Iconic South India

DAY 1 | CHENNAI | 2 NIGHTS

Arrive in Chennai and transfer to your hotel where you have the remainder of the evening at leisure to relax and prepare for a deeply fulfilling and rewarding South India tour.

DAY 2 | CHENNAI

Chennai is one of India’s oldest colonial cities and boasts a history of nearly 400 years. While the city has changed tremendously post-independence, part of it, especially the region near Fort St. George still retains its colonial charm with several British-era landmarks and architectural marvels. Enjoy a walking tour around the most popular heritage structures before strolling along Marina Beach -famous around the world as the second-longest urban beach in the world.

Later this afternoon venture to Mylapore district to view the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the oldest place of worship in the city and the Santhome Cathedral Basilica – and end the first of full day of your South India tour at one of the only three basilicas in the entire world to be constructed over the tomb of a direct Apostle of Jesus Christ.

DAY 3 | PONDICHERRY | 2 NIGHTS

Departing Chennai you will drive south along the shores of the Indian Ocean to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mahaballipuram. Home to over 40 monuments, but most noteably the magnificent Shore Temple, one of the oldest stone buildings in India.

Continue to Kanchipuram, the ‘Golden City of Temples’ and visit the Dakshina Chitra South Indian Cultural Centre dedicated to the preservation, presentation and conservation of South Indian cultural heritage, before arriving in Pondicherry.

DAY 4 | PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry is a sophisticated city with strong French influences. For this part of your South India tour, your will be accompanied by a masterful storyteller, and regaled with stories from a ‘French Connections’ walking tour before driving to Auroville, known as the ‘city of dawn’, located 12 kilometres from Pondicherry. Auroville was envisioned as an international community free of government, money, religion and strife, and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. There you will have the opportunity to engage with local artisans as they work, and you have the option visit a pre-school in Mohanam run by an Auroville NGO.

DAY 5 | CHETTINAD | 2 NIGHTS

Depart Pondicherry by road for Chettinad (5 hours). Enroute you will visit Tanjore, an important centre of Southern Indian art, religion and architecture and home to the impressive Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort and Tanjore Palace.

DAY 6 | CHETTINAD

The Chettiars (propserous merchants and bankers who settled here in the 19th Century) built truly opulent mansions that you will visit this morning before meeting ladies from a local initiative that produces delicious snacks for weddings and restaurants. After lunch engage with a small group from the local community who have been instrumental in putting the Chettinad’s art and cultural heritage on the map.

DAY 7 | MADURAI | 1 NIGHT

A road transfer to Madurai (2.5 hours) takes you to the next location on your South India tour; an opulent city known as the Temple City or ‘Athens of Southern India’. The city is built around the magnificent 16th Century Sri Meenakshi Temple, a spectacular complex of shrines, temples, towers and courtyards that is considered one of India’s greatest cultural landmarks. Also pay a visit to the Tirumalai Nayak Palace with its artistic blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles, designed as a residence for the king by an Italian architect it is a ‘must see’ for history lovers and those who appreciate an enviable blend of architectural styles from bygone eras.

DAY 8 | THEKKADY | 2 NIGHTS

On the morning of the eighth day of the South India tour, you’ll start by heading into Madurai to experience the city as it awakes before driving through the picturesque hills and plantations to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. After breakfast you will travel to Thekkady, home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – a community-based ecotourism project which aims to provide a living for the local residents whilst protecting the region’s rare flora and fauna. Settle into your hotel before enjoying yet another, very different cultural experience: a dynamic and exciting martial arts show this evening.

DAY 9 | THEKKADY

Today stretch your legs by joining a half day walking tour through the forests of Periyar – a key nature experience that is a must for any South India tour. Rich in bird life and home to the hooded leaf monkey, Nilgiri langur, as well as larger animals including elephant, gaur and sambar (although you are unlikely to see these on foot). Early in the afternoon wander through a spice plantation learning all the attributes of the key ingredients in Southern India’s delicious dishes. You’ll finish this day of getting in tune with vibrant and unique nature with a late afternoon a boat experience, where you will hopefully reveal sightings of larger species.

DAY 10 | KUMARAKOM | 2 NIGHTS

Check out after breakfast and road transfer to Kumarakom (approx 3.5 hours) on the shores of Lake Vembanad. This unique ecosystem presents you with a time-honoured image of an India long forgotten. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure with a chase to wander the shoreline, indulge in an ayurvedic treatment and enjoy a spectacular sunset.

DAY 11 | KUMARAKOM

Today is another unique experience that adventurers on a South India tour report as a highlight: A trip on a kettuvalum (houseboat) today to venture along the palm-fringed canals of the famed Kerala backwaters, weaving amongst the labyrinthine channels passing villagers that live today as they have for generations. Lunch is served on your tranquil boat cruise and you can alight as often as you wish to investigate more closely, or find those perfect, picturesque photo opportunities, before being delivered back to your hotel by late afternoon.

DAY 12 | COCHIN | 2 NIGHTS

After breakfast commence your drive to Cochin, stopping at Kumbhalanghi on the way to experience local village activities – take a boat ride to view a crab farm and traditional fishing nets, watch local women weave rope, learn how to best throw a Keralan fishing net and harvest coconuts. The garden is also littered with a stunning array of orchids. On reaching Cochin, the glittering ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ and one of the most exotic locations on your South India tour, you’ll check in to your hotel and relax before enjoying a sunset cocktail with stunning evening views over the harbour.

DAY 13 | COCHIN

The ideal location to finish any South India tour, because it offers such an incredible contrast for everything that you’ve experienced before, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India and also home to the oldest church and synagogue in the country. Built on trade, the city began to prosper with the arrival of Jewish and Arab traders before being influenced by first the Portuguese and then the Dutch and English; resulting in a vibrant city that incorporates a rare fusion of European and Asian styles and traditions.

You will visit Mattancherry Palace and Church of St. Francis, explore the handicraft shops of the Jewish town and appreciate the oldest living synagogue in the world. The city is also famous for its Chinese fishing nets, best viewed at dusk for fabulous photos. Cap off a day of eclectic and varied experience with a traditional Kathakhali dance performance this evening before your final dinner and overnight in India.

DAY 14 | END OF ITINERARY

Your sojourn across Southern India ends today with a transfer to the airport to begin your return journey home, or to start your next adventure.

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular sojourn across Southern India, however it can be designed to suit your preferred pace, price and pursuits. Contact us for a tailormade journey.