14 Days 13 Nights Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Kumabakonam – Thanjavur – Madurai – Peryar National Park (Thekkady) – Kumarakom – Cochin

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, 70 kms west of Mahabalipuram which is a city of thousand temples. One of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, it was the capital of the early Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. Apart from temples, the city is also famous for its silk weavers, who settled here some 400 years ago and have given it an enviable reputation. Later on we shall proceed to Mahabalipuram, driving south of Chennai on the coast which is the ancient port of Pallavas. The pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, Monolithic Rathas and Temples. Krishna Mandapam has a big bas relief, notable for its realistic representation. The world's largest bas relief measuring 27m x 9m, whale back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demi-gods, men beasts, birds and representation of the entire creation. Shore Temple, one of the oldest in south dating back to 8th century AD is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The Five Rathas are a group of five monolithic temples, each created in different style. Later Check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

You will be spending the entire day sightseeing Mahabalipuram. First, visit the Shore Temple, followed by a visit to Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapam and Five Rathas. A stroll in the beach is also a great experience overlooking the sunset. Later, return back to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. In the afternoon city tour of Pondicherry. Although the French influence is gradually fading, Pondicherry retains a few Gallic accents. Pondicherry's main sights are the Rai Nivas, the Sacred Heart Church and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram retreat was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo after whose death the spiritual authority passed to one of his disciples, a French woman known as the Mother. The Mother was also instrumental in founding the city of Dawn Auroville, 10 km from Pondicherry. Its original charter aimed at creating a city of the future where people from India and abroad could live and work together in a spiritual environment. Evening transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Checkout from the hotel in Pondicherry and head towards Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is a sacred destination with four large temples dedicated to Sarangapani, Kumbeswarar, Brahma and Nageswarar. In Kumbakonam, you can find Navagraha Temples (Planetary Temples) and a visit here will complete your visit to Kumbakonam. Later, return to hotel and spend the night.

After breakfast, visit the temples around Kumbakonam and also go for a village walk and schools. Explore the housing settlements of the villages and see their lifestyle. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Checkout from the hotel in Kumbakonam and head towards Tanjore, once the capital of Cholas (they ruled southern India between 10th and 14th centuries). Once you reach, check in at the hotel and later go visit attractions like the art gallery and Sri Brihadeeswara temple. In the evening, go for local exploring followed by an overnight stay at the Hotel.

After breakfast, proceed towards Madurai, one of the largest temple towns in Tamil Nadu endowed in rich and cultural heritage. After you arrive, check in at the hotel and rest. Later, go for a sightseeing tour and visit the Meenakshi Temple, here you can attend the evening ceremony, you can witness the procession of Lord Siva taken in a palanquin. After the evening tour, return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast,drive to Periyar. Check in at your hotel.Evening go for a boating in Periyar Lake.Overnight stay at Periyar. 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.

Early morning go for a guided trekking in Periyar Sanctuary.Return to your hotel for breakfast. Later reach Kumily to visit a Spice Plantation followed by elephant bathing,safari etc. You may do Spice shopping too.Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

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.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Kumarakom ,which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. On arrival at Kumarakom check in at a Resort set on Vembanad Lake. You may opt to have an Ayurveda Massage at the resort. You may also go for a village walk. There will be a sunset cruise from the resort on Vembanad lake at 5.30 PM which may be also an interesting activity. Overnight at Resort.

After a leisurely breakfast,check out and drive to Poothotta village for an authentic village experience and canoe cruise followed by a farm lunch.

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. Afternoon drive to Cochin to check into your hotel. If anyone wishes to go sightseeing, they may do that for two hours. Evening, visit Pepper Trails kitchen for a cookery show followed by dinner. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast proceed to 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. 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.

Last day morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.