Tour Plan

Day 01: Chennai

Arrival Chennai and Transfer airport to Hotel

Madras became the earliest British settlement in India when in 1639 the Raja of Chandragiri, grace Francis Day the site which now forms the city of Madras. Fort St. George, built in the following year became the chief centre of activity of the East India Company. Within the Fort is St. Mary's church, the first Anglican church built in India. Also visit the National Art Gallery and museum and the San Thome Cathedral.

Day 02: Chennai Sighteseeing.

Moring half day sightseeing of chennai with guide.

Afternoon visit Kalakshethra . Kalakshetra, as the name suggests, is a centre for artistic endeavour. Founded in 1936 by the vibrant visionary Rukmini Devi Arundale, the Institution stands testimony to her dream of creating a space where the essence of Indian thought would find expression through artistic education. An institution she established with the vision “of imparting to the young the true spirit of Art, devoid of vulgarity and commercialism.” Spread over almost 100 acres by the seashore in Chennai, the Kalakshetra Foundation, as it is known today, is a vital centre for the study and performance of fine arts (9 am to 11 am visiting time). Overnight at Hotel.  

Day 03: Chennai to Mahabalipuram (1.5 hrs drive) visiting Kanchipuram enroute (optional)

Morning after breakfast proceed to Kanchipuram. Sightseeing of Kanchipuram with guide.  Kancheepuram the ‘City of Thousand Temples" is one of the seven sacred cities and considered as the second holiest place in India. Kancheepuram is also famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics.

Later transfer Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram check in at your hotel.

Day 04: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (1.5 hrs drive)

Morning sightseeing of Mahabalipuram. The famous historical wonder, Mamallapuram, is situated on the shore of Bay of Bengal. ARJUNA’S PENANCE, 27 meter long and 9 meter high, is the largest and finest rock carvings in India. HR ROCK-CUT MANDAMAPAMS, situated within a radius of One Km., are known for their design and execution. There are 8 mandapam on the main hill. Other places of interest are Rathas, Shore Temples etc.

Later proceed to Pondicherry. Check in at your Hotel in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry covers an area of 480 sq. kms consisting of the four coastal regions of Pondicherry,  Karakkal, Yanam and Mahe. These where former French possessions situated on the eastern coast along the three states of Tamilnadu, Andhrapradesh and Kerala, transferred to the Indian Union in 1954. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques

Day 05: Pondicherry.

Today Leisurely explore Pondicherry.

A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial. The world famous Sree Aurobindo Ashram is situated here.

Day 06: Pondicherry to Tanjore (5 hrs drive)

Transfer from Pondicherry to  Tanjore visiting , Chidambaram, Darasuram & Kumbakonam enroute. Chidambaram is an important pilgrim centre. The temple complex of Chidambaram covers an are of 40 acres and is one of the anceint temples in Tamilnadu. The temple's Gopurams carved with 108 classical postures of Nataraja and 1000 pillared hall is worth seeing.

In Darasuram visit the temple dedicated to Lord Siva built by Rajendra Chola. Kumbakonam is also   famous for its temples, the largest of these is second only to the Meenakshi temple at Madurai.

Overnight at Hotel in Tanjore.

Day 07: Tanjore

Sightseeing of Tanjore. Tanjore was the capital of the Cholas kings and the enormous Brihadeshwara Temple built around 1000 AD represents one of the fines examples of south Indian Arts and architecture. Also you may be interested to watch Tanjore Art Gallery famous for Tanjore Paintings.

Overnight at Hotel.

Afternoon optional tour to Trichy (1 hour drive one side)

The city of Trichy which is dominated by the Rock Fort Temple. The temple can be reached by an almost endless, steep flight of steps cut into tunnel through the rock, only Hindu's are followed to enter the  danctum at the summit or the temple half way up.

Overnight at hotel at Tanjore.

Day 08: Tanjore to Chettinadu (Karaikkudi) (2 hrs drive)

Karaikudi is the biggest City in Sivaganga district. Known as the capital of Chettinad, because of the predominance of the "Nattu Kottai Chettiars" who have from here have ventured far and wide to set up their businesses even at the turn of the 20th century. Karaikudi is also home of two famous Institutions, Alagappa University and CECRI  Karaikudi and 74 other villages comprise Chettinad, the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars. The Chettiars were a prosperous banking community who ventured overseas to do business in  South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Day 09: Karaikkudi

This city is also famous for its art and architectural houses built during the early 1900's. A lot of places of religious interest are surrouning karaikudi. Places like Pillayarpatti [Temple of lord Ganesha] and Kunnangudi [Temple of lord Muruga] and within 15 km radius from karaikudi.

Chettinad cuisine is the cuisine of a community called the Nattukotai Chettiars, or Nagarathars, from the Chettinad region in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu state in India. Chettinad cuisine is perhaps the most renowned fare in the Tamil Nadu repertoire

Day 10: Transfer Chettinadu to Munnar  (5.5 hrs)

After breakfast leave for Munnar situated in the Cardamom Hills of Kerala. Situated in a part of the Western Ghats known as the High Ranges, Munnar, which in Tamil means ‘Three Rivers’ is located at the confluence of three mountain streams – the Kundala, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni and is home to some of the world’s highest tea-growing estates. Being 1524m above sea level the ascent up to the town is punctuated with spectacular scenery, sandalwood forests and tea plantations complete with teams of brightly clothed pickers. Once the summer resort of the British Government in South India, Munnar’s miles of tea estates, winding lanes, bustling markets, craggy peaks and fresh mountain air make the town an ideal place in which to retreat and relax.  Alternatively Munnar and the surrounding countryside is also perfect for walking with the nearby Eravikulam National Park offering rewarding walks and beautiful views of the valleys. On arrival Check in at Hotel.  

Day 11:  Munnar

Explore Munnar.Church of South India, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Eco Point, Tea Plantations etc. Tea Museum and Tea Processing (closed on Mondy). (entrance need to be taken at all places). Eravikulam National Park is located 14 kms away , and up to a certain point only our vehicle is allowed; from there you will have to go by Govt Van or by walk – to see Mounatin Goat ( Nigiri Tahrs . Sighting is not guaranteed) – if you are interested then proceed to see this otherwise skip it    Overnight at hotel.

Day 12:  Munnar to Cochin (4 hrs drive)

Morning transfer to Cochin.

One of India’s most interesting towns, a principle port and the centre of the spice trade on the Malabar

Coast Kochi is rich in history and retains a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. The first European settlement

in India, Kochi was founded by Vasco da Gama in 1502, however it was the British who influenced this colourful city the most with it being under direct British political control from 1795 up until India’s independence. Overnight at Hotel.

Check in at your Hotel in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin

Morning tour of Cochin sightseeing.  This morning tour the city visiting the mattancherry palace the

nearby merchant houses and a fine synagogue. Also visit Fort Cochin and St.Francis church, the oldest European church in India. In the afternoon take a motor launch cruise around the picturesque harbour to see Bolghatty palace and the Chinese fishing nets .

Afternoon at leiusre.

Day 14: Cochin to Marari (1.5 hrs drive)

Marari is a beach in Alappuzha District of Kerala. Barely 12 km from Alappuzha and 55 kms from Cochin, this sleepy little village (also called Mararikulam), is an idyllic location for a vacation and Beach Stay.  

Day 15: Marari

At leisure

Day 16: Marari

At leisure

Day 17: Marari to Cochin International Airport (2.5 hrs drive)