CGH Earth conceives and organizes truly remarkable travel experiences over multiple destinations in southern India. A family owned enterprise, the group began its operations in 1954 with their flagship property, the Casino Hotel, in Willingdon Island, Kochi.
The small hotel that started out to cater to port visitors in Willingdon Island, Kochi, in the 1950s has evolved into an unusual experiment in tourism. It has become widely known today for its respect for nature and local cultures around which its singular travel experiences are spun.
Over time this small seed has spawned a cluster of fine hotels in southern India that are a toast to the land and its people, as much as to the creative spirit of its visionaries. Together, they celebrate a soaring imagination and a refined aesthetic that gives all these properties their distinctive character.
Day 01 Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Road) (154 Kms / 2 Hrs)
Arrive at the Chennai Airport and leave for Pondicherry. Stop at Mahabalipuram, a 90 minutes drive away, to visit the Shore Temple, a World Heritage Monument. After exploring the rock-cut architecture, have lunch at Radisson Resort Temple Bay. Continue for two hours to Pondicherry and check-in at Maison Perumal. Spend the rest of your evening at the beach. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 02 Podicherry
Begin a guided tour of Pondicherry with Auroville. Founded in 1958, Auroville is a township devised as an experiment in human unity. It now has 50,000 residents of different nationalities and is a must-see for being the only township of its kind in the world. Stay for lunch at the visitor’s centre.
In the afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Botanical Gardens, churches and museums. Spend the evening at your leisure, before calling it a night at Maison Perumal. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 03 Podicherry – Kumbakonam (135 Kms / 3 hrs 20 min appx.)
After breakfast, check-out and embark for Kumbakonam. En route, stop at Cuddalore to visit Fort St. David and the Garden House. Then, proceed to Chidambaram to visit the Shiva Nataraja Temple, one of South India’s most ancient temples. After a further two-hour drive, arrive near Kumbakonam at Mantra Koodam. Check-in and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Kumbakonam.
Day 04 Kumbakonam
Spend your day at the breathtaking Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram temples, known for housing many art and architectural treasures. Then, head back to Mantra Koodam to experience the many available activities from bullock-cart rides to Bharatanatyam. Overnight in Kumbakonam
Day 05 Kumbakonam -Chettinad (137 Kms /3 hrs min appx.)
Check-out after breakfast and begin your journey towards Chettinad. En-route, stop at Tanjore to visit the spectacular Brihadishwara temple and break for lunch at Hotel Svatma. Continue your drive for a further two-hours and arrive to a warm welcome at Visalam, Chettinad. Overnight in Chettinad.
Day 06 Chettinad
Visit the Raja’s Palace, old Chettiar mansions and clan temples. Shop for handmade tiles at the Athangudi village, learn about the intricate handloom process of saree weaving, purchase souvenirs at the local markets and take a bullock cart ride or cycle tour. After a day of adventure, wind-down at Visalam. Overnight in Chettinad.
Day 07 Chettinad – Madurai – Thekkady (By Road) (230 Km / 5 hrs 30 min)
After a delicious Visalam breakfast, leave for Thekkady. Stop briefly at Madurai to visit towering gopurams at Sree Meenakshi Temple and have lunch at Hotel Heritage. Arrive at Thekkady in three-and- a-half hours to crisp mountain air at Spice Village. Participate in a cooking demo with spices and experience a tribal Cultural performance kathakali dance show. Discover the immense biodiversity within the resort. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 08 Thekkady
Go on a morning trek, after breakfast, boatride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a forest guard. In the afternoon, visit spice plantations. Learn about the abundant flora and fauna of Periyar from our naturalist in the evening, before settling down for dinner. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 09 Thekkady – Kumarakom/ Kumarakom–Vembanad Lake (By Boat)
Enjoy a morning drive to Kumarakom ( 130 Kms /3 hrs 30 min approx). Three-and- a-half- hours later, switch to a boat and arrive on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Disembark straight onto the reception of Coconut Lagoon. Watch a cooking demonstration and traditional Cultural performance kathakali dance show. Take in unobstructed sunset views as you relax on a hammock by the lake. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 10 Kumarakom
Wake up for an energizing s ession of yoga before breakfast. Then, follow the birdsong on a tour with our naturalist. Return to Coconut Lagoon for a village walk and environmental tour. Spend a lazy afternoon relaxing by the pool. Towards the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise accompanied by a flute performance. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 11 Kumarakom – Alleppy (Lake Vedaman) Houseboat
Start your day with yoga, once again, and watch a Kalaripayattu session before breakfast. Board a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat in the afternoon, courtesy Spice Coast Cruises. Explore the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey. Dock at 6 in the evening and have dinner on board. Enjoy an overnight stay on your houseboat.
Overnight in Lake Vedaman in House Boat.
Day 12 Lake Vedaman – Mararikulum (By Road) (50 Kms / 30 Min appx)
Wake up to breakfast on your houseboat before docking at the Puthenangadi boat jetty. Continue to Mararikulam and check-in at Marari Beach Resort. Spend the rest of your day on the beach. Overnight in Mararikulum.
Day 13 Mararikulum
After breakfast, explore the fishing villages on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. In the afternoon, visit our organic farm from which we source the fresh ingredients that go into our gourmet dishes. Retire for the night at Marari Beach Resort. Overnight in Mararikulum.
Day 14 Mararikulum – Fort Cochin (By Road) (50 Kms / 1 hrs 30 min appx)
Drive to Fort Cochin after breakfast. Upon arrival, check-in at Brunton Boatyard and explore the variety of gourmet cuisines at our different restaurants. Relax at the pool overlooking the harbour and embark on a sunset cruise towards evening. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
Day 15 Fort Cochin
After a large breakfast, leave for a full day tour of Cochin. This tour takes you to all the best loved sights- the spice markets, Jew Street and Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Catch an art show at our contemporary gallery and café, David Hall. Enjoy dinner in the warmth of Brunton Boatyard’s Armory Café. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
Day 16 Depart Cochin By Flight
Breakfast and transfer to the airport, and begin to plan your next holiday with us.
***********TOUR ENDS*********
| City | Night (s) | 5 Star Deluxe | Room Category |
| Pondicherry | 02 | Maison Pirumal | Deluxe Room |
| Kumbakonam | 02 | Mantra Koodam | Premier Room |
| Chettinad | 02 | Visalam | Premier Room |
| Thekkady | 02 | Spice Village | Premier Room |
| Kumarakom | 02 | Coconut Lagoon | Premier Room |
| Vedaman Lake | 01 | Spice Coast Cruise | Premier Room |
| Mararikulum | 02 | Marari Beach Resort | Premier Room |
| Cochin | 02 | Brunton Boatyard | Premier Room |
- Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet assist at the hotels and airport.
- 14 nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
- 01 Overnight stay in Houseboat
- Daily breakfast and dinners.
- Cruising in Lake vedambna
- Cooking Demonstration in Thekkady
- Cultural performance kathakali dance
- Spice garden visit
- Boating in periyar
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions by private AC vehicle.
- All taxes.
- Tips
- International Air Fare
- Camera / Video Camera Fees
- Visa Fees
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses and drinks.
- Optional – ayurveda massages / sunset cruise / bird sanctuary visit
– 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.