Depart to Pondicherry (100 kms – 2 hrs).
Enroute visit salt making areas in Marakannam
[Except during monsoon]. Evening have a walk
along the promenade of Pondicherry Beach &
time free for shopping and leisure.
Early morning drive to Tanjore ancient capital
of the Cholas (177 kms – 4 hrs).
Visit the Brahadeeswarar Temple (which was constructed more than a thousand years ago
by the Chola King Raja Rajan – the architect’s
marvel), the Art Gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Palace which houses the Library today.
After breakfast, drive to Karaikudi ancient city
of rich Chettiyar Merchants (109 kms – 2 hrs).
Visit Chettinad Houses, extensive antique shops, weekly shandy [village market]; also have a visit to Craftsmen working with wood and metal,
silversmiths and goldsmiths.
Early morning drive to Madurai ancient capital
of the Pandiyas (81 kms – 1 ½ hrs).
Madurai is one of South India's great temple towns;
it has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the
great Tamil era for more than 2500 years.
Visit Meenakshi Amman temple and Thirumalainayakarmahal.
Depart to Periyar/Thekkady (140 kms – 3 hrs).
Besides the tiger and elephant, the rare lion-tailed macaque, sambar deer, the elusive leopard,
wild boar and guar, the largest wild cattle,
flourish in the recesses of the jungles.
Visit Fort Cochin, Synagogue, Chinese fish
net is introduced to India in the 14th century and Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace.
Evening leisure for shopping.
Check out the House boat and Depart to
Trivandrum (150 kms – 3 hrs)
Visit Sri Padhmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated
to lord Vishnu & Kanakakunnu Palace.
Arrive Kovalam and visit Light House Beach,
Napier Museum, and Chalai Market. Evening
leisure for shopping.