Itinerary
- Day 1
Mamallapuram
You'll arrive in Mamallapuram whenever works for your schedule. This evening there's a welcome meeting with your CEO and travel group, followed by an orientation walk through town so you can get the lay of the land.
Included Activities
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Orientation Walk of Mamallapuram
- Day 2
Mamallapuram
Head out early to catch the sunrise at Shore Temple, one of India's oldest stone temples with a guided tour. After that, the rest of the day is yours to explore Mamallapuram at your own pace. Many travelers head to the beach or join a yoga class in the afternoon.
Included Activities
- Sunrise Shore Temple Visit
Optional Activities
- Beach visit
- Yoga class
Landmarks/POIs Shore Temple - Day 3
Mamallapuram to Thanjavur
Start with a drive from Mamallapuram to Chennai, then take a train to Thanjavur, arriving in the afternoon. Once you've settled in, check out the impressive Brihadeeswarar Temple (200+ feet tall) and wander through the local markets.
Included Activities
- Brihadeeswara Temple
- Bronze Casting Workshops
Landmarks/POIs Brihadeeswarar Temple - Day 4
Thanjavur to Madurai
Drive to Kanadukathan to see the traditional Chettiars houses, which are known for their spacious layouts and intricate tilework. Then continue on to Madurai, which locals consider the home of goddess Parvati in her Meenakshi form.
Included Activities
- Chettinad Traditional House Visit
Landmarks/POIs Meenakshi Temple - Day 5
Madurai
Spend the day exploring Madurai, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. You'll visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Meenakshi Temple. Later, during free time in the afternoon, take a cycle rickshaw tour with a local guide to see more of the city.
Included Activities
- Thirumalai Nayak Palace Visit
- Meenakshi Temple Visit
- Cycle-Rickshaw Tour
Landmarks/POIs Thirumalai Nayak Palace Meenakshi Temple - Day 6
Madurai to Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady, the spice capital of India near Periyar National Park. A guided tour of the spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills takes up part of your morning. The rest of the day is open, so you might do a boat tour on Periyar Lake or get an ayurvedic massage.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour
Optional Activities
- Periyar Lake Boat Ride (1050INR per person)
- Ayurvedic Massage
Landmarks/POIs Periyar National Park Periyar Lake - Day 7
Thekkady to Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey and board a private boat to reach a village homestay. In the afternoon, a local guide shows you around the island so you can see how daily life works here. Just before sunset, take a small country boat ride through the winding backwaters. Pack light for this overnight, as your main bags go directly to Kochi.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Landmarks/POIs Kerala Backwaters - Day 8
Alleppey to Kochi
Spend the morning with your host family, then head toward Kochi. On the way, stop at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, a women-run cooperative, for lunch. After you arrive in Kochi, take an orientation walk, then settle in for an evening Kathakali performance, a traditional Kerala dance form.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project)
Included Activities
- Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
- Orientation Walk
- Kathakali Dance
Landmarks/POIs Kochi - Day 9
Kochi
Leave Kochi whenever your travel plans allow.
