Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of South India, where tradition and nature converge to create unforgettable experiences. Begin by delving into the intricate craftsmanship of Kumbakonam's artisans, followed by a tranquil nature walk in the verdant Periyar Tiger Reserve. In Cochin, witness the mesmerizing Kathakali show, a vibrant display of classical dance and drama. Experience the rustic charm of Kumarakom with a village tour, then savor the authentic flavors of the region with a hands-on cooking session and dinner at Neema's Kitchen. Explore the daily life of fishermen in Marari and indulge in the warm hospitality and diverse activities offered at Mantra Koodam, Spice Village, Coconut Lagoon, and Marari. This journey promises a rich tapestry of cultural and natural wonders, offering a deep and immersive taste of South India's unique heritage and beauty. 

Dates are flexible and customizable

India travel Coach & Indian Trips

Flight to Chennai. 

Overnight in the plane. 

Room Holding for Early Check-in.

Transport - Outstation trip ex COK 100kms/ day

Additional - Packaged Drinking Water - 

Hotel - Overnight stay at The Trident Chennai 

Post breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Mahabalipuram, situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is an ancient sea-side town. En-route tour of Kalashetra, arts and cultural academy dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in Indian art and crafts, especially in the field of Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music.     Post check-in continue your drive to Mahabalipiuram and check-in to the lovely resort for 02 nights. Remiander ofteh day free at leisure to enjoy the resort facilities, enjoy a dip in the long pool.  

Kalakshetra- Kalakshetra is an arts and cultural academy dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in Indian art and crafts, especially in the field of Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music. The academy was founded in January 1936.The institution achieved national and international recognition for its unique style and perfectionism.

Guide - L ESG Chennai (AM)

Hotel - Overnight stay at Kaldan Samudhra 

Mahabalipuram
Post breakfast enjoy a tour of the UNESCO Sites of Mahabalipuram, the seven pagoda-style shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven Rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. PM free or watch the artisans doing stone works.  

UNESCO Monuments- Rock-cut temples Arjunas Penance: It is a 27m x 9m World largest bas-relief. It has over 100 sculptures of Gods, Birds and Beasts and Saints. It is Popularly called as Arjunan Penance [Tapas]. It is believed to illustrate an instance from Mahabharata when Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, performed rigorous penance with a prayer to Lord Shiva's to obtain the Powerful and Divine Bow to destroy the Gauravas. Shore Temple: It was built between 700-728 AD with granite Blocks. As it is on the shore overlooking Bay of Bengal it is called as the Shore Temples. It was built in Dravidian Style of Architecture. This was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II. This Shore Temple Complex has One Large and Two Small temples. It is one of the oldest structural excellences of the South India and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Varaha Cave: It is also called as Adhivaraha Cava Temple. It is a rock-cut cave temple of the late 7th Century, which forms a part of the Village on Hilltop 2 kms from the Main Town. It is the finest testimony of the Viswakarma Sthapathis. The prominent sculpture in the cave is that of Lord Vishnu in the incarnated form of a Varaha Swamy [Boar] rescuing Bhudevi [Mother Earth] from Seas. Many mythical characters have been sculptured on the temple walls and pillars. Butter Ball: A Huge Boulder called as the Butter Ball of Sri Krishna located near the Ganesha Ratha resting on a very narrow rock base. It is believed, as said by the legends that Neither the Kings nor the Elephants who tried to move this Boulder could move it even an inch from there. Open Air Museum: This is a new and modern addition to the town of Mahabalipuram. But it reflects the heritage of the Sangam Era too. Exciting Stone Exhibits made like Stone Chain, Ornamental Wheels, shaped by over 200 sculptors are found here. Tiger Cave: It is 4 Kms from the main monument complex. It was built as an open-air theatre, where cultural programs believed to have been held during the Pallva Period. It has a serene and Calm atmosphere in spite of its nearness to the Sea. Ganesha Ratha

Guide - L ESG

Hotel - Overnight stay at Kaldan Samudhra

Today you will be transferred to Kumbakonam an ancient temple town picturesquely located amidst the two rivers Cauvery and Arasalar. Place is popular for the Divine Tank in the heart of the city where Mahamagam Festival once in twelve years takes  place. Late afternoon check-in to the chosen resort in Veppathur a rural village for 02 nights, to experience the Tamil Brahmin way of life style. PM grab the bicycles and go for a ride around the village.   

Hotel - Overnight stay at Mantra Koodam 

Day At Kumbakonam
Early morning goes for a Bullockart ride with a villager. Post breakfast visit the local artisans residing in the village, interact with these seventh-generation artists and understand the process of Lost Wax Casting, Silk Weaving and Kalamkari art.  PM tour of Darsuram followed with a visit to Veda Patasala a center of higher learning of Vedas and allied subjects.

Artisans Of Kumbakonam- Silk Waeving - The timeless technique of 'Pattu' silk weaving is alive and thriving in the hands of these master craftsmen. Watch them weave intricate designs into silk saris with fine gold thread. The entire process of hand-assembled wooden machines meticulously weaving silk is a mesmerizing experience. Bronze Casting - The ancient town of Swami Malai in Thanjavur is home to a group of artisans called the Sthapathis, known for the timeless sculptures created for the Chola temples. Watch master craftsmen use the 'Lost Wax' technique, using a combination of wax and soft clay from the riverbed to make Moulds for ornate bronze sculptures. Sickalnayanpet Kalamkari - Witness the ancient art form of Kalamkari a unique painting that was used to decorate temples and Palaces. Today Raj Mohan the seventh-generation member of the family continuing this artwork and it is practiced on sarees. This painting is done in one stroke, it involves intricate artwork on fabric, where the colors are extracted from natural sources to make plant-based dyes on cotton and pens and brushes made out of Coconut Shell and Bamboo. Watch the local artist painstakingly create stunning pieces of art at the studio, all said and done, this is a true labor of love and six yards of art coming alive. (Note: Workshops are scattered around Kumbkonam town and so involves drive of Approx 30-40minutes from one place to another)

Guide - L ESG

Hotel - Overnight stay at Mantra Koodam

Today drive to Madurai famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. En-route tour of Tanjore and Rock Fort Temple in Trichy. Later afternoon check-in to your hotel for 02 nights. Post dinner visit Sri Meenakshi Temple to watch Gods & Goddess been put to Bed, a unique experience that you can see in Madurai.  

Rock Fort Temple- The Rockfort is a fortress which stands atop a 273-foot-high rock, consisting of a set of monolithic rocks accommodating many rock-cut cave temples. Originally built by the Pallavas, it was later reconstructed by the Madurai Nayaks and Vijayanagara rulers. The major complex in the temple are believed to be built during the 8th century by the Pandyan Empire.

Tanjore Art Gallery- Thanjavur Art Gallery, located in the Thanjavur Palace has an exquisite collection of ancient sculptures and coins. It is officially called the Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery and locally known as Thanjavur Kalaikoodam. These bronze sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses range from 9th century A.D to 19th century A.D. Some very unique deities and saints can be seen. Early Indian lifestyle, their clothing, ornaments and even hairdo are carved in these statues. Another interesting feature is the collection of old coins. Coins from as early as 300 B.C are exhibited here, which is quite astonishing. Artifacts are placed in a hall which used to be the Kings' royal court (Durbar Hall). The walls and the ceiling of Durbar hall are superbly ornamented with paintings and statuettes. Even the pillars and arches are decorated with fascinating scenes from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The highlight of the art gallery is of course, the collection of ancient bronze statues. A lot of stone sculptors and bronze idols that belong to the Chola period, Vijayanagara period and later period are found here. This section is comparatively interesting in the palace complex.

Royal Palace Museum- The royal objects that are on display in the museum include royal clothing, headgear and hunting weapons. On the upper floor is a skeleton of a 92-feet whale that washed ashore near Tranquebar in 1955. Royal Museum with an interesting collection of artifacts, paintings, books and other memorabilia. The paintings in the Darbar Hall retell the stories from the epic Ramayana. The walls and ceilings are covered with detailed stucco figures of gods and goddesses.

Guide - L ESG

Hotel - Overnight stay at Heritage Madurai 

Today drive to Madurai famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. En-route tour of Tanjore and Rock Fort Temple in Trichy. Later afternoon check-in to your hotel for 02 nights. Post dinner visit Sri Meenakshi Temple to watch Gods & Goddess been put to Bed, a unique experience that you can see in Madurai.  

Rock Fort Temple- The Rockfort is a fortress which stands atop a 273-foot-high rock, consisting of a set of monolithic rocks accommodating many rock-cut cave temples. Originally built by the Pallavas, it was later reconstructed by the Madurai Nayaks and Vijayanagara rulers. The major complex in the temple is believed to be built during the 8th century by the Pandyan Empire.

Tanjore Art Gallery- Thanjavur Art Gallery, located in the Thanjavur Palace has an exquisite collection of ancient sculptures and coins. It is officially called the Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery and locally known as Thanjavur Kalaikoodam. These bronze sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses range from 9th century A.D to 19th century A.D. Some very unique deities and saints can be seen. Early Indian lifestyle, their clothing, ornaments and even hairdo are carved in these statues. Another interesting feature is the collection of old coins. Coins from as early as 300 B.C are exhibited here, which is quite astonishing. Artifacts are placed in a hall which used to be the Kings' royal court (Durbar Hall). The walls and the ceiling of Durbar Hall are superbly ornamented with paintings and statuettes. Even the pillars and arches are decorated with fascinating scenes from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The highlight of the art gallery is of course, the collection of ancient bronze statues. A lot of stone sculptors and bronze idols that belong to the Chola period, Vijayanagara period and later period are found here. This section is comparatively interesting in the palace complex.

Royal Palace Museum- The royal objects that are on display in the museum include royal clothing, headgear and hunting weapons. On the upper floor is a skeleton of a 92-feet whale that washed ashore near Tranquebar in 1955. Royal Museum with an interesting collection of artifacts, paintings, books and other memorabilia. The paintings in the Darbar Hall retell the stories from the epic Ramayana. The walls and ceilings are covered with detailed stucco figures of gods and goddesses.

Guide - L ESG

Hotel - Overnight stay at Heritage Madurai 

Early morning visits the flower market with your guide. Return back to hotel for Breakfast. Later join your guide for a tour of Madurai starting with a visit to Thirumala Naicker Palace, which is a blend of Dravidian - Italian architecture. A Rickshaw from the Palace grounds and ride through the busy market lanes. Puthu Mandapam a 16th Century building with carvings from various ancient Hindu texts. Meenakshi temple, with its towering Gopurams covered with stucco images, some of whom are deity figures and others are figures from Hindu mythology, saints or scholars. PM explore the Puthu Mandapam complex which houses a vibrant and diverse market where visitors can spend hours together, indulge in shopping, finding souvenirs and traditional articles, which makes this place an intricate part of every Madurai tour. 

Teppakulam Mariamman Koil- Mariamman Teppakulam is a beautiful square tank spread over a huge area of almost 16 acres, located about 4 Kms East of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai City. The tank is the scene of the colourful float festival held in January/February to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, who built this tank. The deities of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are placed in a float, called Teppam, decorated with flowers and illuminated with hundred of lights. This float is taken around the tank to the sound of traditional music. On the Northern side of the tank a temple is dedicated to Mariamman , a famous village deity of Tamil Nadu.

Thirumala Nykkar Palace- Thirumalai Nayak Palace is a 17th-century palace built in 1636 AD by King Tirumala Nayaka,a king of Madurai's Nayaka dynasty who ruled Madurai from 1623–59. This Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles. In its heyday, the palace was considered to be one of the wonders of the South.

Meenakshi Amman Temple- Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the temple city of Madurai.It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva.The Goddess temple is mentioned in Sangam literature and the literature in 6th century CE texts.

Rickshaw Ride Madurai- A Rickshaw ride is the best way to explore the nook and corner of Madurai a bustling town. An hour or so safari will start from the Naicker Palace and end at the Pudhu Mandapam in the Eastern gate of Meenakshi Temple. On this journey your rickshaw man will show you the East Marett street with Onion, Banana, Vegetable Market, Yanaikkal Fruit Street & Massi Street with Groceries. One will also pass through the Thermutti on East Masi Street, where the age-old temple cars / Chariots (pulled by 100s during Chithira festival) of Shiva and his Consert Parvathi is stationed.

Guide - L ESG

Hotel - Overnight stay at Heritage Madurai 

After breakfast, drive to Periyar / Thekkady through the delightful Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. On arrival at Periyar, check-in to your retreat for a night. Post check-ins proceed to Periyar Tiger Reserve for a Nature Walk with a naturalist. 

Periyar Tiger Reserve- Periyar National Park is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southwestern Ghats.The protected area was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982.The park is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna. There are over 1965 flowering plants 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids, more than 60 species of mammals, over 265 species of birds and a large number of reptiles and amphibians and fish life are found here. There are many activities available to explore the national park such as game viewing boating, rafting cum trekking programs, camping etc.

Nature Walk in PTR (3Hrs)- Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length/3hrs. This is an interpretive programme accompanied by a trained tribal guide offer excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.

Hotel - Overnight stay at Reen Resort 

Morning transfer to Cochin, enroute stop for a spice tour to know more about the spices of Kerala. Late afternoon check-in to the chosen hotel for 02 nights. Evening catches a ferry to Vypeen Island for a cooking session with Neema. Post Dinner transfer back to hotel.

Spice Plantation Tour- As you take a walk along the streets of Kumily or the winding pathways among the plantations, the thing that strikes you first is the lingering aroma in the air. The scent may be of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon or cardamom and sometimes a fragrance that combines the scents of two or more spices. The geographical and climatic peculiarities of Kumily such as the cool climate and its elevation from the sea level make it ideal for spice cultivation. One of the major spices produced in the area is cardamom. The variety, Cardamom Small, botanically known as Elettaria Cardamom, is the one that is mostly grown here.

Cooking A Meal with Locale- Visit a local village in the picturesque backwaters of Kochi. Visit the markets to experience local shopping with your host. Your host will cook a delicious meal for you, one can also understand various age-old cooking traditions of the region and importance of spices in the local cuisine. In this hands-on experience, one will also get a chance to know the host and local stories....

Hotel - Overnight stay at Eighth Bastion

Post breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour of Cochin.  Your tour will cover the Dutch Palace which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. The Jewish Synagogue was originally constructed in 1568, but was destroyed by Portuguese in 1662. This was rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took over Cochin. The St. Francis Church, said to be India\'s oldest European-built church was constructed in 1503. Having died in Cochin in 1524, Vasco da Gama was buried here for 14 years before his remains were taken to Lisbon. PM enjoy shopping with your Guide in Fort Cochin and Mattanchery. Evening proceed to a local theatre to watch Kathkali a traditional dance form of Kerala.   

Dhobi Khana- Dhobi Kahan, the only community laundry space in Kerala is worth a visit. Dhobi khana was organised under the Madras Presidency in 1920 with Vannar's from neighbouring state Tamil Nadu to wash clothes. The moment you arrive you will see an array of men and women ironing clothes in the background of loud music from the radio. The 3-acre compound consist of 40 pens and Water tanks lined up in row. At present there are about 40 families in the community each inherit a wash pen and water tank. When men wash clothes the women in the family help them dry and press clothes.

The Dutch Palace- The Mattancherry Palace, came to be known as the Dutch Palace as it underwent major repairs at the hands of the Dutch. Palace,was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. One of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture mixed with colonial influences. Palace features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.

The Paradesi Synagoge- Constructed in 1568, it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Mattancherry. When the Jews moved to Kochi in the 14th century, they built a new synagogue there. Paradesi is a word used in several Indian languages, and the literal meaning of the term is "foreigners", applied to the synagogue because it was built by Sephardic or Portuguese-speaking Jews, some of them from families exiled in Aleppo, Safed and other West Asian localities. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue

Kathakali Dance Show- The Indian traditional dance form Kathakali originated in Hindu courts and theatres is a Kerala-based dance drama. Like other classical Indian dance forms, Kathkali artist uses outstanding footwork and facial and hand gestures to tell a story, all accompanied by beautiful music and vocal performances. Nevertheless, the dancers elaborate and colourful make-up, unique face masks, and costumes set them apart from the competition, as do their mannerisms, which pay homage to the region's long-standing traditions in martial arts and athletics. In this one can also see artists right from the initial stage of Make-Up to presentation of an elaborate folk tale.

Guide - L ESG Cochin

Hotel - Overnight stay at Eighth Bastion 

Morning check-out and transfer to Alleppey known as the -Venice of the East Here board your privately crewed Kettuvalam / Houseboat for a 21hrs stay. Lunch will be served shortly after boarding. The cruise takes you through some of Keralas most scenic backwaters, where you can watch the local people living their daily lives, where the only means of transport is by boat. The cruise usually lasts from mid afternoon to dusk. The houseboat moors on the lake for the night. After dark you can enjoy a delicious candlelit dinner to the sound of water lapping the sides of the boat whilst watching the twinkling lights on the distant shore. 

Additional - Bottle of Red Wine - 

Hotel - Overnight stay at Xandari Riverscapes 

Post breakfast, drive to Kumarakom. A labyrinth of backwaters with shimmering water, the brilliant green of mangrove forests, coconut palms lining the embankments, flocks of migratory birds skimming the water - this is Kumarakom a veritable dreamland!  On arrival check-in the backwater resort for two relaxing nights. Evening have a Keralan snack & Tea from the Chai Vallaom followed with the Sunset cruise offered by the resort.  

Hotel - Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon 

Morning enjoys Yoga with the in-house master. Post breakfast explore the village in a country boat to witness the lives in the backwaters. PM take a Ayurvedic Massage (Pay Localy). 

RT Village Program- Hop on to the country boat and proceed to Manjira village through the narrow canals. This interesting tour will show you how the village man climbs a Coconut Tree to pluck Coconuts, Toddy a local drink is extracted from the Coconut tree, a village women weaving Coconut tree leaves, a skilled Manjira fisherman showing some tried-and-true fishing tips, Latha a village women showing the process of coir making, a government run pre-school etc. Your tour will end with a 30mints cruise back to dis-embarking station.

Hotel - Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon 

Post breakfast check-out and transfer to Alleppey, here board your privately crewed houseboat for a lunch cruise. At dusk dis-embark and travel by road to Mararikulam offering idyllic beach stay experience. The beach is untouched by modernity and looking exactly as it would be hundred years ago.  

On arrival check-in to the resort for 02 nights. 

Hotel - Overnight stay at The Marari Beach 

Early morning join your guide for a tour of the fishing village. Post breakfast day free to relax or take part in the Butterfly Garden Visit, Bird watching other activities offered by the resort.  

Fisherman Village Visit- Early morning join a tuk tuk and the locale guide for a tour of the nearby fishing village to witness the early activities of a fishing community. Life in the villages around Mararikulam is both fascinating and endearing. Boats lading with fresh catch from the sea, middlemen bargaining for their stock, women rushing and loading baskets with the freshest of fish... At the end you will find this tour a revealing experience, one that always want to cherish.

Hotel - Overnight stay at The Marari Beach 

Today, you will have a free day until be transferred to airport for your flight home. Check out time: 12 pm.

MEALS: B