– Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
– Transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary by private air-conditioned motor coach
– Entrance fees to museums and monuments mentioned in the itinerary
– Executive class train journey from Chennai to Mysore
– Custom made traditional Kerala Saris and sari wearing demonstration
– Cooking demonstration and dinner in the private home of an Indian cookbook author and food consultant
– Sunset harbor cruise in Cochin
– Overnight cruise on the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional Kerala style houseboat
– Kathakali dance performance in Co

Itinerary:

Mon 16 Oct: Arrive Chennai:

Namaste! We are welcomed the Traditional Indian way with hands clapped together with garlands and are assisted and transferred to our hotel in Chennai, the cultural capital of South India as well as the state of Tamil Nadu.

Tue 17 Oct: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram

Today we explore the historic towns of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Kanchipuram located on the Palar River is known for its temples and silk saris. Kanchipuram is also called the city of 1000 temples. This city is one of the oldest in South India and boasts spectacular temples.

Later we visit local silk weavers and have some time for shopping. The rest of the evening is free to relax. (B,L,D)

Wed 18 Oct: Chennai

After breakfast, we visit Kalakshetra. After lunch, we visit the famous shopping district in Chennai for a tour. We continue to India’s oldest surviving British church, St. Mary’s Church, built-in 1680. Later we visit the People’s Park, the beautiful Marina Beach, and the clock towers. Later we return to our hotel in time to leave for the famous Southern Spice Restaurant at the Taj Coromandel Hotel in Chennai. We will enjoy traditional South Indian cuisine served with silver service.(B,L,D)

Thur 19 Oct: Chennai – Mysore: Train Journey

After an exotic experience in Chennai, we move forward to the City of Mysore. An early start this day, we leave from our hotel early in the morning to board our Shatabdi Express Train to Mysore. Later in the evening, we visit the 2000 –year old Chamundeswar Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family.

The train journey passes through the beautiful countryside and culminates in Mysore. Mysore, the city of palaces and parks, is one of the few places in India which still breathes the air of medieval country splendor. (B,L,D)

Fri 20 Oct: Mysore

After breakfast, we visit Mysore Palace, one of the largest of its kind in India and one of the most splendid. We next visit Srirangapatnam, the island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. We later visit the Government Silk Weaving Factory, the Multi-Craft Complex, and the Government Shop Cauvery setup by the Karnatka State Handicrafts Development Corporation. (B,L,D)

Sat 21 Oct: Mysore – Belur – Halebid – Hassan

Today we leave for Hassan. We stop in Belur where we visit the Chennakeshava temple, one of the early masterpieces of the Hoysala period. Afternoon excursion to Halebid, visit the Hoysaleshvara temple which dates back to the mid-12th century. We also visit the Kedareshvara temple dating back to the 13th century. (B,L,D)

Sun 22 Oct: Hassan – Bangalore

After an early breakfast, we leave for Bangalore to arrive there by Lunch. On arrival in Bangalore, we check-in at our hotel. After lunch, we take a short tour of the city driving past Vidhana Soudha an imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite and Tipu Sultan’s Palace, now a museum and is one of the most remarkable Islamic buildings in the city.

Bangalore has some of the best places to shop in India and today we will have time to visit some of them. (B,L,D)

Mon 23 Oct: Bangalore – Cochin

After an early breakfast, we are transferred to the airport in time to connect our flight to Cochin. Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain, and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often referred to as the Venice of the East.

In the evening we get dressed in our traditional Kerala-style saris and enjoy an authentic Kerala dinner in the home of our hosts Nimmy and Paul. We will enjoy a cooking demonstration learning the nuances of traditional Kerala recipes and we will be spending our evening in their lovely home and garden. (B,L,D)

Tue 24 Oct: Cochin

Today we visit the oldest European Church in India “St. Francis Church”. We will see winding streets with mosques and 500-year-old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community with ancient roots, a 16th-century Jewish synagogue, and Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Cochin.

In the afternoon we visit the local shopping areas where we can purchase some of the spices and ingredients we learned about with Nimmy and Paul. We end our spectacular day with a Sunset harbour cruise followed by Kathakali Dance Performance and dinner. (B,L,D)

Wed 25 Oct: Cochin – Alleppey – Board Houseboat

After breakfast, we leave for an exciting drive to Alleppy. This beautiful area features enchanting landscapes, a golden stretch of beach, and the Arabian Sea, networked by silvery rivers, natural freshwater lakes, serene lagoons, and majestic palm groves. We board our private traditional Kerala-style houseboat called the Kettuvallom or ‘boat with knots’ because the entire boat is held together with coir knots only – not a single nail is used during the construction. Kettuvalloms were formerly used for the transport of goods like rice, spices, and coir from the isolated villages of the interior to the towns.

This is the best way to experience the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. We will witness the daily routine life of the local inhabitants and can see them washing clothes, and working in the beautiful paddy fields. Our private chef will prepare all the mouth-watering delicacies for us. (B,L,D)

Thurs 26 Oct: Alleppey – Marari

After breakfast, we disembark from our houseboat and leave for Marari beach resort. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, an authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. At Marari, we will unwind and experience the best of Kerala hospitality. Take in Ayurvedic treatments, yoga sessions, visit local villages, take long walks or bike rides or just do nothing on the beach. (B,L,D)

Fri 27 Oct: Marari

Day free for Personal activities. Indulge in various optional activities such as Ayurvedic Treatments, Massage therapies, Yoga, and many more. (B,L,D)

Sat 28 Oct: Marari

Day free for Personal activities. Indulge in various optional activities such as Ayurvedic Treatments, Massage therapies, Yoga, and many more. (B,L,D)

Sun 29 Oct: Marari – Cochin – Chennai: Drive & Flight

Morning is free. In the afternoon we are transferred to the airport in Cochin for our flight to Chennai. On arrival in Chennai, we take our connecting flight back home. (B)