Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival / Chennai
Chennai
The capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The Tamillians are the proud inheritors of a rich cultural heritage, which is one of the main reasons for their beliefs of superiority over the hybridized culture of North India. Fort St. George (1653), built by the British, presently houses the State secretariat and the legislative assembly. The Fort has an interesting museum with fascinating collections of memorabilia from the early days of the British Raj. St. Mary’s Church (1678-80), was the first English church and the oldest surviving in India. The High court building, built of red sandstone has an interesting archaeological section and a bronze gallery. The former has an interesting collection of all major and ancient south Indian dynasties. The bronze section has interesting collections of Chola (9th century) bronze art. The High Court, built in Indo-Sracenic style is supposed to be the largest judicial building in the world after the Court Of England. The Kapaleshwar temple is an ancient Shiva temple in typical Dravidian (south Indian) style. Near the temple, the San Thome Cathedral (originally built in 1504), is a Roman Catholic Church believed to have the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Mid-morning arrival. Meet and greet upon arrival and transfer to hotel.
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi Devo Bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Afternoon, tour the highlights of Chennai - the capital city of Tamil Nadu. The tour includes visits to Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, The High Court building and the incredible museum in it.
Overnight in Radisson Blu Hotel, Chennai (Superior Room)
Day 2 : Chennai / Madurai ( SG 611 - 1000/1055 Hrs.)
Tirumala Nayak Palace
A gracious building in the Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple.
Full day tour of Madurai visiting Meenakshi Temple and the Tirumala Nayak Palace. Evening witness the bed chamber ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight at Heritage Madurai (Deluxe Club Room)
Day 3 : Madurai / Periyar (Private Drive)
we will visit spice plantation
The spice plantation in Periyar is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. A prime attraction of this beautiful land is a sprawling tea estates which cover much of the landscape of Periyar. There are various kinds of spices cultivated in Periyar. The most abundantly found spice here is pepper. However, there is a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves on the slanting slopes.
Here, we have the option for nature walks, bird watching, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air while exploring this beautiful heaven in Periyar.
we experience a unique time with elephants
This two hour tour offers you the chance to experience the idyllic natural beauty of Thekkady and getting up close and personal with Kerala’s iconic elephants. Start off on elephant back for a marvelous trek through the nearby forest, a beautiful & very exotic experience for your memories of Thekkady. You get quality time with the elephants, starting with a ride through the jungle & ending in the river where you can bathe them. Your adventure includes witnessing elephants timber dragging and, hand feeding of these wonderful animals. After a genuinely thrilling experience you will be served a refreshing cup of a Tea or Coffee.
Morning, we will drive to Periyar.
Upon arrival in Periyar check into your hotel.
After rest and relaxation, we will visit spice plantation.
Later, we experience a unique time with elephants.
Overnight at Poetree Sarovar Portico (Club Room)
Day 4 : Periyar / Alleppey / Houseboat (Private Drive)
Morning, we ride to Alleppey.
Afternoon, spend the day cruising the backwaters and witnessing the traditional lives on the banks.
Overnight at Lakes & Lagoon AC Deluxe Houseboat
Day 5 : Houseboat / Kumarakom
Following breakfast, disembark at your delightful hotel in Kumarakom.
The day is at leisure to take in the natural beauty of the place, walk to local villages, undertake Ayurvedic SPAs etc.
Overnight at Park Regis Aveda Kumarakom (Lakeview Premium Terrace Room)
