Tour Highlights
Chennai | Mahabalipuram | Pondicherry | Cochin | Kumarakom | Cochin
- Observe the rituals at Sri Meenakshi Temple amidst throngs of pilgrims and the fragrant aroma of incense.
- Take in the breathtaking sight of the Shore Temple during sunset.
- Experience a taste of France in India within the historic colonial precinct of Pondicherry
- Indulge in a delightful dinner followed by a cooking demonstration in Pondicherry
- Immerse yourself in a village stroll, clay pottery, and mat-weaving adventure at Kumarakom
Price Includes
- Accommodation at the mentioned hotels
- Daily breakfast at the hotels
- Monument entrance fee as per the itinerary
- Local experienced English-speaking guide during the city tour
- Bottled water during sightseeing and excursion
Itinerary Details
Day 01 Chennai
International Arrival
Vanakkam and welcome to Chennai.
Touch down India. It’s a different world – just like that, you’re swept away in Magical South India. Our staff members are on hand to seamlessly whisk you to your awaiting vehicle. Our home in Chennai will be the charming Taj Connemara, located in the heart of the city, the art deco once belonged to Nawab (an aristocratic family).
Overnight: Taj Connemara
Chennai
Taj Connemara, Chennai
The Leela Palace Chennai
Itinerary Details
Day 02 Chennai
Evening walking tour of Bazaar. Marketplace in Chennai, where streets teeming with life and spilling over with colour, noise and exuberance. This former Black Town of Madras is now a bustling wholesale market.
Overnight: Taj Connemara
Chennai
Taj Connemara, Chennai
The Leela Palace Chennai
Itinerary Details
Day 03 Chennai
We begin our exploration of Chennai with a visit to Fort St. George. You will also be driven past the High Court, a magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, and along the Marina, the shore drive. Also, stop by the San Thome Cathedral, said to house the remains of St. Thomas.
Next visit the celebrated Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The present structure probably dates back to the 16th century. Following lunch, continue to the Chennai Government Museum to view the Bronze Gallery.
Overnight : Taj Connemara, Chennai
Chennai
Taj Connemara, Chennai
The Leela Palace Chennai
Itinerary Details
Day 04 Chennai – Mahabalipuram
Today we will explore the astonishing Mahabalipuram, home to ancient monuments including the famous Shore Temple and a collection of exceptional rock sculptures.
The importance of this site was acknowledged in 1995, when Mahabalipuram was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.
Overnight : Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram
Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram
Tanjore Svatma Mamallapuram
Itinerary Details
Day 05 Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
Pondicherry also known as ‘Pondy’. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument to French culture in India. Your abode for the next couple of days will be the romantic and stylized Palais de Mahe, a lovely colonial stay which is a tribute to the town’s French legacy.
Overnight : Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry
Pondicherry
Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
Maison Perumal Pondicherry
Itinerary Details
Day 06 Pondicherry
This morning, our adventure will start with a visit to the local bazaar to watch the opening of the day. Enjoy a stroll through the narrow lanes meeting fruit and vegetable vendors, finishing our walk with a cup of authentic meter high filter “kaafi” (Coffee), before we return to our hotel for breakfast.
We will continue our sightseeing adventures with a visit to the seaward side is the long Petit Canal which divides the town so that the French township is on the side facing the sea and the predominantly Indian/Tamil one on the other. Spend some time exploring these two facets of the city.
Follow this with a visit to the Ashram of Shri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and prophet of the twentieth century, who made Pondicherry his home for 40 years. Afternoon, dive into ‘pondi’ culinary history in a Creole cooking class.
Overnight : Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry
Pondicherry
Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
Maison Perumal Pondicherry
Itinerary Details
Day 07 Pondicherry – Chennai – Cochin
Drive to Chennai airport (150km/3.5 hrs) for your flight to Kochi. The journey continues to Cochin.
Overnight : Brunton Boatyard, Cochin
Cochin
Brunton Boatyard
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
Itinerary Details
Day 08 Cochin
Today we will continue to explore Cochin and its historical sights, we will experience the bustle of commerce in and about the city’s godowns (warehouses) and open courtyards heaped with betel nut, ginger, peppercorns and hanks of coir (coconut husks). We will visit Fort Cochin, Albuquerque arrived with half a dozen ships bearing settlers and five friars and built the first European church in India, St. Francis Church. Then stop by the shore, where you will see the large, graceful Chinese fishing nets, probably the single most familiar image of Kerala.
Overnight : Brunton Boatyard, Cochin
Cochin
Brunton Boatyard
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
Itinerary Details
Day 09 Cochin
Explore the Mattancherry, or the two-story Dutch Palace, with its wooden interior decorated with a remarkable series of murals and will spend some time in Jew Town, a fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses, spice auction rooms, and the Synagogue.
Overnight : Brunton Boatyard, Cochin
Cochin
Brunton Boatyard
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
Itinerary Details
Day 10 Cochin – Kumarakom
The next stop on our India journey is Kumarakom, it is a village on Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala, southern India. It’s laced with canals, where houseboats ply the waters.
Overnight : Kumarakom Lake resort, Kumarakom
Kumarakom
Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa
Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa
Itinerary Details
Day 11 Kumarakom
Indulge yourself in village walk, Clay pottery, and mat Weaving experience at Kumarakom Lake resort.
Paid Optional:- Indulge yourself in an Ayurvedic Massage at your hotel. Ayurvedic medicated oils improve circulation, muscle tone and enhances detoxification. (Direct payment)
Overnight : Kumarakom Lake resort, Kumarakom
Kumarakom
Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa
Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa
Itinerary Details
Day 12 Kumarakom – Home
International Departure
It is the last day of our journey to this magical land which draws to a close as we proceed to cochin international airport for your flight home.
Speak to someone who’s been there
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Best time to visit
| Destination | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JULY | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ||
| Agra | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | |
| Delhi | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | |
| Jaipur | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | |
| Delhi | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | |
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