THE Classic of South Tamilnadu and Kerala

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Italy/Madras⌄

   Arrival in Madras, meeting with our representative and transfer to the hotel and accommodation in the reserved room. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel Please note: Check-in is available after 2pm Indian Time.

   Meals: Dinner

   Overnight: Standard - Lotus / Similar Superior - Residency Towers / Similar Prestige - Taj Club House / Similar

2. 2Chennai (Madras)⌄

   The day will be dedicated to some well-deserved rest and relaxation to recharge so that you can prepare for the afternoon's adventures. We will have the pleasure of visiting the city during the afternoon, starting from the historic Church of San Tommaso, an architectural and historical icon of great importance.

   We can then walk along the charming seafront of Marina Drive, looking at the government buildings from the evocative colonial era.

   Finally, we will immerse our senses in the mystical and sacred atmosphere of Kapaleeshwara Temple, which is full of spirituality and culture. Overnight stay will be included, so you can have a day full of discoveries and suggestions. Overnight stay Highlights : St. Thomas Basilica, Kapeeleswar Temple

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Standard - Lotus / Similar Superior - Residency Towers / Similar Prestige - Taj Club House / Similar

3. 3Madras - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (160 km, 4 hours without stopping)⌄

   Half board. We will begin the journey to Pondicherry, stopping to explore Mahabalipuram, famous for being the first example of Hindu temple art.

   Once we arrive, we will have the opportunity to explore the ancient French colony of Pondicherry and visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The evening will end with an overnight stay at the booked facility. Highlight : Temples of Mahabalipuram, French Colony in Pondicherry

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Standard: Richmond / Similar Superior : Shenbaga / Similar Prestige : Residency Towers / Similar

4. 4Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Darasuram - Tanjore (220 km, approximately 4-5 hours without stopping)⌄

   Half board. During the morning, the transfer will take place to Tanjore with a stop planned for a visit to the majestic Chidambaram temple, dedicated to the dancing form of the god Shiva.

   In the afternoon, the Darasuram temple will be visited, a magnificent architectural example dating back to the Chola dynasty, which has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO for its historical-cultural importance. Overnight in Tanjore. Highlights: Chidambaram, Darasuram

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Standard - Sangam / Similar Superior - Sangam / Similar Prestige - Svatma / Similar

5. 5Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore⌄

   During the morning, we will venture on an excursion to Trichy, exploring the temple city of Srirangam, a sacred place where devotees celebrate ancient rituals on the banks of the Kaveri River.

   In the afternoon, we will visit Tanjore, renowned for the majestic Brihadeshwara temple dedicated to the god Shiva and the Bronze Museum of the prestigious Chola dynasty. The overnight stay will be included to guarantee a moment of rest after a day full of cultural and spiritual discoveries. Highlights : Srirangam, Brihadeshwar

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Standard - Sangam / Similar Superior - Sangam / Similar Prestige - Svatma / Similar

6. 6Tanjore - Chettinad - Madurai (250 km, approximately 5 hours without stopping)⌄

   We will move to Madurai with a detour to explore the ancient Chettinad area, a region inhabited by the Chettiar ethnic group, famous for the magnificent residences built during the period of maximum opulence.

   Arrival in Madurai and visit the sumptuous Tirumalai Nayak Palace.

   In the afternoon, you will visit the impressive temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, also exploring the lively colorful bazaar. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to witness the evocative Dormition ceremony inside the main temple. The overnight stay will be at the destination. Highlight: Chettinad, Meenakshi Amman Temple

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Standard - Madurai Residency / Similar Superior - GRT Madurai / Similar Prestige - Heritage Madurai / Similar

7. 7Madurai - Periyar National Park (150 km, approximately 4 hours without stopping)⌄

   Next, we will go to Periyar National Park. It is located in the heart of the Western Ghats, which separate Tamil Nadu from Kerala. The lush vegetation of this area includes dense forests and vast spice plantations.

   We will have the opportunity to visit one of these spice plantations in the afternoon.

   Afterwards we go out for a jeep safari in the mountains of Periyar park. Additionally, we will witness a performance of Kalaripayattu, an ancient type of martial art that is common in Kerala. To end a day full of discoveries, overnight accommodation is included. Highlights : Spice Plantation, Jeep Safari in mountains, Kalaripayattu

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Standard - Elephant Route / Similar Superior - Elephant Court / Similar Prestige - Cardamom County / Similar

8. 8Periyar - tropical backwater lagoon - Cochin (250 km, about 5 hours without stopping)⌄

   The journey continues from the mountainous region towards the picturesque coastal area of Kerala, a territory that stands out for the vast tropical lagoon located in its central part. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful cruise aboard a traditional vessel along the Backwaters, a network of man-made canals, rivers and natural lakes that stretches like a spider's web across the Kerala region, gradually taking us towards Cochin. Lunch will be served on board during the cruise. Upon disembarking, the journey will continue to Cochin where room accommodations have been booked. The day will end with an overnight stay in the hotel. Highlight : Houseboat Excursion, Kerala Backwater

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Standard - Hotel Abad / Similar Superior - Hotel Casino / Similar Prestige - Trident / Similar

9. 9Cochin⌄

   The morning begins with a visit to the most cosmopolitan city in southern India, which stands out for its cultural diversity: Chinese networks,

   the suggestive Dutch Palace in Mattancherry,

   the historic Church of San Francesco, which houses a commemorative plaque of Vasco de Gama,

   the lively Jewish quarter and the famous antique dealers' street.

   In the afternoon, a Kathakali dance/theatre performance offers an enriching cultural experience. The rooms will be at your disposal until departure time. If departure occurs in the morning of day 10, you still have the possibility of having the room for the entire night. Transfer to the airport in the evening for boarding. Highlights : Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Nets, Kathakali Dance

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Standard - Hotel Abad / Similar Superior - Hotel Casino / Similar Prestige - Trident / Similar

10. 10Cochin - Italy⌄

    In the early hours of the morning, during the night between the penultimate and last day. No overnight stay.

    Meals: Breakfast