The Experience

A fascinating journey through India's tropical south, do

experience the diversity in scenery, architecture, culture
and most importantly the people.
Kerala is a tropical bliss with an idyllic coastline and lush
tropical hills. Despite its relative riches, the majority of the
population in Kerala life continue with agriculture, tea,
coffee and spice plantations and the coir industry, which
still provides the basic economic structure of the region.
Tamil Nadu the most leading feature is the prevalence of
Hinduism, which has given rise to a unique style of temple
architecture found in this state alone. The most
magnificent is the great temple in Madurai. This temple is
not only a spectacular architectural feat, but still provides
the focus for daily life.

Trip Duration 14 days

Grade Cuisine, Heritage & Cultural Tour
Accommodation: 13 nights hotel stays

Trip highlights

Colonial Cochin and Pondicherry

Auroville visit
Enchanting backwaters
Plantation Estate accommodation
Local and Rural visits
Dravidian architecture
Cooking demonstration
Traditional South Indian cuisine
Chef Dinner restaurant
Bamboo Rafting in the Periyar National Park
Hills & Plantations

TOUR ITINERARY
Day 01 : Arrive Cochin.
On arrival at Cochin airport, meet our representative and
transfer to hotel. Cochin - the Queen of Arabian Sea,
undoubtedly the Commercial hub of Kerala, where ancient
civilization gracefully mingles with the modern life. Enjoy the rest
of the day at leisure in the streets of the colonial Fort Kochi.
Tonight Join Mariamma Jose (President of one of the largest
Christian organisation in Cochin) for a Demonstration of
Christian Kerala cuisine at her demo kitchen at home,
following by a Dinner. This is a great opportunity to share
thoughts, culture or simply discuss about the life of a Keralite
Overnight at the hotel. (Dinner)

Day 02 : Cochin
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will Experience Real life of
Cochin during an Ethnic tour start with the visit of the
famous Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge
cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters
like over-sized hammocks have become a hallmark that
represents Fort Kochi on every postcard... Next visit is at the St.
Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built
in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was
originally buried and the Santa cruz Basilica, one of the finest
and imposing churches in India. Then take a tuk tuk the most
popular mode of transport among the localities Go along with
your local tour and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station),
once throbbing with activity, it is now a picture of slow
extinction. Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery,
and arrive at the Fruit market on Palace road where locals get
a variety of fresh and organic produces at bargains prices. Dont
miss a stop at the Spice Market, where exotic odour of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper emanate from the
spice warehouses lining the street and fills it. Make a pause with a refreshing tea at one of the tea shops where you get the one
meter tea. There is now an opportunity to interact with a Brahmin Family. The Brahmin are the highest of the four Hindu castes,
made up of priests and scholars of Vedic literature and their traditional occupation is to conduct rites at marriages, births, deaths and
other auspicious occasions. Then you will be invite to getting squiggly lines drawn on your hands... This ritual called Mehndi arts
holds plenty of cultural significance in Indian traditions and is one of the most important pre-wedding ceremonies in their marriages.
Later visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and finally the Dutch Palace with its
beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century.
Dinner at The Fort Kochi - a renowned Seafood restaurant Described by a famous food critic writer as one of the most
renowned seafood restaurants in India. Here, you pick from an array of king prawns, lobster, squid, mussels, salmon,
mackerel, shark and more ; practically straight off Cochins famous fishing nets. Overnight at the hotel. (Half-board)

Day 03 :

Cochin - Houseboat (70 Km / 2 hrs)

By Midday proceed to the Houseboat for your Backwaters

cruise. These boats are a reworked version of kettuvallams of
olden times and made out of huge planks of Jack wood, joined
with coir from Coconut shells.These original kettuvallams were
once used to carry tons of rice and spices. They are today
converted into comfortable floating accommodation offering
enchanting cruises through the backwaters. Cruise through the
palm fringed canals enjoying the beauty of rural village life.
You will be offered to accompany the Chef on a visit to the
direction a local food market to buy all the ingredients for
your sumptuous Keralan meals served on board. The trip
continues through a wonderful area of the lush green
vegetation of Kerala backwaters. En route enjoy a country
canoe ride there is no better way of taking a closer look at
the life and activities on the backwaters.
Dinner
&
overnight on board the Houseboat. (Lunch & Dinner)

Day 04 :

Houseboat Alleppey

Breakfast on board, disembark and drive to Alleppey town to join The Preserve Alleppey project, created by the Lions Ladies Club
of Alleppey in 2000. Your journey will start with a presentation of the town history and later you will be driving and walking through
the Gujarati quarter, the canal banks and an old wholesale market with a local guide.A Kerala lunch will be served in one of the
members' homes, which will grant you an opportunity to visit a home, meet with the residents and to learn about locals ways of life.
Check-in your hotel and rest of the day at leisure in your hotel to enjoy resort activities. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast &
Lunch)

Day 05 : Alleppey - Thekkady (160 Km / 4.5 hrs)

After your breakfast at the hotel, drive up hill to
Manjappally Plantation Bungalow. Situated mid way
between Alleppy and Kottayam, this 125 year old heritage
property is nestled among the rolling plantations of
Kanjirapally. Visit the plantations spread around the
Bungalow and later on sample the best of authentic
Kerala cooking, as made in traditional Syrian Christian
homes. Then continue to Thekkady - Periyar Wildlife
Reserve. This sanctuary is an established tourist spot and
home to elephants, tiger, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur
etc. with unending Chains of hills and spice-scented
plantations. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Later, go on a
spice plantation tour where you can touch, smell and
taste almost all the spices seen worldwide. Due to its
location in the lower mountains around 1000 meters above
sea level, Periyar is blessed with numerous types of spices.
Later enjoy a stroll through the spice Markets of Kumily.
Overnight stay at the hotel. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 06 :

Thekkady

After an early breakfast, go on a full day Bamboo rafting - a community based initiative including the tribal community. This
excursion takes the participants into the remote areas of the Periyar National park through a two hour trek and a peaceful and
relaxing bamboo rafting. This is a very good opportunity to experience the Flora and Fauna of the region. Rest of the day free to

explore the resort activities Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast & Picnic Lunch)

Day 07:

Thekkady - Rajakkad Estate (133 Km / 4hrs)

Proceed on to Rajakkad Estate. Enroute stop at Harvest

Fresh Farm. After short 15 minute drive down the windward
side of Kumily, the farm is located at Lower Camp, in
communion with pristine nature yet close to small towns and the
famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. A charming Bullock-Cart ride
takes the visitor to the organic farm that grows pomegranates
as it chief harvest along with papaya, grapes and an apiary that
produces the finest honey. Later on proceed onto check-in at
Rajakkad Estate bungalow followed by a lunch. This Heritage
property, nestled in the lush forests and the coffee estates of the
Palani Hills, offer number of activities. Accompanied by an estate
guide, walk up the river through rocky gorges; visits the nearby
coffee plantations and the surrounding hills with waterfalls, etc...

Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Lunch & Dinner)

Day 08:

Rajakkad estate Chettinadu (160 Km / 4.5hrs)

After your breakfast, drive down to the plains to the unique area of Tamil Nadu known as Chettinadu. Arrive and check-in at the
hotel. Experience every nuance of the Chettiar's lavish lifestlyle in a heritage stay that is true to the tradition. Welcome to the
Bangala. Every meal here is an elaborate affair running into several courses resembling a typical chettinad wedding feast. With a
generous dose of pepper and not chilli, making it spicy but not hot. The spicing is subtle and its secret is the "instinctive hand" of the
"Achi",(The host) dumping a handful of this and a pinch of that in the masala leading the taste buds on a journey of intrigue and
delight. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 09 : Chettinadu
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning proceed on Heritage tour
of the region with a local guide. Explore the the elaborately
decorated and unique feature of the Chettinad mansions. Visit
the Chettinad Palace, built for the royal Alagappa Chettiar in
1912. Stained glass, teak, tiles, granite and wrought iron work
truly makes the Chettinad Palace a work of art. And continue on
the visits with some of the surroundings Chettinad Temples.
See the local market, see how murukku (a local snack) is made
by the families for commercially and also the weaving center.
Enjoy a tender coconut offered by your story teller.. Rest of the
day free to interact with the host or to do some antiques
shopping. Tonight you will have a cooking demonstration and
a dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast &

Dinner)

Day 10:

Chettinadu Pondicherry (300 Km / 6hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check-in

at the hotel. Settled by the French in the 18th century,
Pondicherry retains a quiet colonial atmosphere with wide shady
streets lined with colorful stucco houses. An ongoing French
presence in the town means that many local dishes are subtly
fused with French ingredients and techniques. Early evening take
a stroll through the French boulevard with our Storyteller.
Through reminiscence of almost a century old European
occupation, walk through the white town (as the French quarters
is popularly known as) while our Storyteller relates the history
with what you see around. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 11:

Pondicherry

In morning after your breakfast take a visit to Auroville and understand the unique community living here based on universal
harmony. You will be taken through the visitors center and a few of the auroville units which innovatively works on paper, textile,
bamboo and stones among others. Enjoy Lunch at Solar kitchen - the community Kitchen for the inmates. See the Matri
mandir (the meditation centre) from outside. Rest of the day free to visit the eclectic range of restaurants, ranging from traditional
vegetarian to fusion 'Pondicherry cuisine". Don't forget to visit Baker's Street, a bakery run by a French man who sells the most
delicious cheese baguettes, quiches and freshly baked bread, as well as clairs and fruit tarts. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast &
Lunch)

Day 12:

Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram (123 Km / 3 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Your next stop is the small seaside town
of Mahabalipuram, the port for the Pallava kings in the 5th to
8th centuries. Along the shore lies a stunning series of
temples and sculptures, carved from the living rock 1,200
years ago. Unlike many Hindu temples, the rocks show scenes
of everyday life. Check-in in your hotel and later in the
afternoon visit the stunning Shore temple set at the edge of
the waves features an altar to the god Siva that is lit by the
rising and setting sun. Later on explore the Rock cut caves.
Mahabalipuram has become a centre for stone carvers, and
hundreds ply their trade in the streets and alleys of the old
town. You may opt for a dinner at one of the beachside
restaurants. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 13 Mahabalipuram
Enjoy a day at leisure at your Beach resort. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 14 Mahabalipuram - Chennai (60 Km / 2 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and transfer to Chennai International airport to connect your flight back home.
En route an orientation tour of Chennai IF TIME PERMITS. (Breakfast)

Hotels Envisaged:

Dates

Destinations

Deluxe

Superior

Day 01

Cochin

Eighth Bastion

Killians

Day 02

Cochin

Day 03

Backwaters

House boat

Houseboat

Day 04

Alleppey

Purity

Citrus

Day 05

Thekkady

Spice Village

Green woods

Day 06

Thekkady

Spice Village

Green woods

Day 07

Dindigul

Rajakkad estate

Rajakkad estate

Day 08

Chettianad

Bungala Chettinad

Bungala Chettinadu

Day 09

Chettianad

Bungala Chettinad

Bungala chettinadu

Day 10

Pondicherry

Palaie de Mahe

Maison Perumal

Day 11

Pondicherry

Palaise De Mahe

Maison Perumal

Day 12

Mahabalipuram

Radisson Blu

Ideal Beach Resort

Day 13

Mahabalipuram

Raddison Blu

Ideal Beach Resort

Eighth Bastion

Killians

Cost Includes;
Accommodation on twin sharing basis at all places mentioned or similar
Breakfast at all places except at Rajakkad Estate where all meals are provided
Transportation by air conditioned chauffer driven medium car as per Itinerary.
Guided Ethnic tour of Cochin
Interactive Cooking with Mrs. Mariamma Jose followed by Dinner
Dinner at Fortkochi sea food restaurant
Overnight cruise by House boat on Full board with Country Canoe ride
Alleppy preservation tour accompanied by a Lady with lunch
Lunch at the Ranis Estate Bungalow en route Periyar
Plantation tour & Full day Bamboo rafting at Periyar
Bullock cart ride at Harvest fresh farm
Guided Heritage Tour of Chettinadu
Cooking Demo followed by Dinner at the Bangala
Heritage Walk of Pondicherry accompanied by our story teller
Visit to Auroville accompanied by an Aurovillian with Lunch at Solar Kitchen
Guided Half day sightseeing of Mahabalipuram
Assistance on arrival and departure.
All currently applicable taxes
Cost does not include;
Any items not covered under inclusions
Any expenses of personal nature such as Tips, Porte rage, extras at hotels,,
Any flights. Insurance, Visa Charges

Payment and cancellation policies

Payments
50% payment On Confirmation of Tour
50% Payment 30 Days Before arrival Date

Cancellation Policy
Between 30 day to 20 day of arrival

10% of total tour cost as Cancellation Charges

Between 20 day to 10 day of arrival

50% of total tour cost as Cancellation Charges

Within 10 day of arrival

100% of Cancellation Charge

Country Information
India has intent travellers for thousands of years. Its exotic, romantic and geographically diverse from the
Himalayan Mountains and wide deserts in the north to lush rainforests and sandy beaches in the south. India is not
just one of the world's oldest civilizations, it is also the world's largest democracy, and has made stupendous
progress among developing nations. India's impressive variety of history and culture, from the ancient Kingdoms to
the present state, harmoniously blend to form a unique atmosphere in over a million square kilometres of scenic
sights. A continent-sized country, India possesses an amazing wealth of sights and sounds, tastes and textures.
From a bustling cosmopolitan city to the quiet countryside, hill station or a beach resort, India has destinations,
which offer a backdrop of unmatched beauty. Although more than a hundreds of languages are spoken, English is
the second language and is widely taught in Indian schools.

Climate
Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees on average. In the hills the temperatures fall by
around 5-10 degrees Celsius and you will need a warm sweater for the evenings. Whilst rainfall is at a minimum it
is worth bringing a rain jacket for the odd shower you may encounter.

What You Carry

Need to carry warm clothing, rain Jacket, walking shoes, camera gear and personal items such as sunscreen, Sun
Glass etc.