“All arrangements made to us including backwater boat trip have been totally satisfactory. We have enjoyed it all. We found our driver quite exceptional – always cheerful, always good humored, and absolutely reliable and extremely knowledgable. We will miss him”
– Ms. Felicity & Mr. Michael Cambridge – United Kingdom

04 Feb – Chennai

On arrival at 0815 in Chennai, for the Kerala & Tamilnadu trip you will be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon for an orientation tour of Chennai. Overnight stay 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 Kapaleeshwar Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarathy Temple. 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.

05 Feb – Chennai-Mamallapuram (1 Hour Drive) – Pondicherry (2 Hours’ Drive)

After breakfast at the hotel,by 9 AM, drive to Mamallapuram for a guided sightseeing for 3 Hours and later proceed to Pondicherry which still carries a strong flavor of the French presence in India.

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, MonolythicArchitecture and  Structural Architecture still existing simultaneously.

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 Mahishasura mardhini 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.

06 Feb – Pondicherry

After breakfast,go for an orientation drive through Pondicherry.Afternoon at leisure. 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 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 Francaised’ Extreme- Orient, Cluny Embroidery 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.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.

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

07 Feb – Pondicherry

Full day at leisure .You may opt for local visits.Vehicle and driver will be with you.Overnight at Pondicherry.

08 Feb:Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Tranquebar(3 Hours)

After  breakfast, drive to Tranquebar which is earlier a Danish Colony which still carries a strong flavour of the Danish presence in India. Enroute visit Chidambaram which is popular for Natrajar Temple. Evening for free walks.Overnight stay at Tranquebar.

Chidambaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu).The temple , 78 km south of Pondicherry and 235 Km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state of south eastern 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.Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (aether). The other four temples in this category are: Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara, Trichy (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth)Kanchipuram, Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire), Thiruvannamalai and Kalahasti Nathar (wind), Kalahasti.

Tharangambadi, also known as Tranquebar, is about 275 km from Chennai . This settlement was  chosen by the Danes to expand trade in the 17th century A.D. Ove Gedde, a Danish admiral, negotiated and signed a treaty with the Tanjore King, VijayaRaghunathaNayak, in November 1620. It provided for creation of a port at Tharangambadi mainly for export of pepper to Denmark. Work on the fort began immediately and was completed in 1622. By mid-19th century, all Danish settlement were transferred to the British East India Company under a pact. Tharangambadi was one of them and the Fort, along with 13 brass canons mounted on the ramparts of the fort, became British property.

09 Feb: Tranquebar

Full day to explore local visits and sightseeing of Tarangambadi. You may visit Dansborg Archaeological Museum, Governor’s Bungalow, MasilamaniNathar Temple etc. Overnight at Hotel.

The historical Fort Dansborg at Tharangambadi, a relic of the Danish Era in India, is back in the limelight with the initial phase of restoration work nearing completion. Constructed nearly four centuries ago, the monument which served as the residence of Danish Governor for 150 years has been in ruins, because of age, weathering and apathy on the part of the administration.After independence, the monument was used as an inspection bungalow of the Public Works Department and in the late 1970s, a museum was set up to portray the Indo-Danish contacts in political, social and commercial fields. At present, a major portion of the Fort is under the control of the State Archaeological department, while one portion is with the Archaeological Survey of India.

One of the major attractions of Tranquebar is its rich ozone layer – most evident on the beach. The ozone has a rejuvenating effect and does wonders to the tired urban body. Every weekend hundreds of local families from the neighbouring villages gather around the 400 year old Fort which is the second largest Danish fort after Kronborg located in Denmark. Ice-cream vendors, balloon sellers and snack stalls give an insight into the humble expression of how people like to celebrate life by the ocean in Tranquebar.

The Dansborg Archaeological Museum situated inside the fort holds a collection of curios and artefacts dating back to the Danes. It also has fossils of early centuries, coins, fish bones, Chinese porcelain and weapons. Rare paintings of Maratha kings and palm leaf manuscripts are also stored here.Built in 1784, the Governor’s Bungalow is currently under restoration and will be transformed into a local cultural centre. This building along with the surrounding buildings, will be a central public area for Tranquebar and its inhabitants. A library, an exhibition area, a shop, a Tamil restaurant and a tourist office will be a part of this project.The 700 year old MasilamaniNathar Temple built in 1306 by the Pandya King MaravarmamKulasekaraPandyan is unique in its architecture. It was built combining Chinese architecture with Tamil architectural technique, possibly in an attempt to attract Chinese merchants who were visiting India.

10Feb:Tranquebar -Chettinad (Karaikudi)

After breakfast drive to Chettinadu Village. (4Hours’ Drive). Evening drive through the local villages. Overnight stay at the hotel.

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 egg whites 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.

11 Feb – Chettinad – Periyar ( 5 Hours’ drive)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Periyar, the famous wildlife destination of Kerala.You will be dropped at the check in point at Aranyanivas to be ferried to your hotel in the wild.Overnight at Hotel.( You will be dropped at the check in point of your hotel latest by 4 PM).

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.

12 Feb – Periyar

Full day to relax and enjoy a boating in Periyar Lake to watch wildlife.Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

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.

13 Feb – Periyar

Full day to relax .Overnight at your hotel.

14 Feb:Periyar –Elanthoor (4.5 Hour Drive)

After breakfast drive to Elanthoor village to check into MannasVeedu a premium homestay.Day free to relax.You may opt to go for a relaxing Ayurveda Massage.Overnight stay at MannasVeedu.The activities in and around will be taken care by the team of MannasVeedu.

‘Mannaas Veedu’ is a Countryside Home stay with Ayurvedic spa and clinic.  It is a unique place where one can enjoy Syrian Christian culture with rare traditional culinary experience with grandmother recipes, in a countryside atmosphere. Guests can learn the cooking methods, organic farming, Kerala’s art forms, Ayurvedic therapy and Yoga. Guests can experience the real Kerala village life and interact with the local community. They can visit ancient temples and churches and attend the ceremonies. They can also enjoy the splendid nightlife during the local temple and church festivals. Plantation life, Cycling, Trekking and watch trips for butterflies and birds are our specialties. Guests can visit the biggest Elephant captivity and rearing centre near us (Konni) where they can help the Mahouts to bathe the elephant, feed them and have rides on its back.

15 Feb:Elanthoor-Aranmula

Full day to explore the villages around.Visit Aranmula Temple and the famous Aranmula Mirror making unit. Overnight at Mannas Veedu.

16 Feb:Elanthoor

Full day at leisure.Overnight at MannasVeedu.

17 Feb: MannasVeedu – Kumarakom (2 Hour drive)

After breakfast, check out proceed to Kumarakom, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquillity. On arrival at Kumarakom check in at the Resort set on Vembanad Lake. Overnight at Resort.

18 Feb: Kumarakom

Full day to explore the beauty of the backwaters. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, it’s never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom. Overnight at the Resort.

19 Feb: Kumarakom

Full day to explore the beauty of the backwaters. Overnight at the Resort.

20 Feb: Kumarakom-Cochin (1.5 Hours’ Drive)

After a leisurely breakfast,drive to Cochin to check into your hotel in Fort Cochin.Rest of the day free.Overnight at Hotel.

Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.

21 Feb – Cochin

Full day at leisure or local visits.Driver is available for local visits.Overnight at the Hotel.

22 Feb – Cochin

Free day.Car & Driver available for local drives. Overnight at the Hotel.

23 Feb – Cochin Departure

Today you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to connect your flight home.

Hotels Suggested

Package Cost Includes:

• 19 Nights stay at designated hotels as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast at all the hotels.
• All meals at Lake Palace Thekkady,Mannas Veedu & Philipkuttys Farm
• All transfers and sightseeing as per attached itinerary by excellent Chauffeur driven Aircon SUV
• Boat Cruises at Lake Periyar(Complimentary from Lake Palace)
• Guided Trekking in Periyar Sanctuary(Complimentary from Lake Palace)
• Local visits at Mannas Veedu
• 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.

Wants to know more? Just WhatsApp/ Call

Call/ WhatsApp: +91 – 94470 34631 (English)
Call/ WhatsApp: +91 – 98959 00500 (English & German)