Package

Flavors of South India

Theme type: Special Interest Tours

About

Cochin (also known as Kochi) is situated on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula and is the largest city in Kerala. Kochi is Considered Kerala’s financial, commercial, and industrial capital. Cochin is often referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea & has a major harbour from the times of the British and Portuguese, and thus offering a blend of Indian and Western culture.Its truly a cosmopolitan city, blended with colonial history and natural surroundings!.The main Sightseeing attractions are St Francis Church - the oldest Eurpoean church in India , Chinese nets -the Huge cantilivered fishing nets reported to have brought from chinese traders at Fort Cochin and the Jewish Synagogue & Dutch Palace at Mattancherry which dates back to 16th Century tells us about their hisorical importance.

Unique Experiences

  • Visit to Indian Spices Board Kochi
  • Jayalakshmi Silk Emporium & Ernakulam Market for spice shops
  • Tea Plantation & Tea factory in Munnar
  • Aromatic Journey at Spice Plantation Thekkady
  • Chettinad, a traditional Tamil town known for its ornate architecture and delicious cuisine.
  • Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of the most impressive temples in India.

  • Pondicherry, a French colonial town with a unique blend of cultures.

Destinations

Kochi Day 1-3
Munnar Day 3-4
Alleppey Day 4-5
Thekkady Day 5-6
Madurai Day 6-8
Chettinad Day 8-10
Thanjavur Day 10-11
Pondicherry Day 11-12

The best time to visit

Madurai October to March
Kochi September- March
Pondicherry October to March
Thanjavur October to March
Munnar October to March
Alleppey Sep to April
Chettinad December to February
Thekkady October to March
Day 1
Day 01 II Arrive Kochi II Flight

On arrival at Kochi airport transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon you will go for a half-day sightseeing visiting Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Thomas Church, St. Mary's Cathedral, Chinese Fishing Nets and, Bolghatty Palace. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2
Day 02 II Kochi

After breakfast proceed to Indian Spices Board. After visit have lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon visit Jayalakshmi Silk Emporium & Ernakulam Market area to see the vegetables, spice shops etc. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3
Day 03 II Kochi – Munnar II 135 KMS/4 HRS

After breakfast check-out and drive to Munnar. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon take a gentle walk through some of the tea plantations, including a visit to the tea factory. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4
Day 04 II Munnar – Alleppey II 165 KMS/4 HRS 42 MINS

After breakfast check-out and drive to Alleppey and embark into the houseboat. Overnight at houseboat.

Day 5
Day 05 II Alleppey – Thekkady II 130 KMS/3 HRS 45 MINS

After breakfast disembark houseboat and drive to Thekkady (Periyar) and check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit spice plantations to see cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, cloves, vanilla and all spice growing. etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6
Day 06 II Thekkady – Madurai II 135 KMS/3 HRS

A relaxing morning after an early boat ride for elephant spotting - have a massage or stroll in the village. After breakfast, check-out and drive to Madurai. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7
Day 07: Madurai

After breakfast proceed for city tour where Rickshaw pullers will be anxiously waiting for you to show you the local Bazzare to see the vegetable Market, Fish market, Fruit Market and then reach Tirumala Nayak Palace and start your city tour. You will be visiting Meenakshi Temple again in the day light but here you have to note that non Hindus are not allowed in the main sanctum sanctorum but rest of the temple and architecture can be visited. Before return to hotel visit Gandhi Memorial Museum. Rest of the day is free and stay overnight at hotel.

Meenakshi sundareshwarar temple is dedicated to goddess Meenakshi, the consort of lord Shiva. 

Nayak Palace is a magnificent palace which dates back to 1636. Built by the Nayak king, Thirumalai Nayak, the palace is a curious blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture. Thirumalai Nayak Mahal is famous for its impressive arches and "stuccowork" on its domes. 

Gandhi Memorial Museum is not only offers a glimpse into the aspects of Mahatma Gandhi, but also holds a high historical significance. Originally a palace of Rani Mangammal of the Naick dynasty, this building has seen many rulers with changing decades. 


Day 8
Day 08 II Madurai - Chettinad II 95 KMS/2 HRS

After breakfast check-out and drive to Chettinad, a South Indian region renowned for its vibrant culture, majestic mansions, and flavorful cuisine. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, experience the flavour of local life in a bustling and colourful market and sample the distinctive Chettinad cuisine. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9
Day 09 II Chettinad

Today discover Chettinad, exploring palatial mansions decorated in Burmese teak and Italian marble. You will visit the Arraynar shrine of Kothadi, lined with terracotta figures, and then visit some of the best local markets in South India. You will have time to admire expert craftsmen at work at the Athangudi handmade tile making unit and the traditional saree weaving centre. Then discover unique antiques from local Chettiar homes at the market on Muneeswaran Koil Street in Karaikudi. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10
Day 10 II Chettinad - Tanjore II 95 KMS/2 HRS

After breakfast check-out and drive to Tanjore, known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu; due to the extensive paddy cultivation, was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. The Cholas, Nayaks and Marathas have shaped this city into a hub of architecture, art and culture. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later proceed to visit Bronze Museum and Brihadeeshwara Temple, which has a 62 metre high sandstone tower ornately decorated in religious carvings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11
Day 11 II Tanjore - Pondicherry II 185 KMS/4 HRS 30 MINS

After breakfast check-out and drive to Pondicherry, known as Puducherry, was under French rule until 1954. The older 'French' part of town is full of quiet, clean streets, lined with bougainvillea-draped colonial-style town houses numbered in an almost logical manner. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. After Breakfast check-out from Hotel and drive to Pondicherry. Later proceed for sightseeing of Pondicherry visiting Auroville Ashram & Matri Mandir, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Raj Niwas and Pondicherry Museum. 

In the evening, visit the picturesque beaches of Pondicherry. Swathed with pristine golden sands and lapped by shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal, these treasure troves of nature is secluded, quiet and of course, spectacular. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12
Day 12 II Pondicherry – Chennai - Departure II 145 KMS/3 HRS

After breakfast, transfer to Chennai airport to board flight to your onward destination

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