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Take a journey into India's lush green southern landscapes, exploring extraordinary temple towns, spice villages and tropical coastal cities. As you travel you unravel and discover the culture of this region, get to try amazing cuisine and realize that South India is quite literally another world but still as you've always imagined it - colourful, exotic, mystical and even a little magical.Be prepared to embark on a trip of a lifetime…
Chennai - Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry - Trichy / Thanjavur - Chettinad / Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Kochi - Mumbai
13 Nights/14 Days
Highlights
- Explore the extraordinary temples and carvings in Mahaballipuram
- Discover the charms of French Pondicherry
- Watch the fascinating evening ceremony at Madurai's colorful Meenakshi Temple
- Sail on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat
- Explore religiously and architecturally diverse Kochi
- Savour a southern Indian lunch with a family at a Kerala spice plantation
- Enjoy an idyllic cruise on the famed backwaters of Kerala
- Enjoy a dramatic performances of Kathakali and Kalaripayyattu
Inclusions
-
Accommodation
-
Transport
-
Guide
-
Entrances
Not included is travel insurance, tips and any expense of personal nature
Extensions
Destinations
Trip Plan
Day 1
Arrive Chennai
Day 2
Chennai
Day 3
Excursion to Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram
Day 4
Chennai – Pondicherry
Day 5
Pondicherry - Trichy / Thanjavur
Day 6
Thanjavur
Day 7
Thanjavur – Chettinad - Madurai
Day 8
Madurai
Day 9
Madurai - Periyar
Day 10
Periyar - Kumarakom
Day 11
Kumarakom
Day 12
Kumarakom - Kochi
Day 13
Kochi
Day 14
Kochi - Mumbai
Arrive in Chennai, set on the Bay of Bengal on India’s southeast coast, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
‘Chennai’ was formerly called Madras and is capital city of the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. In the 17th century, Chennai was the economic and political capital of the East India Company, the British trading company which eventually led to the colonization of India.
Your city tour will start with the visit of the Mylapore temple area visiting the 16th century Kapleeswarar temple. This is a living temple and will be an excellent introduction to the ritual involved in Hindu religious ceremonies.
Return to the city for a visit to Fort St. George. Built in 1640, the fort was the first bastion of the British East India Company in southern India; today, it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. See St. Mary's Church, consecrated in 1680 and one of the oldest British buildings in India. Next, explore the National Art Gallery whose exhibits feature all major South Indian periods, including the Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya. Stop at the peaceful Portuguese-built Santhome Cathedral, named after St. Thomas the Apostle, whose tomb is said to be beneath the basilica. A historical pilgrimage center built in Gothic style, its cool white spire rises 155 feet above the bustling city. End the tour with a stroll on Marina beach and let the waves gently tickle your toes as you watch families and couples enjoy the evening sunset.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, journey overland to visit Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven most sacred cities and home to over 100 temples, most of which are dedicated to Lords Shiva and Vishnu. Kanchipuram is also world-renowned for its hand-woven silk saris, regarded for their color and sheen.
This afternoon enjoy a lunch of southern Indian delicacies before proceeding to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram to see its Group of Monuments designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here you begin at Bhagiratha’s Penance, a bas-relief sculpted over enormous rocks that depicts life-size figures of animals, gods and saints, all watching the holy Ganges River flow from the Himalaya. Nearby, see its shallow mandapas (pillared halls), sculpted out of the rocky hillside and portraying stories of Indian mythology. Finally, stop at the Shore Temple, surrounded by gardens designed according to ancient texts.
Return to Chennai by evening.
Overnight at hotel.
The drive to Pondicherry is approximately three hours. Start after breakfast and arrive into this charming town by lunch time.
Pondicherry is best known for Auroville. “The City of Dawn” was established in 1968 to continue the teachings and beliefs of the great Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo who lived and worked here.
Built as a utopian paradise by his disciple, Mirra Alfassa, also known as ‘the mother’, it was planned so that people could live and work here irrespective or religion, caste or nationality. The most striking feature here is the Matri Mandir, a spherical marble chamber that is a meditation center. Inside the chamber a crystal which reflects the sun’s rays serves as a focal point to aid meditation.
Enjoy lunch before taking a walk through the former French Quarters.
An alluring mix of east meets west, Dutch, Portuguese and French inspired buildings are scattered alongside ashrams, temples, mosques and bazaars. You will spend the day leisurely wandering through the tree-lined boulevards of Ville Blanche, visiting the numerous medieval churches and museums, eventually making our way through the bustling, aromatic markets of the Tamil Quarter.
The evening is at leisure and you have the option of doing some independent exploring.
Be sure to have a heavy breakfast this morning as lunch is a late affair.
Check-out after breakfast and drive to Tanjore, approximately 4 hrs away.
En route, your first stop is Chidambaram.
The capital of the Chola Empire, Chidambaram is one of Tamil Nadu’s most important holy towns. The Nataraja Temple here is, dedicated to Shiva in his form as Lord of the Cosmic Dance. He was the patron god of the Chola kings. This is a living and very active temple with priests at every shrine. Some shrines and inscriptions in the temple record its existence before the 10th century. You will time your visit with the morning “aarti” ceremony.
From here you drive through the heart of Tamil Nadu stopping at Darasuram, a forty minute drive from Chidambaram.
The Airavatesvara Temple is the third of the great Chola temples after Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram. Originally called the ‘Rajarajesvaram temple’ when it was built in 1146, it was renamed Airavatesvara Temple after Indra’s white elephant, who followers of Shiva claim, worshipped Shiva at this temple.
Built mainly of granite, the temple has pillars with beautifully carved Apsara and friezes of lively dancing figures and musicians. Each of the pillars within the temple illustrates mythological stories showing the penance of Parvati, Shiva’s consort.
After the sightseeing you continue your drive towards Tanjore where on arrival you check in to your hotel.
After your packed day, the evening is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
The Cholas were great temple builders and Thanjavur bears witness to this with its 74 temples. Today, you visit its most famous, the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, stop by an art gallery to view its extraordinary collection of antique bronze statues.
The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, journey overland to Chettinad, ancestral homeland of the Chettiars. Home to wealthy business tycoons who made their livelihood in Burma during the last century, the area is renowned for its mansions and rich, distinctive cuisine. See these extraordinary homes with their teak pillars and marble detailing.
After lunch, continue to Madurai, where you check in to your hotel.
This evening, visit Meenakshi Temple to witness a Pooja ceremony, in which an idol of Shiva is carried in a colorful procession accompanied by musicians.
Overnight at hotel.
Ancient Madurai was a center of Tamil culture, famous for its writers and poets, and the history goes back to the 6th century BC when it traded with Greece and Rome. The Nayaka Kings laid out the old town in the pattern of a lotus with narrow streets surrounding the Minakshi Temple at the center. This is an outstanding structure dedicated to Minakshi the “fish eyed goddess” who is also the consort of Shiva. Shiva has a temple dedicated to him in the complex. Since Minakshi is the presiding goddess, the daily ceremonies are first performed at her shrine and then at the shrine of Shiva.
You visit the temple this morning after breakfast with your guide.
After the tour of the temple you embark on a Foodie’s Tour created especially for you.
You will visit hand-selected places ranging from street-food selling vendors, roadside eateries and sit-in restaurants. Relying on the appetite and preferences as guiding criteria for the pace and the duration of the tour and to choose between the kinds of places to visit your guide will be a food enthusiast and local of the city.
Later, to walk off all the food you can opt to return to your hotel and relax or explore the markets surrounding the temple.
The area is a like a huge open air department store, each street dedicated to one particular item – stationery, flowers and fruits, vessels, items used in worship etc. There is even one lane dedicated to bananas – South India boasts over 50 varieties.
Housed in the remains of a 16th century ruin nestled amongst the decorated pillars and carvings are a remarkable collection of stalls selling everything from silk scarves to pink plastic hairclips. The walk is a remarkable experience, once you share with local residents and visiting pilgrims.
The evening is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Start after breakfast and travel by surface to Periyar National Park. The drive takes approx. 4 hours.
Periyar National Park has a picture postcard beauty. The central viewing site for wildlife is Lake Periyar. This enormous water body is fringed by the rainforests and cradled by the forested hills of the Western Ghats.
Arrive in time for lunch at your hotel.
The verdant rolling hills of Periyar are covered in a quilt of tea plantations, and tea is along with spices and rubber is one of the major crops of Kerala. This afternoon during your visit to the plantation you will spend a while with the tea pickers and learn the skill needed to pick the leaf – two leaves and a bud. The speed and the dexterity of the women who pick the leaves are quite extraordinary to watch. After you pick the leaves you walk around the factory watching the process of converting the leaf into tea.
You will also have a tea tasting session, hearing how the tea is graded and prepared for auctions.
Tonight before dinner you will enjoy one of Kerala’s ancient art forms – Kalaripayyattu. This 1000 year old Martial art with its intricate and complex movements is simultaneously a vigorous yet graceful dance.
Overnight at hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast, descend a dramatic escparpment as you journey overland to the village of Kumarakom.
Stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant in Kanjirappally, considered the entrance to Kerala’s hill country. Upon arrival, check in to your beautiful lakefront hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
The morning is at leisure.
Later visit a spice plantation. In this region known for producing Indian spices, including cardamom and pepper, a tour of a spice plantation is an incredible sensory experience. Explore the plantation’s aromatic pathways before sitting down to a delicious lunch, joined by the family who owns the plantation.
Return to your hotel after lunch and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
After a morning at leisure, board a traditional houseboat for a day cruise on the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.
The backwaters are a series of canals that thread their way through the State to the sea and touring the waters allows you a glimpse of life in Kerala impossible to see using road transport. The scenery is lush and verdant and nestled among the banana trees and coconut palms are whitewashed churches, Temples and tiny villages.
As you travel along the waters you will pass paddy fields; see boats transporting children to school or taking farmers and their produce to the local market; and women completing household tasks such as laundry and washing utensils.
Lunch is served on-board. You are treated to a lunch of local specialties as you cruise.
Disembark by evening and journey overland to Kochi, where you check in at your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Start the morning with a yoga session at the hotel.
Kerala, and especially Cochin, was one of the main ports on the spice route. The history of Kerala reflects the significant influences these foreign visitors left behind. Even after they left, the cultural influence is still seen in the architectural inheritance of Fort Cochin and in the cuisine.
Today morning after breakfast you explore the Old City starting with a visit to the Jewish synagogue which one of the main attractions of the area. The Jews served as trading agents for the Dutch and the British, and they integrated into local society, learning the language and the culture. Even after the foreign traders departed, the Jewish community stayed on and made Cochin their home, though today only a handful remain.
“Jew Town” as the area surrounding the synagogue is still called is a jumble of antique and spice shops, with the occasional outlet still making Jewish Hallah covers, Menorahs, candle stands and Kippahs.
From here you can walk to the Mattancherri Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two storeys high and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as “nalukattu” (four buildings around a central courtyard). Made of wood and richly carved, the palace exhibits memorabilia from the Raja of Kochi’s collection, but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the walls. Fast fading, one can still see some of these excellent 16th century paintings illustrating episodes from the great Indian epic – The Ramayana.
The afternoon is at leisure and you have the option of returning to the hotel for some spa therapies or strolling through the markets for some retail therapy. The choice is yours!
This evening enjoy a mesmerising private performance the Indian dance-drama, Kathakali. A distinguishing characteristic of this art form is that the actors never speak, and use hand gestures, expressions and rhythmic dancing in place of dialogue. Another standout feature is the wonderful makeup worn by all performers and before the dance starts you will also get to interact with the artist and see him wear his makeup.
Return to your hotel after the performance.
Overnight at hotel.
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel near the international airport where a room for wash & change is reserved for you.
Tonight, transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
SEE ALL
Day 1
Arrive Chennai
Arrive in Chennai, set on the Bay of Bengal on India’s southeast coast, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 2
Chennai
‘Chennai’ was formerly called Madras and is capital city of the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. In the 17th century, Chennai was the economic and political capital of the East India Company, the British trading company which eventually led to the colonization of India.
Your city tour will start with the visit of the Mylapore temple area visiting the 16th century Kapleeswarar temple. This is a living temple and will be an excellent introduction to the ritual involved in Hindu religious ceremonies.
Return to the city for a visit to Fort St. George. Built in 1640, the fort was the first bastion of the British East India Company in southern India; today, it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. See St. Mary's Church, consecrated in 1680 and one of the oldest British buildings in India. Next, explore the National Art Gallery whose exhibits feature all major South Indian periods, including the Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya. Stop at the peaceful Portuguese-built Santhome Cathedral, named after St. Thomas the Apostle, whose tomb is said to be beneath the basilica. A historical pilgrimage center built in Gothic style, its cool white spire rises 155 feet above the bustling city. End the tour with a stroll on Marina beach and let the waves gently tickle your toes as you watch families and couples enjoy the evening sunset.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3
Excursion to Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, journey overland to visit Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven most sacred cities and home to over 100 temples, most of which are dedicated to Lords Shiva and Vishnu. Kanchipuram is also world-renowned for its hand-woven silk saris, regarded for their color and sheen.
This afternoon enjoy a lunch of southern Indian delicacies before proceeding to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram to see its Group of Monuments designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here you begin at Bhagiratha’s Penance, a bas-relief sculpted over enormous rocks that depicts life-size figures of animals, gods and saints, all watching the holy Ganges River flow from the Himalaya. Nearby, see its shallow mandapas (pillared halls), sculpted out of the rocky hillside and portraying stories of Indian mythology. Finally, stop at the Shore Temple, surrounded by gardens designed according to ancient texts.
Return to Chennai by evening.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4
Chennai – Pondicherry
The drive to Pondicherry is approximately three hours. Start after breakfast and arrive into this charming town by lunch time.
Pondicherry is best known for Auroville. “The City of Dawn” was established in 1968 to continue the teachings and beliefs of the great Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo who lived and worked here.
Built as a utopian paradise by his disciple, Mirra Alfassa, also known as ‘the mother’, it was planned so that people could live and work here irrespective or religion, caste or nationality. The most striking feature here is the Matri Mandir, a spherical marble chamber that is a meditation center. Inside the chamber a crystal which reflects the sun’s rays serves as a focal point to aid meditation.
Enjoy lunch before taking a walk through the former French Quarters.
An alluring mix of east meets west, Dutch, Portuguese and French inspired buildings are scattered alongside ashrams, temples, mosques and bazaars. You will spend the day leisurely wandering through the tree-lined boulevards of Ville Blanche, visiting the numerous medieval churches and museums, eventually making our way through the bustling, aromatic markets of the Tamil Quarter.
The evening is at leisure and you have the option of doing some independent exploring.
Day 5
Pondicherry - Trichy / Thanjavur
Be sure to have a heavy breakfast this morning as lunch is a late affair.
Check-out after breakfast and drive to Tanjore, approximately 4 hrs away.
En route, your first stop is Chidambaram.
The capital of the Chola Empire, Chidambaram is one of Tamil Nadu’s most important holy towns. The Nataraja Temple here is, dedicated to Shiva in his form as Lord of the Cosmic Dance. He was the patron god of the Chola kings. This is a living and very active temple with priests at every shrine. Some shrines and inscriptions in the temple record its existence before the 10th century. You will time your visit with the morning “aarti” ceremony.
From here you drive through the heart of Tamil Nadu stopping at Darasuram, a forty minute drive from Chidambaram.
The Airavatesvara Temple is the third of the great Chola temples after Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram. Originally called the ‘Rajarajesvaram temple’ when it was built in 1146, it was renamed Airavatesvara Temple after Indra’s white elephant, who followers of Shiva claim, worshipped Shiva at this temple.
Built mainly of granite, the temple has pillars with beautifully carved Apsara and friezes of lively dancing figures and musicians. Each of the pillars within the temple illustrates mythological stories showing the penance of Parvati, Shiva’s consort.
After the sightseeing you continue your drive towards Tanjore where on arrival you check in to your hotel.
After your packed day, the evening is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 6
Thanjavur
The Cholas were great temple builders and Thanjavur bears witness to this with its 74 temples. Today, you visit its most famous, the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, stop by an art gallery to view its extraordinary collection of antique bronze statues.
The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 7
Thanjavur – Chettinad - Madurai
After breakfast, journey overland to Chettinad, ancestral homeland of the Chettiars. Home to wealthy business tycoons who made their livelihood in Burma during the last century, the area is renowned for its mansions and rich, distinctive cuisine. See these extraordinary homes with their teak pillars and marble detailing.
After lunch, continue to Madurai, where you check in to your hotel.
This evening, visit Meenakshi Temple to witness a Pooja ceremony, in which an idol of Shiva is carried in a colorful procession accompanied by musicians.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 8
Madurai
Ancient Madurai was a center of Tamil culture, famous for its writers and poets, and the history goes back to the 6th century BC when it traded with Greece and Rome. The Nayaka Kings laid out the old town in the pattern of a lotus with narrow streets surrounding the Minakshi Temple at the center. This is an outstanding structure dedicated to Minakshi the “fish eyed goddess” who is also the consort of Shiva. Shiva has a temple dedicated to him in the complex. Since Minakshi is the presiding goddess, the daily ceremonies are first performed at her shrine and then at the shrine of Shiva.
You visit the temple this morning after breakfast with your guide.
After the tour of the temple you embark on a Foodie’s Tour created especially for you.
You will visit hand-selected places ranging from street-food selling vendors, roadside eateries and sit-in restaurants. Relying on the appetite and preferences as guiding criteria for the pace and the duration of the tour and to choose between the kinds of places to visit your guide will be a food enthusiast and local of the city.
Later, to walk off all the food you can opt to return to your hotel and relax or explore the markets surrounding the temple.
The area is a like a huge open air department store, each street dedicated to one particular item – stationery, flowers and fruits, vessels, items used in worship etc. There is even one lane dedicated to bananas – South India boasts over 50 varieties.
Housed in the remains of a 16th century ruin nestled amongst the decorated pillars and carvings are a remarkable collection of stalls selling everything from silk scarves to pink plastic hairclips. The walk is a remarkable experience, once you share with local residents and visiting pilgrims.
The evening is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 9
Madurai - Periyar
Start after breakfast and travel by surface to Periyar National Park. The drive takes approx. 4 hours.
Periyar National Park has a picture postcard beauty. The central viewing site for wildlife is Lake Periyar. This enormous water body is fringed by the rainforests and cradled by the forested hills of the Western Ghats.
Arrive in time for lunch at your hotel.
The verdant rolling hills of Periyar are covered in a quilt of tea plantations, and tea is along with spices and rubber is one of the major crops of Kerala. This afternoon during your visit to the plantation you will spend a while with the tea pickers and learn the skill needed to pick the leaf – two leaves and a bud. The speed and the dexterity of the women who pick the leaves are quite extraordinary to watch. After you pick the leaves you walk around the factory watching the process of converting the leaf into tea.
You will also have a tea tasting session, hearing how the tea is graded and prepared for auctions.
Tonight before dinner you will enjoy one of Kerala’s ancient art forms – Kalaripayyattu. This 1000 year old Martial art with its intricate and complex movements is simultaneously a vigorous yet graceful dance.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10
Periyar - Kumarakom
After a leisurely breakfast, descend a dramatic escparpment as you journey overland to the village of Kumarakom.
Stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant in Kanjirappally, considered the entrance to Kerala’s hill country. Upon arrival, check in to your beautiful lakefront hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11
Kumarakom
The morning is at leisure.
Later visit a spice plantation. In this region known for producing Indian spices, including cardamom and pepper, a tour of a spice plantation is an incredible sensory experience. Explore the plantation’s aromatic pathways before sitting down to a delicious lunch, joined by the family who owns the plantation.
Return to your hotel after lunch and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12
Kumarakom - Kochi
After a morning at leisure, board a traditional houseboat for a day cruise on the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.
The backwaters are a series of canals that thread their way through the State to the sea and touring the waters allows you a glimpse of life in Kerala impossible to see using road transport. The scenery is lush and verdant and nestled among the banana trees and coconut palms are whitewashed churches, Temples and tiny villages.
As you travel along the waters you will pass paddy fields; see boats transporting children to school or taking farmers and their produce to the local market; and women completing household tasks such as laundry and washing utensils.
Lunch is served on-board. You are treated to a lunch of local specialties as you cruise.
Disembark by evening and journey overland to Kochi, where you check in at your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13
Kochi
Start the morning with a yoga session at the hotel.
Kerala, and especially Cochin, was one of the main ports on the spice route. The history of Kerala reflects the significant influences these foreign visitors left behind. Even after they left, the cultural influence is still seen in the architectural inheritance of Fort Cochin and in the cuisine.
Today morning after breakfast you explore the Old City starting with a visit to the Jewish synagogue which one of the main attractions of the area. The Jews served as trading agents for the Dutch and the British, and they integrated into local society, learning the language and the culture. Even after the foreign traders departed, the Jewish community stayed on and made Cochin their home, though today only a handful remain.
“Jew Town” as the area surrounding the synagogue is still called is a jumble of antique and spice shops, with the occasional outlet still making Jewish Hallah covers, Menorahs, candle stands and Kippahs.
From here you can walk to the Mattancherri Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two storeys high and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as “nalukattu” (four buildings around a central courtyard). Made of wood and richly carved, the palace exhibits memorabilia from the Raja of Kochi’s collection, but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the walls. Fast fading, one can still see some of these excellent 16th century paintings illustrating episodes from the great Indian epic – The Ramayana.
The afternoon is at leisure and you have the option of returning to the hotel for some spa therapies or strolling through the markets for some retail therapy. The choice is yours!
This evening enjoy a mesmerising private performance the Indian dance-drama, Kathakali. A distinguishing characteristic of this art form is that the actors never speak, and use hand gestures, expressions and rhythmic dancing in place of dialogue. Another standout feature is the wonderful makeup worn by all performers and before the dance starts you will also get to interact with the artist and see him wear his makeup.
Return to your hotel after the performance.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14
Kochi - Mumbai
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel near the international airport where a room for wash & change is reserved for you.
Tonight, transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
