ENCHANTING TRIP OF TAMIL NADU & KERALA Tour by GeTS Holidays PVT LTD

15 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

9 peopleMaximum group size

10 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Chennai, India

Ends

Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India

Highlights

Surrender yourself in the spiritual ambience of Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry

Witness the magnificence of Brihadeshwara Temple - the most celebrated temple of Tanjore

Experience a magical houseboat ride in the popular backwaters of Kumarakom

Climb to the top of the Rockfort temple in Trichy perched on a hilltop

Itinerary

The "Tamil Nadu with Kerala" tour will whisk you away to Tamil Nadu and Kerala - also called the God's own country. A visit to Tamil Nadu offers an enchanting experience, which will leave you awed with its magnificent architecture, rich culture and exotic places. Be it beautiful beaches, magnificent rock-cut temples with marvellous architecture, Tamil Nadu has something to offer for every traveller. This tour traverses through attractions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala that will make your trip - a memorable one. The origin of Tamil Nadu dates back to 6,000 years and was ruled by three dynasties - the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas, prior to the Christian era. Kerala, dating back to 4000 B.C., is believed to be formed by Parashuram, one of the avatars (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. During this tour, gain splendid experiences of the exotic wildlife, lush tea and coffee plantations, dreamy backwaters and lots more. This tour offers an exhilarating experience of Kerala that you will cherish for a lifetime.

day 1 - Arrival at Chennai - Mahabalipuram

On arrival at Chennai airport, our driver will meet you. Today you will be transferred to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a bank of Bay of Bengal. It is renowned for its various stone-carved monuments and ancient temples dating back to 7th & 8th centuries - mainly developed during the reign of Pallava Dynasty (275 CE to 897 CE). On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Duration:1 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

day 2 - Mahabalipuram Sightseeing

Today we will proceed with Mahabalipuram sightseeing tour covering visits to the rock-cut temples and Mandapams (pavilion for public rituals) depicting incidents of the legends, Hindu epics and mythology. Visit the Panch Ratha (chariot-shaped) temples built during the reign of the Pallavas dynasty. These five temples are named after the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi in the great Indian epic Mahabharata. Visit the Arjuna's Penance, a magnificent relief carved out in the mid-17th century that depicts the austerities performed by Arjuna (one of the Pandava brothers) to obtain Lord Shiva’s weapon (Trishul). Next, head to the Shore temple - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - built in the 7th century built by Pallava King Narasimhavarman II depicting the royal grandeur of the Pallavas dynasty. It comprises of three temples - one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other two dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

In morning, you will be taken to Pondicherry. Pondicherry: Pondu, Pondicherry or Pondicherry was under the rule of French till 1954. This is why, it is a considered a French colony in India that showcases colonial heritage with streets dotted with yellow-walled houses and authentic street-side French cafes. This vibrant city - with a spiritual touch, French style architecture, breezy shores and tranquil air - welcomes you with all the love. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, go for Pondicherry sightseeing tour. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville: a universal town where people of all nationalities follow the principle of harmony and peace. Also, visit the Sri Ganesha Temple and Manakula Lord Vinayagar - famous Hindu temples in Pondicherry. Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Pondicherry Sightseeing

Today, go for Pondicherry sightseeing tour. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville: a universal town where people of all nationalities follow the principle of harmony and peace. Also, visit the Sri Ganesha Temple and Manakula Lord Vinayagar - famous Hindu temples in Pondicherry. Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Pondicherry - Thanjavur

In morning, drive to Thanjavur also known as Tanjore. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Thanjavur: Thanjavur was one of the capitals of the Chola dynasty (one of the longest ruling dynasties of South India). It is famous for Tanjore paintings and Bharatanatyam classical dance performances. It has been an important center of religion, art and architecture, silk weaving and most of the Chola dynasty temples are present here. Later, proceed with Thanjavur sightseeing tour with first visit to the Brihadeeshwara Temple - the first ever all Granite temple in the world. This temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built during the Chola Dynasty, that captured Tanjore in 850 A.D, in 1010 AD. The presiding deity here is Nataraja (the dance form of Lord Shiva) and Nandi (Lord Shiva’s vehicle). Striking features about this temple is that it doesn’t cast shadow on the ground at noon and there are musical pillars within the temple that create music when tapped. Next, visit the Thanjavur Palace - official residence of the Bhosle family that ruled Tanjore between 1674-1855. Within the palace, you will see the Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen's courtyard, the Durbar Hall, Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall and don’t miss out the Royal Palace Museum displaying sculptures, weaponry, elephant bells etc. Overnight stay at hotel in Thanjavur.

Duration:5 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Thanjavur - Trichy

After breakfast, drive to Trichy. Trichy: Also called Tiruchirappalli, it is the 4th largest city of Tamil Nadu. This bustling town’s landmark is the Rock Fort temple perched on a hilltop. This city is as old as 3rd century B.C that has been ruled by few most powerful dynasties of South India, namely the Pandyas, Pallavas, Nayak Dynasty and Chola Dynasty etc. Now it is a thriving town popular for silk sarees, artificial stone jewellery, wooden crafts and much more. On reaching Trichy, visit the magnificent Rock Fort temple. Also called Ucchi Pillayar koil, it is a temple built in the 7th century. Visitors reach here barefoot after climbing about 400 steps to capture the mesmerizing views of the city of Trichy and River Cauvery. It comprises of two temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. Below the Rockfort temple, walk through the Chinnar Bazaar, Gandhi Bazaar and side streets. Overnight stay at hotel in Trichy.

Duration:2 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Trichy - Chettinad

In morning, drive to Chettinad. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Chettinad: Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses embellished with marble and Burma teak and comprising of wide courtyards and spacious rooms. Legends has it that their usual walls are polished with a paste made of egg white to give a smooth texture. Witness the glorious mansions of Chettiars and the Chettinad Museum. Overnight stay at hotel in Chettinad.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Chettinad - Madurai

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Madurai: Madurai, located on the banks of River Vargai, is one of the few oldest inhabited cities in India whose origin dates back to 3rd century B.C. This city is more than 2,500 years old located on the banks of the River Vargai. It was once the capital of the Pandavas - five brothers in the great Indian epic “Mahabharata”. On reaching, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, go for Madurai sightseeing tour with first visit to the famous 1000-years old Meenakshi temple where Goddess Meenakshi, form of Goddess Parvati and Sundareshwarar (form of Lord Shiva and consort of Goddess Parvati) are worshipped here. This temple was among the top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th century palace that displays a beautiful fusion of Dravadian and Rajput architecture style built by King Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) as his royal residence. Visit Vandiyur Mariammam Teppakulam - a small water tank that has underground channels with the River Vargai. It has a 2000-years old temple, dedicated to Lord Vigneshwara, in the center. Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.

Duration:2 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Madurai - Periyar

After breakfast at the houseboat, our representative will drive you to Periyar. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Periyar: Periyar is a landscape, set amidst the Western Ghats, in Kerala that entices its visitors with its rich biodiversity and natural vistas. It is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered to be one of the major tiger reserves in India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Periyar is blessed with exotic wildlife and scenic charm. Overnight stay at hotel in Periyar.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Periyar Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the popular Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - a reserve of Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Wild Boars, Tigers, Leopards, etc. It has an around 100-years old artificial water lake where you can sight tigers, baby elephants and couple of other animals in a playful mood. Here you will go for a boat ride (Optional) at the Periyar Lake to capture rich glimpses of wildlife, tea/coffee and spice plantations etc. Overnight stay at hotel in Periyar.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 11 - Periyar - Kumarakom

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Kumarakom: a scenic village located at the bank of the Vembanad Lake. Overnight stay at hotel in Kumarakom.

Duration:4 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 12 - Kumarakom - Alleppey Houseboat

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. Alleppey: Alleppey, also called the 'Venice of the East', is located in the Alapuzzha district of Kerala. This is a place where you can book an overnight houseboat stay and enjoy a relaxing ride and overnight stay floating across the brilliant views of Kerala’s village life, lush green paddy fields and Coconut lagoons. On arrival, board the houseboat. After registering, customers will receive a traditional welcome drink. As your houseboat rides through the backwaters of Alleppey, you will be served lunch, evening snacks with tea/coffee and dinner on the go. The boat will be anchored near a village for the night since cruising is not possible during the night as during this time as the local fishermen put their nets. Overnight stay at the houseboat in Alleppey.

Duration:1.5 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 13 - Alleppey - Marari Beach

After breakfast, drive to Mararikulam: It is a seaside town known for its beautiful beach name Marari Beach or Mararikulam beach. It is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in India. Mararikulam - a sleepy little village, about 11 kms from Alappuzha, is an idyllic place for a holiday. It derives its name from Marari meaning Lord Shiva - which is the presiding deity here. Day free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Mararikulam.

Duration:1 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 14 - Marari Beach

Day will be free at your own leisure activity. Overnight stay at hotel in Marari.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 15 - Marari Beach - Kochi

After breakfast, check-out and drive to Kochi International Airport to board flight back to home.

Duration:1.5 hours

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

14 Nights’ Accommodation as per the mentioned or similar hotelsDaily buffet breakfast at the hotelsAll Meals at Alleppey HouseboatAll transfers from Airports /Railway stations with assistanceTransportation in Air-conditioned Vehicle for all transfers and sightseeingProfessional & well-dressed driver, with excellent driving skills and good knowledge of the routesExperienced English-speaking guides during the sightseeing in Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Trichy and MaduraiSee authentic markets in small villages in ChettinadBoat Ride in Periyar with Entrance FeeSpice Plantation tour at Periyar1 Mineral Water Bottle every dayAll toll, parking, fuel charges and interstate taxesAll applicable taxes and service charges

What's Excluded

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Highlights

Itinerary