Mystic Kumarakom

Spicy South

12 nights South India

The Spicy South experience

  • All transfers
  • English speaking guides during the sightseeing
  • Excursions (spice plantation in Periyar, House boat trip 3-4 hours (including lunch)
  • Kathkali dance show in a local theater
  • Farewell dinner
  • Half day city tour in Chettinad and Cochin

Chennai - Mahabalipuram – Chettinad – Madurai –
Peryar – Kumarakom – Mararikulam - Cochin

The diversity of charms of Kerala, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu in the south of India is fascinating travellers from all around the world.

The green backwaters to the west, the temples of Mamallapuram to the east, the beaches on the Indian Ocean like in Goa or Kovalam. Let inspire yourself by the unique Indian spices and enjoy the sunrise and sunset on the southernmost spot of India!

Get enchanted by the colourful Spicy South!

Day 1: Arrival Chennai / Mahabalipuram

Assistance on arrival at International airport followed by drive to Mahabalipuram (31 miles). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel "Radisson Temple Bay".

Day 2: Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram

During breakfast tour briefing by professional staff followed by a visit of Mahabalipuram. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram the first Tamil dynasty of any real consequence to emerge after the fall of the Gupta Empire.

  • Shore temple
  • Rath temple

Then drive to Kanchipuram (18 miles). Kanchipuram is very famous for its Silk Sarees. This is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its temples are spectacular and the gopums can be seen from miles away.

  • Varadaraja Perumal temple
  • Kailasanatha temple
  • Ekambareshwara temple.

In the late afternoon drive back to Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram / Chennai / Madurai / Chettinad

After breakfast drive to Chennai (31 miles), you will be provided in time assisted departure transfer to the Chennai airport to connect the flight for Madurai. On arrival in Madurai, drive to Chettinad (58 miles). Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of egg whites to give a smooth texture.  Upon arrival, check in to the hotel "Visalam". Your evening is free to explore the village.

Day 4: Chettinad

After breakfast, have a half day sightseeing of Chettinad.

  • The huge country homes of the Chettiars
  • Chettinad museum

Day 5: Chettinad / Madurai

After breakfast drive to Madurai (58 miles). Madurai is situated on the banks of Vaigai River. This city is more than 2500 years old and was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 when the Pandvas made it their capital. Modern Madurai is a burgeoning industrial centre even though the vast stretches of lush paddy fields. Upon arrival, check into the hotel "Heritage Madurai". Later have a city tour of Madurai.

  • Meenakshi temple
  • Thirumalai nayak palace
  • Teppakulam

At late evening, attend the evening ceremony at Meenakshi temple.

Day 6: Madurai / Periyar

After breakfast drive to Periyar (81 miles). Periyar is South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary. The park encompasses a 26 sq km artificial lake, created by the British in 1895 to provide water to Madurai, and spreads into Tamil Nadu. It is home to Bison, Antelopes, Samber, Wild Boar, Monkeys, Langur, a wide variety of birds, and elephants. Upon arrival, check into the hotel "Spice Village".

Later have a walk in the sanctuary. Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km in length. This is an interpretive program offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The program is offered for about 3 hours. The Nature walk is the right program to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.

Day 7: Periyar

After breakfast, go for the spice plantation tour. Visit nearby coffee plantations, spice gardens with pepper vines. The rest of the day is free for individual activities.

Day 8: Periyar / Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (67 miles). On arrival, check in to your Hotel "Coconut Lagoon". The day is free to relax at the resort.

Day 9: Kumarakom / Alleppey / Mararikulam

After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Alleppey (37 miles). At Alleppey, board the house boat for a 3 to 4-hours cruise with lunch.

After the cruise, the vehicle will pick you up and drop at hotel (9 miles). Upon arrival, check in to the hotel "Marari Beach Resort". The rest of the day is free to relax at the resort.

Day 10 and 11: Mararikulam

After breakfast, the rest of the day is free to relax at the resort.

Day 12: Mararikulam / Cochin

After breakfast check out from hotel and commence drive to Cochin (28 miles). Cochin is truly a museum city and is found in the most abundant quantities at fort Cochin. Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European settlement in India. Vasco Da Gama first arrived in Cochin in 1502. He returned again in1524 as the Portuguese viceroy of the Indies. He died here and was buried in St. Francis church, the first European church in India. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel "Brunton Boatyard". In the evening see a Kathakkali dance drama which is a must while you are in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin

After breakfast, have a half day city tour of Cochin.

  • Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (closed on Fridays)
  • The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town (Friday & Saturday closed)
  • The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India
  • The Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese
  • Drive past the Chinese fishing nets which are huge cantilevered nets believed to have been brought to Kochi by Chinese traders

Later in the evening, you will be transferred to a local restaurant for farewell dinner (without drinks) on fixed menu / buffet basis. After dinner provide in time assisted departure transfer to the International airport to connect the flight for onwards journey.

Extend your stay with one of our trips or in one of our luxury hotels in North India.

We are looking forward to your inquiry and we are sure to fulfill your individual needs.

6 + 5 = 

Ihre Hotels

Hotel Radisson Temple Bay Mahabalipuram
Hotel Radisson Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram
Hotel Visalam Chettinad
Hotel Visalam, Chettinad
Hotel Heritage Madurai
Hotel Heritage Madurai, Madurai
Meenakshi Temple Madurai
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Hotel Spice Village Periyar
Hotel Spice Village, Periyar
Hotel Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom
Hotel Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
Marari Beach Resort Mararikulam
Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam
Hotel Brunton Boatyard Cochin
Hotel Brunton Boatyard, Cochin

Got questions?

Call us or send us a message

We advise you from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00.

+49 (0) 89 / 370 143 40

2 + 6 =