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Heritage Trails & Coastal Bliss: Kerala Backwaters to Tamil Nadu Temples

0/5
Duration

14 Nights/ 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a mesmerizing journey with “Heritage Trails & Coastal Bliss: Kerala Backwaters to Tamil Nadu Temples,” a tour that combines the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters with the spiritual grandeur of Tamil Nadu. Begin in Cochin, where you’ll explore colonial charm and experience traditional Kathakali dance before cruising the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey on a luxurious houseboat. Discover Thekkady’s lush spice plantations and diverse wildlife, then traverse the picturesque landscapes of Munnar and Madurai, renowned for their exquisite temples and historical sites. Continue your journey through Thanjavur’s Chola temples and Rameshwaram’s sacred sites, culminating in a relaxing retreat on Kovalam’s golden beaches. This meticulously crafted tour offers a blend of cultural exploration and coastal relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 46.7%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.7%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 53.5%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 52.1%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.0%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 55.5%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.3%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cochin

Assistance upon arrival at Cochin airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, experience Kathakali, a traditional Kerala dance form, where performers wear elaborate costumes and masks. The dance depicts ancient stories through expressive gestures and vivid makeup. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Cochin - Alleppey (60kms)

After breakfast, visit Fort Cochin, a historical area with a mix of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. Explore St. Francis Church, India's oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Visit the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry, known for its ornate interiors, including hand-painted tiles from China and Belgian chandeliers. Explore the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, famous for its stunning murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a traditional fishing technique unique to Cochin, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle. Later, transfer to Alleppey and board a houseboat to sail through the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush paddy fields and coconut groves. The houseboat is equipped with all modern amenities, including a dining area, bedroom, and sun deck. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 3: Alleppey - Thekkady (160kms)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Thekkady, a scenic journey through the Western Ghats, filled with lush green landscapes and spice plantations. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Martial Arts performance, showcasing the ancient Kalaripayattu techniques, followed by a Kathakali dance show that narrates mythological tales through intricate dance movements. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Thekkady

After breakfast, embark on a Bamboo rafting adventure, crossing the river while surrounded by lush greenery, followed by a nature walk through the dense forests of Periyar, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the serene ambiance. Later, take a guided tour of a spice plantation, where you'll learn about the cultivation of various spices like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee. The aromatic surroundings make this an enriching experience. In the evening, embark on a boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and the endangered lion-tailed macaques. The sanctuary is set around a picturesque lake, offering serene views of the surrounding forests. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Thekkady - Munnar (100kms)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its sprawling tea plantations and mist-covered hills. En route, stop at Ramakkalmedu, a windy hill station with panoramic views of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu. Visit Frog Rock and Turtle Rock, unique rock formations that resemble these animals. See the Kuravan & Kurathi Statue, the tallest twin-statue in Kerala, symbolizing the folklore of a tribal couple. Continue your journey to Munnar and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Munnar

After breakfast, visit Pothamedu, a viewpoint offering spectacular views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations, as well as the rolling hills and lush valleys. Explore Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride and see the dam's serene reservoir reflecting the surrounding hills. Visit Rajamala Hill, the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat found only in this region. Discover Eravikulam National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. Visit the Mattupetty Dairy Farm, a Swiss livestock project known for its high-quality dairy products and well-maintained farm. Stop at Echo Point, where your voice echoes back from the surrounding hills, a fun experience amidst nature. Conclude the day at the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history of tea production in Munnar and see the process of tea-making. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Munnar - Madurai (160kms)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient temples. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, an architectural marvel with towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with thousands of colorful statues. The temple complex is a maze of corridors, sanctums, and sculptures. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, an Indo-Saracenic palace with grand arches, tall pillars, and a vast courtyard. The palace reflects the grandeur of the Nayak dynasty. Visit Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on a hill amidst scenic surroundings. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and religious significance. Visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, known for its rock-cut architecture and spiritual ambiance. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Madurai - Trichy - Thanjavur (190kms)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, with a stop in Trichy to visit its iconic temples. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a vast temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, featuring intricately carved towers and halls. It is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. Climb the Rock Fort Temple, perched atop a massive rock formation offering panoramic views of Trichy. The temple is a blend of religious and historical significance. Visit Jambukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique water-filled sanctum and intricate Dravidian architecture. Continue your drive to Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9: Visit Great Living Chola Temples in Thanjavur, Darasuram & Gangaikondacholapuram (150kms round)

After breakfast, visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I. The temple is renowned for its massive central dome and intricate carvings. Explore Thanjavur Palace and Museum, where you can see a collection of royal artifacts, manuscripts, and exquisite bronze statues from the Chola period. Travel to Darasuram to visit the Airavateshwarar Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture, with intricate sculptures and pillars depicting various deities and mythological stories. Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built by Rajendra Chola I. The temple complex is famous for its grand Nandi Mandapa and the exquisite Alankar Mandapa, showcasing the grandeur of Chola architecture. Return to Thanjavur for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Thanjavur - Rameshwaram (250kms)

After breakfast, drive to Rameshwaram, an island town connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its longest corridor in the world, with over 1,200 intricately carved pillars. Explore Adams Bridge (Ram Setu), a chain of natural limestone shoals that connect India to Sri Lanka, steeped in Hindu mythology and believed to be built by Lord Rama. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari (310kms)

After breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Visit Kanyakumari Temple, dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari, an embodiment of Shakti (power). The temple is situated on the seashore, offering stunning views of the ocean. Explore Padmanabhapuram Palace, a magnificent wooden palace known for its intricate carvings, murals, and traditional Kerala architecture. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, located on a small island off the coast, where Swami Vivekananda meditated. The memorial offers serene surroundings and panoramic views of the sea. Visit Vattakottai Fort, a seaside fort built by the Travancore kingdom, offering scenic views of the coastline and the Western Ghats. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12: Kanyakumari - Kovalam (80kms)

After breakfast, drive to Kovalam, a popular beach destination known for its crescent-shaped shoreline and palm-fringed beaches. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its intricate carvings and immense wealth. The temple's architecture reflects the Dravidian style, and it is one of the richest temples in the world. Explore Attukal Temple, often referred to as the "Sabarimala of Women," famous for its annual Pongala festival, where millions of women participate in a grand offering. Visit the Napier Museum, which houses a collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and ivory carvings, reflecting Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Explore Kuthira Malika (Puthenmalika Palace), a palace built by Swathi Thirunal, the Maharaja of Travancore. The palace is known for its distinctive Travancore-style architecture and the collection of royal artifacts. Take a drive through Kovalam's popular beaches, including Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the Arabian Sea and relax on the golden sands. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13: Kovalam

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to relax on the pristine beaches of Kovalam. You can bask in the sun, take a dip in the sea, or explore the local markets for souvenirs. Engage in personal activities, such as Ayurvedic treatments, yoga sessions, or simply unwind by the pool. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14: Kovalam

After breakfast, continue enjoying your free day at Kovalam Beach. Explore the nearby fishing villages, indulge in seafood delicacies, or participate in water sports like surfing or catamaran rides. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15: Kovalam - Trivandrum Airport (20kms) or Cochin Airport (250kms)

After breakfast, as per your flight schedule, transfer to either Trivandrum Airport or Cochin Airport for your onward journey. Depart with beautiful memories of your Kerala and Tamil Nadu tour.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 13 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight ticket
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

4-Star Hotels
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Thekkady x 2 nights: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden/ The Elephant Court
Munnar x 2 nights: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Thanjavur x 2 nights: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Rameshwaram x 1 night: The Residency Towers
Kanyakumari x 1 night: Sparsa Kanyakumari/ The Seashore Hotel
Kovalam x 3 nights: Estuary Sarovar Portico /Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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