The peninsular India is more of a land of hot spices where they are grown in abundance and was once the main trade outlet during the visit of Vasco da Gama to Cochin. Cooked from fresh produce in most cases due to the over-adequacy of rainfall and hence, flourish of agriculture, the dishes mostly constitute of spices like tamarind, curry leaves, mustard, pepper, dry red chillis and coconut.
All the four states (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka) boast of exclusive types of dosas, Uttapams and idlis (steamed stuffed rice pancakes) and each bear a different taste and style. Rasam, a spicy lentil soup and Payasam, a dessert made of rice and rich thick milk, are hot favorites of all South Indians.
Day 01 Arr. Chennai (By Flight) / Chennai – Mahabalipuram (56 Km/ 02 hrs)
Arrive in Chennai, meet assist and transfer to your hotel. Capital of the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. Upon arrival drive to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Road) (99 Kms / 01 hrs 49 min)
After Breakfast Proceed for a tour of Mahabalipuram, renowned for its series of charming Rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna’s Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is a rock-cut mandapam with two incarnations of Vishnu — Varaha and Vamana—besides scenes of kings and queens. The Krishna Manadapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his fingertips. After lunch drive to Pondicherry or Puducheri meaning ’the new settlement’. It was a French settlement comprising of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam besides Pondicherry. A unique thing about Pondicherry is that it spreads into several states. On arrival check in at your city hotel. During your afternoon tour visit Pondicherry also has a pleasant beach alongside promenade and historical monuments. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Pondicherry – Tanjore (By Road) (166 Kms / 03 hrs 51 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed for a sight seeing tour of Pondicherry, visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the most parts of their lives. The Pondicherry Museum is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture. Later we drive to Tanjore. En-route visit Chidambram, famous for its Nataraja Temple. Chidambaram is a temple town situated in Tamil Nadu around 58 km off Pondicherry. The place is famous for its temple complex where the renowned Nataraja Temple is housed. Arrive Tanjore in the afternoon to check in at your hotel. It is primarily a place for the art lovers, especially for those who love temple architecture and wonder about kings who erected these magnificent monuments. During their reign, the Cholas made significant contribution to the various fields of art and architecture. The Brihadeeswara Temple, the wonderful Palace, Art Gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library are some of the other things to see in Tanjore. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Tanjore – Chettinadu (By Road) (93 Kms / 01 hrs 55 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to Chettinadu. Chettinadu or the land of Nattukottai Chettiars, is famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. Rural town houses many stylish heritage homes, which took years to build, and has courtyards, halls and corridors that are quiet, cool and beautifully decorated with intricate artwork, Burmese teak and Italian marble. Check in to a heritage home stay at chettiandu and ry out the local cuisine for lunch. Later proceed for a Bullock cart ride through the village, visit the temples around, go on shopping of antiques at Karaikudi, visit the Chettinadu palace, etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Chettinadu – Madurai (By Road) (89 Kms / 01 hrs 54 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to Madurai. Madurai 90 km known as the temple town of South India is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check into the hotel for 01 night stay. Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Madurai. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. Here the architectural marvels of the temples and the exquisite sculptures fascinate all those who have a look at them. You can also participate in the many festivals and regale in the rich tradition of the locals. Some of the major attractions in the city are the Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Tmeple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam etc. Other important attractions include Thirumalai Naicker Palace, Koodal Azhagar Temple and the Gandhi Museum. By Evening visit Sri Meenakshi Temple and attend the Pooja ceremony. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Madurai – Periyar (By Road) (148 Kms / 03 hrs 29 min appx)
After Breakfast Proceed to Periyar the land of unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. It houses the famous wildlife sanctuary in South India and has also been declared as a Tiger Reserve. By late afternoon proceed for a boatride to lake periyar for viewing the wild life. Herds of Elephants, bisons are common sights here. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Periyar – Munnar (By Road) (154 Kms / 04 hrs 05 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed for a visit of the spice plantations with a naturalist. Periyar is famous for the wide variety of spices ranging from pepper, cardamom, nutmeg etc. return to hotel for breakfast, check out and drive to Munnar. Surrounded by lush green-carpeted tea and coffee plantations, Munnar is a picturesque hill station situated in the eastern part of Kerala. The town is located at the confluence of three mountain streams — Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kudala — and is known for its clean, neat, and brightly painted ambience. The beautiful landscapes, cosy weather, and the smell of tealeaves make Munnar one of the most sought-after destinations in South India. Precisely these were the reason why the British always retreated to Munnar when the heat and humidity was on its peak in other parts of Kerala. Munnar is situated near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The hills here are covered with a carpet of flowers in bloom. Also found here is an exotic plant called Neelakurunji that flowers just once in a 12-year period. Upon arrival. Enroute visit the Tea Museum and Mattuppetty dam site. Later Check in to the resort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Munnar – Cochin (By Road) (127 Kms / 03 hrs 33 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to a visit of Eravikulam national park Rajamala which forms house to the unique Nilgiri Thars. Later drive to Cochin the financial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. By evening witness the world famous Kathakali dance at a local theatre, a traditional art form of Kerala and one among the national dances of India. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Cochin – Kumarakom (By Road) (48 Kms / 01hrs 17 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin covering – The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese trade.Later proceed to Kumarakom the land of lakes and lagoons. Check in to the lake side resort at kumarakom and relax. Optional – ayurveda massage / sunset cruise / bird sanctuary visit. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Kumarakom – Alleppey (By Cruise)
After Breakfast Proceed to some free time at the resort. By noon time aboard a Kettuvallam houseboat to proceed for an unforgettable overnight cruise to Alleppey through the mesmerizing backwaters of Kerala, something unique to Kerala. You will have a private, one room houseboat that travels until sunset when it then anchors for the night, at Alleppey. Your boat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs. The rooms are well furnished with attached bathrooms and air conditioning which functions during sleeping hours. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala’s villages. Houseboats, also known as kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters. Overnight in the Houseboat.
Day 11 Alleppey – Kovalam (By Road) (165 Kms / 04 hrs appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to the chatter of the water birds. A traditional kerala breakfast prepared by the boat crew awaits you. Disembark the boat after an unforgettable life time experience and drive south towards Kovalam, the world famous beach destination of kerala. Enroute stop at the snake temple at mannarasala for a short visit Optional With three adjacent crescent beaches, Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse – sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. Upon arrival check in to your resort at Kovalam. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 Kovalam
After Breakfast Proceed to a sightseeing tour of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just a stones throw away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple from outside only, Puthenmalike Palace museum. Optional – After Lunch, shopping of antiques and souveniers before return drive to Kovalam resort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 Kovalam – Trivandrum (By Road) (18 Kms / 44 min) / Dep. Trivandrum
In time departure transfer to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
Departure transfer to onwards destination.
| City | Nights | 5* Hotels |
| Mahabalipuram | 01 | Chariot Beach Resort |
| Pondicherry | 01 | The Promenade |
| Tanjore | 01 | Svatma Hotel |
| Chettinadu | 01 | Chettinad Mansion |
| Madurai | 01 | Heritage Madurai |
| Periyar | 01 | Elephant Court |
| Munnar | 01 | The Panoramic Getaway |
| Cochin | 01 | Le Meridien Kochi |
| Kumarakom | 01 | The Zuri Kumarakom |
| Alleppey | 01 | Lake Palace Resort |
| Kovalam | 02 | Uday Samudra |
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- Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet assist at the airport and hotels.
- 12 nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinners.
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- 01 cooking lesson in Mahabalipuram.
- 01 cooking lesson in Pondicherry.
- 01 cooking lesson in Chettinadu.
- 01 cooking lesson in Madurai.
- 01 cooking lesson in Periyar.
- 01 cooking lesson in Munnar.
- 01 cooking lesson in Cochin.
- 01 cooking lesson in Kumarakom.
- 02 cooking lesson in Kovalam.
- Cruise for Kumarakom – Alleppey.
- Marina Beach and ST. George Fort.
- Shore Temple, Pondicherry Museum and SRI Aurobindo Ashram.
- Bullock cart ride and Chettinadu palace.
- Brihadeeswara Temple, Art Gallery And The Saraswati Mahal Library.
- Thirumalai Naicker Palace, Koodal Azhagar Temple and the Gandhi Museum.
- Puthenmalike Palace museum.
- Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions by private AC vehicle.
- All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.