its long journey from the Western Ghats to the Bay of Bengal on the east coast, the Kaveri meets, nourishes and nurtures everyone and everything on its path. Along the Kaveri tells the story of the river and the many lives, arts, crafts and traditions that it has nourished over the centuries.

Tiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu is a small town along the Kaveri. Our hostess is a music teacher and scholar, who, like the Kaveri has been nurturing many lives and affecting a cultural revival in her village. She gives us an insight into the lives of the people, past and present, and their dependence on the river. She walks us through its artistic and cultural traditions with stories of Devadasis (Servants of Gods) and Poet Saints, the local arts and crafts, wedding rituals and much more. No visit to a Tamil household is complete without a cup of filter coffee and that is what will fortify us before we say our goodbyes.

Our Hostess is the founder-trustee of an organization that works for the revival of long forgotten cultural traditions of her village while also supporting less privileged children of the community. This tour is an effort to support her initiatives.

Day 07 –Kumbakonam-Madurai (5 Hours Drive)

After an early breakfast drive to Madurai, an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east for overnight stay. Enroute photo stop at Srirangam Temple. Afternoon for sightseeing of Madurai with an evening visit to Meenakshi Temple to watch the closing ceremony. We have a rikshaw ride in between which supports the traditional rikshawalas in the city for many years. Its interesting to see the flower market handled by women groups. Overnight at Madurai.

Meenakshi Temple – In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Siva. The pillars of the Mandapam are decorated with scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared ‘Mandapam’. Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars, which produce music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved out of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has been sponsoring literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time.

Day 08 -Madurai-Munnar  (5.5 Hour Drive)

Morning, after an early breakfast, proceed to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise. Enroute visit a Tea factory to understand the process of tea making. On arrival in Munnar, check into your resort for overnight stay.

Munnar is set at an altitude starting from 1500 MSL which reaches 2695 MSl at Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. The vast expanse of tea gardens, exquisite flora and fauna are additional attractions to this green beauty. There are many wildlife sanctuaries around Munnar. So the activities in Munnar can be varied from a tea plantation walk, tea making experience, medium or hard treks, Wildlife exploration, birding, camping etc.

Day 09- Marayoor Tribal Village (1.5 Hour drive)

Full day guided village experience tour. After breakfast you will be driven to Marayoor Village where you will walk through the side of sandalwood forest followed by visiting a tribal village where you will see a different way of life. Because of the present literacy and education, the life of tribal people is changed a lot, though. Visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. Walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world-famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists. Visit to a traditional sugarcane farm and Jaggery (black sugar) manufacturing. Traditional lunch at a village home. On the way back, you may have a short hiking through the tea plantation. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 10 –Munnar- Cochin (4 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, drive to Cochin. On arrival, check into your hotel. Rest for a while. By evening visit Pepper Trails Kitchen for a cookery session followed by dinner with the family. Your host Simi and her family will train you to cook few Kerala dishes which you will taste later at your dinner. Overnight at Hotel.

Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colors. Kerala cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities to those willing to experiment with the local cuisine. Traditionally, in Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. One has to take food with right hand. Tender coconut water is a refreshing nutritious thirst quencher. Seafood’s are main diet of Coastal Kerala. Here at Pepper Trails, we are trying to pass on a tradition of our kitchen to the World. The cookery demo will be conducted at short distance away from Kochi, in the beautiful ambiance of a Kerala’s modern architectural bungalow, nestled on the top of a valley in its natural setting with a peaceful ambience combined with refreshing environment, promising to make another day in Kerala a wonderful experience. Enjoy a warm welcome by the breath taking lush green landscape complimented by a welcome drink and… now you are a part of our home… This cookery demo is not just being in the kitchen, will give you hands on experience, you’ll learn to prepare 3-4 variety of Kerala’s delicacies in a friendly, relaxed, informal environment. Each dish will be demonstrated, prepared and cooked. You will then be able to enjoy tasting each dish and take home the recipes as a memento of your delicious day.

Day 11 – Cochin

Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a guided village backwater canoe Cruise at Poothotta followed by lunch at the farm house. The lady of the house will prepare your lunch and serve fresh. This is another project from our Community oriented Sustainable initiatives. Afternoon back to Cochin for sightseeing. This tour will be a sustainable concept using E Bikes to visit the monuments. (3 PM to 6 PM). You will visit St Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets etc. Cochin still keeps its colonial profile left over by many of the foreign influences by British, Dutch & Portuguese. Evening watch a live Kathakali show at a traditional theatre. Overnight at the Hotel.

Village backwater Cruise – A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala…. goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms…..watch rare birds….a demonstration on coir making or a village kitchen etc. Your lunch will be prepared by the wife of our boatman with fresh catch from the river. Our guide Peter can tell you many stories about the Nature and life around.

 Day 12 – Cochin

After an early breakfast, you will be taken to a fishing harbor to watch the life of fishermen. Later a short walk through the Broadway market. Then drive to a special school for mentally challenged children to interact with them. (Subject to school holidays and working hours)Afternoon return to your hotel. Evening to walk around Fort Cochin. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13 – Alleppey Houseboat(1.5 Hours)

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey to board your exclusive Houseboat for a cruise through the backwater villages followed by overnight stay on board. Your meals are cooked and served on board. Explore the amazing backwater life of Kerala! Overnight at the Houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejuvenated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living. The experience on the Houseboat is not the one to be explained by words. Its to be lived and evolved by yourself.

Day 14 – Alleppey – Marari

Morning after breakfast on board, checkout & proceed to Marari, a relatively quiet beach paradise of Kerala. On arrival check in at Marari Beach Resort (built in the style of a traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be in keeping with the local village style). You may opt to have a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage. Also visit the butterfly garden and Organic vegetable farm.at the resort escorted by the Naturalist. Evening you can opt (at extra cost) to join your Chef to prepare your exclusive dinner at a Specialty Restaurant where the food is prepared from the fresh picked vegetables from the Organic Farm of Marari Beach.. Dinner & Overnight at Marari Beach Resort.

Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it’s best. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

Day 15 – Marari

Full day at the resort. More of a relaxation.. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more… An authentic experience of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a re-creation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. You may opt to take an Ayurvedic Massage…Visit the fishermen villages.. By evening it may be interesting to visit the local temple to watch the local crowd coming for worship and socialization. Dinner and overnight at Resort.

Day 16– Cochin Departure (2.5 Hours)

Like all good things, your experience tour in Kerala comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Cochin International airport for your flight home!!