India’s Great Divide is the Vindhya Mountains. They run from east to west, separating the fertile river valley of the Ganges called the Ganga, from the Deccan Plateau which occupies much of the peninsula of India. It also separates the north, where the predominant languages are Sanskrit – based (brought in by the Indo Iranian herds people about 3,500 years ago), from the Dravidian tongues brought in by a long headed race from the Mediterranean about a thousand years earlier. The South India’s coastal plains are backed by the mountains rimming the wedge of the Deccan plateau. On these plains lie the best beaches in South India. On the rimming mountains, the western and eastern ghats are the tea, coffee and spice lands. Beyond these mountains, in the wedge shaped plateau, are great old cities supported by rich farm lands and a culture that has its roots in the almost historical Kumari Continent from where, they claim, civilization spread across the world. The south is gracious, graceful, Old India.

The delightful south; almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other regions of the country.

15 Nights / 16 days South India Spice Tour Destinations Covered: Cochin – Kumarakom – Munnar – Vandenmedu – Kailasam – Periyar – Madurai – Chennai

Day – 01
Cochin

On Arrival Traditional Welcome & Transfer To Hotel. Overnight At Hotel.

Day – 02
Cochin

B/Fast. Full day tour around Cochin, visiting Mattancherry Palace, Fort Cochin, Jewish Synagogue, Bolgatty palace, St. Francis Church. View the operation of the Chinese Fishing nets.
Evening visit to Cochin Cultural centre for a Kathakalli Opera show. Overnight at Hotel.

Day – 03
Alleppey – Kumarakom

B/Fast. Drive to Alleppey and embark on to your houseboat. Cruise in the backwaters traversing the narrow canals, viewing the village life of Kerala. Evening the boat will anchor on the vembunad Lake. Overnight on board the houseboat.

Day – 04
Kumarakom

B/Fast. Day free at Kumarakom. Optionally enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage. Overngiht at hotel.

Day – 05
Kumarakom – Munnar

B/Fast. Depart Kumarakom for Munnar. Arrive and check-in Hotel in Munnar. Afternoon visit to Pullivasal Falls. Overnight at hotel.

Day – 06
Munnar

B/Fast. Visit to Eravikulam National Park (you can optionally trek uphill). Then visit to Mattupatti Dam, Swiss Farm, Echo Point, etc. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day – 07
Munnar – Vandenmedu (Periyar)

B/Fast. Drive from Munnar to Vandanmedu or Periyar. Afternoon visit to Spice Plantation. Overnight at hotel.

Day – 08
Vandenmedu

B/Fast. Visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by a boat safari. Optionally trek in the forest area. Overnight at Hotel.

Day – 09
Periyar – Madurai

B/Fast. Depart Periyar for Madurai. Arrive and check-in Hotel. Afternoon visit to Meenakshi Amman temple which is an excellent example of South India Temple Architecture. Also visit to Alagar Kovil and evening visit to Naicker Mahal Palace. Overnight at hotel.

Day – 10
Madurai – Tanjavur

B/Fast. Depart Madurai for Tanjavur. Arrive and check-in Hotel. Visit the Big Temple or Brigadeeswarar temple. Also visit the Palace. Overnight at hotel.

Day – 11
Tanjavur – Darasuram – Chidambaram – Pondicherry

Drive from Tanjavur to Darasuram, visit the temple of Aikateswarar, then drive to Chidambaram, visit to Sri Nataraja Temple. Drive on to Pondicherry. Overnight at hotel.

Day – 12
Pondicherry – Mamallapuram

B/fast. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, visit to the French colonial town, then visit to the beach and then to Auroville. Drive on to Mamallapuram via Gingee the stronghold of Marathas in the south. Reach Mamallapuram in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day – 13
Mamallapuram

Visit to the shore temples, Pallava Ratham, the Arjunas penance and other temples in the town. Also visit the nearby town of Tirukazhukunram. Afternoon free for beach activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day – 14
Mamallapuram – Kancheepuram – Chennai

Drive from Mamallapuram to Kancheepuram. Visit the temples of this heritage town. Proceed on to Chennai. Overnight at hotel.

Day – 15
Chennai

City tour of Chennai, visiting Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Marina beach, santhome Basilica, Kapaliswarar temple, museums etc. Evening is free for shopping.

Day – 16
Chennai – Departure

Drop at the airport. Depart Chennai for your destinatio