Kerala Vacation 20 Days

Kerala is a land of all those characteristics like backwaters, quaint landscapes, mountain range, palm trees, fantastic hill stations, and blissful yoga therapies, therefore these all characteristics make this land a wonderful place for vacation. It is definite that your India tour will be incomplete without visiting Kerala. You will drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram but before that you will visit some temples like Kapaleeswarar Temple, light house etc. Kanchipuram is a city of about 1000 temples and 124 shrines. Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are some temples to name. Pondicherry is the next destination to visit and the next place to visit here is Aurobindo Ashram. Pondicherry will give you a view of French Colonisation. Tanjore and Trichy is the next place to visit where you will visit a Brass factory en route. Trichy is situated on the bank of Kaveri River and it is a pilgrimage, famous for Ranganath Temple. Madurai is famous for the beautiful Meenakshi Temple with Dravidian architecture, carved from top to bottom with the images of God. The other places to visit are Gandhi Museum, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam and Thirumalai Nayah Palace etc which are the excellent examples of architecture and beauty. Periyar Wild life Scantuary is the next destination to meet where you can have a face to face experience with the wild life of South India in house boats in backwaters of Kerala, the most unique property of Kerala Tours. Rameshwaram and Kovalam are the next destination from where you will fly back to your place after visiting the temples, culture and history of the places..

Itinerary Details

Destinations Covered : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Periyar - Kollam - Varkala - Kovalam - Madurai - Rameshwaram

Day 01 : ARRIVAL CHENNAI
Our company Representative will meet and assist you upon your arrival at the Chennai airport. Transfer to your hotel. Check in at hotel in Chennai.

The first British Warehouse came up in 1639 when the British acquired the sandy beach from the local Nayaks on lease. It was called Madraspatinam then. Later by 1654, the Fort St. George was built. Still later the neighboring villages were included in the city which came either as grants or gifts. Triplicane was rented from the Sultan of Golconda in 1676. In 1744 Robert Clive worked as a writer from the Fort, later to become a military man of British Army. The Fort House, which housed the Governor and his council, were added in the 17th Century, the Assembly Hall in 1910 and the Secretariat in 1925.

All the neighboring areas were merged into the city now known as Madras or as Chennai as it is officially known. Until Independence, Madras was the capital of what in British times was called the Madras Presidency, comprising nearly the whole of South India, including the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada speaking areas.

Overnight will be at Hotel.

Day 02 : CHENNAI
Proceed for city tour of Chennai in the morning after breakfast.

Santhome Cathedral. Built by Portuguese in the 14th and 15th century, this Cathedral is named after St. Thomas. Historically important, it is one of the pilgrimages for the Christian community.

Fort St. George, one the first few bastions built by the east India company, marks the beginning of Chennai as a modern city. It occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The state legislature and the secretariat are located in Fort St. George. It houses the St. Mary's church the oldest Anglican Church in India which was built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. The Fort Museum, once a building that housed Chennai's first lighthouse, first commercial bank and first 'club', is now a well-kept repository of tangible memories of early Madras.

Kapaleeswarar Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar temple has inscriptions from the 13th century A.D. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. The walls and pillars of temple have very delicate and intricate carvings which depict the scenes from Hindu mythology.

Overnight will be at Hotel.

Day 03 : CHENNAI
Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel, and full day free at Chennai,

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 04 : CHENNAI
Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel, and full day visit places in Chennai,

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 05 : CHENNAI - KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAN
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram - is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Lunch at local restaurant and later drive to Mamallapooram and check in at hotel.

Afternoon visit the city - built in 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipooram, this ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings in the region can be seen. The rock carvings depicting mythological episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are truly poems in stone. The only shore temple which remains here is the spectacular two - spired shrine, unique because it houses both Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu in its sanctum-sanctorum.

Overnight will be at hotel.

Day 6 : MAHABALIPURAM - TIRUVANNAMALAI - PONDICHERRY
After breakfast drive to Tiruvannamallai a pilgrim centre with an ancient temple of Lord Shiva.

After lunch at local restaurant, proceed to Pondicherry, which carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. This erstwhile French colony on the east coast of South India merged with the rest of the country in 1954. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St. Agasthaya settled down.

Overnight stay will be at the heritage hotel.

Day 7 : PONDICHERRY - TANJORE
Drive to visit Aurobindo Ashram which is also known as "the city of dawn". The place is 10 km north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Shri Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. After lunch at local restaurant, drive to Thanjavur enroute visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Brahadeswara temple(or the big temple of God).The temple tower rises to a height of 15mts from a square base of 29 mts and then tapers off, making a total of 66mts.

Overnight will be at Tanjore.

Day 8 : TANJORE - TRICHY - MADURAI
After breakfast leave for Trichy, short name of Trichurapalli, situated on the banks of Kaveri River is a blend of history and tradition as well as pilgrim centre. It is famous for Ranganath temple at Srirangam.

Proceed towards Madurai. Reach and check in at hotel.

Madurai's Main attraction is the Famous Sri Meenakshi Amman temple a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with Gopurams carved from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicolored images of Gods. Tamil & Greek documents record the existence of Madurai from the 4th Century B.C.the city was known to the Greeks via Magathenes their ambassador to the court of Chandraguptha Muriya this city was popular in trade especially in spices. It was also the site the Sangam the academy of the Tamil Poets. And Madurai is the centre of all the cities and Madurai is famous for the cotton Sungudi Saris.

Overnight will be at Madurai.

Day 9 : MADURAI
After breakfast go for city tour of Madurai.

The ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the centre. After lunch city tour visiting - Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great Tank and Gandhi museum.

Sri Meenakshi Amman temple: dated back to 2000 Years back and designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayaka and built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayaka. The Temple occupies an area of six hectares. There are 12 temple towers (Gopurams). The outer towers are the landmarks of Madurai. They are:

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a huge temple tank about 5 km east of the Meenakshi temple. The mandapam in the centre has an idol of Vigneshwara (Vinayaka). It is said to have been found when the earth was being dug out from here to build the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. So, the place attained sanctity and was converted into a teppakulam (tank). This enormous temple tank is fed by water brought from the Vagai through an ingenious system of underground Channels. King Thirumalai Nayak born in 'Poosa' Star. so in commemorating the birth of the king " Float Festival" is conducted in Tamil Month 'Thai' (Jan/Feb) in the tank in a colourful way, which attracts thousands of tourists.

Gandhi Museum: The Gandhi Memorial Museum is one of the distinct places to be visited in Madurai. This Museum is one of the rare living memorial of "The Father of India". The Museum is set in relaxing grounds and has a clear historical account of India's struggle for Independence.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace: This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. In these two parts, there are royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai Nayak celebrated festivals like Sceptre festival, Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi festival and the Float festival. He conducted daily dance and music performances in the palace. This palace was destroyed by his grandson Chokkanatha Nayak and the valuables were transferred to other places. During the British rule, in 1822, Lord Napier made several renovation works. Then the palace was utilized to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration. After independence, this palace was declared as a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamilnadu Archaeological Department.

Overnight will be at Madurai.

Day 10 : MADURAI - PERIYAR
Proceed for Periyar after breakfast.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi' (Sukasandesam -stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.

Proceed for enjoying a Boat cruise in Periyar Lake with lunch break. The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside by day. Afternoon free to enjoy the facilities at the hotel. Go for a sunset cruise followed by dinner at the restaurant or the lawns.

Relax in the evening. Overnight in Periyar

Day 11 : PERIYAR
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour,

Proceed for enjoying a Boat cruise in Periyar Lake with lunch break. The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside by day.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 12 : PERIYAR
Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel,

Visit Wildlife sanctuary and take a guided spice plantation tour

Overnight at hotel,

Day 13 : PERIYAR - KOLLAM
Morning after breakfast, proceed by road to Kollam,

KOLLAM: Situated at the edge of the Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam or Quilon, has been an important spot on the ancient international trade route. Getting its name from the Sanskrit word kollam meaning pepper, this historic port town is the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. It is 71 Km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Kollam is an interesting blend of rich heritage, diverse cultures and natural beauty. The earliest foreign settlement dates back to 14th century when Chinese traders set up their base in Kollam; then came the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch and the British. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, it is still an important centre of the marine industry and cashew trading.

On arrival transfer to hotel check in hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

Day 14 : KOLLAM - VARKALA
Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to home country with sweet memories of tour to India

Day 15 : VARKALA - KOVALAM
Morning after breakfast proceeds by road to kovalam,

KOVALAM:
Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".

Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation . There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 16 - 18 : KOVALAM
Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel and full day enjoy free time at beaches of kovalam,

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 19 : KOVALAM - MADURAI
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed by road to madurai, on arrival transfer to hotel check in hotel and relax,

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 20 : MADURAI - RAMESHAWARM
Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel and proceed by road to Rameshwaram,

On arrival transfer to place of marriage,

TOUR END