“We have had a wonderful time and the trip was very well planned. We have no complaints at all. We would recommend Kerala Voyages to friends”

09 Nov – Chennai (Early arrival check in)

ArriveChennai, known as ‘the gateway to southern India’ is one of the oldest cities of the country.On arrival you will be received by our meet & greet service and transferred to the city hotel for an early check in. Afternoon  for a half day sightseeing tour of Chennai; Visiting Kapaleeshwar Temple,Gandhi Memorial,  Mylapore temple and Marina beach. Overnight at hotel.

Chennai – There are several tourist attractions worth visiting in and around Chennai. Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government’s secretariat. Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the KapaleeshwarTemple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is ParthasarathyTemple. Adayar Banyan Tree is one of the largest tree in the world. It measures 238ft from north to south and 250ft from east to west. The total area exceed 59,500 sq. ft. This tree is a unique specimen. It has been the centre of many notable gatherings of the Theosophical Society and thousands of visitors have rested in its shade.

10 Nov – Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples.Guided tour of Kanchipuram.You may also visit a silk weaving unit to buy the famous Kanchipuram silk.Later continue the drive to Mahabalipuram. Check in at the Hotel. Day to explore the serene beaches of Mahabalipuram otherwise known as Mamallapuram. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Kanchipuram – Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as “the city of thousand temples”, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centers 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.

11 Nov – Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, guided tour of Mahabalipuram.Afternoon at leisure on the beach. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram – It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’sPenance – This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas – relief sculpture 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 fort of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

12 Nov – Pondicherry

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Pondicherry  which still carries a strong flavor of the French presence in India. Afternoon visit Auroville.Evening for walk around on the beach or shopping areas.Overnight in Pondicherry.

The main attraction in terms of the universality of Pondicherry is Auroville belongs to no religion,nation,colouretc 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.A walk through the market place on M G Road is also amazing.

13 Nov – Pondicherry

After breakfast at the hotel, 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 National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is the authorized agency for any such renovations in Pondicherry. Sightseeing & 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, it’s essential to walk throughthe 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 Francaised’Extreme- Orient, Cluny Emboidery centre, Alliance Francaise, INTACH Heritage Centre for Exhibitions, Lycees Francaise and lot more.

14 Nov – Pondicherry-Tanjore (4 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore .Enroute visit Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram. Later visit Darasuram Iravadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO Monument),Mahamaham Tank etc.The village of Kumbakonam has many handicrafts units and vessel making centres.Evening for local visits. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Chidambaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, 78 km south of Pondicherry and 60 km north of Karaikal in Cuddalore District, the east-central part of the Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. The Sangam classics refer to ViduvelviduguPerumtaccan, 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.

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

15 Nov – Tanjore

Morning, visit the famous Brihadeeswara temple, the finest contribution to Dravidian temple architecture.Also visit Palace Museum in Tanjore.Afternoon opt for a village visit,bullock cart ride or a visit to the handicrafts making unit.Overnight at Hotel.

Tanjavur rose to the glory during the later Chola reign between the 10^th and 14^th 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 RajaChola Art Gallery has some fine pieces of stone and bronze sculptures from the 9th and 12th centuries.

 16 Nov – Tanjore-Srirangam-Madurai (4-5 Hours’ Drive)

After breakfast, proceed to Srirangam temple. Trichy, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas.Afternoon drive to Madurai. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Tiruchirapalli – Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city has given great Tamil scholars whose contributions to the Tamil literature have been very significant. Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), situated on the banks of river Cauvery, is famous for the Ranganatha temple at Srirangam.

17 Nov – Madurai

After a leisurely breakfast,go for a guided tour of Madurai.Visit Meenakshi Temple and Gandhi Museum.In the  evening you may opt to visit Meenakshi Temple again to witness the Temple closing Ceremony. 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, TirumalaiNayak Palace, Mariamman Tank, KoodalAlagar 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.

18 Nov – Madurai – Periyar (3.5Hours’ drive)

Today, you will be transferred to Periyar, the famous wildlife destination of Kerala.Afternoon visit a Spice Farm and an elephant farm for a safari. Overnight at Hotel.

Indian agriculture began by 9000 BC as a result of early cultivation of plants, and domestication of crops and animals. Settled life soon followed with implements and techniques being developed for agriculture. Plants and animals—considered essential to their survival by the Indians—came to be worshiped and venerated.

Indian spices include a variety of spices and herbs grown across the Indian subcontinent (South Asia). With different climates in different parts of the country, India produces a variety of spices, many of which are native to the Subcontinent, while others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries.Spices are typically heated in a pan with ghee or cooking oil before being added to a dish. Lighter spices are added last, and spices with strong flavor should be added first. Curry is not a spice, but a term which refers to any side dish in Indian cuisine. It could be with a gravy base or a dry item. A curry typically contains several spices blended together.

Periyar – Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

19 Nov – Periyar

Full day explore the wildlife of Periyar. Early morning go for a boating in Periyar Lake.Afternoon for free walks.Evening you may visit local shops for buying spices. Overnight at the Hotel.

The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opportunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

20 Nov -Periyar – Munnar

Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise (03 Hours). You will drive through spice plantations and tea gardens.Afternoon go for a guided Nature History Tour. 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.

Set at an altitude of 6000 ft. in Idukki district, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities makes Munnar a holiday resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi – which towers over 2695 M and is an ideal spot for campers who like trekking.

Munnar History Trail is a soft hiking programme highlighting the following:

1. Head works dam- the first hydro –electric project in Kerala built during the British period. The trail leading to the next destination from this point is passing through tea garden and lake side which gives a fine birding walk.
2. The Blossoms Park – The Blossom park is attached to the Head works dam. The tunnel from the dam to the power house is located in the park. Plenty of exotic trees and plants from British period can be seen in this park
3. High range club – It is a club of plantation managers constituted during the British period. An old golf course is also located in this club.
4. Heather cottage – built and found during the British period , this is the first of its kind in Kerala. The founders practiced worshiped Anti-Christ
5. Old hanging bridge – connecting the Old Munnar market with Club road
6. The CSI church- Built during the British period where early planters were buried. It was built in memory of Eleanor Isabel – young wife of a planter died after 7 days of Marriage.
7. Munnar Market- a beautiful vegetable and provision market
8. Fusion Hill- where a mosque, church and temple are located face to face. It is the place which is mentioned in ‘Life of Pi’-

21 Nov –Munnar- Cochin (4 Hour Drive)

After breakfast,drive to Cochin.On arrival check into your hotel.Rest of the day for leisure.Evening, enjoy Greenix Show which is a kaleidoscope of Indian classical art forms and martial arts. Overnight at Hotel.

Cochin known as ‘queen of the Arabian Sea’ is the commercial capital of Kerala and perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin.   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 preserve Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India – the St. Francis Church.

22 Nov – Cochin

Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a village backwater Cruise with lunch. Afternoon back to Cochin for a guided tour of Cochin.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. It’s 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 JewishSynagogue 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.

Fort Cochin & Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era.Jewish,Arabs,Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade headquarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port.While Fort Cochin became the administrative headquarters,Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favorite destination for tourists. It’s getting an upgrade once its declared as the first heritage city in India.Fort Cochin was also a part of Muziris route.It will be interesting to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Jains, Sikhs etc. are few among them.

23 Nov – Cochin – Backwaters

After breakfast, check out from the Hotel &drive to Kokkothamangalam St Thomas Church and later proceed to Alleppey, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. On arrival, check in at  the Resort set on Vembanad Lake.Alleppey Backwater is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. You may opt to go for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage.Overnight at Resort.

24 Nov –Alleppey-Kollam

After an early breakfast,drive to Alleppey (30 Minutes) to board the tourist ferry to Kollam visiting many villages enroute.On arrival at Kollam,your driver will pick you up to drive to your resort for overnight stay. Overnight at the resort.

25 Nov – Kollam-Kovalam( 2 Hours)

After breakfast,drive to the world renowned beach destination of Kerala, Kovalam. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Afternoon go for a short city tour of Trivandrum. Overnight at the resort.

Kovalam is considered as the most trendy beach retreat in India. A combination of three small beaches, Kovalam, meaning “a groove of coconut trees,” is just 16 km from the state capital of Kerala – Thiruvananthapuram. The sheltered natural bay, the azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves make it a tropical paradise of sorts. This enchanting strip of golden sands is adorned by coconut palms. With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. One can walk into the sea about 100 meters without losing ground. The underwater views, which are visible during snorkeling, are a marvel.

Being the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum is surrounded by seven hills and endorses ancient and modern style of architecture. Visit, Napier Museum, whichhouses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot, ivory carvings and life-size Kathakali dancers; SreeChitra Art Gallery, which display a century old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, withrare specimen of workmanship in traditional Travancore style of architecture has exquisite wood carvings.

26 Nov – Kovalam – Cape – Kovalam

After breakfast, proceed to Kanyakumari (Cape Comerin), the southernmost tip of Indian peninsula (2 Hours). Enroute, visit the Sucheendram Temple & Padmanabhapuram Palace. Enjoy the sightseeing places of Kanyakumari. After sunset, drive back to Kovalam. Overnight at the resort.

Kanyakumari is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique experience of watching the sunset and moonrise simultaneously on a full moon evening. Explore, Gandhi Memorial, Swami Vivekananda Rock memorial, Kumari Amman Temple & Tiruvalluvar Statue.  Sucheendram Temple, has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods. Padmanabhapuram Palace, a magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, is a fine specimen of Kerala’s indigenous style of architecture.

27 Nov – Kovalam

Full day explore the beauty of beaches. Overnight at the resort.

Kovalam was a small, sleepy village. It lay in humble obscurity along the picturesque coast of Kerala. Then around 1930, this little village was unexpectedly shaken out of its lethargic slumber and thrust on the international tourist map. The vendors of holiday dreams along the sea had discovered the fabulous silver sands and palm-fringed shores of Kovalam. From then onwards, there was no looking back. From sun bathing to swimming, Ayurvedic rejuvenation to yoga and meditation, herbal body toning massages to special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising, holidays in Kovalam is a tourists delight. The Kovalam lighthouse beach is where most visitors spend their time.

28 Nov – Trivandrum 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 transferred to Trivandrum International airport for your flight home!!

TOUR COST:GBP 1500 Per Pax on Double Sharing

Package Cost Includes:

• 19 Nights stay at designated hotels as per itinerary
• Early check in on arrival in Chennai
• Daily breakfast at all the hotels.
• Spice Farm visit in Periyar
• Elephant Ride in Periyar
• Boating in Periyar Lake
• Greenix show at Cochin
• Village Backwater Cruise with lunch at Cochin
• English speaking local guides at Chennai,Kanchipuram,Mahabalipuram,Pondicherry,Tanjore,Madurai, Munnar & Cochin
• All transfers and sightseeing as per attached itinerary by excellent Chauffer driven Aircon Sedan
• All monument entries and park entry fees.
• Driver allowance, Parking, Fuel, etc.
• All taxes including government service tax

Package Cost Excludes:

• Any meals other than those specified
• Any sightseeing unless otherwise specified
• Any train/ air fare which are not included in the package.
• Any Camera fee, Guide fee other than those specified, Ride etc.
• All expenses of personal nature like soft/ hard drinks, Telephone/ Fax, Laundry, Tip etc.
• All other services not mentioned under package cost includes section.