Close Cousins – Tamilnadu & Kerala

A comprehensive tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. An eclectic mix of culture & relaxation…

Package Includes :

Duration : 19 Nights / 20 Days

DAY 1 : Chennai

On arrival at Chennai international airport, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight.

DAY 2 : Mahabalipuram

During the day you have the option to visit Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.

DAY 3 : Pondicherry

Start your drive towards Pondicherry – the erstwhile French colony. Day is free to take walks in the city. This city is also famous for Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Whole day is proposed at your discretion. You may take a heritage walk to see the influence of French culture and architecture on the city.

DAY 4 : Kumbakonam

Drive to Kumbakonam. Enroute visit to Chidamabaram & Gangaikondcholapuram. On arrival, check in at the resort and have brief rest.

DAY 5 : Kumbakonam

Morning after breakfast, visit Kumbakonam. Later take a short drive to visit Swamimalai which includes Swmaimalai temple. Also experience the two famous traditional crafts of the city – bronze statue making and pottery. Later drive towards Thirubavanam and on arrival visit the Kampaharewar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva build in 13th century A.D. This place is also famous for its silk weaving industry.

Also visit ‘Darasuram temple’ A UNESCO world Heritage monument built by Raja Raja Chola II in 12th century. It is an excellent example of Chola architecture and is well preserved to this day. The frontal columns of the temple have unique miniature sculptures

Return back to your resort for overnight stay.

DAY 6 : Trichy

Morning after breakfast drive towards Trichy. En route visit Tanjore. Continue your drive and check in at the proposed hotel. Enjoy a evening tour of Trichy.

DAY 7 : Madurai

After breakfast, drive towards Madurai. En route visit to ‘Chettinad’ and experience the area’s heritage, art and architecture untouched by time. This area is called ‘Chettinad’ after the name of a local business community ‘Natukottai Chettiars’. This is a prosperous banking and business community and your accommodations belongs to one such famous businessman. This area is also famous for tile making known as ‘Athangudi Tiles’. You may visit various temples and artisans workshops located in the town.

Drive to Madurai and check in at the proposed hotel.

DAY 8 : Madurai

Madurai: Day is free to visit the Meenakshi temple – a superb example of Dravidian architecture and sculpture, the focal point around which the city has developed. Remaining day is for leisure.

Also visit the Tirumal Nayak Palace constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style in 1639 AD. The curved dome, standing without the support of a girder or rafter, is an architectural feat Pass by the Mariamman Teppakulam – the tank with a mandapam in the center. Visit Tirumangalam, 19 kms from Madurai.

Late evening attend the very special “night ceremony” at Shree Meenakshi Temple. The ceremony takes place every evening at 9 PM, when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bedchamber of Parvati. The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and enchanting temple music. Stay overnight at your hotel.

DAY 9 : Kodaikanal

Drive to Kodaikanal and check in at the proposed hotel. Remaining day is at leisure.

DAY 10 : Kodaikanal

Day is at leisure.

DAY 11 : Munnar

Have your breakfast and drive towards Munnar. On your arrival at Munnar you will be transferred to your hotel to check in. Rest of the time is kept free for leisure. While staying here you may take walks in the beautiful surroundings. Stay overnight at Munnar.

DAY 12 : Munnar

On this day you may visit the tea plantation estates and other places of interest. Rest of the time is kept free as per your discretion. Stay overnight at Munnar.

DAY 13 : Houseboat

After breakfast transfer to board your exclusive kettuvalom to sail through Kerala’s most enchanting backwater scenery. Kettuvalom is a traditional rice barge converted into a houseboat having all boarding and lodging facilities. Overnight on board.

DAY 14 : Kumarakom

After breakfast, the houseboat will drop you atthe enchanting ‘Coconut Lagoon’. On arrival, warm welcome with traditional tikka, flowers/ garland and coconut water.

If interested, take a tour of the property with one of the smiling and hospitable staffs. Your stay would be arranged in a ‘Heritage Bungalow’. You may indulge yourself in getting ayurvedic massages and treatments on direct payment basis. Remaining day is at leisure. Stay overnight at Kumarakom.

DAY 15 : Kochi

Morning after breakfast drive to Kochi and check in at the hotel. During the day, you may visit Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing nets. Later in the day you may also visit the colourful old spice market and the market on M.G. Road. You may also enjoy a kathakali dance show at a local theatre. Stay overnight at Kochi.

DAY 16 : Kovalam

Drive to Kovalam and check in at the proposed hotel. Remaining time is at leisure.

DAY 17 : Kovalam

Day is at leisure.

DAY 18 : Kovalam

Day is at leisure.

DAY 19 : Kovalam

Day is at leisure.

DAY 20 : Trivandrum

Transfer to Trivandrum airport to board the flight to next destination. The Tour Ends.