Christmas in Kerala
Kathkali Dance Performance - Witness an exuberant performance of the traditional dance-drama that is Kathakali. Kerala's best-known performing art, it is an extravagant retelling of Hindu epics complete with colourful costumes and elaborate make up.
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 - The Aarti ceremony is a traditional Hindu ritual involving the worship of deities through the use of light, typically in the form of lamps or candles. In Madurai, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is known for its grand and spiritually significant Aarti ceremonies.
Chennai (2N) - Pondicherry (2N) - Velankanni (1N) - Madurai (2N) - Periyar (1N) - Munnar (2N) - Kochi (2N) - Backwaters (1N)
- International flights (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- Domestic transportation
- 3* plus – 4* accommodation
- All meals
- Breakfasts: 13 /Lunches: 13 /Dinners: 13
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance & airfares
Day 1: Arrive Chennai
On arrival to Chennai you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure before meeting your fellow travellers for dinner.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Chennai
Your festive adventure in Southern India begins! Start at the iconic Marina Beach, where you can stand with the sand between your toes, the sun on your face and the Christmas spirit in your soul! Next, delve into the historical significance of Fort St. George, a colonial-era fortress that houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India. Continue your journey to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a sacred Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance create a captivating experience.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Pondicherry
After breakfast you will depart for Pondicherry, stopping 1h50 minutes enroute at the Mahabalipuram rock carvings. These ancient rock-cut sculptures, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcase intricately carved depictions of Hindu mythology and ancient Indian art. Continue your journey to Pondicherry, where you will spend the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Pondicherry
Explore Pondicherry's spiritual essence at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, then uncover the region's history at the Pondicherry Museum. Take in the unique charm of the French quarter with a delightful rickshaw ride, followed by free time to wander through its colorful streets, revealing a perfect blend of French and Indian influences.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Velankanni
Today you will travel south, driving approximately 5 hours to Velankanni. Lunch will be In Chidambaram. On arrival you will check in at your hotel before a visit to the revered Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. Also known as Vailankanni Church, this is a major pilgrimage site, where its significance lies in the belief that it is a place of miraculous healing. Devotees from various faiths visit to seek blessings and offer prayers to the Virgin Mary.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Madurai
Set off after breakfast on a 5hour drive to Madurai, detouring through Chettinad. Explore the rich cultural heritage of this region by visiting a tile-making factory, witnessing the intricate process of tile production. Continue by visiting a traditional house, a testament to the architectural and cultural legacy of the region, before exploring the local market. Resume your drive to Madurai, where you'll check in at the hotel upon arrival.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Madurai
Explore the cultural treasures of this city with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Next, delve into the regal history of Madurai by visiting the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. As the day unfolds, experience the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, joining the devotees in the evening ritual, where lamps are lit, prayers are offered, and the divine energy of the temple is palpable.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Periyar
Embark on a scenic drive where along the way you will visit a local spice village and market. Continue to Periyar and, in the evening, witness the ancient and dynamic Kalaripayattu martial arts show. This traditional martial art form, originating in Kerala, is characterized by its fluid movements, precise techniques, and a deep connection to the region's cultural heritage. Marvel at the skilled performers as they showcase this ancient art form, demonstrating a captivating blend of strength, agility, and discipline.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Munnar
Begin your day with a serene morning boat ride on Lake Periyar, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Periyar National Park. As you navigate the tranquil waters, be on the lookout for diverse wildlife that frequents the lake, including elephants, deer, and various bird species. Following the boat ride, you will continue to Munnar, taking approximately 4 - 4.5 hours. Munnar is renowned for its verdant landscapes, tea estates, and cool climate, making it a popular hill station in South India.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Munnar
Embark on a morning visit to Eravikulam National Park, as you enjoy a light trek through Munnar, taking in the fresh mountain air and the scenic beauty of the park. Following this delve into the world of tea with a visit to a local tea plantation in Munnar. Gain insights into the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging. Learn about the nuances of tea cultivation and appreciate the picturesque surroundings of the tea estates. Your day will conclude with a visit to the Tata Tea Museum, where you can explore the history of tea cultivation in the region.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Kochi
Today, Christmas Eve, you head 5 hours to Kochi, a city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. To get you into the Christmas spirit this evening, indulge in a festive dinner at the hotel, savouring the flavors of Kerala's culinary delights as you celebrate the season with your travel companions. Later, immerse yourself in the vibrant and unique Christmas traditions of Kerala by attending a traditional midnight mass at an Oriental Orthodox Church. The midnight mass in Kerala is a special occasion marked by cultural richness, religious fervor, and a sense of togetherness.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Kochi
Merry Christmas! Today promises to be a wonderful experience as you immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, for a day filled with festive and cultural experiences in the lovely sunshine. Dress up in traditional Keralan attire and attend the Christmas Mass at St. Francis Church before a city tour of Kochi, visiting the Santa Cruz Basilica, a beautiful church with Portuguese origins. Explore the Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront and take a stroll through nearby markets. For a particular fun Christmas evening, later you will proceed to the Kathakali Dance auditorium for an enriching cultural experience, where you will spend approximately 45 minutes witnessing the intricate preparations before enjoying a captivating Kathakali dance performance, where the artists showcase the artistry and storytelling through elaborate costumes, facial expressions, and rhythmic movements.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Backwaters
For a Boxing Day with a difference, transfer 1h30 minutes to the Alleppey Jetty Point to board a traditional houseboat. Cruise through the picturesque canals of the backwaters of Kerala. Along the way, make stops to explore small villages, visit charming churches, and discover ancient temples, absorbing the rich cultural tapestry of the region. As the houseboat moors in the evening, partake in a special evening filled with the enchanting rhythms of Folk Music and Dances.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14-15: Depart Kochi
After breakfast, you will disembark from your houseboat and transfer 1h30 back to Kochi, where you will enjoy lunch. Later spend time visiting local markets, before transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to Australia.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 14 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024
from$8,480$7,980 pp twin share /$10,370/ $9,870 pp solo - 14 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025
from$8,780$8,280 pp twin share /$10,770/ $10,270 pp solo - 14 Dec 2026 - 28 Dec 2026
from $8,980 pp twin share / $10,970 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 November 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately USD90 (AU$134) is paid locally in India.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.