Kerala Cultural Tours

Kerala tour is one of the smallest states in the Indian union.It has an area of 38.855 squre kilometers is just 1.3 percent of the total area of India. The land of India comprises the narrow coastal strip bounded by the western Ghats and the east and the Arabian on the west.Kerala plays a vital role in the commercial and cultural history of India and known for its rich culture.Kerala with its evergreen mountains,dense forests stately palms, swift flowing rivers, extensive backwaters and blue laggons,it looks like a fairyland.

• DAY 1

  Arrive Madras

  Begin your tour. Arrive into Madras Welcome to Vardhman's 'Kerala Cultural Tour' Our executive welcomes you and later transfer you to the hotel. Later in the afternoon proceed in a city tour of Cheenai. Visit the museum to see the Art and Bronze Gallery. (Closed on Fridays and Public holidays). Drive through the Flower and Fruit market, High court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral and Snake Park.Overnight : Hotel

• DAY 2

  Madras

  Full day excursion to Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Sightseeing of Mahabalipuram The city of Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Later drive back to Chennai.Overnight: Hotel

• DAY 3

  Madras - Madurai (by flight)

  Morning transfer to the airport in time for morning flight to Madurai. 0630 hours - Depart Chennai (Madras) by flight No. DN-157 0745 hours - Arrive Madurai. On arrival at Madurai airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Relax for a while. Later proceed for the sightseeing tour of Madurai. Madurai, known as Athens of the East, it is the second largest city on the banks of the River Vigai. The city believed to be more than 2500 yeras old. The city got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva's locs when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. City tour of Madurai Visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering gopurams (rising high above the surrounding countryside). Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches. In the evening visit the Meenakshi Temple to attend the "Aarti" ceremony.Overnight: Hotel

• DAY 4

  Madurai - Periyar (128 Kms / 3 hrs)

  In the morning drive to Periyar and upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, sightseeing by boat over Lake Periyar to view the wild life. Boat cruise on the lake of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar-an ariticial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is in the heart of the Wildlife sanctuary. Wild Elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even tigers come to shores of the lake to drink. Return to hotel for breakfast.Overnight: Hotel

• DAY 5

  Periyar - Kumarakom (115 Kms / 3 hrs)

  Morning drive to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake. On arrival switch over to a houseboat for a through many canals and waterways up to Alleppey. The backwater cruise in a country boat is the best way to explore the villages and rural life. Enjoy unlimited surfing on backwaters, sip a coconut, get disturbed by only the chirping of birds. Enjoy a cruise on the backwater through a maze of canals and lagoons.Overnight: House boat

• DAY 6

  Kumarakom - Cochin (85 Kms / 2 Hrs)

  Morning, backwater cruise to Alleppey and back. Later drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Relax for a while. Later proceed for the sightseeing of Cochin. Half day City tour of Cochin Visit the Dutch palace, Jewish Synagogue, chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Church. Also visit the Hill Palace Museum which displays articles of archeological importance. Overnight: Hotel

• DAY 7

  Cochin - Goa (by flight)

  After breakfast and transfer to airport flight for Goa Depart Cochin by Flight Arrive Goa and transfer to hotel. Later proceed for the sightseeing tour of Goa Visit Old Goa, the most important Cathedrals and churches - namely Se-Cathedral, Church of St. Francis Xavier, St. Catherine's Church, Arch of Vice Roy of Goa. Miramar Beach - This is the only beach close to any city and has a good view of the river Mandovi flowing into the sea. Also visit Dona Paula fishing village which is a small village at the tip of Panaji, the place has a very good viewpoint and a monument at the same place. Overnight: Hotel

• DAY 8

  Goa

  Full day at leisure at beach.Overnight: Hotel

• DAY 9

  Goa

  Full day at leisure at beach.Overnight: Hotel

• DAY 10

  Goa - Bombay (by flight)

  After breakfast checkout from the hotel and leave for Mumbai by Air/Train. It has been a real pleasure, having served you for these few days. We believe that you carry back your everlasting memories of "Kerala Cultural Tour" and hope you will visit our country again through Vardhman Vacations.