Best of Kerala & Tamil Nadu

Meet our representatives upon arrival at the airport in Kochi and drive to your hotel. Kochi is a beautiful city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The history and development of this city carries stubborn marks of the British, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese. It is undoubtedly the best starting point on your journey through Kerala.

Visit Fort Kochi, located on the western coast of India amid the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea. The architecture of this gorgeous fort uncovers the layers of colonial influence ingrained in the landscape of this city. Visit Saint Francis Church (closed on Sundays) located in the middle of the fort’s complex.

Built in the year 1503 AD, it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The lofty architecture of this church is impressive in every way and it has managed to retain its ancient charm over the years. Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue located close to Fort Kochi. It was built in 1568 AD and is a showpiece displaying hand-painted floor tiles, Belgium-imported glass chandeliers, rare antiques and an exclusive gallery.

Your Kochi sightseeing tour ends with a trip to see Chinese fishing nets. They are the hallmarks of Fort Kochi and are said to have been brought to this part of the world by Chinese explorer Zheng He. Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Travel to Alleppey, also called the "Venice of India", today. Alleppey is located in the Alapuzzha district of Kerala. On arrival, board a houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam. Cruise around backwaters of Alleppey while enjoying verdant greenery and experiencing the daily life of the people who live in the backwaters. Have your lunch and dinner in the houseboat. Spend a night in it.

Enjoy your breakfast in the houseboat. Our representative will drive you to Periyar. Set amid the Western Ghats in Kerala, Periyar entices its visitors with its rich biodiversity and natural vistas. Head for the famous Periyar National Park, home to a variety of animals including the royal Bengal tiger, on reaching there breakfast. The wildlife sanctuary also has an artificial lake where you can enjoy a boat ride if you want to. Stay overnight in Periyar.

Head for Madurai after breakfast. Located on the banks of River Vargai, Madurai is among the oldest inhabited cities in India whose origins go back to 3rd century B.C. Check into your hotel on arrival. You are free for the rest of the day.

Your Madurai sightseeing tour begins with visit to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India that was built between 16th and 18th centuries. The presiding deities of the temple are Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Lord Sundareshwara.

Next, head for Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th century palace that displays a beautiful fusion of Dravadian and Rajput architecture styles. This palace was built by King Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) as his royal residence.

Also visit Vandiyur Mariammam Teppakulam, a small water tank that has underground channels connecting it with the River Vargai. It also has a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vigneshwara.

Return to the Meenakshi Temple in the evening to see the aarti ceremony. Stay overnight at your hotel in Madurai.

Drive to Trichy, located on the banks of River Cauvery, in the morning. Also called Tiruchirapalli, Trichy is the fourth largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu. On reaching Trichy, visit the magnificent  Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop that rises abruptly from the plain. You can reach the fort temple via a flight of 400 steep steps cut into the rock. The view from the top is nothing less than spectacular. Also explore Trichy's China Bazaar and Grand Bazaar before heading back to your hotel.

Your next destination on the itinerary is Thanjavur. Thanjavur has a rich history as the capital of the Chola Dynasty. Checked into your hotel before setting off for a Thanjavur sightseeing tour. See the Brihadeshwara Temple. Built by Raja Chola I in the eleventh century, this temple is the perfect example of the Dravidian style of architecture and is the first-ever all-granite temple in the world.

Next, visit Thanjavur Palace, locally called Aranmanai, the residence of the Bhosle family that ruled over Thanjavur from 1674 AD to 1855 AD. Stay overnight stay at your hotel in Thanjavur.

Pondicherry was under the rule of French till 1954 and carries French influences in its architecture and other elements even today. With streets lined with yellow-walled houses and authentic street-side French cafes, this vibrant city also has a spiritual touch to it, as it is home to Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Check into your hotel on arrival. There are no activities today.

Your Pondicherry sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa in 1926. Next, visit the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple before heading back to your hotel.

Transfer to Mahabalipuram today. A Unesco World Heritage site located on a bank of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram is known for its various stone-carved monuments and ancient temples dating back to the 7th and 8th century AD. Check into your hotel on arrival. Stay overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Your Mahabalipuram sightseeing tour begins after breakfast with a visit to Pancha Rathas, fine examples of monolithic, Indian rock-cut architecture that came into existence during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I, in the seventh century AD.

Next, visit Arjunas Penance, which was carved out in the mid 17th century and depicts a story from the great Indian epic Mahabharata. Then take a trip to the Shore Temple complex, a Unesco World Heritage site that dates back to the eighth century AD. This temple complex has two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and one dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Stay overnight at your hotel in Mahabalipuram.

We will drive you to the international airport in Chennai for your flight home.