Mahabalipuram (currently known as Mamallapuram is popularly known as the temple city. Apart from that, this mesmerising destination boasts of various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mind-blowing surfing spots and a thriving backpacker scene. It is home to some of the most popular beaches on India’s East Coast. Tourists flock here to rejuvenate and relax at the many luxurious resorts.

The history of Mamallapuram is intriguing. This historic city was an important centre of art, architecture and literature between the 3rd and 7th centuries CE. On day 1, Mamallapuram is 45 to 50 km. from Chennai. Upon arrival, check in at the beach resort in Mamallapuram and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and rejuvenating. Take rest as you have to prepare yourself for a fun-filled day tomorrow.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. 

Morning at Leisure, Morning at Leisure and the afternoon visit the Mammallapuram shore temples. After breakfast, you’ll head to see the shore temple of Mahabalipuram, an area which boasts 14 cave temples, 9 monolithic rathas, 3 stone temples and 4 relief sculptured rock panels. Most of the wonderful sights you’ll explore here, such as the Shore Temple (a World Heritage Site) and Arjuna’s Penance, are built in the Dravidian style of the 7th and 8th centuries and are dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva.

After checking out, you’ll head to Mahabalipuram, an area which boasts 14 cave temples, 9 monolithic rathas, 3 stone temples and 4 relief sculptured rock panels. Most of the wonderful sights you’ll explore here, such as the Shore Temple (a World Heritage Site) and Arjuna’s Penance, are built in the Dravidian style of the 7th and 8th centuries and are dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva. After lunch, you’ll set off to Pondicherry, an ancient Roman trading post situated on the Coromandel Coast, which has seen the likes of the Portuguese and French leave their mark.

Overnight at Pondicherry 

Aside from the Portuguese and French, the Dutch, Danish and English rulers have set foot into this beautiful city too. The French, by far, have had the greatest influence, and this can be seen through the French colonial architecture within the city. Coupled with the Tamil culture and Sri Aurobindo Ashram premises, Pondicherry is a hub of cosmopolitan life. You’ll have the chance to visit the Pondicherry Museum, the French War Memorial, the Aayi Mandapam Park Monument, the Promenade and of course, Pondicherry Beach.

After check-out, you’ll head to Kumbakonam. Kumabakonam awaits you! Also known as “temple town”, Kumbakonam dates back to the Sangam period and became the capital of the Medieval Cholas between the 7th and 9th centuries. It was also dubbed the “Cambridge of South India” because of its status as a prominent centre of European education and Hindu culture. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Next on the itinerary is the UNESCO World Heritage monument, the Darasuram temple. The famous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the small town of Darasuram, which is about 4 km from Kumbakonam. Built in the 12th Century AD, this Hindu temple is an architectural marvel from the Chola period. The temple boasts of its intricate and beautiful sculptures. 

Its architectural beauty, rare sculptures and innovative design make it unique, attracting tourists and pilgrims from all over. You’ll spend your day whiling away the hours in “temple town” today. The Kumbeswara, Sarangapani and Ramaswamy temples are some of the more noted temples of Kumbakona, and they are certainly splendid to behold. This town also houses the yearly Mahamaham festival, which attracts visitors from across the globe to take part in the celebrations. Overnight stay at the Kumbakonam.

After checking out at 9 am, you’ll proceed to Thanjavur, formerly known as Tanjore, a thriving hub for South Indian religion, art and architecture. The cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur, is located in the fertile Cauvery delta and is just as popular for its temples, arts and handicrafts as it is known for its paintings and rich history. Thanjavur is also a prominent centre for rice cultivation and is therefore called the ‘Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’.

You’ll be able to feast your eyes upon the Thanjavur Maratha Palace. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex, known locally as Aranmanai, is the official residence of the Bhonsle family, who ruled over the Tanjore region from 1674 to 1855. The original name of Thanjavur Palace is Sivaganga Fort, which is rarely used these days.  Later, you will visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur and is a wonderful example of Tamil architecture. Post lunch, begin your drive to Chettinad. On arrival at Visalam Hotel, check in and freshen up. A stay at Visalam is the perfect way to experience the rich heritage of South India. The hotel, built in the Victorian style, is equipped with all the modern amenities to make your stay a comfortable one. Have a relaxed evening. overnight stay at the hotel.

After a pleasant night’s sleep, enjoy a lavish breakfast and step out to explore Chettinad. Head to the Chettinad Museum, displaying the unique Chettinad style of living. Spend a lovely evening as you admire the majestic architecture of the Chettinad Palace, dating back to the year 1912. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll check in. Madurai’s history dates back to the 6th century BC, so there’s plenty to see in this important cultural and commercial centre of southern India. Here, you will find people speaking the Tamil language in its purest form, since this city, whose main attraction is the Meenakshi Temple, was once the base of Tamil learning. In the evening, you’ll settle down to watch the spectacular Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi temple, and on your return, you’ll have a front-row seat for the bright lights of the city at night. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and head out to explore the beautiful city of Madurai. Begin your sightseeing tour by first visiting the Meenakshi Amman temple, one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in India. The temple has great historical as well as religious significance and is flocked by devotees throughout the year.

Your next stop is the Gandhi Museum. It is truly a paradise for every history buff. Being one of the most dedicated Gandhi Sangrahalaya of India, here you will find writing material and various objects revolving around the life of Gandhiji. Next, head to the famous Lord Vishnu temple, Alagarkoil Temple. The temple draws locals and tourists alike for its captivating architecture, intricate sculptures and religious significance. Moreover, the temple is set amidst a beautiful natural setting, which tranquillises your soul.

Head back to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Thekkady will be your next stop on the list. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll check out from the hotel and make your way to India’s spice capital. En route to Thekkady, visit the Grape Vineyards of Cumbum Valley in Lower Camp. It is an experience in itself. Here, you get a first-hand look at the cultivation of grapes in the vast vineyard. Moreover, you can also shop for freshly brewed wine from the vineyard’s store. After checking in at your new resort, you can spend the afternoon however you like. You could walk through the Kumily Village spice market and stock up on cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg or mace, or you could relax and let the hotel staff pamper you.

The evening will be spent observing the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama with majestic costumes, impressive makeup and mythological stories. You’ll also get to watch the Kalaripayattu, the oldest form of martial arts involving movements and the sounds of slashing swords.

Thekkady is renowned for housing spice plantations as well as a wildlife sanctuary. One of its major attractions, Periyar National Park, offers boat safaris in Periyar Lake where one can spot elephants, tigers and many species of birds; hence making it a great destination for nature lovers due to its greenness and cool weather conditions. You’re in for a real treat today. After a relaxing morning, you’ll board the wildlife viewing boat cruise in the afternoon at the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady. You’ll catch a glimpse of elephants, tigers, a plethora of different bird species and other endangered wildlife frolicking about within the foliage. Visitors also enjoy guided tours of different spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and cloves, allowing them to indulge in aromas and tastes that fill the air there.

Explore Kerala’s backwaters, a chain of lagoons running parallel to the coast on the Arabian Sea, as you journey overland to Alleppey. Take an overnight cruise on your private houseboat. Kettuvallam is an elegant rice barge constructed without nails and using woven natural materials like bamboo and coir for upper sections.

On your very own houseboat, you will enjoy a delicious feast of local cuisine prepared by your onboard chef. You will board your houseboat around 12:00 Noon and cruise through the beautiful maze of backwaters after breakfast. One or two bedroom houseboats with en-suite bathrooms come with a kitchenette, an open lounge, a deck, and a three-member crew – an oarsman, a cook, and a guide. The houseboat will serve all meals. On the houseboat, you will spend the night.

Check out and depart to Marari Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Marari’s name has been derived from a local village on the coast of the Arabian Sea, “Mararikulum”.  Marari Beach in Kerala is ranked among the top five Hammock Beaches by a National Geographic survey.

The tranquil beach water and serene environment make it a perfect romantic escape. Marari beach is an ideal location where one can rejuvenate, relax and chill. It is also a paradise for thrill seekers.

The ideal plan for the day is to begin the morning by taking either a yoga or meditation class that can be arranged at the resort. Post this delightful experience, you can indulge in a scrumptious breakfast to get started for the day. To enjoy the native feel of this location, you can take up a cooking demonstration class that teaches how to use spices in preparing an authentic meal of the region. 

To truly explore the serenity of this beach scenery, you can also take bicycles and choose to ride them around the vast property. The bicycle tour will let you explore the local culture and get the true feel of the place.

Marari Beach is the ideal vacation spot for both solo travellers and families alike. The long beach is graced with lovely golden sands and is dotted with quite a few coconut trees that add to the beauty of this scenic destination. You may retire to your villa for the night and be well-rested for your final day at Marari Beach

Full day is at Leisure at the beach resort 

Time to go! You’ll check out after breakfast and head to Cochin for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing endeavours, after which you’ll be taken to Cochin Airport depending on your flight departure time. We hope you’ve had a wonderful trip!