South India Beaches and Heritage Tour 13 Nights & 14 days

Day 1: ARRIVE CHENNAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND DEPART TO MAHABALIPURAM 45 Kms

Mahabalipuram (currently known) as Mamallapuram  is popularly known as the temple city. Apart from that, this mesmerising destination boasts of various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mind-blowing surfing spots and a thriving backpacker scene. It is home to some of the most popular beaches on India’s East coast. Tourists flock here to rejuvenate and relax at the many luxurious resorts.The history of Mamallapuram is an intriguing one. This historic city was an important centre of art, architecture and literature between the 3rd and 7th century CE. On day 1, Mamallapuram is 45 to 50 km. from Chennai. After reaching, check-in at the beach resort in Mamallapuram and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and rejuvenating yourself. Take rest as you have to prepare yourself for a fun-filled day tomorrow.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2  MAHABALIPURAM TO PONDICHERRY (120KM)

After checking out, you’ll head to Mahabalipuram, an area which boasts 14 cave temples, 9 monolithic rathas, 3 stone temples and 4 relief sculptured rock panels. Most of the wonderful sights you’ll explore here, such as the Shore Temple (a World Heritage Site) and Arjuna’s Penance, are built in the Dravidian style of the 7th and 8th centuries and are dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva. After lunch, you’ll set off to Pondicherry, an ancient Roman trading post situated on the Coromandel Coast which has seen the likes of the Portuguese and French leave their mark.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN PONDICHERRY

Day 3 PONDICHERRY SIGHTSEEING

Aside from the Portuguese and French, the Dutch, Danish and English rulers have set foot into this beautiful city too. The French by far have had the greatest influence, and this can be seen through the French colonial architecture within the city. Coupled with the Tamil culture and Sri Aurobindo Ashram premises, Pondicherry is a hub of cosmopolitan life. You’ll have the chance to visit the Pondicherry Museum, the French War Memorial, The Aayi Mandapam Park Monument, the Promenade and of course, Pondicherry Beach.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN PONDICHERRY 

Day 4 PONDICHERRY TO KUMBAKONAM (140KM VIA CHIDAMBARAM)

After check-out, you’ll head to Kumbakonam and after lunch, you’ll proceed to Pichavaram, the second largest mangrove forest in the world. Heading out on a boat ride which takes you deep into the heart of the 1100 hectare area forest, you’ll be mesmerized by the idyllic scenery and lively wildlife. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the sand bank which separates the forest from the Bay of Bengal. Afterwards, Kumabakonam awaits you! Also known as “temple town” Kumbakonam dates back to the Sangam period and became the capital of the Medieval Cholas between the 7th and 9th centuries. It was also dubbed the “Cambridge of South India” because of its status as a prominent centre of European education and Hindu culture.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN KUMBAKONAM

 Day 5 KUMBAKONAM SIGHTSEEING

Next on the itinerary is the UNESCO World Heritage monument, Darasuram temple. The famous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the small town of Darasuram, which is about 4 km from Kumbakonam. Built in 12th Century AD, this Hindu temple is an architectural marvel from Chola period. The temple boasts of its intricate and beautiful sculptures.  Its architectural beauty, rare sculptures and innovative designing makes it unique attracting tourists and pilgrims from all over.

You’ll spend your day whiling away the hours in “temple town” today. The Kumbeswara, Sarangapani and Ramaswamy temples are some of the more noted temples of Kumbakonam and they are certainly splendid to behold. This town also houses the yearly Mahamaham festival which attracts visitors from across the globe to take part in the celebrations.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN KUMBAKONAM

Day 6 KUMBAKONAM TO THANJORE (1 HOUR) AND THANJORE TO MADURAI (3 HOURS 30 MINUTES) (230KM)

After checking out at 9am, you’ll proceed to Thanjavur, formerly known as Tanjore, a thriving hub for South Indian religion, art and architecture. The cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is located in the fertile Cauvery delta and is just as popular for its temples, arts and handicrafts as it is known for its paintings and rich history. Thanjavur is also a prominent center for rice cultivation and is therefore called the ‘Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’.

You’ll be able to feast your eyes upon the Thanjavur Maratha Palace. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex, known locally as Aranmanai, is the official residence of the Bhonsle family who ruled over the Tanjore region from 1674 to 1855. The original name of Thanjavur Palace is Sivaganga Fort, which is rarely used these days.  Later you will visit Brihadeeswarar Temple which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur and is a wonderful example of Tamil architecture. Post lunch, begin your drive to Madurai.

Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll check in. Madurai’s history dates back to the 6th century BC, so there’s plenty to see in this important cultural and commercial centre of southern India. Here, you will find people speaking the Tamil language in its purest form, since this city, whose main attraction is the Meenakshi Temple, was once the base of Tamil learning. In the evening, you’ll settle down to watch the spectacular Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi temple, and on your return you’ll have a front-row seat for the bright lights of the city at night.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN MADURAI

Day 7 MADURAI TO THEKKADY (140KM) (3 HOURS 30 MINUTES)

Thekkady will be your next stop on the list. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll check out from the hotel and make your way to India’s spice capital. Enroute to Thekkady, visit the The Grape Vineyards of Cumbum Valley in Lower camp. It is an experience in itself. Here you get the first hand look at the cultivation of grapes in the vast vineyard. Moreover, you can also shop for freshly brewed wine from the vineyard’s store.After checking in at your new resort, you can spend the afternoon however you like. You could walk through the Kumily Village spice market and stock up on cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg or mace, or you could relax and let the hotel staff pamper you.

The evening will be spent observing the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama with majestic costumes, impressive makeup and mythological stories. You’ll also get to watch the Kalaripayattu, the oldest form of martial arts involving movements and the sounds of slashing swords.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

Day 8  THEKKADY

Post breakfast at the hotel, step out for a blissful day in the natural heaven for wildlife.

Tourists rush from all over the country to experience the exotic wildlife at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is amidst dense forests and make way for thrilling mountain walks. Experience boating in the lake where you can spot many more interesting species of animals as you admire the beauty called Thekkady.

After spending quality time with nature, head to the Tribal Heritage Museum which features different types of artifacts displaying the culture, dressing, rituals, etc. of the Mannan settlement. You can also check out the spice market in the Kumily Village and pick fresh aromatic cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace from the market.

Day 9 THEKKADY TO KUMARAKOM

Post breakfast proceed to Kumarakom

The area is interlinked with hundreds of winding canals, and typical low-slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice and coconuts to the milkman and newspaper boy. On arrival, you will check in at your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing. Sunset cruise in the evening from 17 00 to 18 00 hours Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 10 KUMARAKOM

Full day is at leisure

Day 11 KUMARAKOM TO ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board your houseboat on arrival. Alleppey, “Venice of the East” has a large network of backwater canals that meander through town, surrounding villages and Vembanad Lake. Check-in at the houseboat after 12 00 noon and Cruise through the beautiful and scenic backwaters of Kerala, while you stay in a houseboat. Overnight on a Houseboat

Day 12: ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT TO MARARI

Check out at 10 00 clock & depart to Marari beach, Check in at Marari beach around 14 00 Hours

Marari Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Marari name has been derived from a local village on the coast of the Arabian Sea “Mararikulum”.  Marari beach in Kerala is titled among the top five Hammock Beaches by National Geographic survey. Marari beach is an ideal location for holidaying with friends and family or for a relaxed getaway. The golden sand and coconut trees along the coastline add to the already existing charm of the place.

Day 13 : MARARI

Full day is at leisure at Marari beach

Day 14 : MARARI TO COCHIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 90 KMS

Marari Beach to Kochi Airport 90 kms ( 2 Hours’ drive )and Departure
No doubt that Marari would have won you over with its extraordinary beauty and culture, but alas, it is now time to say goodbye as your vacation ends here. After breakfast, you may check out of the hotel and head to the Kochi airport to catch your flight.