Accredited.
12 DAY BEST OF TAMIL NADU AND KERALA-CLASSIC
Tour Notes
- This is a fully guided private tour (Your own air-conditioned vehicle, service of a private driver and English speaking private local guides).
- The tour can be fully customised according to your requirements (Your choice of accommodation, attractions etc).
- You can start the tour at a preferred date.
- This tour is same as "12 DAY BEST OF TAMIL NADU AND KERALA-LUXURY" except for the accommodation offered.
- In the below itinerary, Total Transfer Time for each day reflects the transfer time between destinations & transfer time between attractions (This does not include waiting time at the airports). Transfer time can vary based on many facts hence this is a guideline only.
- In the below itinerary, Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities for each day reflects the time spent on all attractions/activities (Time spent on attractions/activities can vary based on individual preference hence this is a guideline only)
Tour Highlights
- Capital of Tamil Nadu-Chennai
- Shore Temple and Arjuna Penance in Mahabalipuram
- Vibrant City of Pondicherry
- Rock Fort Temple in Trichy
- Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
- Houseboat in Allepey
- Periyar National Park
- Historical Fort Kochi
Itinerary
Welcome to Chennai, the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival at the Chennai airport, our representative will meet and greet you with a warm welcome. He will escort you to the vehicle where you will also meet the chauffeur who will be with you for the next 15 days. Our representative will next assist you with the check-in to your hotel. Spend the rest of day at leisure OR experience shopping at The Express Avenue shopping mall.
Accommodation: The Residency Towers (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 45 min
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast and sample some of the mouth watering South Indian food on offer. After breakfast check-out of the hotel and visit "Fort St George" which is the first Fort built by the British in India in 1640. It houses the famous St Mary’s Church (an ancient Anglican Church), a museum (contains antiques and artifacts from British Rule) and Wellesley House (paintings of the Fort Governor). It has recently become home to the administrative offices of Tamil Nadu Government and the Legislative Assembly. Next, we will leave the bustling city of Chennai and head to the vibrant city of Pondicherry. En-route, visit the UNESCO Heritage sites Shore Temple and Arjuna Penance in Mahabalipuram to witness some amazing architecture. Thereafter proceed to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, we will also visit the Auroville office and register (You are required to register the day before you visit Auroville). As the sunsets, take a leisurely walk along the promenade beach. There are plenty of quality restaurants where you may enjoy a memorable dinner (Own expense).
Accommodation: Accord Metropoliton (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1.5 hours
After breakfast, visit "Auroville", an experimental township in Viluppuram district founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and designed by architect Roger Anger. Upon completion, head back to the hotel and relax. Later in the afternoon, visit the "Cluny Embroidery Centre" where you will get to witness the art of embroidery. Next, we will explore the vibrant city of Pondicherry (Tour of Pondicherry).
Accommodation: Accord Metropoliton (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3.5 hours
After a relaxed breakfast, proceed to Trichy, which is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. Trichy is located south West of Pondicherry which is about a 4 hour drive. On arrival, we will visit the Kallani Dam and later in the evening will visit the Rock Fort Temple.
Accommodation: Sangam Hotel (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 4 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 2.5 hours
Today we depart Trichy and visit Madurai. Upon arrival in Madurai, visit the Gandhi Museum, a tribute to the freedom fighter of India. Madurai is a food capital and we will explore this city on foot. During the tour, you will get to sample some of the most fresh and unique cuisine Tamil Nadu has to offer.
Accommodation: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 3 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours
- Gandhi Museum is closed on Sundays
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Fruit and Vegetable Market to witness and experience the daily shopping habits of the local people. Take your time, do some bargaining and have some fun there. Next visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace which was built in the 17th century by King Tirumala Nayaka, a king of Madurai's Nayaka dynasty who ruled Madurai from 1623–1659. Explore the history and the majestic lifestyles of the ancient royalty. Return back to your hotel and spend the day at leisure. Later in the afternoon, pay a visit to "The Meenakshi Temple", one of the most sacred and historical temples for the Hindus. Meenakshi Temple dates back as far as 2,500 years! The temple complex covers 14 acres, and has 4,500 pillars and 14 towers. Admire the amazing architecture of this masterpiece and take home memories of a lifetime.
Accommodation: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 1 hour
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours
We hope you have enjoyed the time in Tamil Nadu. Today, we will travel to the STATE of Kerala, also known as God's own country. We will head to Thekkady which is home to the "Periyar National Park". Upon arrival in Thekkady, check-into your hotel and refresh before embarking on a leisurely boat ride at the national park where you may witness Elephants, Bison's, Deer and a variety of bird species. Upon completion of the boat ride, head back to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: ABAD Green Forest Resort (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 3.5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 2 hours
- Boat ride will be shared with other participants however you will be allocated the service of a private guide (Please note you can only witness animals from a distance)
- No vehicles are allowed to go inside the Periya National Park
Wake up early in the morning to explore the Periyar National Park on foot. This 2.5 hour trek will be an experience to remember which will be guided by the local tribal people. The trail often passes through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. Feel the nature, hear her whispers and smell the flowers as you explore this 4km journey on foot. On completion, head back to your hotel and spend the rest of day at leisure. Why not experience an Ayurvedic massage to sooth yourself (Own expense)!
Accommodation: ABAD Green Forest Resort (3 star)
Total Transfer Time: 30 min
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours
- Trekking will be done as a part of a group with a shared guide (Max group size 6 pax)
Today we depart Thekkady and drive to Allepey for the most breathtaking journey through the backwaters in a traditional house boat. Witness the daily lifestyles of the local people and the passing by Kettuvalams (Traditional Houseboat). You will have plenty of opportunities for memorable photo shoots. Whilst you sit back and relax, your chef will cook and offer you a delicious lunch. Enjoy the unique Kerala cuisine as you cruise through the amazing backwaters! As the sun sets, soak in the beautiful vistas and experience a sunset dinner especially prepared for you. Spend the night on board in your comfortable room.
Accommodation: Lakes and Lagoons
Total Transfer Time: 4 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: Overnight
- You can take the main luggage in the house boat
Wake up to another amazing day in Kerala and continue to cruise along the backwaters. After a hearty breakfast and a leisurely ride, you will disembark from your boat and head to Kochi where you will stay inside the fascinating Fort Kochi. Check-in to your hotel and spend the rest of day at leisure OR take a stroll through the many streets and explore this colourful icon at your own time. You may also pay a visit to "The Lulu Mall", which is the largest mall in India.
Accommodation: Eight Bastion (Boutique)
Total Transfer Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: Morning
It's time to do your guided tour of the historical Kochi and Matancherry. Travel by a rickshaw between the towns of Kochi and Matancherry Called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in colonial India. It remained the main seat of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state.
Accommodation: Eight Bastion (Boutique)
Total Transfer Time: 30 min
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 4.5 hours
We hope you have enjoyed the time in Tamil Nadu and Kerala! We would love to see you come back to explore the rest of splendid South India. Depart to Cochin Airport with a warm good bye.
Total Transfer Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A
Inclusions
- 11 night accommodation including breakfast (1 Lunch and 1 Dinner whilst on house boat)
- Airport transfers
- Hire of an air conditioned vehicle including fuel and the service of a private driver (Basic English speaking skills) throughout the tour
- Service of English speaking private local guides
- Applicable fee into attractions/activities (Fort St George, Shore Temple, Arjuna Penance, Auroville, Cluny embroidery centre, Tour of Pondicherry, Rock Fort Temple, Kallani Dam, Gandhi Musuem, Food Trail in Madurai, Fruit and vegetable market, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Meenakshi Temple, Periya national park boat Ride, Periya national park Trek-3 hours, Tour of Kochi, Rickshaw ride, Tour of Matancherry)
- All applicable taxes
Exclusions
- International Airfares
- Domestic Airfares
- Lunch and dinner (Apart from during stay at the house boat)
- Expenses of a personal nature
- All other expenses not under inclusions
Pricing
- Above prices are valid for travel until 31/03/2025
- Above prices are based on per person sharing double or twin room
- Peak period supplements may apply (Please Inquire)