Guide

• English Speaking Local Guides at Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Madurai & Cochin. At GeTS, we aim to support local guides who have specialized and comprehensive knowledge of the regions you visit. We provide English speaking local guides at each destination of your trip, the chosen local guide will strike a great balance between knowledgeable storytelling, humor, and giving you sufficient space and personal time to enjoy the awe-inspiring sites. He will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues. If you were interested in diving deeper into the local culture at a specific site, you can count on your assigned local speaking guide.

Meals

• Daily breakfast at coffee shop or restaurant at the hotel. • All meals in Deluxe Houseboat in Alleppey.

Others

• Assistance during arrival and departure • Spice Plantation in Periyar. • Boat Ride in Periyar with Entrance Fee. • Kathakkali Dance show in Cochin. • One mineral water bottle per person per day • All currently applicable taxes including GST

Transport

All transfers and sightseeing by an air-conditioned vehicle with an english speaking driver. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced with good knowledge of the road conditions and well trained. The type of vehicles provided are as follows : Passenger Vehicle type • 1-2 persons Air-conditioned medium car such as Etios/Dzire or similar • 3-4 persons Air-conditioned large car such as Toyota Innova or similar • 5-10 persons Air-conditioned mini-van such as Tempo Traveler or similar

Accommodation

• Accommodation in 3 Star Hotels. • Check-in Time : Throughout the trip, we request all our hotels prepare rooms in time as per your arrival time, especially if you are reaching the hotel prior to normal check-in time. (In India, normal check-in is at 14:00 hrs, check-out is at 10:00 hrs). This may not be always possible to manage early check-in for you; in that case you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore the new destination. • Pre/Post Accommodation : If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. • Internet : Depending on the areas in which you travel, you may have limited access to the Internet. Hoteliers often charge for the connection (hourly or daily). • The style of accommodation indicated is a guideline. On rare occasions, if the suggested hotels are not available due to high demand, we will book similar alternate hotels for you.

Hygieneprotocol

In the wake of the ensuing COVID crisis, we have re-invented our hygiene protocols and have taken concrete steps along with training our guides, drivers, representatives and other staff at our destinations’ offices. So, we are fully prepared for your safe travel. •Hotels will conduct thermal screening of guests, baggage screening, maintaining kitchen hygiene, smooth check-in and check-out process along with daily cleaning of rooms. •Our drivers/representatives will be wearing masks, using hand sanitizers & gloves, and undergoing thermal screening before every assignment. The vehicles too will be sanitized on a daily basis. •Our guides will be wearing masks and using hand sanitizers, gloves, and undergoing thermal screening before every assignment. •All public places at Airports/Railway Stations/Restaurants and other assisting staff therein shall be governed by the regulations laid down for the prevention of COVID 19. •Extensive COVID-19 Health & Safety guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation shall be strictly adhered to. •All our partners will strictly follow the social distancing protocol as mandated by the Government. •Our focus shall be on providing customized and private tours to ensure the safety and health of our guests. •E-Documents will be provided for the trip such as Confirmation Status/Hotel Vouchers/Itinerary/Invoice etc.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price. You can organize travel insurance with your preferred insurance company. We recommend World Nomads , a company recommended by Lonely Planet .

Others

• Any airfare (International or Domestic) - Flight Fares are non-refundable. • Monument entry fees. • Any mandatory Gala Dinner on Christmas and New Year Eve. • Any item of personal nature viz. Laundry. • Charges, telephone bills, drinks, shopping, etc. • Any items that is not mentioned under Inclusions. • Tips : Tipping is a common custom and we always suggest our travelers to comply. No tip is compulsory, however in case of good services rendered, it is advisable to pay by a few rupees (driver / guide). For example, 300 rupees can be left in restaurants (depending on the bill amount), between 300 and 500 rupees per day per person for a good driver. • Mandatory Gala Dinner on Christmas and New Year Eve.

Flights

The International flight tickets have to be booked on your own, once you book your international flight tickets, please share with us your schedule so that we can arrange your smooth pick-up and drop off from airport to hotel on your arrival day and hotel to the airport on the departure day. Passports and Visas : All travelers listed on the Participant Information form must be in possession of a valid passport and all relevant visas. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid travel documentation, including but not limited to passports and visas, which meet the requirements of immigration and other Government authorities at every destination. If your itinerary includes travel to any other country besides India, please check on visa requirements for each country that you will visit. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

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Day 1 Day 1: Arrival At Chennai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival At Chennai

On arrival at Chennai Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Chennai: Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the largest city and current capital of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the major cultural, economic and educational centres of South India. This city has been a perfect keeper of artistic, religious and culinary traditions of South India alive over the years. The best time to visit Chennai is between October-March as the weather is moderate during this time. Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.
Day 2 Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram [60 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram [60 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hr]

This day you will be driven from Chennai to Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram or Mamallapattana. Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a bank of Bay of Bengal. It is renowned for its various stone-carved monuments and ancient temples dating back to 7th & 8th centuries - mainly developed during the reign of Pallava Dynasty (275 CE to 897 CE).On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Today we will proceed with Mahabalipuram sightseeing tour covering visits to the rock-cut temples and Mandapams (pavilion for public rituals) depicting incidents of the legends, Hindu epics and mythology. Visit the Panch Ratha (chariot-shaped) temples built during the reign of the Pallavas dynasty. These five temples are named after the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi in the great Indian epic Mahabharata. Visit the Arjuna's Penance, a magnificent relief carved out in the mid-17th century that depicts the austerities performed by Arjuna (one of the Pandava brothers) to obtain Lord Shiva’s weapon (Trishul). Next, head to the Shore temple - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - built in the 7th century built by Pallava King Narasimhavarman II depicting the royal grandeur of the Pallavas dynasty. It comprises of three temples - one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other two dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Day 3 Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry [100 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry [100 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]

In morning, you will be taken to Pondicherry. Pondicherry: Puducherry or Pondicherry was under the rule of French till 1954. This is why, it is a considered a French colony in India that showcases colonial heritage with streets dotted with yellow-walled houses and authentic street-side French cafes. This vibrant city - with a spiritual touch, French style architecture, breezy shores and tranquil air - welcomes you with all the love. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation,go for Pondicherry sightseeing tour. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville a universal town where people of all nationalities follow the principle of harmony and peace. Also, visit the Sri Ganesha Temple and Manakula Lord Vinayagar - famous Hindu temples in Pondicherry.Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 4 Day 4: Pondicherry - Thanjavur [210 Km/Approx. 5 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Pondicherry - Thanjavur [210 Km/Approx. 5 Hr]

In morning, drive to Thanjavur also known as Tanjore. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Thanjavur: Thanjavur was one of the capitals of the Chola dynasty (one of the longest ruling dynasties of South India). It is famous for Tanjore paintings and Bharatanatyam classical dance performances. It has been an important center of religion, art and architecture, silk weaving and most of the Chola dynasty temples are present here. Later, proceed with Thanjavur sightseeing tour with first visit to the Brihadeeshwara Temple - the first ever all Granite temple in the world. This temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built during the Chola Dynasty, that captured Tanjore in 850 A.D, in 1010 AD. The presiding deity here is Nataraja (the dance form of Lord Shiva) and Nandi (Lord Shiva’s vehicle). Striking features about this temple is that it doesn’t cast shadow on the ground at noon and there are musical pillars within the temple that create music when tapped. Next, visit the Thanjavur Palace - official residence of the Bhosle family that ruled Tanjore between 1674-1855. Within the palace, you will see the the Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen's courtyard, the Durbar Hall, Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall and don’t miss out the Royal Palace Museum displaying sculptures, weaponry, elephant bells etc. Overnight stay at hotel in Thanajavur.
Day 5 Day 5: Thanjavur - Trichy [55 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Thanjavur - Trichy [55 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]

After breakfast, drive to Trichy. Trichy: Also called Tiruchirapalli is the 4th largest city of Tamil Nadu. This bustling town’s landmark is the Rock Fort temple perched on a hilltop. This city is as old as 3rd century B.C that has been ruled by few most powerful dynasties of South India, namely the Pandyas, Pallavas, Nayak Dynasty and Chola Dynasty etc. Now it is a thriving town popular for silk sarees, artificial stone jewellery, wooden crafts and much more. On reaching Trichy, visit the magnificent Rock Fort temple. Also called Ucchi Pillayar koil, it is a temple built in the 7th century. Visitors reach here barefoot after climbing about 400 steps to capture the mesmerizing views of the city of Trichy and River Cauvery. It comprises of two temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. Below the Rockfort temple, walk through the Chinnar Bazaar, Gandhi Bazaar and side streets. Overnight stay at hotel in Trichy.
Day 6 Day 6: Trichy - Chettinad [85 Km/Approx. 3 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Trichy - Chettinad [85 Km/Approx. 3 Hr]

In morning, drive to Chettinad. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Chettinad: Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses embellished with marble and Burma teak and comprising of wide courtyards and spacious rooms. Legends has it that their usual walls are polished with a paste made of egg white to give a smooth texture. Witness the glorious mansions of Chettiars and the Chettinad Museum. Overnight stay at hotel in Chettinad.
Day 7 Day 7: Chettinad - Madurai [90 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Chettinad - Madurai [90 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Madurai: Madurai, located on the banks of River Vargai, is one of the few oldest inhabitied cities in India whose origin dates back to 3rd century B.C. This city is more than 2,500 years old located on the banks of the River Vargai. It was once the capital of the Pandavas - five brothers in the great Indian epic “Mahabharata”. On reaching, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, go for Madurai sightseeing tour with first visit to the famous 1000-years old Meenakshi temple where Goddess Meenakshi, form of Goddess Parvati and Sundareshwarar (form of Lord Shiva and consort of Goddess Parvati) are worshipped here. This temple was among the top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th century palace that displays a beautiful fusion of Dravadian and Rajput architecture style built by King Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) as his royal residence. Visit Vandiyur Mariammam Teppakulam - a small water tank that has undeground channels with the River Vargai. It has a 2000-years old temple, dedicated to Lord Vigneshwara, in the center. Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
Day 8 Day 8: Madurai - Periyar [148 Km/Approx. 4 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Madurai - Periyar [148 Km/Approx. 4 Hr]

After breakfast at the houseboat, our representative will drive you to Periyar. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Periyar: Periyar is a landscape, set amidst the Western Ghats, in Kerala that entices its visitors with its rich biodiversity and natural vistas. It is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered to be one of the major tiger reserves in India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Periyar is blessed with exotic wildlife and scenic charm. Overnight stay at hotel in Periyar.
Day 9 Day 9: Periyar Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Periyar Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the popular Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - a reserve of Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Wild Boars, Tigers, Leopards, etc. It has an around 100-years old artifical water lake where you can sight tigers, baby elephants and couple of other animals in a playful mood. Here you will go for a boat ride (Optional) at the Periyar Lake to capture rich glimpses of wildlife, tea/coffee and spice plantations etc. Overnight stay at hotel in Periyar.
Day 10 Day 10: Periyar - Munnar [96 Km/Approx. 3 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Periyar - Munnar [96 Km/Approx. 3 Hr]

In morning, drive to Munnar. Munnar: a beautiful hill station named after three rivers, Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly located on Kannan Devan Hills. It is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala and offers spellbounding views of vast plantations of tea and spices. It alsoboasts the highest peak in South India - Anamudi. Munnar is surrounded by various wildlife sanctuaries that house the grizzled giant squirrel, elephant, gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, etc. Every year, tourists visit here for Neelakurinji - a blue flower which blooms once in every 12 years.Today go on a sightseeing tour of Munnar with first visit to the Tea Estates. Munnar is a city renowned for its bountiful tea plantations nestled amidst pristine nature. Walk through these sprawling tea estates and soak yourself in the refreshing aroma of the tea leaves. Here you can also visit the Tea Museum that showcases old photographes and huge machineries that have been used in tea processing over the years. Also, get a first hand experience of how tea is processed. Explore the Eravikulam National Park: Eravikulam National Park is a must-visit attraction located in Munnar. the first of its kind in Kerala that is home to the exotic Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat) and various other endangered species. Also, a flower that blooms once in 12 years - Neelakurinji (next to be seen in 2018), is another attraction here. Head to the Mattupetty Dam: A concrete gravity dam constructed between 1949 and 1953 for the purpose of conservation of water and hydroelectricity generation. The captivating reflections of the surrounding tea gardens falling upon the still water is the best part of this dam. Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.
Day 11 Day 11: Munnar - Kumarakom [146 Km/ Approx. 4 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Munnar - Kumarakom [146 Km/ Approx. 4 Hr]

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Kumarakom: a scenic village located at the bank of the Vembanad Lake. Overnight stay at hotel in Kumarakom.
Day 12 Day 12: Kumarakom - Alleppey Houseboat [32 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hr]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Kumarakom - Alleppey Houseboat [32 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hr]

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. Alleppey: Alleppey, also called the 'Venice of the East', is located in the Alapuzzha district of Kerala. This is a place where you can book an overnight houseboat stay and enjoy a relaxing ride and overnight stay floating across the brilliant views of Kerala’s village life, lush green paddy fields and Coconut lagoons. On arrival, board the houseboat. After registering, customers will receive a traditional welcome drink. As your houseboat rides through the backwaters of Alleppey, you will be served lunch, evening snacks with tea/coffee and dinner on the go. The boat will be anchored near a village for the night since cruising is not possible during the night as during this time as the local fishermen put their nets. Overnight stay at the houseboat in Alleppey.
Day 13 Day 13: Alleppey - Cochin [53 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hrs]
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Alleppey - Cochin [53 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hrs]

After breakfast, drive to Kochi. Kochi: Also known as Cochin is a beautiful city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Over the years, the history and development of this city carries stubborn marks of the British, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese. It is undoubtedly the best starting point on your discovery to capture the beauty of God’s own country - Kerala. On arrival, check in at the hotel and later proceed for a half-day Kochi city tour. Places to visit include the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. Pass the Chinese Fishing Nets which are large nets cantilevered overhang that would have been made to Kochi by Chinese traders.In the evening, visit the cultural center and watch the show of classical Indian dance (Kathakkali), which is a must see in Cochin. Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.
Day 14 Day 14: Kochi Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Kochi Departure

After breakfast, our company representative will transfer to Cochin International Airport for your flight back home. *END OF OUR SERVICES*

+11

14 days tour

Spiritual Tamilnadu With Enchanting Kerala

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Spiritual Tamilnadu With Enchanting Kerala

Day 1: Arrival At Chennai

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram [60 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hr]

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry [100 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]

Day 4: Pondicherry - Thanjavur [210 Km/Approx. 5 Hr]

Day 5: Thanjavur - Trichy [55 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]

Day 6: Trichy - Chettinad [85 Km/Approx. 3 Hr]

Day 7: Chettinad - Madurai [90 Km/Approx. 2 Hr]

Day 8: Madurai - Periyar [148 Km/Approx. 4 Hr]

Day 9: Periyar Sightseeing

Day 10: Periyar - Munnar [96 Km/Approx. 3 Hr]

Day 11: Munnar - Kumarakom [146 Km/ Approx. 4 Hr]

Day 12: Kumarakom - Alleppey Houseboat [32 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hr]

Day 13: Alleppey - Cochin [53 Km/Approx. 1.5 Hrs]

Day 14: Kochi Departure

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