DAY 01: ARRIVAL COCHIN

On arrival at Cochin our TRAVELXS representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Guests are given a warm traditional welcome with sprinkling of paneer (perfumed water), sandalwood paste & kumkum. Ladies are adorned with bindhies and bangles. They are also given a refreshing welcome drink which changes according to the season.

Kochi- with its wealth of historical associations and its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, the fascinating city of Cochin perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Cochin now renamed Kochi, boasts of one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast and has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many buildings and structures, which bear testimony to the different influences that the city has acquired from the world over. Cochin is a fascinating synthesis of old and new. At the entrance of Kochi harbour, the Chinese fishing nets add a wistful aura to the surroundings. These nets are the only remaining evidence of the Chinese contacts of ancient times.

On arrival check in.

Evening visit an auditorium to watch the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. (Overnight stay at Cochin)

DAY 02: COCHIN

Morning after breakfast you can enjoy the market visit with cooking demo and Lunch.

Later afternoon visit to the Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday & Saturday) built in 1568. Scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved here. The building was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later. Also visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555. The Palace was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. This was also known as the Dutch Palace (Closed on Friday), resulting from substantial renovation by the Dutch after 1663. The central hall was the Coronation Hall of the Rajas. Their dresses, turbans and palanquins and murals from Hindu mythology are all beautiful and worth seeing. Culminate the tour at Fort Kochi, which is said to be the oldest European settlement in India.

Fort Kochi is the earliest recorded settlement on the Malabar Coast, with its beautiful colonial bungalow peppered with Dutch, Portuguese and Malabar architecture. The many small winding streets with lovely old houses are truly a treasure trove.

Overnight stay in Cochin

DAY 03: COCHIN TO ALLEPPEY

Morning checkout and drive to Alleppey embark on a "Kettuvallam" , the traditional trading vessel of this beautiful coastal region and cruise on the backwater. You will be awed at the vast expanse of the paddy fields that surrounds these beautiful backwaters.The boats will stop in villages for you to experience a glimpse of the village life in rural Kerala. The villagers will be too pleased to invite you to have a sip from the freshly picked raw coconut from their own fields. (Overnight stay in houseboat)

DAY 04: ALLEPPEY TO PERIYAR

Morning checkout and drive Drive to Periyar covering a distance of 160 Km in approx 4 hrs.

The heart of God's own country! Periyar or Thekkady is located in Idukki district. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. In the Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India and is amongst the most picturesque wild life sanctuaries in the world despite the tragic loss of the richly vegetated valley due to the dam and the 21 sq. mile reservoir. Since boat travel is the only way of travelling through this sanctuary, one can cover large areas in a short time and experience the wilderness like never before. There is probably no sanctuary in the world where elephant behaviour can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety.

On arrival check in. Evening enjoy a visit to Spice Plantation. See various species of spices and other aromatic plants/herbs. The guide will explain about the usage of different spices in Indian cuisine. Free for shopping. (Overnight stay in Periyar)

DAY 05: PERIYAR TO MADURAI

Morning leave for a guided walk in the national park. This walk is very interesting and gives you the chance to see the wildlife life at a very close distance. Usually you could witness sambar deer, mouse beer, wild dog, elephants, bison, several species of birds and butterflies.

Later checkout and drive to Madurai: This vast, pulsating city, one of the oldest cities in South India, dating back 2500 years, sprawls along the banks of the River Vaigai. Wander through the fun, packed streets which are full of pilgrims, wandering cows, open-air kitchens and colourful bazaars.

On arrival check in. (Overnight stay in Periyar)

DAY 06: MADURAI

Morning we take you on a cycle rickshaw tour around Madurai which gives you a memorable experience of this ancient city. You drive through the narrow streets and lanes of Madurai showing the typical life of local people. The cycle rickshaw - the most eco friendly form of transport was fast being phased out, and the hundred and twenty rickshaw pullers of Madurai were deprived of their livelihood, as they were unable to buy the modern forms of transport like the auto rickshaw or taxi. To give these pullers another lease of life we at TRAVELXS created this tour as part of our commitment towards responsible tourism. By taking this tour, you not only support the rickshaw pullers but also encourage the locals to use this eco friendly transport.

Later by coach visit Meenakshi temple - one of the largest temple complexes in South India, the typical example of the Dravidian architecture, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a gracious edifice built in the Indo-Saracenic style and Gandhi Museum. You have an option for shopping. (Overnight stay in Madurai)

DAY 07: MADURAI TO KUMBAKONAM

Morning checkout and drive to Kumbakonam – a small typical Indian town enroute visit Brihadeshvara Temple -This magnificent temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions which depict temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths and astrologers who lived there. Enter the pavilion in the main courtyard to view the shining black Nandi statue, one of the largest in India, and weighing an astonishing 25 tons. On arrival check in. Special visit with Silk Weavers. We will park and walk a short distance to a shop that is only known to the locals in town. Here the weavers will show us their craft and we will marvel at how much exquisite work goes into the weaving. Because this is not a tourist stop, there is no pressure or expectation of purchase. You will see in their friendly faces the pride of workmanship.

Evening you can watch and take part in traditional Tamil board game, "Pallanguli". (Overnight stay in Kumbakonam)

DAY 08: KUMBAKONAM TO MAMALLAPURAM

Early Morning we take to show the art of drawing Kolam - Kolam is a drawing generally drawn at the entrance of a house or any other building. This is a very old practice in South India. Dried rice flour or other types of white powders are used for drawing kolams. Although there are numerous traditional kolams patterns and lot more can be created depending on the creativity of the person who draws it, it is not drawn like a picture. Patterns are created based on certain systems. Drawing Kolam is practiced by women. Generally women get up early in the morning and clean the area just outside the entranes of their houses, sprinkle the area with water and draw the kolam by dropping the loose dried flour in a controlled way through their forefinger and the thumb.

After our Breakfast checkout and drive to Mamallapuram Mamallapuram - Seventh and eighth-century reliefs, rock temples, cave temples and "chariot" temples carved into the golden stone of the Coromandel Coast have made Mamallapuram an astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pallavas, one of Tamil Nadu's three great dynasties, dominated from the eighth to the eleventh century, building a thriving port here and growing rich on the lucrative trade with Southeast Asia. The town has a wonderful Shore Temple to Vishnu, built by the grateful merchants, as well as rock temples, over a dozen cave temples, constructed stone temples and some fine bas-reliefs - including the world's largest, the Penance of Arjuna. Between November and March Mamallapuram also becomes a popular beach resort. On arrival check in. (Overnight stay in Mamallapuram)

DAY 09: MAMALLAPURAM

Morning visit Mamallapuram temple complex. A small seaside village, it was once the main port of the Pallava Dynasty from 5th to 9th century. Today it is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. Declared as the world heritage site by UNESCO, Mahabalipuram boasts of some of India's most sublime rock-cut art. Arjuna's penance here is the world's largest bas relief measuring 27 meters by 9 meters. End the tour with a visit to the Shore temple which is the spectacular two-spired shrine that houses both Vishnu and Shiva in its sanctum. A very unique site!

Evening we provide an exclusive session - wearing of South Indian Costume (Sari) followed by Henna painting. And participate in the stick dance, "Kolattam". Just grab a pair of sticks and join in, whether you are rhythmically inclined or not!.

(Overnight stay in Mamallapuram)

DAY 10: DEPARTURE TRANSFER

Morning checkout and drive to Chennai airport for onward flight to Chennai.