Exotic Journeys' Kerala & South India Deluxe FAM Tour - 13 Days
EJI's K&SI FAM - 2024/25/26

Chennai (Madras) • Mahabalipuram • Pondicherry • Tanjore • Trichy • Periyar Wildlife Preserve • Kumarakom • Kerala Backwaters • Cochin

DAY 1 - Chennai

Arrive Chennai (Madras). Meeting and transfer to hotel.

Overnight at:
Taj Connemara
Taj Coromandal

DAY 2 - Chennai (Madras)

Morning at leisure.
City tour of Chennai, visiting the Art Gallery, the Bronze Gallery, Fort St.. George, St. Mary’s Church, San Thome Basilica and the Kapaleeswarar Temple.(B)

Overnight at:
Taj Connemara
Taj Coromandal

DAY 3 - Chennai / Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Excursion to Mamallapuram, formerly known as Mahabalipuram. Stop en route to visit Kanchipuram, the “ A City of Thousand Temples,” which is also renowned for its exquisite silks. (B)

Overnight at:
Taj Fisherman's Cove
ITC Welcome Hotel

DAY 4 - Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

This morning, visit the rock-cut shore temples and the magnificent bas-relief depicting the “Penance of Arjuna.” The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the beach and enjoy an invigorating swim in the Bay of Bengal. (B)

Overnight at:
Taj Fisherman's Cove
ITC WelcomHotel

DAY 5 - Pondicherry

Drive along the coast to the former French settlement of Pondicherry, which still bears testimony to 281 years of French Colonial influence. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, a community established to kindle a lasting kinship and exchange of ideas among the diverse citizens of the world. (B)

Overnight at:
Hotel Duplex
St. James Court Beach Resort

DAY 6 - Chidambaram / Tanjore

Travel to Chidambaram. Visit Chidambaram Temple, with its fabulous sculpture of “Nataraja,” or Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer, is considered by Hindus to be the cosmic center of the universe. Continue on to Tanjore and visit the Brahadeeswarar Temple, whose central tower is considered a unique feat of architecture. (B)

Overnight at:
Hotel Sangam
Ideal River View Resort

DAY 7 - Trichy

Continue your journey to Trichy. Visit the Rock Fort and the Srirangam Temple. Located on an island in the Cauvery River, Srirangam, with its seven enclosures, is the largest temple dedicated to Vishnu.
(B)

Overnight at:
Hotel Sangam
Femina Hotel

DAY 8 - Madurai

Proceed to Madurai, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River. Visit the celebrated Meenakshi temple, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Mariamman Teppakulam. Later this evening, return to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi. (B)

Overnight at:
Vivanta by Taj Madurai
Heritage Madurai

DAY 9 - Periyar

Drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This tranquil sanctuary located on the border of Tamilnadu and Kerala is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This afternoon, enjoy a game-viewing cruise on the Periyar River. (B,L, D)

Overnight at:
Spice Village
Elephant Court

DAY 10 - Kumarakom (Cruising the Backwaters)

After an early morning game-viewing cruise, continue west to Kerala and the ecological backwater reserve of Kumarakom. The Kerala backwater system is considered among the most ecologically balanced regions on the planet. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Overnight at:
Vivanta by Taj Kumarakom
Vasundhara Sarovar Premier

DAY 11 - Kumarakom (Cruising the Backwaters)

This morning, enjoy a backwaters cruise, including a visit to the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. The afternoon is at leisure.

Optional: This is a great place to enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. (B)

Overnight at:
Vivanta by Taj Kumarakom
Vasundhara Sarovar Premier

DAY 12 - Cochin

Depart for Cochin in the morning. Visit the Portuguese-built St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and see the use of Chinese fishing nets - ingenious devices requiring little human attention.

Optional: Tonight, enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. (B)

Overnight at:
Taj Malabar
Crowne Plaza

DAY 13 - Cochin

Transfer to airport.
Depart on your onward journey.

Extensions to Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Sikkim are available.

General Information & Reservation

Tour Price Includes: Five / four star deluxe Taj hotels as listed or similar, room taxes, daily breakfast, food and beverage taxes, private airport transfers, private city tours and excursions, English speaking local guides, entrance fee to monuments, air-conditioned coach / car transportation for inter city and across the Tamil Nadu and Kerala states, Parking, Gasoline and mileage.

Airport Security Fee: Air Inclusive - $ 555.42 (subject to change till ticketed / paid).

Government Tourist Service Tax : $ 273.71 (subject to change till paid).

To Book: Log on to Reservation Form or call us at 1. 800. 554. 6342 / 312. 332. 4722 or e-mail. Return completed form, a business card, copy of current IATAN / ARC / CLIA list. Land only booking requires $ 500.00 deposit. Balance is due on 75 days prior to departure or when requested. Air inclusive booking requires full payment.

Eligibility:IATAN / ARC / CLIA / TRUE/ ASTA / PATA - Industry membership ID required.

Notes: Companions are permitted. Limited seats available for air inclusive bookings at the sole discretion of the designated airline. IATAN Reduced Rate Application must be submitted to airlines when requested. Deposits are refundable if space cannot be confirmed. Visa for India is participants’ responsibility. For online visa forms, click on Resources for Travelers. Trip Insurance is mandatory. Return flight deviation fee is $100.00. Post FAM extensions to northern India, Sri Lanka are available. Select from Personal and Private Modular Tours on our website. Additional nights in Chennai and Cochin are available at the time of booking for $125.00 per person double. If traveling on your own air, obtain tickets to Chennai and return from Cochin. Bulk air available on most airlines upon request. Proof / waiver of Trip Insurance is required. See cancellation policy. Prices reflect discounts for cash/check payments. Credit Card payments will have foreign exchange conversion and CC processing fees. Itinerary and hotels remain subject to change without notice. Any changes to original booking by requires $ 75.00 change fee. Govt Taxes / VATs & flight taxes are extra. Land Prices are valid as published till Sept. 22.