CULTURE, CUISINE & COAST –A CGH EXPERIENCE

The southern part of India is a traveller’s paradise, offering rich experiences of history, culture and nature – all close to each other. It’s a journey that deserves a long, leisurely holiday. That’s why, the Culture, Cuisine & Coast itinerary takes you through Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala at a laid-back pace. The 2-week schedule is packed with glimpses of French & Tamil heritage in Pondicherry, an ancient temple town in Kumbakonam and a visit to the Chettiyar legacy in Chettinad. You then move to serene green Kerala, starting with the wild wonderlands of Thekkady, heading to the backwaters of Kumarakom, an exclusive Houseboat cruise, the beaches in Mararikulam and ending in the historic town of Fort Kochi. Each destination offers an authentic and luxurious experience of the place, with cuisines that give you a taste of true tradition. A wholesome holiday that will stay with you long after you return home.

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07
Day 08
Day 09
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Day 016
DAY 1 Chennai
Arrive Chennai by International flight, Upon arrival meet & assist transfer to hotel. 
Chennai formerly known as Madras, is the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India, and is the country's fourth-largest city. It is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. Religious sites include Kapaleeshwarar Temple, adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican Church. Rest of the day is free from Jetlag.Overnight stay.
DAY 2 CHENNAI - PONDICHERRY
After morning breakfast leave for Pondicherry. Stop at Mahabalipuram, a 90 minute drive away, to visit the Shore Temple, a World Heritage Monument. After exploring the rock-cut architecture, have lunch at Radisson Resort Temple Bay. Continue for two hours to Pondicherry and check-in at Maison Perumal. Spend the rest of your evening at the beach.Overnight stay in Maison Perumal.
 
DAY 3 PONDICHERRY
After morning breakfast at hotel.Start with a guided tour of Pondicherry with Auroville. Founded in 1958, Auroville is a township devised as an experiment in human unity. It now has 50,000 residents of different nationalities and is a must-see for being the only township of its kind in the world. Stay for lunch at the visitor’s centre. 
In the afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Botanical Gardens, churches and museums. Spend the evening at your leisure, Overnight stay at  Maison Perumal.
 
DAY 4 PONDICHERRY TO KUMBAKONAM
After breakfast, check-out and embark for Kumbakonam. En route, stop at Cuddalore to visit Fort St. David and the Garden House. Then, proceed to Chidambaram to visit the Shiva Nataraja Temple, one of South India’s most ancient temples. After a further two-hour drive, arrive near Kumbakonam at Mantra Koodam. Check-in and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Mantra Koodam.
 
DAY 5 KUMBAKONAM
After the morning breakfast at Hotel Spend your day at the breathtaking Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram temples, known for housing many art and architectural treasures. Then, head back to Mantra Koodam to experience the many available activities from bullock-cart rides to Bharatanatyam. In evening return to Hotel for an overnight stay at Mantra Koodam.
 
DAY 6 KUMBAKONAM TO CHETTINAD
Check-out after breakfast and begin your journey towards Chettinad. En-route, stop at Tanjore to visit the spectacular Brihadishwara temple and break for lunch at Hotel Svatma. Continue your drive for a further two-hours and arrive to a warm welcome at Visalam, Chettinad.Rest of the day at your leisure and overnight stay in Visalam, Chettinad.
 
DAY 7 CHETTINAD

After breakfast at Hotel proceed to visit the Raja’s Palace, old Chettiar mansions and clan temples. Shop for handmade tiles at the Athangudi village, learn about the intricate handloom process of saree weaving, purchase souvenirs at the local markets and take a bullock cart ride or cycle tour. After a day of adventure, Return to Visalam for a overnight stay.

DAY 8 CHETTINAD TO THEKKADY
After a delicious Visalam breakfast, leave for Thekkady. Stop briefly at Madurai to visit towering gopurams at Sree Meenakshi Temple and have lunch at Hotel Heritage. Arrive at Thekkady in three-and- a-half hours to crisp mountain air at Spice Village. Participate in a cooking demo with spices and experience a tribal cultural performance. Discover the immense biodiversity within the resort.Overnight stay at Spice Village.
 
DAY 9 THEKKADY TO KUMARAKOM

After morning breakfast proceed to enjoy a morning drive to Kumarakom. Three-and- a-half- hourslater, switch to a boat and arrive on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Disembark straight onto the reception of Coconut Lagoon. Watch a cooking demonstration and traditional cultural performance. Take in unobstructed sunset views as you relax on a hammock by the lake.Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon.

DAY 10 KUMARAKOM
Wake up for an energizing session of yoga before breakfast. Then, follow the birdsong on a tour with our naturalist. Return to Coconut Lagoon for a village walk and environmental tour. Spend a lazy afternoon relaxing by the pool. Towards the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise accompanied by a flute performance.Then overnight stay in Hotel.
 
DAY 11 LAKE VEMBANAD
Start your day with yoga, once again, and watch a Kalaripayattu session before breakfast. Board a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat in the afternoon, courtesy Spice Coast Cruises. Explore the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey. Dock at 6 in the evening and have dinner on board. Enjoy an overnight stay on your houseboat.
 
DAY 12 MARARIKULAM
Wake up to breakfast on your houseboat before docking at the Puthenangadi boat jetty. Continue to Mararikulam and check-in at Marari Beach Resort. Spend the rest of your day on the beach followed by overnight stay at Marari Beach Resort. 
 
DAY 13 MARARIKULAM

After breakfast, explore the fishing villages on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. In the afternoon, visit our organic farm from which we source the fresh ingredients that go into our gourmet dishes. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort.

DAY 14 MARARIKULAM TO FORT COCHIN
After breakfast drive to Fort Cochin . Upon arrival, check-in at Brunton Boatyard and explore the variety of gourmet cuisines at our different restaurants. Relax at the pool overlooking the harbour and embark on a sunset cruise towards evening. Overnight stay in Brunton Boatyard.
 
DAY 15 FORT COCHIN
After a mouthwatering breakfast, leave for a full day tour of Cochin. This tour takes you to all the best loved sights- the spice markets, Jew Street and Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Catch an art show at our contemporary gallery and café, David Hall. Enjoy dinner in the warmth of Brunton Boatyard’s Armory Café.Overnight stay at hotel
 
DAY 16 YOUR JOURNEY HOME

Breakfast at hotel checkout from hoteh and proceed to the airport for your return flight with your sweet memories.

Inclusions:
  • Accommodation in a standard category room.
  • Breakfast
  • All taxes for the room and breakfast.
  • Airport Transfers (Arrival and departure).
  • All ground transfers between places.
  • Cooking demonstrations at all resorts.
  • Market visit with the Chef from Masion Perumal.
  • Kolam art at Maison Perumal and Visalam.
  • Bullock cart ride through the village from Visalam.
  • Our cultural interpreters will accompany the guests to the village craftsmen, the travelling market and antique stores.
  • Handmade paper making at Spice Village.
  • Late check-out depending on availability.
  • Sunset Cruise at Coconut Lagoon and Brunton Boatyard.
  • Bird watching at Coconut Lagoon and Marari Beach.
  • Naturalist guided tours at Coconut Lagoon , Spice Village and Marari Beach.
  • Country canoe ride at Coconut Lagoon.
  • Dance workshop at Marari Beach.
  • Yoga sessions at Coconut lagoon and Marari Beach.
Exclusions:
  • Your lunches and dinners.
  • Beverages (Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic).
  • International & Domestic flights.
  • Visa for India and Travel Insurance.
  • All other expenses of personal nature.
Point to be Noted:

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