Houseboat Cruise on Backwaters

Sightseeing Activities: In the morning, we will first drive 2 hours to Kanchipuram, which is famous for thousands of ancient temples, among which the oldest dates back to the 7th century. Our guide will take you to visit the most famous Ekambaswara Temple and Kailasanatha Temple. Next, we will continue to drive 2 hours to Mahabalipuram, where we will see three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the 7th-century Shore Temple built of granite, the Arjuna’s Penance with vivid bas-reliefs, and the Five Rathas, a 7th-century carved temple complex. Finally, we will return to Chennai for the night.

The Favored Arjuna
Arjuna has more titles, such one of the main characters in the Indian epic Mahabharata, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu and the key figure in Indian mythology and theology. In the legend, he is highly skilled, responsible and also a person who pursues truth. He holds a high position in the hearts of the Indian people. The Indian Army even named their battle tanks after Arjuna, it is the famous Arjun Main Battle Tank.

The Arjuna's Penance we are going to visit today is a group of stone carvings on a huge rock, depicting Arjuna's wandering ascetic scenes. The carving is 29 meters long and 13 meters wide, densely carved with various statues built by the kings of the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th to 8th centuries AD. Follow our tour guide to learn about this Indian hero and his life.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Accord Metropolitan, Chennai (4 stars)

Fly from Chennai to Madurai: In the morning, our driver will transfer you to the Chennai Airport for a flight to Madurai. After 1.5 hours’ flight, you will arrive and our local representative will greet you at the airport and then escort you to the hotel in downtown for check-in.

Afternoon Sightseeing in Madurai: After a break at the hotel, our guide will lead you to visit the exquisite Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and then the Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest temples in India with a history of more than 2,000 years.

Things You Need to Know to Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple was founded in the 7th century and completed in the 17th century. There are a total of 33,000 statues, of which 30% are made of gold. The 11 gopuram, known as the towering gates, were decorated with Hindu gods, goddesses, demons, and heroic figures. The highest gopuram is on the south side, with a height of 200 feet, is dedicated to the goddess goddesses Meenakshi. In the legend, she has three breasts and the most beautiful eyes described in Tamil traditional poetry - the fished eyes.

►  Tips:
1. Except for water, wallets, and phones, nothing else can be carried in.
2. Visitors entering the temple are not allowed to show off their shoulders and legs, and men are also required to wear long pants. No shoes allowed, there is a free shoe storage area at the entrance.
3. There will be a ceremony to welcome and farewell to the god Shiva around 6am and 8pm every day. If you are interested, you can give an extra tip $2 to the people in the temple to get a place at the front.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fortune Pandiyan, Madurai (4 stars)

Sightseeing Activities: Today we will drive more than 3 hours to Periyar, known for the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary with many endangered animals. Upon arrival, you will have an enjoyable cruise on the Periyar Lake, located in the heart of the reserve. You could see some wildlife such as deer, wild boar and birds and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Elephant Court, Periyar (4 stars)

Road Trip from Periyar to Alleppey (155 km; 4 hours): In the morning, our guide and the driver will escort you to Alleppey, which is officially known as Alappuzha and honored as ‘Venice of the East’ because of its beautiful backwaters.

★ Special Experience: Houseboat Cruise on Kerala’s Backwaters
Upon arrival, our guide will help you board the houseboat for check-in. Then there would be the highlight of your trip - a cruise on the backwaters. The stunning scenery, exotic lifestyle and authentic Kerala cuisine served on board will be unforgettable for the rest of your life. Tonight, you’ll be staying on the houseboat.

The Houseboats on Backwater
Kochin became the trading capital of the Maritime Spice Trail after the 6th century. As early as the 14th century, the precious spices had already attracted a large number of European merchants for spice trade which was very popular in Europe and in high demand at that time. Afterwards, in order to compete for huge profits in the spice trade, Europeans launched the famous Black Pepper War and began the 450 year colonial history of Cochin.

At that time, the locals built Kettuvalllams which can bear a weight of 300 tons in order to transport spices and other daily necessities. Nowadays, the houseboats on the backwater are all rework of the ancient Kettuvalllams, and there are over 500 houseboats serving tourists every day. The houseboats are all made from local materials, using wood or branches to build roofs and floors. Showers and toilets are also equipped on board, and chefs will prepare food. A very relaxing and enjoyable journey has begun, and we hope you have a pleasant time.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lakes & Lagoon, Alleppey (Houseboat)

Morning Transfer to Kochi (63 km; 1.5 hours): In the morning, the houseboat will sail back to the dock and then our guide will pick you up for a private car transfer to Kochi, earlier known as Cochin. Upon arrival, the guide will assist you to check in at the hotel and leave you with a break before your guided Kochi tour.

Sightseeing in Kochi: The first stop in Kochi will be the Jew Town, which is popular for its blend of architectural styles from many Eurasian countries. Next, we’ll visit the Dutch Palace to admire the exquisite Kerala murals, the oldest European church in Kochi, St. Francis Church, built in the 16th century, as well as the Jewish Synagogue known for its long history and interesting antiques. Finally, we will go to the Kochi Harbor, where you will marvel at the giant and photogenic Chinese Fishing Nets suspended from tall bamboo poles along the coast.

► Tip: In the evening, you can, at your own expense, enjoy Kathakali, Kerala’s representative dance performance dating back to the 17th century. Please inform our guide in advance so that he or she can book tickets and arrange seats for you.

The Guinness World Record Set by Kathakali
Kathakali is a traditional drama in Kerala that combines various forms such as mime, music, and dance. It was originally only performed in the royal court. Traditional makeup takes about 4 hours each time, and the thickness of dance makeup can reach 15 centimeters, making it the thickest makeup in the world's theatrical dance and setting a Guinness World Record. The improved makeup now takes 1.5 hours, if you can arrive here earlier, to watch the makeup is something that you cannot missed.

Katakali is to retell a story of great people or gods. Traditional stories mainly come from religious legends and myths, such as the stories in Indian epics Bhagavata Purana, Amayana, and Mahabharata. Some modern troupes have also adapted stories of Christian legends, and stories of famous writers like William Shakespeare. Actors don't speak during the whole performance, the story is presented through their exaggerated makeup, actions, music and narration.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Kochi (4 stars)

Departure Note: After breakfast at the hotel, our guide and the driver will escort you to the Kochi Airport for your flight home. We hope you would enjoy this memorable journey. We assure you of a warm welcome if you return for another trip of Kerala or book an extension trip with us to other destinations!

Meals: Breakfast