Tamil Nadu and Kerala Tour | Pyala Travel - Travel Program
Travel to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in South India. This individual South India tour can be completely customized upon your wishes with the local India Travel experts from Pyala Travel.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala Tour
private tour
Colourful South India
Travelling from the shores of the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea, you will have a chance to explore UNESCO Heritage sites and ancient temple shrines, experience Tamil culture first-hand and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Western Ghats & Malabar Coast.
from 925,-
14 days
Tabs
Day 1 ARRIVAL CHENNAI TO MAMALLAPURAM
On arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative at the Chennai airport follows your drive to the sprawling, laidback beaches of Mamallapuram. You will drive along the scenic East Coast Road for two hours to reach this scenic fishing village. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2 MAMALLAPURAM
Today morning enjoy Cycle tour to explore the Seventh and eighth-century reliefs, rock temples, cave temples and "chariot" temples carved into the golden stone of the Coromandel Coast have made Mahabalipuram an astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pallavas, one of Tamil Nadu's three great dynasties, dominated from the eighth to the eleventh century, building a thriving port here and growing rich on the lucrative trade with Southeast Asia. The town has a wonderful Shore Temple to Vishnu, built by the grateful merchants, as well as rock temples, over a dozen cave temples, constructed stone temples and some fine bas-reliefs - including the world's largest, the Penance of Arjuna. Overnight in Mamallapuram.
Day 3 MAMALLAPURAM - KUMBAKONAM VIA PONDICHERRY
Rise early to start the day with a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel. Soon after, depart to the famous “the city of dawn” known as Aurobindo Ashram. The Ashram is emblematic in promoting Shri Aurobindo ideas to bring about a fusion of Yoga and modern science, thereby perfectly merging spirit and further proceed to visit the Kumbakonam temples . Over Night in Kumbakonam
Day 4 KUMBAKONAM - KARAIKUDI VIA TANJORE
Today you will drive to Tanjore , Visit Brihadeshvara Temple - This magnificent temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions which depict temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths and astrologers who lived there. Enter the pavilion in the main courtyard to view the shining black Nandi statue, one of the largest in India, and weighing an astonishing 25 tons. Continue your trip to Karaikudi. Overnight in Karaikudi
Day 5 KARAIKUDI - MADURAI
Morning explore the Karaikudi, a major town from the Chettinad region, which is famous for its heritage and traditions. The palatial mansions with their rare architecture make chettinad a place of rare charm, and a must-visit destination. Karikudi is also known for its cuisine. Visits to the Athangudi Tiles Factory, Basket making and Tanjore Painting and also visit to the sari-weaving center (Hand Weaving) at Kanadukathan. Later drive to Madurai – the old city of Tamilnadu. The name Madurai reminds the city of the legend that a drop of sweet nectar from the hair of the god Shiva fell to earth here. ‘Madhuram’ means ‘sweet’ in Sanskrit. On arrival check in to hotel and rest of the day free for own activities. (Overnight stay in Madurai)
Day 6 MADURAI
You will wander the tailors markets and bazaars before visiting the Sri Meenakshi Temple, which lies at the heart of the city. Still active today, this ancient temple is a maze of lamp-lit corridors. The corridors lead to shrines where mysterious rituals take place. Something is always happening here – ceremonies, musicians playing, weddings, prostrating pilgrims, festivals – making it a compelling place to spend time and enjoy temple life. The temple is the geographic and ritual center of the ancient city of Madurai and divided into a number of concentric quadrangular enclosures contained by high masonry walls. It is one of the few temples in Tamil Nadu to have four entrances facing four directions. This temple has four towers each intricately decorated with thousands of colored figures. You could spend hours examining each tower. The northern tower is more bare, so as not to tempt the demons. There are eight more towers and a hall with a thousand decorated pillars. Our next stop is ThirumalaiNayak Palace of India is an example of architectural grandeur and was built by King ThirumalaiNayak in 1636 AD. The palace was designed by an Italian Architect and served as the residence of the King. Today, the palace is famous for its courtyard and the dancing hall. The paintings and sculptures in the shrine are fascinating. Afternoon take a rickshaw tour to explore colorful Madurai. Actually this city is without a doubt the most spectacular city in Tamil Nadu. Through this tour you are going to explore banana market, cotton weaving industry, vegetable markets and Gandhi Museum. Overnight in Madurai
Day 7 MADURAI – PERIYAR (THEKKADY)
Depart from Hotel and drive to Periyar, The evocative name of the Cardamom Hills is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a reserve on the Kerala/Tamil Nadu border which is surrounded by tea and spice plantations. Lush forest, with a vast lake at its heart, is home to many indigenous animals. Afternoon Get to meet Indian kerala family, Learn to cook gourmet Keralan dishes and push the boundaries of your culinary skills. Overnight in Periyar
Day 8 PERIYAR
Rise early to board a small boat for the chance to cruise the lake at the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. From the tranquillity of the lake, enjoy the lush scenery all around you and keep a look out for animals that may come down to the water's edge – maybe a family of elephants, scurrying Wild Boar or the magnificent Sambar Deer. Return hotel for Breakfast . Afternoon visit spice plantations, the Cardamom Hills are the ideal location to explore a garden where spices and other aromatic plants are grown . Overnight in Thekkady
Dag 9 PERIYAR - COCHIN
You’ll then proceed to the destination of the day, Cochin - European influences are instantly apparent in this charming town picturesquely located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. Relax and unwind. In the evening, the epic Ramayana comes to life at a Kathakali performance, traditional Keralan dance, where the characters use larger than life gestures, wear outrageous costumes and dramatic make up. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 10 COCHIN
Meander through the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin where the various European influences are most apparent with merchant houses and old warehouses cramming the waterfront and narrow streets. Starting with the huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters like over-sized hammocks the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried and pass by the finest Santa cruz Basilica. Take a tuktuk – the most popular mode of transport among the localities, go along with your local tour and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), once throbbing with activity, it is now a picture of slow extinction. Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery. Arrive at the Fruit market on Palace road where locals get a variety of fresh and organic produces at bargains prices. Don’t miss a stop at the Spice Market, where exotic odors of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper emanate from the spice warehouses lining the street. Visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and finally stop at the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century. Overnight in Cochin Please note: Dutch palace and Synagogue will be closed on Friday and Saturday.
Day 11 COCHIN - ALLEPPEY
After Breakfast depart from hotel and drive through the beautiful landscape to reach the land of backwaters . Experience the daily lives of the locals from the decks of a house boat. Pass women washing their clothes in the river and farmers bathing their buffalo; watch as fishermen and vegetable sellers go from house to house by boat selling their wares; pass villagers standing up to their necks in water gossiping with their neighbour. Enjoy tasty local meals as the boat drifts along and watch as the sun sets over the ever-changing scenery before retiring to your cabin to be lulled to sleep by the gently lapping water (Overnight onboard House Boat) (Full board basis).
Day 12 ALLEPPEY - MARARI
Disembark from Houseboat drive to Marari,The picturesque fishermen’s village of Mararikulam and check into your resort. Tucked away inside quiet and lush coconut groves the resorts set by the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari offer you unparalleled quite in astoundingly beautiful settings. Day is leisure on the beach resort. Overnight at the resort
Day 13 MARARI
Relax on the white sands of Marari. Take a dip in the sea, take a walk on the beach, read a book by the pool or go in search of the fishing villages. No transport services
Day 14 DEPARTURE MARARI
After breakfast it's time for farewells to your Driver and a wistful wave goodbye to Southindia. You will dropped at Cochin airport to connect your onward flight
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