South India Heritage Tour

Arrive Chennai, the gateway of India. On arrival transfer to Mahabalipuram. Day free to relax.

Full day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast drive to Swamimalai enroute visit Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Darasuram and Kumbakonam. Later observe how the traditional crafts such as bronze statue making and pottery are done. Evening Cultural programme. Overnight at Swamimalai Tourism in south India,south India travel agents,south Indian tour operator Heritage Resort.

Activities : Heritage

Visit the Big temple, one of the heritage monument, Palace and Bronze museum. After Lunch drive to Trichy. Visit Rock fort temple and Srirangam. Overnight at Trichy.

Activities : Heritage

Drive to Karaikudi, home to the Nattukottai Chettiars, a properous banking community, who ventured overseas to Ceylon, Burma and Indo-China in the 19th and 20th centuries and amassed great fortunes. Stay at The Bangala a charming 75 year old Chettinad Bungalow belonging to the Meyyappa Chettiar family that has been sensitively restored into a delightful heritage guest house.

Explore the area of Chettinad visiting some of the grand mansions that are an architectural delight. The Chettiars are renowned for their warmth and hospitality and they celebrate many local festivals throughout the year, but the days following the Pongal festival (after the 13th January) when cattle are adorned with garlands and their horns painted in bright colors is a very special time to visit Chettinad.
Overnight at “THE BANGALA” an Heritage House.

Activities : Heritage

Drive to Madurai and check into Taj Garden Retreat. Afternoon visit 1000 pillared Meenakshi temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Museum. Overnight at Taj.

Activities : Heritage

After breakfast proceed to Rameshwaram, the most sacred temple town of India. It is an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama is said to have visited before going into battle of Sri lanka. Legend says that Lord Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a Lingam for worship when he set foot after defeating Ravana. As Hanuman did not return when the auspicious hour was approaching, Sita made a sand Lingam so that worship could be performed in time, which is where the present day Ramanatha Swamy Temple stands close to sea on the eastern side of the island. One of the twelve Jyotirlingam shrines is also well known, for its magnificent corridors and the massive sculptured pillars lining them. Lunch at local restaurant. Return to Madurai for dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

Activities : Heritage

Drive to Kovalam en route visiting Padmanabapuram Teak Palace, the only Teak palace in India. Visit enroute Haripad Subramanian Snake Temples which house 500 snake statues. Overnight at Chowra Beach near Kovalam at Travancore Heritage.

Activities : Heritage

Optional exursion to Suchindram and back. Relax at the Beach. Overnight at Travancore Heritage.

Activities : Heritage

Morning drive to Thottappally and check into your traditional Kettuvallam Houseboat. Travel through the lush green backwaters of Kerala observing the traditional lifestyle of the Keralites. You will see Temples, fishing, people tending their crops and coconut plantations as you drift through the canals. A unique and totally relaxing experience and your crew will serve delicious keralean food on board. Overnight on board the houseboat.

Activities : Heritage

After breakfast drive to Kochi. Visit the Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis’ Church and the spice market. In the afternoon take a harbour cruise to see some of the nearby islands and the legendary Chinese fishing nets. Overnight at the hotel.

Activities : Heritage

After breakfast drive to Cheruthuruthi to visit Kathakali and Mohiniattam dance center. Visit Local potters and weavers. Overnight at the Cheruthuruthi River Retreat a heritage hotel.

Activities : Heritage

Drive to Wyanad. Check into Vythiri Resort surrounded by lush green rainforests. This eco-friendly resort provides the visitors with ample opportunities for bird watching, trekking and an elephant ride at the nearby Muthanga Sanctuary. Overnight stay at Vythiri Resort.

Activities : Trekking

Visit the nearby tribal village, tribal museum. After lunch take a 4-km trek to an awe-inspiring ancient cave, providing an insight to the rich Indian civilization. Overnight stay in Vythiri Resort.

Activities : Trekking

Drive to Mahe. On arrival transfer to Ayisha Manzil, a heritage bungalow located on the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon visit to the fort and mosque. Overnight stay at the bungalow.

Activities : Heritage

Visit the Kerala Traditional Dance centre to witness "Thayum" and 'Kalari Pati'. Overnight stay at the bungalow.

Activities : Heritage

Transfer to Kozhikode Airport to connect flight to Mumbai.

Activities : Heritage