Classical South India

Welcome to Chennai! Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our company representative and transferred to Mamallapuram, with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and lagoon. Mamallapuram is referred to as an ‘open-air museum. Its name is believed to have been given after the Pallava King Narasimhavarman I, who took on the nickname Maha-Malla (great wrestler), as this was the favorite sport of the Pallavas. Mamallapuram boasts plenty of historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Overnight in Mamallapuram

After breakfast at the hotel, spend your morning by the beach at leisure. The spectacular Mahabalipuram Beach is shored by the Bay of Bengal with the dreamy rock-cut sculptures being very pleasing to the eye. The ancient port city of the Pandavas boasts plenty of seaside activities while bustling with Pallava art forms.


Overnight in Mamallapuram

In the morning you will depart for Pondicherry, set on the Bay of Bengal with delightful beaches. This surprising town will take you back to colonial times when it was a French enclave but is now blended with Tamil culture. Those used to British colonial architecture will enjoy the Gallic imprint with the profusion of Catholic churches and distinctly French buildings and excellent restaurants. En route you will visit Auroville, the French village inspired by the mother as a place where people can come together, regardless of nationality, belief, or color, to live a meaningful life. Experimental buildings mixing Western and Indian elements are situated on the narrow rural road shaded by lush greenery. This utopia supports itself through agriculture, handicrafts, and alternative technology. Well known for the Shri Aurobindo Ashram that was set up by one of his disciples, a Parisian known as The Mother, in his memory, and is one of the most active ashrams in India. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.


Overnight in Pondicherry

Eat breakfast at the hotel before you drive to Tanjore, a bustling market town in one of the main rice-growing regions of Tamil Nadu. Tanjore once served as the capital of the Chola Empire. While many buildings from that period no longer exist, the town is still full of lovely temples. En route, you may stop at the Dharasuram Temple, built-in memory of the white elephant, Airavath, from God's family. The temples original name was “Airavatheshwar.” Upon arrival in Tanjore, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.


Overnight in Tanjore

This morning you will explore Tanjore, with a visit to the Brihadeeswara Temple. This magnificent temple is over 1000 years old and now serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions depicting temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths, and astrologers who lived there. With a history of traditional bronze casting, you will get the opportunity to view the masters at work using the lost wax method. This method, used to create sacred temple bronzes during the Chola period, is still practiced today and is being passed down through the generations to ensure that bronze casting continues to thrive. Continue your tour to Madurai, a vast and pulsating city. Madurai is one of the oldest cities in South India, dating 2500 years back in time, sprawled along the banks of the River Vaigai. Wander through the bustling packed streets which are full of pilgrims, wandering cows, open-air kitchens, and colorful bazaars. Upon arrival check in to your hotel.  


Overnight in Madurai

After breakfast, spend your day at leisure in Madurai, the second-largest city in Tami Nadu. This city is often referred to as the \"Athens of the East\" because of its similar architectural style with plenty of alleyways. You may choose to visit places on your own such as the Meenakshi Temple, the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Saint Mary's Cathedral, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and more. You may also join our optional join.


Overnight in Madurai

After breakfast you will drive to Periyar, also known as Thekkady, a beautiful sanctuary situated nearly 1800 m above sea level in the semi and evergreen forests of the Idukki district. Thekkady is a landlocked home for its fauna and flora and for the Mannans, Palians, and Urali tribes who continue to practice their ancient methods of herding and beekeeping. Check-in to your hotel. Visit the Spice Plantation. Famous for their spice plantations, the Cardamom Hills serves as the perfect place to discover a garden where spices and aromatic plants are grown. Learn about their use in the preparation of local cuisine and their medicinal properties. You may enjoy an optional short ride on an elephant (supplement cost applicable) to get the best view of the scenery.


Overnight in Periyar

Early in the morning, join our optional river safari on Lake Periyar. After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Kumarakom, a cluster of tiny islands with an ethereal level of beauty, surrounded by a labyrinth of tropical waterways. Kumarakom is the jumping-off point to sail and explore the Kerala backwaters.


Overnight in Kumarakom

After a delicious breakfast, spend your time at leisure in this tranquil resort. Kumarakom is a small town situated on the backwater lagoons in the southern state of Kerala. It is famous for its natural beauty. You may choose to go fishing, experience a houseboat stay, book an Ayurvedic massage, or watch the sunset over Vembanad Lake.


Overnight in Kumarakom

In the morning you will drive to Cochin. The European influences will become immediately apparent in this charming town, situated on several islands between the Arabian Sea and Kerala Backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British architecture. Upon arrival, spend your day at leisure or join our optional tours.  


Overnight in Cochin

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.