The Best Kept Secret of Kerala & Tamilnadu

Day 1: Arrive Cochin

Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and acclimatize to the coastal atmosphere of this historic port city. In the evening, experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through expressive storytelling and elaborate costumes. You may also explore nearby local markets or waterfront areas. This introduction sets the tone for your South India journey. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 2: Cochin – Alleppey (60 km / approx. 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Cochin visiting Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Continue to Mattancherry to explore the Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace known for its murals. Later, drive to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat. Cruise through serene backwaters surrounded by coconut groves, villages, and paddy fields while enjoying freshly prepared meals onboard. Experience the unique lifestyle of Kerala’s backwaters. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 3: Alleppey – Thekkady (160 km / approx. 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Thekkady, a region known for its wildlife and spice plantations. Enjoy scenic views as the landscape changes from backwaters to hills and forests. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance highlighting Kerala’s cultural heritage. You may also explore local spice markets. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 4: Thekkady Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed for a boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on Periyar Lake. This serene experience offers chances to spot elephants, deer, and birdlife along the forested banks. Later, visit a spice plantation to learn about cultivation of spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. Enjoy a guided walk through plantations and interact with locals. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore or relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Thekkady – Munnar (100 km / approx. 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station famous for tea plantations. En route, stop at scenic viewpoints like Ramakkalmedu offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Continue through winding roads surrounded by lush greenery. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Spend the evening exploring local markets or enjoying the cool mountain climate. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 6: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Munnar visiting Pothamedu viewpoint for panoramic plantation views. Continue to Mattupetty Dam and enjoy optional boating. Visit Eravikulam National Park to see the Nilgiri Tahr. Later, explore the Tea Museum to understand tea processing and history. Visit Echo Point and enjoy scenic landscapes throughout the day. Return to your hotel after a fulfilling sightseeing experience. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Munnar – Madurai (160 km / approx. 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest temple cities in India. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and refresh. Begin the city tour with a visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple known for its magnificent gopurams and intricate carvings. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace showcasing grand architecture. Explore local markets and cultural surroundings. The city offers a vibrant blend of history and spirituality. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Madurai – Trichy – Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur with en route visit to Trichy. Begin with Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Continue to Rock Fort Temple offering panoramic views of the city. Later, drive to Thanjavur and visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Chola architecture. Explore Thanjavur Palace and museum. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Thanjavur – Chidambaram – Pondicherry (180 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry with en route visits to Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram temples showcasing Chola heritage. Continue to Chidambaram to visit Nataraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Proceed to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. In the evening, explore the French Quarter or relax at Promenade Beach. Enjoy the unique blend of French and Indian culture. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Pondicherry Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Pondicherry visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram for a spiritual experience. Continue to Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace and unity. Explore the French Quarter with colonial buildings and cafés. Walk along Promenade Beach and enjoy the coastal charm. Spend time exploring local markets or relaxing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai (240 km / approx. 6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Chennai with en route visits to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Explore UNESCO-listed monuments at Mahabalipuram including Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance. Continue to Kanchipuram, known as the “City of Thousand Temples,” and visit Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar Temples. Proceed to Chennai and check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Chennai – Departure

After breakfast, begin a brief city tour of Chennai visiting Fort St. George and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Explore Government Museum showcasing South Indian heritage. Take a walk along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your memorable journey through South India concludes here. Departure.

• Assistance on arrival and departure at all airports
• 11 Nights accommodation in selected category hotels and 1 night houseboat stay in Alleppey
• Daily breakfast at hotels and all meals during houseboat stay
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Professional English-speaking local guides in each city
• Monument entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned
• Kathakali / cultural dance performance in Cochin/Thekkady
• Boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Backwater cruise experience in Alleppey houseboat
• Bottled drinking water during all journeys
• All applicable government taxes and service charges

Hotels used or similar for 11 nights' accommodation

Cochin x 1 night
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Thanjavur x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Svatma

Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

• International and domestic flight tickets
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Camera/video charges at monuments
• Lunches and dinners except houseboat stay
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages, and telephone
• Optional activities like boating, spa, or special excursions
• Early check-in / late check-out at hotels
• Any increase in taxes, fuel surcharge, or entrance fees
• Any service not mentioned under inclusions