15 Day Southern India, a Spiritual Culture

Arrive at Chennai and after custom formalities, meet with our representative and transfer to hotel. Time to relax and to get prepared for the tour.

Following breakfast, your tour commences with a visit to the Government Museum in the city. After lunch, enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Marina Beach. Later, explore the Santhome Basilica Church, constructed in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers atop the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. Proceed to the exquisite Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Wander through the ancient temple, marveling at its Dravidian architecture. In the evening, participate in an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager followed by a light dinner.

After breakfast this morning, journey to Kanchipuram, renowned as the "City of a Thousand Temples," one of Hinduism's most revered cities. Begin by exploring the historically significant Ekambareswarar Temple, notable for its 540 pillars. Next, visit the exquisite Kailasanathar Temple adorned with intricate carvings, followed by lunch. Kanchipuram is renowned globally for its hand-woven silk sarees, a tradition that has flourished for over four centuries. Afterwards, proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, an ancient archaeological marvel perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Spend your evening at leisure or relax at your hotel.

Following breakfast, commence a guided tour beginning with the admiration of the Shore Temple, which has stood by the sea for over 12 centuries. At the southern end of the site, observe the Five Rathas, hewn from large boulders, and view Arjuna's Penance. This temple complex is revered as a prime early example of ancient southern Indian architecture. In the afternoon, participate in a yoga session or unwind on the picturesque beaches of this coastal city. Return to the hotel for dinner.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a coastal journey to the captivating city of Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in at a hotel and savor lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the golden-domed Mother Temple and then explore a factory where delicate, individually handcrafted papers are produced. Afterwards, visit Aurobindo Ashram. Take a rickshaw ride around Pondicherry's French, Hindu, and Muslim quarters. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at your hotel and completing the check-out formalities, depart Pondicherry for Chidambaram, renowned as one of the holiest sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. Following lunch, continue your journey to Thanjavur (Tanjore), famously known as the "rice bowl" of the Tamil Nadu region. Upon arrival, check in at a hotel and take some time to relax. Next, explore the impressive Maratha Palace situated within a labyrinthine complex. Wander through the open courtyard Art Gallery, which houses priceless collections of exquisite Chola bronzes and stone carvings, and visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, commence your day with a visit to the majestic Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed over a millennium ago by King Raja Raja Cholan. Proceed with a drive to Trichy, where you'll visit Amma Mandapam, a revered bathing ghat situated along the banks of the Kaveri River. Next, pay homage at the sacred Ranganathaswamy Temple, renowned as one of the most distinguished temples in the nation. After lunch, return to Thanjavur. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, you will journey to Chettinad, the ancestral land of the Chettiars, a community dating back to the Chola period. Known for its culinary heritage and skilled chefs, indulge in a unique traditional lunch featuring local specialties. Following hotel check-out, proceed towards the lively city of Madurai, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River. Check into your hotel, relax for a brief period, and then visit the Gandhi Museum. Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately known as the "Father of the Nation," played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. Conclude your day with dinner at the hotel.

Ensure you join this morning's optional private interactive walking tour of Madurai! It offers a complete cultural immersion at dawn. After breakfast, visit the ancient Meenakshi Amman Temple. Return to the hotel for lunch, then in the afternoon, explore the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace with its impressive courtyard and throne chambers. Later, visit a local Bharatnatyam dance school, interact with students to learn about the dance form, and attend a performance.
[Optional: Vanakkam Madurai Tour (AM)]

After breakfast today, embark on a drive to Periyar National Park nestled in the Cardamom Hills, renowned as South India's most famous wildlife sanctuary, housing elephants, antelopes, deer, and diverse bird species. Spend the afternoon unwinding and settling into your hotel, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll through one of the nearby spice plantations. In the evening, consider joining the optional Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show accompanied by dinner. Kalaripayattu, one of the world's oldest martial arts, is believed to have evolved from various forms like karate, kung-fu, and judo.
[Optional: Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show with dinner]

After breakfast, exciting adventures await you today at the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Start with a nature walk through the National Park, accompanied by a local guide who will educate you about the indigenous flora along the way. A highlight of the day includes a thrilling Jeep ride to Ottakathalamedu, offering panoramic views of Thekkady from its 1300-meter elevation. Later, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the picturesque lake. Conclude your day with a dinner gathering at the hotel.

After breakfast and completing the check-out formalities, embark on a drive to Alleppey, situated in the backwater region of Kerala. Board a houseboat and cruise to Kochi, a principal port and a hub of the Malabar Coast spice trade since the 14th century. Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Kochi was subsequently governed by both the Dutch and the British until gaining independence.

Today, enjoy a specially arranged cooking class at a private home in Kochi, where you'll join your hosts in preparing lunch and learn the secrets of Indian cuisine. Afterward, visit St. Francis Church, dating back to the 16th century and one of the oldest European-built churches in India. Proceed to the harbor, where local fishermen still use traditional Chinese fishing nets. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Kochi at your leisure and relax before tonight's vibrant Kathakali dance performance, a classical and emotive art form of Kerala. After the performance, savor dinner at the hotel restaurant.

In the morning, begin with a tour of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, originally constructed by the Portuguese and subsequently restored by the Dutch during the 17th century. Next, proceed to the historic heart of the Old Quarter to explore the Paradesi Synagogue. Return to the hotel for some relaxation before setting out on a harbor cruise. Later this evening, gather for dinner to bid farewell to your Tour Manager.

After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel complete the check-out formalities.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.