Jamwai Journeys is a more thoughtful way of exploring India. Each itinerary is crafted with care to honor culture, support local communities, and leave a positive impact.
Arrival: Arrive at Chennai International Airport (MAA).Transfer & Rest: Transfer to your hotel and check-in. (Approx. 15-20 km, 45-60 minutes from airport to city center).
Chennai Exploration: After a short rest, begin your city tour of Chennai, a major gateway to South India. Explore its colonial past and vibrant culture.
Fort St. George: Built in 1653, a significant historical landmark.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple: A stunning Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
St. Thomas Church: A site linked to the apostle St. Thomas.
Bronze Museum: Showcasing exquisite South Indian bronze artifacts.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Morning Drive to Kanchipuram: Depart for Kanchipuram, also known as the “Golden City” and one of India’s seven sacred cities. (Approx. 75 km, 2-2.5 hours from Chennai).
Kanchipuram Temples: Visit the famous Kailashnath Temple, Ekambareswara Temple, and Vaikuntnatha Temple, considered among the oldest examples of South Indian architecture.
Mahabalipuram: After the visits, continue to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site renowned for its Dravidian art. (Approx. 78 km, 2 hours from Kanchipuram). Mahabalipuram Monuments: Explore the Shore Temple (one of the land of seven pagodas), the monolithic Five Rathas (processional chariots), and Arjuna’s Penance (a magnificent bas-relief depicting the Descent of the Ganges).
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Morning Drive to Pondicherry: Drive to Pondicherry (Puducherry), a charming former French colonial settlement. (Approx. 95 km, 2-2.5 hours from Mahabalipuram).
Pondicherry Exploration: Explore the unique blend of French and Indian cultures. Walk through the French Quarter with its colonial villas, visit the Promenade Beach, and experience the spiritual calm of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. You may also consider a visit to Auroville, an experimental township nearby.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Drive to Chidambaram: Depart for Chidambaram. (Approx. 70 km, 1.5-2 hours from Pondicherry).Chidambaram Temple: Visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Admire its valuable sculptures and gilded roofs.Continue to Gangaikondacholapuram: Proceed to Gangaikondacholapuram. (Approx. 35 km, 45 minutes-1 hour from Chidambaram).Gangaikondacholapuram Temple: Visit the imposing 11th-century stone temple, featuring impressive mural sculptures and statues.
Drive to Thanjavur: Continue your journey to Thanjavur (Tanjore). (Approx. 85 km, 2 hours from Gangaikondacholapuram).
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Morning in Thanjavur: Begin the day by visiting the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the highest expression of Chola architecture. Explore the Raja’s Palace Museum, housing a splendid collection of bronzes.Drive to Trichy: Depart for Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy. (Approx. 58 km, 1.5 hours from Thanjavur).
Trichy Exploration: Visit the iconic Rock Fort Temple, reached by climbing 434 steps, offering panoramic city views. Explore the vast Srirangam Temple Complex (Ranganathaswamy Temple), one of India’s largest and most sumptuously decorated Vaishnavite complexes.
Continue to Madurai: After the visits, proceed to Madurai. (Approx. 140 km, 3-4 hours from Trichy).
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Full Day in Madurai: Dedicate the day to exploring Madurai, often called the “Athens of the East” with a history dating back 2000 years.Meenakshi Amman Temple: Visit the vibrant and iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a pilgrimage destination famous for its intricate gopurams and the impressive Hall of a Thousand Pillars.Thirumalai Nayak Palace: Explore this palace, a perfect synthesis of Islamic and Dravidian architectural elements.
Optional Evening Ceremony: In the evening, you may have the opportunity to witness the evocative “sleeping ceremony” at the Meenakshi Temple, where Shiva proceeds to the dwelling of Meenakshi (time subject to reconfirmation).
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Morning Drive to Chettinad: Depart from Madurai to the unique Chettinad region (Karaikudi). (Approx. 90 km, 2-2.5 hours from Madurai).
Chettinad Exploration: Explore the magnificent Chettinad Mansions (Nattukottais), splendid residences built by the wealthy Chettiar merchants, showcasing their opulence and architectural prowess. Experience the famous Chettinad cuisine.
Continue to Periyar (Thekkady): After the visits, continue your journey towards Periyar National Park (Thekkady) in Kerala. This scenic drive crosses the majestic Western Ghats, passing through plantations of coffee, tea, and spices. (Approx. 160 km, 4-5 hours from Chettinad).
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Periyar Wildlife: In the morning, enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake within the wildlife sanctuary, offering opportunities to spot wild elephants, various deer species, wild boars, and a variety of colorful birds. (Optional: visit a spice plantation for an aromatic experience).
Drive to Alleppey: Depart for Alleppey (Alappuzha), the charming gateway to the Kerala Backwaters. (Approx. 140 km, 3-3.5 hours from Periyar).
Houseboat Cruise: Upon arrival, embark on a traditional houseboat (kettuvalam) for an unforgettable overnight cruise through the serene Backwater canals. Observe local village life, lush palm groves, and paddy fields.
Meals & Overnight: Onboard the Houseboat.
Breakfast & Check out: Enjoy breakfast on the houseboat. Check out in Alleppey and continue your journey to Cochin (Kochi), a historic port city with a rich tapestry of influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods. (Approx. 70 km, 1.5-2 hours from Alleppey).
Cochin City Tour: Check into your hotel, then begin your afternoon city tour:
Fort Kochi: Explore the charming streets and architecture.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Witness the iconic cantilevered fishing nets, believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Explore this palace known for its stunning murals.
Paradesi Synagogue: The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.
St. Francis Church: India’s oldest European church.
Kathakali Performance: In the evening, experience a captivating Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance-drama portraying episodes from epic poems and myths.
Accommodation: Locally owned hotel.
Transport : Private vehicle
Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxed breakfast. Transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK) for your international departure.
Transport : Private vehicle
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