Day 01 – Chennai-Mahabalipuram

On arrival at Chennai, known as Gateway to South India,you  will be received by our meet & greet service and transferred to Mahabalipuram Beach to check into your hotel on beach.Rest of the day at leisure. 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 02 – Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Explore the heritage of Mahabalipuram temples, built in 7th & 8th century AD which are today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. The beaches of  Mahabalipuram are so calm and peaceful. A nice street to walk in the evening with full of local life around. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Mahabalipuram – It is among the most outstanding examples of Pallava art and architecture. 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 03 –Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and drive to  Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples. Visit Kailasanatha Temple from the 8th century AD. In Kailasanatha Temple, the  Pallava Style of Dravida Vimana (The Tower over Sanctum)  was imitated later at Pattadackal in Karnataka in the second half of 8th Century AD by Chalukyas. From there the Rashtrakudas borrowed the style  in the 9th Century AD at Ellora, Maharashtra. Later  visit the famous Ekambareswara Temple which is a good example of the typical Composite style of Architecture. The construction was started in 8th or 9th Century by the Pallavas but continued by Cholas in 12th Century and finished by the Vijayanagar Dynasty during 16th Century. Also visit Varadaraja or Devaraja Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and visitable parts are of 16th Century AD. After Temple visits, you may visit a silk weaving unit, as Kanchipuram Silks is known for its unque features and quality.  Check in at your hotel. If you are interested to watch the evening closing pooja, procession etc, you may come back by late evening.  Overnight at Hotel in Sri Perumbathur, which is a nice village closeby.

Kanchipuram – Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as “the city of thousand temples”, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples and a few more in its outskirts. Today, apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Ekambaranath Temple, also known as Ekambareswarar Temple – The eleven-storey structure which is adorned with beautiful Stucco Figures is one of the tall temple towers in South India. The ancient mango tree in the courtyard inside the temple is revered by childless couples. They faithfully tie small cradles to the branches of the tree and leave with the hope that their desire for an offspring will be fulfilled. Also visit Kailasanatha Temple and Varadaja Temple.

Day 04 – Kanchipuram-Vellore-Thiruvannamalai.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive via Vellore to Thiruvannamalai, known for Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of oldest Shiva Temples in India. Special interest tours may optionally visit the Mahaveer Jain Temple at Tirumala subject to possibility, which is set on huge hill but facilitated with steps to reach the top. The famous temple city of Thiruvannamalai, looks similar to Madurai, but the temple is huge and the entry to tourists are permitted very close to the Sanctum Sanctorum. May be this is the right place to witness the closing ceremony as one can stand so close to the Sanctorum and also to the sleeping room, known as Palliyara. On arrival in Thiruvannamalai,  if you are interested in photography, you may climb a hill from where you will get an aerial view of the Temple which is amazing. You should climb the hill before 4 PM to get the good sunlight on temple. Check into your hotel and relax for a while. Early evening visit Ramana Ashram and Girivalam Road where you will find a number of Sadhoos just like in Varanasi. Go back to the hotel for freshen up and dinner and return to the temple by 08.30 PM for temple visit and thereafter at about 9.15 PM to watch the closing ceremony (Palliyara Pooja). Overnight at Hotel.

The Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai is one of the biggest and grandest temples in South India.  With the hill as back ground it gives the appearance of a fort to those who see it from a distance. It is unique on account of its stately towers, high rampart walls, broad quadrangles, spacious gateways, large mantapams and fine tanks.  It has also much architectural importance and sculptural beauty.The exact dates of starting the construction is not marked but its again a composite structure passed through many ages. The Temple has got four stately towers on all the four sides and four high stone walls just like the rampart walls of a fort. The Eastern Tower called the Rajagopuram is the Highest. The Southern tower is called Thirumanjangopuram, that in the west is called Peygopuram and that in the north is called Ammaniamma Gopuram. The temple occupies an extent of about 25 acres of land. The walls on the East and West measure 700 feet each. The South wall is 1479 feet long and North wall is 1590 feet. The Rajagopuram which adorns the East Gateway is 217 feet high with 11 stages, its base measure 135 feet by 98 feet. This tower was built by King Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagar and completed by Sevappa Nayaka of Thanjavur. Krishna Devaraya also constructed the Thousand Pillared Mantapam and dug the tank opposite to it . Ammani Ammal a Sanyasini built the North Gopuram which is called after her name.

Day 05 – Gingee Fort – Mandagappattu Cave Temple –Manmmathankulam and Back to Thiruvannamalai

After an early breakfast, drive to Gingee Fort also known as Senchi Fort with a packed lunch. It’s an amazing structure with outer wall stretching almost 5 kilometers. The Fort connects with different hills like Rajagiri, Krishnagiri etc. It takes 3 to 4 hours to explore. Also visit Venkitaramana Temple within the Fort itself. Lunch at the premises. Later visit the Pattabhiraman Temple which is a part of the Fort but outside the Fort in a village. Proceed to Mandakapattu to explore the first Pallava Cave Temple dating back to 7th Century AD. Also visit Manmathan Kulam (Erotic Water Tank). Drive back to Thiruvannamalai for overnight stay.

Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, India is one of the few surviving forts in Tamil Nadu, India. So well fortified was this place that Shivaji ranked it as the “most impregnable fortress in India” and it was called the “Troy of the East” by the British. The actual name of Gingee is ‘Sengiri’ meaning perhaps the “Red Hill” in Tamil that has got corrupted into Gingee.A popular tradition is that Senji Fort and the village are named after the local village Godess Senji Amman.Her temple existed before the construction of the Fort,half way up the Rajagiri Hill. The name has also been traced to Singavaram the neighbouring Vaishnavite shrine, whose lord is considered the guardian deity of the place. Originally the site of a small fort built by the Chola dynasty in 9th century AD, it was later modified by Kurumbar while fighting the Chola and again by the Vijayanagar empire in the 14th century to elevate it to the status of an unbreachable citadel to protect the small town of Gingee. Though the Fort is accessible and seen from the main road, there is no much exploration happening and  the tourists are not much to be seen at all.Before you enter the Fort,you may visit a Temple by name Venkitaramana Temple which stands the test of time beside the tall hill. Once you enter the Fort, it is a vast area where you will see the prison, Elephant bathing Pond, Women’s residence, a huge granary or store house to keep food and other consumables and many more. Its not to be explained on words but to be seen and experienced.

Mandagapattu Rock Cut Temple  holds a considerable position in the history of architecture of South India and of the Pallavas. An inscription found in the shrine tells us that this is the first cave temple created by Pallava king Mahendravarman in Tamilnadu region. It is 22 feet in length, 24 feet in width and 9 feet in height. There are few traces of painting seen on the back walls of the cells suggesting worship of painted deities. There are sockets in the floor inside the cells, which suggests that the statutes of the deities would have been fitted into these.

Day 06 – Pondicherry

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Auroville which is a nice place to unwind yourself.Afternoon go for a guided tour of Pondicherry .The French Quarter in the city close to the beach is worth covering during late evening hours. The traditional French architecture is still maintained even in the latest renovations and the Indian Natinal Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is the authorized agency for any such renovations in Pondicherry.Sight seeing & 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. Its 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 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.its 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 restaurents with international cusines are seen everyehere.A walk through the market place on M G Road is also amazing.

The main attraction in terms of the universality of Pondicherry is Auroville belongs to no religion,nation,colour 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 al 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.

Day 07 – Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Darasuram

After an early breakfast at the hotel,drive to Chidambaram to visit Nataraja Temple. Later drive to Gangaikondacholapuram (UNESCO temple) to visit the amazing architectural Marvel. Later visit Darasuram Iravadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO Monument).Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Chidambaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, the east-central part of the Tamil Nadu. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Pallava/Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods.Chidambaram was renowned for different dance forms including Bharatanatya.The influence of the social atmosphere during the construction period could be clearly seen in the carvings and sculptures inside the temple.In this temple tourists are allowed to go close to the Sanctum Sanctorum and the poojas are really colourful with a rich accompaniment of drums and continuous bells etc.

Rajendra I, the mighty Chola King, established his new capital at Gangaikondacholapuram with this magnificent city and temple to Lord Siva in the 11th century. It is 50 kms. from Chidambaram. 

The temple is noted for its massive and richly carved sculptures. A big Nandi in front of the temple made of brick and mortar, a lion head well with a flight of steps leading to the water level and the gigantic dwarapalakas are the other special features of this temple. The temple has a huge quadrangular passage which has dark ambulatory passage in between the double wall construction which is meant to distribute the vertical load of the temple superstructure. The inside passage is accessible to tourists between 9 AM to 12 Noon and 6 PM to 8 PM.

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 17th Century. Again the influence of social life is very much depicted in the paintings as well as the carvings.

Day 08 –Tanjore

After  breakfast at the hotel,drive to Tanjore to visit the Big Temple (Brihadeeswara Temple).Also visit the Palace,Art Gallery etc.Return to Kumbakonam .Early evening you may go for visiting a nearby village or go for a bullock cart ride etc.Overnight at Hotel.

Thanjavur rose to the glory during the later Chola reign between the 10th and 14th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture.Thanjavur is still the centre 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.The Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery has some fine pieces of stone and bronze sculptures from the 9th and 12th centuries.

Day 09 – Tanjore-Trichy- Sithanavasal  -Karaikudi

After an early breakfast, drive to  Trichy. Visit Sreerangam Temple which has the tallest Temple Gopuram (Entrance Tower) in India. Later drive to Karaikudi. Enroute visit Elankudi  village Temple where you will see an open Temple with all the wayside  decorated with terracotta statues. Also visit the 7th or 8th Century AD Rock cut Jain Temple at Sithanavasal. Also visit the Cist burials enroute to the temple which dates back to 3000 years. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Elankudi Ayyanar Koil is an amazing open air temple for the villagers. This is a typical character of this part of Tamilnadu that few villages will join together to form temple for their worship and mainly the prayers are for their special wishes. The attraction of this temple is that the villagers donate terracotta statues during the festivals and special occasions and its an amazing scene to see how they have decorated the way to the temple with these terracotta statues. Its a long way to the Sanctum Sanctorum from the main entrance. The Sanctorum is an open space and the temple is dedicated to the village deity Aiyanar. It was also interesting to meet the Non Brahmin Priest Mr Periyan who is from the same village. There are poojas only two days a week.

Rock Cut Cave Jaina Temple or Arivar Koil at Sithanavasal was excavated in the early Panday Period (7th or 8th Century AD).The Cave Temple is facing West and it consists of a square Garbagriha and a rectangular Mukhamandapa. The rear wall of the Garbagriha contain bas-relief figures of Jaina Tirthankaras in Aeena-Mudra (Seated Posture).The cave temple is decorated with mural paintings made of vegetable colours. The ceiling of the Mukhamandapa has depiction of a lotus tank with realistic figures of men,animals,flowers,birds and fishes. It recalls the Samavasarana faith in Jainism. The façade of the pillars shows the dancing girl, the King and the Queen. These paintings represent the typical early painting tradition of the South and comparable with that of Ajantha. An inscription on a rock records that the renovation work was carried out to the Garbagriha and additional of a structural Mandapa during the time of theearly Pandya King Sri Vallabha (AD 815-862) by certain Ilangautaman alias Madurai Asiriyar. The Cave is cut in such an acoustic way to give a special atmosphere for meditation. If you murmer Ohm, you will hear the echo waves spread all over your body. Its just an amazing experience.

There is a vast burial ground on the way back to the main road where one can see a number of megalythic cist burials dates back 3000 years old. This is an amazing scene as one can believe the ancient system of burials and second burials in the form of memorials to the forefathers. The Cist burials are nicely decorated and kept undisturbed even after these many years.

Day 10 – Karaikudi (Chettinadu)

Full day to explore the Chettinadu Villages. Early morning visit the local village market in Kanadukathan and later visit the Chettiar homes around, Chettinad Palace from outside. Overnight at hotel. All hotels in Karaikudi and Chettinadu are converted from the old Chettiar Mansions looks like palaces. Chettinad has 101 Palaces in total.

Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars , a prosperous banking and business community, many of whose members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today there is a diaspora of Chettinad people, who live in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, among other places. Chettinad is well known for its Chettinad cuisine, Mansions, and Temples. Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of eggwhites to give a smooth texture.

No Chettinad experience is complete without a visit to the streets lined by palatial homes. Many of them are uninhabited today, their owners having moved on with the times.But they stand proud,unbending to the vagaries of time,along with a few other reminders of a glorious era.Like the weekly santhai(market), the Raja’s special waiting room at the local railway station, the sari weaving centres,the tile manufacturing units at Athangudi and the many temples-the latter, an integral part of every Chettinad family.

Day 11 – Karaikudi-Madurai(140 kms-3.5 hrs)

Morning, proceed to Madurai, an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east. Afternoon take city tour of Madurai and by evening you will enjoy the variety of the busy temple of Meenakshi. You may also visit the flower market to feel the local life around the temple. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Madurai or the “city of nectar” is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine nectar (“Madhu”) fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence the city was named “Madhurapuri”. This sacred town of south attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as abroad. Madurai is synonymous with The Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Mariamman Tank, Koodal Alagar Temple, Gandhi Museum and Government Museum.

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 12 -Madurai – Munnar

After an early breakfast, drive to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise. Afternoon free to go for a plantation walk. You may also opt to  visit Tea Museum, Munnar Market etc. Overnight at the Hotel.

Munnar … breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – an idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country with unending expanses of tea plantations… pristine valleys and mountains… exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests… aroma of spice scented cool air. Munnar has all these and more… It’s the place you would love to visit… It’s the place you would wish never to leave.

Day 13 : Munnar

Full day guided jeep safari with soft trekking.You will drive through Anaimudichola National Park and will visit Marayoor village followed by an  ethnic lunch at the village. By evening you will be returned to Munnar for overnight stay.

8 AM Pick up from your hotel in Munnar after breakfast to drive to Anamudichola National Park through Madupatty and  Kundala. The traverse is through elephant corridor of Madupatty. Stop at Kundala lake. Anamudichola National Park is the largest high altitude cloud forest in Asia, which is  more than 60 Million years old.This forest harbors many endemic species of primitive plants, orchids  and animals. It has high endemism of plants and birds. It posses 12 species of endemic birds of western ghats like, Nilgiri fly catcher, Nilgiri laughing thrush etc. The golden tree ferns and other spore producers from Gondwanaland is the high light of this forest. This forest also holds Tiger, leopard including black panther, rare and endemic Nilgiri marten, clawless otter, golden cat etc. Nilgiri langur,  Malabar giant squirrel etc are the arboreal animals of the forest.
We have a soft walk through the forest to enjoy the forest canopies, birds and flowers.Reach Perumala – in the out skirt of the forest by noon. Have a quick visit to a mountaoin village and tribal settlement- their contour farming, agricultural activities, lemon grass farm and distillery  etc.

Later proceed to Marayoor valley. Taste a traditional lunch in banana leaf. 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.Marayoor is famous for its Sandalwood Forest which is protected by the Forest Department.

Proceed to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. Hiking through the wildlife zone and visit to a Mesolithic Cave art site. As you go on the nature trail in Chinnar, you are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. Chinnar Sanctuary is  located in the eastern slope of Western ghats sharing its flora and fauna with Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. The sanctuary has an area of 90 sq.km. Chinnar has the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic vegetation . The undulating terrain with rocky patches manifolds the scenic splendor of the sanctuary. As the altitude varies from 500 to 2,400 m above sea level within a few kilometer radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation.

This sanctuary has also rainfall ranging from 600 mm to 3000 mm and a dry season ranging from three to six months. Elephant, gaur, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, grizzled giant squirrel, hanuman languor ,long eared fish owl etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests. The grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species.

Return to Munnar through Vaguarai and Anamudi (Highest mountain peak in south India) view point.

Day 14 – Munnar-Cochin

Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Cochin. On arrival at Cochin,check into your hotel.Evening watch a classical art performance at Greenix Theatre which is a kaleidoscope of Kerala classical arts like Kathakali, Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts), Bharatanatyam etc. Overnight at Hotel.

From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. Cochin has Asia’s best preserved Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India – the St. Francis Church.

Day 15 – Cochin

Morning, after breakfast proceed for a village backwater cruise with lunch to explore the pristine beauty of village backwater life. Afternoon go  for a City Tour, exploring Chinese fishing nets, St.Francis church, the Jewish synagogue, Dutch palace etc…  Cochin now named as Kochi is the Commercial capital of Kerala and a happening place. The development of the city is to be compared to that of any other Metros in the country. Late evening visit Pepper Trails Kitchen to have a cookery demonstration followed by Dinner. 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… country boat making… a natural fish farm where you can go fishing… You will witness coir making, toddy tapping before you end up your exclusive experience in our Farm House for lunch -a delicious traditional Kerala dish  under a tree… While scrolling through this amazing village, you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood.You will see them fishing in the river, the women do the coir making,a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine, men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts, later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible. Its all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.

Cochin Sightseeing – St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The “Dutch Palace” was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring – a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites – which gives the effect of polished marble.

Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colours. 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 your 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 16 : Cochin – Kumarakom

After breakfast, check out from the Hotel & proceed to Kumarakom, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. The slender coconut palms everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves full of nesting birds of a hundred varieties in the pristine beauty of Kumarakom. Visit Vaikom Shiva Temple Enroute to watch the students learning music in the Temple school. .Rest of the day for exploring the unending backwaters. You may opt to have a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage. Overnight at Resort.

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

The village of Kumarakom, on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, spread across 14 acres, has an interesting variety of birdlife.If you are a bird enthusiast, visit the sanctuary between June and August, the breeding season of resident wetland birds such as Indian Darter, Little cormorant, different species of egrets and herons, white ibis, several species of kingfishers, etc. Between the months of November and May, the bushes and woods of the sanctuary play host to some rare migratory birds. The Vembanad lake body attracts waterfowl like pin-tailed duck, garganey teal, spot-billed duck, birds of prey like osprey, marsh harrier, steppe eagle, etc.Bird lovers can also take a boat trip to the nearby Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathiramanal, Narakathara, Thollayiram Kayal and Poothapandi Kayal to watch local birdlife and migrants which could easily be more than a hundred species.

Day 17 : Kumarakom – Houseboat

After a leisurely breakfast, by 12 Noon board the houseboat from the resort jetty for a nights stay with on board lunch and dinner, covering Alleppey villages and the life around the villages.Earlier days the big boats were used as a media of transporting goods by the local farmers and later these boats converted into Houseboats with minimum amenities and now the Houseboats are most conveniently furnished with comfortable aircon and bio toilets etc.Your food will be freshly cooked and served on board. Overnight in 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 rejenuvated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.

Day 18 – Alleppey – Marari

Enjoy your breakfast on board.Later , checkout & proceed to Marari, a relatively quiet beach paradise of Kerala. On arrival check in at the resort on the Beach.Rest of the day at leisure on the beach.You may opt to go for an Ayurvedic Massage or a village walk.Overnight at the 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 19 – Marari

Full day at the resort. 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 interesting to visit the local temple to watch the local crowd coming for worship and socialisation. Overnight at Resort.

Day 20 – Cochin Departure

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