Travelpack

Highlights: Pondicherry - Kumbakonam - Chettinad - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Mararikulam

Introduction: Journey through some of the most fascinating and culturally rich destinations in southern India. This tour takes visitors on a journey from the charming French colonial city of Pondicherry, to the ancient temple town of Kumbakonam, the rural villages of Chettinad, the lush forests of Thekkady, and the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. The tour concludes with a relaxing stay in Mararikulam beach, where visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of Kerala. Throughout the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique culture and traditions of southern India, sample delicious local cuisine, attend cultural events and performances, and visit historic landmarks and temples. They will also get to explore the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom on a relaxing houseboat tour, and to experience the beauty of the lush forests and rolling hills of Thekkady. Whether you're interested in history, culture, cuisine, or simply want to experience the laid-back lifestyle of southern India, the "Discovering the Charms of Southern India" tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and diverse landscapes of this fascinating region.

Hotel Featured or similar
Pondicherry - Maison Perumal
Kumbakonam - Mantra Koodam
Chettinad - Visalam
Thekkady - Spice Village
Kumarakom - Coconut Lagoon
Alleppey - Houseboat
Mararikulam - Marari Beach resort
Cochin - Casino

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Chennai
Chennai - Pondicherry
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 2: 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 centre. 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 3: Pondicherry To Kumbakonam
After breakfast, check-out and embark 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 and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 4: 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 to experience the many available activities from bullock-cart rides to Bharatanatyam.

Day 5: Kumbakonam To Chettinad
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 to a warm welcome at Visalam, Chettinad.

Day 6: 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 7: Chettinad To Thekkady
After a delicious Visalam breakfast, leave for Thekkady. Stop briefly at Madurai to visit towering gopurams at Sree Meenakshi Temple and have lunch at Hotel Heritage. 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 8: 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, before settling down for dinner.

Day 9: Thekkady To Kumarakom
Enjoy a morning drive to Kumarakom. Three-and- a-half- hourslater, 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 10: Kumarakom
Wake up for an energising 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: MararikulamTo Fort Cochin
Drive to Fort Cochin after breakfast. Upon arrival, check-in at Brunton Boatyard and explore the variety of gourmet cuisines at our different restaurants. Relax at the pool overlooking the harbour and embark on a sunset cruise towards evening.

Day 15: Fort 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. Enjoy dinner in the warmth of Brunton Boatyard’s Armory Café.

Day 16: Your Journey Home
Breakfast and transfer to the airport, and begin to plan your next holiday with us.

Offer Includes

Meal Plans