Wendy Wu Christmas in Kerala

Mahabilapuram
Visit this UNESCO World Hertiage site, home to ancient rock-cut sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

Tea Plantation Visit
Head to Munnar in the Western Ghats to explore tea plantations.

St.Francis Church
Don the traditional attire of Kerala and join Christmas Mass at St Francis Church before attending a mesmerising Kathakali dance performance.

Kerala Houseboat
Sail along the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat, known as a kettuvallam.

Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Chennai
Fly overnight to Chennai. Upon arrival. Transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Chennai
Begin your holiday at Marina Beach, taking time to explore Fort St. George, home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly and the oldest Anglican Church in India. Then, visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a sacred Hindu Temple known for its intricate architecture.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Pondicherry
After breakfast, head towards Pondicherry. En route, you’ll stop to see the Mahabilpuram rock carvings.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Pondicherry
Immerse yourself in Pondicherry’s spiritual aura at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and delve into the area’s rich history at the Pondicherry Museum. Experience the distinctive allure of the French quarter with a delightful rickshaw ride, followed by leisure time to explore its vibrant streets that beautifully blend French and Indian influences.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Velankanni
Today’s journey takes you south to Velankanni, making a short stop in Chidambaram for lunch. Upon arrival, visit Vailankanni Church, a significant pilgrimage site, renowned for its association with miraculous healing.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Madurai
Embark on a journey to Madurai, taking a detour through Chettinad. Tour a tile-making factory and visit a traditional house before continuing to Madurai, where you’ll check into your hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Madurai
Today, tour the city seeing its cultural gems, including the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple and the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. In the afternoon, return to the Temple to witness the enchanting Aarti ceremony, participating in the evening ritual.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Periyar
Enjoy a scenic drive Periyar this morning, visiting a local village and market on the way. Upon arrival in Periyar, experience a Kalaripayattu martial arts show.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Munnar
Begin the day with a peaceful boat ride on the lake before heading to Munnar
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Munnar
Take a morning trek in Eravikulam National Park before exploring a local tea plantation to learn about the tea making process. Finish the day at the Tata Tea Museum.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Kochi
Travel to Kochi, where you’ll enjoy a Christmas Dinner at the hotel, before attending a traditional midnight mass at an Oriental Orthodox Church.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Kochi
Enjoy a festive day in Kochi, dressed in traditional Keralan attire for Christmas Mass at St. Francis Church. Explore Kochi’s cultural sites, including the Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue, and Chinese fishing nets. After a Christmas brunch at your hotel, experience an enchanting evening at the Kathakali Dance auditorium. Witness the intricate preparations before a captivating Kathakali dance performance, showcasing artistry through costumes, facial expressions, and rhythmic movements.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Backwaters
Travel to Alleppey Jetty point today, where you’ll board a traditional houseboat. Cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, making stops to explore villages and cultural sites. As the boat moors in the evening, enjoy a night of folk music and dancing.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Kochi
After breakfast, disembark the houseboat and return to Kochi. Enjoy lunch in the city before exploring the local markets.
(Breakfast)

Day 16:  Depart
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
(Breakfast)

Kathakali Dance Performance
Enjoy a performance of the traditional dance-drama of Kathakali, the region’s best known performing arts.

Kalaripayattu Martial Arts
Marvel at the strength and agility of Kalaripayattu practitioners at a performance of Kerala’s traditional art form. This old martial art combines defensive steps and stances with weaponry such as daggers, spears, maces and bows and arrows

Madurai Aarti Ceremony
Attend an Aarti Ceremony, a traditional ritual involving the worship of deities through the use of light at the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.

• International flights
• 14nts in 3+/4* accommodation
• All meals: 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Visa fees for UK Passport Holders

Classic
See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On our classic tours we take care of everything, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. The tours are fully inclusive with all meals and a comprehensive touring programme.

This tour has a maximum group size of 28 people

This tour has a physical rating of 2. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you’ll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.