Travelpack

Note: Based on a minimum of 2 persons (per person cost)

Highlights: Pondicherry - Kumbakonam - Chettinad - Madurai - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Backwaters - Mararikulam - Cochin

Alternate travel dates: 1 Mar - 30 Apr 2021

Hotels featured or similar:
Pondicherry - Maison Perumal
Kumbakonam - Mantra Koodam
Chettinad - Visalam
Madurai - Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Thekkady - Spice Village
Kumarakom - Coconut Lagoon
Backwater - Jhouseboat
Mararikulam - Marari Beach
Cochin - Eighth Baiston

Itinerary:
Day 01: London Heathrow to Dubai by flight

Day 02: Dubai to Chennai by flight
Chennai to Pondicherry by surface. Arrive at the Chennai Airport and leave for Pondicherry. Stop at Mahabalipuram, a 90-minute drive away, to visit the Shore Temple, a World Heritage Monument. After exploring the rock-cut architecture, have lunch at Radisson Resort Temple Bay. Continue for two hours to Pondicherry and check-in at Maison Perumal. Spend the rest of your evening at the beach.

Day 03: Pondicherry
Begin a guided tour of Pondicherry with Auroville. Founded in 1958, Auroville is a township devised as an experiment in human unity. It now has 50,000 residents of different nationalities and is a must-see for being the only township of its kind in the world. Stay for lunch at the visitor’s center. In the afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Botanical Gardens, churches, and museums. Spend the evening at your leisure, before calling it a night at Maison Perumal.

Day 04: Pondicherry to Kumbakonam by surface
After breakfast, check-out, and drive for Kumbakonam. En route, stop at Cuddalore to visit Fort St. David and the Garden House. Then, proceed to Chidambaram to visit the Shiva Nataraja Temple, one of South India’s most ancient temples. After a further two-hour drive, arrive near Kumbakonam at Mantra Koodam. Check-in. Evening witness Pottery Making: - Try your hand at pottery with our local craftsman. Time: 04 pm – 5.30 pm

Day 05: Kumbakonam
Spend your day at the breathtaking Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram temples, known for housing many art and architectural treasures. Then, head back to Mantra Koodam. Evening proceeds to Silk Weaving House: Experience the timeless technique of 'Pattu' silk weaving is alive and thriving in the hands of these master craftsmen. Advance booking required. Timing 04 – 05 pm.

Day 06: Kumbakonam to Chettinad by surface
Check-out after breakfast and begin your journey towards Chettinad. En-route, stop at Tanjore to visit the spectacular Brihadishwara temple and break for lunch at Hotel Svatma. Continue your drive for a further two-hours and arrive at a warm welcome at Visalam, Chettinad. CULINARY TREATS OF CHETTINAD. Learn how to play with spices. No other cuisine in India manages to blend so many spices with such subtlety into one single dish. The Chettinad cuisine is said to be the most aromatic of all Indian cuisines. The cuisine features unlike other Tamil traditions a great variety of meat and fish and seafood dishes. Duration of cooking session per day: 2 hours

Day 07: Chettinad
Visit the Raja’s Palace, old Chettiar mansions, and clan temples. Shop for handmade tiles at the Athangudi village, learn about the intricate handloom process of saree weaving, purchase souvenirs at the local markets, and take a bullock cart ride or cycle tour. After a day of adventure, wind-down at Visalam.

Day 08: Chettinad to Madurai by surface
After a delicious Visalam breakfast check out from Hotel and drive from Chettinad to Madurai - The city of Madurai was planned and laid out on the pattern of a lotus flower, with the famous Meenakshi Temple in the center. Legend has it, that a drop of nectar (Mathuram) from Lord Shiva’s looks feel here. So, the city came to be known as Madurai- the city of nectar. Upon arrival at Madurai, check-in at Hotel. Later visit Meenakshi Temple – Meenakshi Temple 17thcentury Meenakshi Temple, in the heart of old town, is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Meenakshi. It is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. The high point of the temple is the hall of a "Thousand Pillars" and just outside this hall are the famous musical pillars. Here the iconography makes much use of the lotus, which in Indian symbolism is a representation of the female sex and an emblem of bliss and abode of gods. The Teppakkulam Tank – This tank, 5 km cast of the old city, covers an area almost equal to that of the Meenakshi Temple and is the site of the popular Teppam Festival. for most of the year, however, it is empty save for local kids playing cricket in it. The tank was built by Tirumalai Nayak in 1646 and is connected to the Vaigai River by underground channels. The Tirumala Nayak Palace –The palace building constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style is considered to be an architectural feat. Built-in the 17th Century, the palace has a number of pillars and 15 domes. The beautiful arches are unique in their ornamental workmanship. The sound and light show conducted here depicts the story of Silappathikaram and the life of Tirumala Nayak. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 09: Madurai to Thekkady by surface
Check out from Hotel and leave for Thekkady. Arrive at Thekkady in three-and-a-half hours to crisp mountain air at Spice Village. Participate in a cooking demo with spices and experience a tribal cultural performance. Discover the immense biodiversity within the resort.

Day 10: Thekkady
Go on a morning trek, after breakfast, to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a forest guard. In the afternoon, visit spice plantations. Learn about the abundant flora and fauna of Periyar from our naturalist in the evening

Day 11: Thekkady to Kumarakom by surface
Enjoy a morning drive to Kumarakom. Three-and- a-half- hours later, switch to a boat and arrive on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Disembark straight onto the reception of Coconut Lagoon. Watch a cooking demonstration and traditional cultural performance. Take in unobstructed sunset views as you relax on a hammock by the lake.

Day 12: Kumarakom
Wake up for an energizing session of yoga before breakfast. Then, follow the birdsong on a tour with our naturalist. Return to Coconut Lagoon for a village walk and environmental tour. Spend a lazy afternoon relaxing by the pool. Towards the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise accompanied by a flute performance.

Day 13: Lake Vembanad
Start your day with yoga, once again, and watch a Kalaripayattu session before breakfast. Board a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat in the afternoon, courtesy Spice Coast Cruises. Explore the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey. Dock at 6 in the evening and have dinner on board. Enjoy an overnight stay on your houseboat.

Day 14: Mararikulam
Wake up to breakfast on your houseboat before docking at the Puthenangadi boat jetty. Continue to Mararikulam and check-in at Marari Beach Resort. Spend the rest of your day on the beach.

Day 15: Mararikulam
After breakfast, explore the fishing villages on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. In the afternoon, visit our organic farm from which we source the fresh ingredients that go into our gourmet dishes. Retire for the night at Marari Beach Resort

Day 16: Mararikulam to Cochin by surface
Drive to Fort Cochin after breakfast. Upon arrival, check-in at Eighth Bastion and explore the variety of gourmet cuisines at our different restaurants. Relax at the pool overlooking the harbor and embark on a sunset cruise towards evening.

Day 17: Cochin
After a large breakfast, leave for a full-day tour of Cochin. This tour takes you to all the best-loved sights- the spice markets, Jew Street and Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Catch an art show at our contemporary gallery and café, David Hall. (closed on Monday)

Day 18: Cochin to Dubai by flight & Dubai to London Heathrow by flight.
Transfer to the airport to board flight for London Heathrow via Dubai

Exclusions:
- Visa Fees & Travel Insurance
- Any vehicle on leisure days
- Expenses of personal nature such as soft drinks, liquor, laundry, tips, telephone calls, porterage, visa fees, camera fees, etc
- Anything not mentioned in the above inclusion

Please note
- This is a quotation only and not a confirmation of the arrangements.
- All schedules and ground prices are subject to change
- All the flights and accommodation are subject to availability at the actual time of receiving the go ahead from your end
- Check in and check out timing of the hotels will be according to the timing of the respective hotel
- Complimentary usage of WIFI is as per the respective hotel policy
- Any Hike in Fuel and Indian Government taxes. Cost will be revised and same will be advised well in advance
- Offered special rates will not be applicable on Sold Out Dates, City Event Dates and Black Out Dates.

Offer Includes

Meal Plans