SOUTH INDIA LUXURY TOUR - 10 DAYS
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Day 01 : Arrive Cochin
On arrival at Cochin International airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the Taj Malabar Hotel (Sea View Heritage Wing).

Day 02 : Cochin
This morning, we start our city tour of Cochin, visiting the Mattancherry Palace, built by Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Cochin Raja (King) Verra Kerala Varma as a gesture of goodwill. The Dutch substantially renovated it after 1663. Hence it is also called the Dutch Palace. St. Francis Church, this is India’s oldest European-built church. Vasco de Gama the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Cochin 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remain were transferred to Lisbon in Portugal. His tombstone still stands at the original site. The Jewish Synagogue was constructed in 1568; this is the oldest synagogue in the region. Here we walk around the Jewish street to do some shopping of antiques and coir made stuff. Also visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, showing the traditional methods of sea fishing and the spice markets, a rich-trading center in medieval times. This evening, we will go for a Kathakali Dance performance, incorporating elements of yoga and mythology. Dinner at the Brunton Boatyard. B D

Note: The Mattancherry Palace remains closed on Fridays & Jewish Synagogue remains closed on Saturdays.

Day 03 : Cochin - Periyar ( By road - 5 hours drive )
After breakfast, you will be driven to Periyar. Arrive and check in to the Spice Village (Deluxe room). Afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar. Dinner at the hotel. B D

Day 04 : Periyar - Mararikulam ( By road - 5 hours drive )
After breakfast, you will be driven to Mararikulam. Arrive and check into the Marari Beach Resort (Pool Villa). Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago- with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living via the daily catch. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory, where you can experience the local charm and traditional Kerala hospitality at its best. Dinner at the hotel. B D

Day 05 : Mararikulam - Alleppey ( By road - half an hour drive) Alleppey - Kumarakom ( By boat - 3 hours )
After breakfast, you will be driven to Alleppey. Embark House Boat from Alleppey and leave for Kumarakom, a leisure cruise in the canal by bamboo poles, sail through the lagoon with favorable wind, enjoy the scenic beauty of colorful villages. This is a unique opportunity to leisurely explore the beauty of the Kerala backwaters. The backwaters are a network of lakes, coconut shaded canals and estuaries – tiled and thatched cottages bright with hibiscus dot the embankments. Witness local life with children swimming and playing in the water, women attending to their daily chores and men fishing from their canoes. Disembark at Kumarakom and check in to the Coconut Lagoon (Pool Villa). Dinner at the hotel. B D

Day 06 : Kumarakom / Trivandrum ( By road - 5 hours drive )
After breakfast, you will be driven to Trivandrum. On arrival, check in to the Surya Samudra Resort (Garden Bungalow). Dinner at the hotel. B D

Day 07 : Trivandrum
Morning, visit the Napier Musuem which has a good collection of bronzes, historical and contemporary ornamented temple carts, ivory carvings and life size figures of Kathkali dancers in full regalia. Visit the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, where you can find the display the paintings of the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools, together with works from China, Tibet, Japan and Bali. There are also many modern Indian paintings. Visit the Kuthiramalika (Wooden Royal Castle), adjacent to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at East Fort in Trivandrum. Kuthiramalika, which means Horse Bungalow takes its name from the roof beams which are carved to resemble the faces of horses. It has on display ornaments, personal effects and weapons of the former Kings the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. It is a true specimen of Kerala’s classical architecture. The palace with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs is itself a piece of heritage. If time permits, visit the Vegetable & flower Market and the SMSM Handicraft Govt. Emporium. Also visit the local Handicraft village. After sightseeing, return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. B D

Note: The Museum and Palace remain closed on Mondays.

Day 08 : Trivandrum / Chennai ( By flight IC 932 -1540 hrs / 1650 hrs, except on Friday)
Morning will be at leisure. Afternoon, the representative will assist you for transfer to the airport to fly to Chennai. On arrival, check in to the Taj Coromandal (Taj Club room). Later, visit the Parathasarathy Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Kapaleeshwara Temple. Dinner with Cultural program at the Rain Tree restaurant of Taj Connemara Hotel. B D

Day 09 : Chennai
This morning, you will do an excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. En route stop at Dakshin Chitra. We drive to Kanchipuram, also known as Siva Vishnu Kanchi is one of the 7 holiest Hindu cities and famous for its spectacular temple. Many of the temples are the work of the later Cholas and of the Vijayanagar kings. These are spread out all across the city. Kanchipuram is also famous for hand woven silk fabrics. This industry originated in Pallavas times, when weavers were employed to produce clothing and fabrics for kings. Lunch at the Fisherman’s Cove. Mahabalipuram world famous shore temples. This was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram, the first Tamil dynasty of any real consequence to emerge after the fall of the Gupta dynasty. The shore temples, built between 5TH AND 8TH centuries AD, in particular strikes a very romantic theme and are some of the most photographed monuments in India. The sculpture here is particularly interesting because it shows scenes from every day life. After sightseeing, return to Chennai. Dinner at the hotel. B L D

Day 10 : Chennai Departure
After breakfast, visit the Kalakshetra or Temple of Art, it was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale to train, encourage and revive interest in Bharatanatyam, which is the classical dance form of the state. This institution is among the finest of its kind in the country and is run on the ancient gurukulam system. Tour the city, visiting the Fort St. George, built in 1653 by the British East India Company. The fort presently houses the secretariat and the legislative assembly. We also visit St. Mary’s Church built in 1678-80, which was the first English church and the oldest surviving British construction in India. The Fort Museum has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the days of the East India Company and the British Raj. Dinner at the hotel. Late evening, the representative will assist you for transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward journey. B D

Note: The Fort Museum is closed on Mondays.

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