Country
India
Duration
12 Days/11 Nights
Travel Type
Private Tour
 

Highlights

  • The evocative architectural beauty of ancient Hindu temples and churches
  • Tour of the mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • The Art and architecture of Cholan rulers
  • Experience the Dravidian culture
  • The lush tea and spice country in the highlands
  • Stay on a lakeside resort in the backwaters of Kerala surrounded by coconut trees
  • The Indo-European architecture in fort Kochi
  • A special evening of classical Kathakali dance at a local theater.


  • This fascinating itinerary deep dives into the best of Tamil culture and Kerala landscape. Explore magnificent ancient temples, some UNESCO World Heritage Sites with architectural grandeur and quirky bougainvillea lined cobbled streets of a former French colony. Meet and spend time with members of the local communities, learning about the very distinct Tamil culture, its music and art, and also about spices which attracted the Romans and the Arabs to trade with India. Experience a slice of daily life of Kerala’s backwaters (a maze of lagoons close to the Arabian Sea) and enjoy its food which is a delightful mix of Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences. This itinerary captures the essence of this uniquely beautiful, multi-faceted region.

    Inclusions

    11-night accommodation in double occupancy
    12 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts and 1 lunch during day cruise
    Transportation services using private air conditioned vehicle
    Services of private English-speaking local guides
    Entrance fees to the places of visit as per the itinerary
    Evening ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
    Nature walk followed by bamboo safari in Thekkady
    Tickets to witness Kathakali dance performance in Kochi
    Bottled water in the vehicle throughout the tour

    Exclusions

    International/domestic airfare – Any room service, telephone charges, mini bar, gratuities, tips – Meals not specified in the itinerary – Visa for India – Camera fees charges at some sites (no more than INR 200/CAD 3 for a still camera).

    Additional Information

    Special Notes

    Guests travelling from the continent of North America to India can avail the E-tourist visa facility. For the complete details, please visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

    1

    DAY 1 CHENNAI - ARRIVAL

    Welcome to India! Arrive in Chennai’s Meenambakkam Airport. Upon arrival you will be required to clear immigration and customs; after you clear customs you will be welcomed by our representative holding sign with your names on it. You will be then escorted to your hotel for check in.
    Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before your India tour begins.
    The East India Company established its presence in southern India on the Bay of Bengal in 1639 with the establishment of Fort St. George. The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, grew up around the fort area. It now serves as the capital of Tamil Nadu and is the fourth largest city in India, with over six million inhabitants. It sprawls over a large area yet, in spite of recent industrial growth, seems less congested than other large Indian cities. Its role as a trade center is furthered by rail, road, and air connections in addition to its seaport. It presents both modern and traditional charm, its many British influences juxtaposed with Tamil-Hindu traditions.

    Accommodation : 1 night in Chennai

    2

    DAY 2 CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM

    This morning, start on a guided tour of Chennai. Visit some of the main sights of Chennai such as the San Thome Basilica and the Government Museum. The Bronze Gallery here, which houses some of the finest bronzes from the early years of the first millennium, is a must see. Drive through the flower and fruit market, past the High Court built in Indo-Saracenic style and Marina Beach. Visit the San Thome Cathedral, said to house the remains of St Thomas the Apostle, Kapaleeshwara temple and the Snake Park.
    Afternoon, drive to Mahabalipuram, a small sea side village that was once the ancient port for the Romans . Upon arrival, check-in for your stay.
    Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram as it was called earlier was the port city of the Pallavas in the 7th century. In this picturesque setting, amidst sand beaches and the sea can be seen some of the most important temple forms that influenced temple architecture in Tamil Nadu for centuries to follow. There are seventy monuments, rock-cut monoliths displaying fine sculpture. The most important group is the Five Rathas, named after the five heroes of the epic Mahabharata. Some are unfinished, and in them can be seen the carving technique used to form temples out of living rock. Visit the famous Shore Temple and the Arjuna’s Penance with its plethora of sculpture on pure rock face. Return to the resort after sightseeing.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : 2 nights in Mahabalipuram

    Optional Excursions : Start the morning with a walk around Mylapore, a bustling neighbourhood in the heart of Chennai which pre-dates the city by at least 2000 years and has kept alive many traditions and arts that Chennai is so well known for.
    Supplement cost: $105 per person on minimum 2 paying pax

    3

    DAY 3 MAHABALIPURAM

    In the morning, explore Mahabalipuram famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient shore temples, surreal in their location and unsurpassable in craftsmanship of that era. In the 7th century, this port city on the Bay of Bengal was the capital of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram. Now a small seaside village, this quaint town is famous for its extraordinary rock-cut temples, emblematic of the early stages of Dravidian architecture. The carvings are of particular note for depicting scenes of daily life and ordinary people, in contrast to the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where carvings generally depict only gods and goddesses.
    Afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration.

    Meals : Breakfast

    4

    DAY 4 MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY

    This morning drive to Pondicherry, an erstwhile French colony. On arrival, check in for your stay.
    Pondicherry presents an unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions. Its history can be traced back to Agastya, the revered sage of the south who built his hermitage here in 1500 BC. It became a part of India in 1954, but traces of its history as a French colony still remain in its churches, cuisine, grid-pattern streets and some colonial buildings. An added attraction is the town of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment.
    In the afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram was founded by the philosopher-saint Sri Aurobindo in 1926 to put into practice his ideals of a peaceful community. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. It is also his final resting place. Also visit the Pondicherry museum, which has sculptures, archaeological finds, and memorabilia of the French colonists. See the Sacred Heart Church with its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.
    In the evening, walk along the sea front to view the architecture, a legacy of the French, who governed this town until 1957.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : 1 night in Pondicherry

    5

    DAY 5 PONDICHERRY – THANJAVUR

    This morning, continue by road to Thanjavur, once the seat of the Chola Kings from 300 BC to 1279 AD.
    Stop enroute to admire the magnificent Hindu temples of Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram and Kumbakonam – three out of the four temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites built by the Kings of the Chola dynasty who ruled from 300 BC to 1279 AD.
    Continue to Thanjavur and on arrival, check in.
    Thanjavur – is located on the eastern coast and has the distinction of having been the capital of the Cholas, one of the greatest dynasties of the south. The Cholas were great temple builders and Thanjavur bears witness to this, being dotted with no fewer than 74 temples, the most famous of which is the Brahadeeswara temple, a World Heritage Monument. The city is also known for its bronzes, silks and the famous Tanjore paintings.
    Spend a relaxed afternoon.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : 2 nights in Thanjavur

    6

    DAY 6 THANJAVUR

    In the morning, visit the imposing Brihadeshwara Temple Complex dated 1010 AD, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most outstanding temple complexes. Also witness a bronze casting demonstration by a master artist. The bronze sculptors of Tanjore have not only kept a millennium-old tradition alive but also thriving.
    Also visit Tanjore museum with a collection of around 250 Chola bronze statues and 150 stone statues dating back to the 9th and 12th century, these belong to the many groups like the Bhairava, Umasahita Shiva, Kali and Rama Lakshmana.
    Afternoon is at leisure.

    Meals : Breakfast

    7

    DAY 7 THANJAVUR - MADURAI

    This morning, drive for Madurai – one of South India’s most famous temple town.
    Stop enroute at Trichy and visit the Rock Fort temple. It is perched 83m high on a massive outcrop, lords over Trichy with stony arrogance. The ancient rock was first hewn by the Pallavas and Pandyas, who cut small cave temples on its south side, but it was the war-savvy Nayaks who later made strategic use of the naturally fortified position. There are over 400 stone-cut steps to climb to the top.
    Later continue to Madurai, on arrival check in for your stay.
    Madurai, the second largest city of Tamil Nadu, is an important cultural and commercial center. With a history going back to the 6th century BC, it was once the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where the Tamil language is spoken in its purest form. The old city was planned in the shape of a lotus with the Meenakshi temple, the town’s main attraction, at the centre. Madurai has long been a center of learning and pilgrimage.
    Late evening visit the lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai- the famous Sri Meenkashi temple for its ‘going to bed’ ceremony where the deities are put to bed.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : 1 night in Madurai

    8

    DAY 8 MADURAI – THEKKADY

    This morning, set out again to see the centre piece of Madurai – the Sri Meenakshi temple. Famed for its brilliantly painted halls, expertly carved pillars and the world’s tallest gopuram (temple gateway), this magnificent temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva and is a fine example of the Dravidian sculpture.
    NOTE: Non Hindus are not allowed inside the Inner Sanctum of the temple.
    Next visit Tirumalai NayakMahal – an Indo-Saracenic palace built on a grand scale with a beautifully sculpted dance hall. Walk through the bustling city. It is chaotic and crowded but nevertheless offers some remarkable sights and a fascinating taste of Tamil culture.
    Afternoon drive to Thekkady, through a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
    Arrive by the evening and on arrival, check in for your stay.
    Thekkady is the ‘Land of the Spices’ Columbus was seeking when he stumbled on the New World, Kerala’s Malabar Coast is famous for its fabulous spice crops.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : 1 night in Thekkady

    9

    DAY 9 THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM

    Early morning, drive to Periyar wildlife sanctuary, one the most popular reserves in Kerala. On arrival, you will take a bamboo raft and sail in the Periyar lake. This is a 3 hours ride and takes you through many delights of the sanctuary. You will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. A naturalist will be at hand to explain the flora and fauna of Periyar.
    Return to the hotel to freshen up. Later, set off downhill towards the backwaters of Kumarakom – also known as the “Venice of the East”. On arrival, check in for your stay.
    Kumarakom, or the ’Venice of the East’ is a veritable paradise in the lush backwaters of Kottayam. It is Kerala’s heartland of lagoons, palm fringed lakes and paddy fields, inter-linked with hundreds of winding canals with the typical low slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice and coconuts to the milkman and newspaper boy, local politicians and priests to wedding parties.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : 2 nights in Kumarakom

    10

    DAY 10 KUMARAKOM

    Mid-morning, board Kettuvallam - a traditional houseboat and enjoy cruising through the fabled backwaters – the undisputed highlight of the region. You’ll pass the backwaters, as well as tiny, colourful towns and fishing villages.
    The Kettuvallam or ‘boat with knots’- was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only - not even a single nail is used during the construction. The boat is made of planks of jack-wood joined together with coir. This is then coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, a kettuvallom can last for generations. While most boats are poled by local oarsmen, some are powered by a 40 HP engine.
    Lunch will be served on board the houseboat, featuring fresh catch of the day.
    The backwaters are a network of canals, lakes, lagoons and estuaries stretching over almost 1000 square miles. Here, palm-fringed narrow canals wind through a vast expanse of paddy fields. As you float along, enjoy the picturesque hamlets that line the banks, migratory birds in abundance, water lilies and coconut groves.
    Disembark the houseboat in the evening and return to the hotel.

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

    11

    DAY 11 KUMARAKOM – COCHIN

    This morning, drive to the port city Cochin.
    Cochin is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. The Lake opens out into the Arabian sea to form one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders. The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and the British have all left their mark here. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Chinese fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the seaport city.
    Arrive Cochin and start on a guided walking tour through the bustling harbor area and quaint backstreets to discover its rich and multifaceted past. This walk gives you a glimpse into Cochin’s rich history and heritage, showcasing the mixed Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences that make the city unique. During the tour, you will visit the old quarter of Fort Kochi, exploring the quaint streets of this city on foot. You will also visit Fort Kochi’s seaside promenade, and get a glimpse of daily life in Kochi. The duration of this walk is about +/- 1 hour.
    Kochi is full of echoes of Kerala’s past colonizers, including Hindu and Mughal dynasties, Portuguese and Dutch conquerors, and the British Empire - which came seeking control of the lucrative pepper trade. The city hosts the oldest church in India, 500-year-old Portuguese houses, old tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda style, and a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora. St. Francis Church, originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal. Once a wooden building, it was replaced by the present stone building. Vasco De Gamma died on site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. His grave is still marked with a plaque and a brass rail, though his remains are back home in Portugal. You will walk past, the four-century old Jewish synagogue; built in 1568 AD, it was destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the Dutch a century later. The Jew-town, abounds with fascinating antique shops and wares. Looming protectively over the synagogue is the Mattancherry palace, erstwhile home to the Verma kings and today a fine museum.
    In the evening, you will visit a local theatre to experience Kathakali performance. Kathakali literally meaning “story dance” is the pantomimic dance drama, the dancing and the acting being blended together into an inseparable form. It is a combination of facial expressions and body movements, which brings out the thought and emotion of the character.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : 1 night in Cochin

    12

    DAY 12 KOCHI - DEPARTURE

    Your journey comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your flights back home.

    Meals : Breakfast

    STANDARD HOTELS OPTION OR SIMILAR

    Chennai

    GRT Grand (5*) – Businees Class

    Mahabalipuram

    Welcomhotel Kences Palm Beach (4.5*) – Club Room

    Pududcherry

    Accord (4*) – Superior Room

    Thanjavur

    Sangam (3*) – Executive Room

    Madurai

    GRT Regency (3*) – Superior Room

    Thekkady

    Poetree Sarovar Portico (4*) – Club Room

    Kumarakom

    Backwater Ripples (3*) – Superior Garden View

    Cochin

    Casino (5*) – Superior room

    SUPERIOR HOTELS OPTION OR SIMILAR

    Chennai

    Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park (5*) – Superior Room

    Mahabalipuram

    Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort (5*) – Resort Classic

    Pududcherry

    The Windflower Resort And Spa (4*) – Studio Garden View

    Thanjavur

    Sangam (3*) – Executive Room

    Madurai

    Heritage Madurai (5*) – Deluxe club room

    Thekkady

    The Elephant Court (5*) – Patio Room

    Kumarakom

    The Zuri Kumarakom Resort & Spa (5*) – Zuri Lagoon

    Cochin

    Crowne Plaza (5*) – Deluxe City View Room

    Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy 

    Land Package
       

    Rates coming soon – Please contact us

         
         
         

    Minimum 2 passengers required to guarantee the tour.
    A solo traveler is a person who travels completely alone with services such as guides and drivers, on a private basis. A solo traveler rate should not be mistaken by a single occupancy rate.

    **Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.