Day 1: Arrive in Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is known for its rich heritage, vibrant arts, and economic significance. Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a prime example of Dravidian architecture, and Fort St. George, India’s first British fort. Explore San Thome Basilica, built over St. Thomas’s tomb, and the Government Museum, showcasing art and archaeology. End the day at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.

Overnight in Chennai.

Superior

India

Taj Connemara – Chennai

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 2: Chennai to Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, drive to the picturesque temple town of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of the Pallava dynasty in Tamil Nadu.

Upon arrival, check in at your resort and then begin your guided tour of Mahabalipuram. This small seaside village, once shaped by the Pallava dynasty, is renowned for its stunning 7th-century rock-cut temples and sculptures. Visit the Shore Temple, with its intricate carvings and rows of Nandi bull statues overlooking the sea, and Krishna’s Butterball, a massive boulder seemingly defying gravity. Continue to Arjuna’s Penance, a detailed rock sculpture depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. Lastly, explore the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic structures dedicated to the Pandava brothers, showcasing the remarkable architectural skill of the Pallava period.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Deluxe

India

Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort – Mahabalipuram

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry (2 hours), a charming coastal town blending French colonial heritage and Indian culture. En route, visit Auroville, a township promoting human unity with the iconic Matrimandir at its centre.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore Manakula Vinayagar Temple, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the Puducherry Museum. Stroll along Promenade Beach, visit the vibrant Tamil Quarter, and explore the colonial streets of the French Quarter, known for its cafes, boutiques, and beautiful churches.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

Mid-range

India

Palais de Mahe – Pondicherry

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 4: Pondicherry to Tanjore

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore (5 hours). En route, visit the Chidambaram Temple and Darasuram Temple, known for their stunning architecture, and stop by the nearby silk saree weavers. Continue to the Kumbakonam Temple before proceeding to Tanjore.

Tanjore, known for its cultural heritage, art, and history, is a city that beautifully blends spirituality and tradition. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Tanjore.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 5: Tanjore to Madurai (via Chettinad)

After breakfast, visit the Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an 11th-century architectural masterpiece built by the Chola Empire to symbolize its power. Next, visit a bronze-casting artist and a Veena (Sitar) making unit to witness local craftsmanship.

Later, drive to Chettinad (2.5 hours), with an en-route visit to the Terraota Temple at Pudukotai. Chettinad, known for its unique architecture, grand mansions, and spicy cuisine, offers a cultural immersion into the heritage of the Chettiar community. Explore the traditional Chettinad mansions, tile-making units, and a local snack unit run by women, and visit the antique market.

Afterward, drive to Madurai (2 hours), known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Famous for the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, bustling markets, and vibrant South Indian traditions, Madurai offers a deep cultural experience. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Madurai.

Superior

India

Heritage Madurai

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 6: Madurai

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Madurai, starting with the grand Thirumalai Naickar Palace, renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture. Next, visit the iconic Meenakshi Temple, a vibrant spiritual center with intricate carvings showcasing the region’s cultural heritage. Take a moment to relax by the tranquil Water Tank and explore the colorful Flower Market, filled with vibrant blooms and fragrant aromas. Continue your tour at the lively banana and fruit market, where you can experience the region’s agricultural abundance and vibrant local life.

In the evening, attend the night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, a revered ritual where the image of Lord Shiva is carried to unite with his consort, Parvati, in her shrine.

Overnight in Madurai.

Superior

India

Heritage Madurai

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 7: Madurai to Thekkady

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Thekkady is an ideal blend of adventure and tranquility, surrounded by lush spice plantations and mountain vistas. It’s renowned for its rich biodiversity and the expansive Periyar National Park, where you can enjoy wildlife safaris and scenic boat rides.

In the afternoon, take a Common Motor Boat Ride on Lake Periyar, offering a chance to spot wildlife, including elephants and various bird species, while immersing yourself in the stunning natural surroundings.

Overnight in Thekkady.

Deluxe

India

Spice Village – Thekkady

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 8: Thekkady to Munnar

After breakfast, drive to Munnar (3.5 hours), located in the high ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Munnar, a charming hill station, is famous for its lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and cool climate. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, offering scenic trekking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and rich biodiversity. In the evening, take a relaxing walk around the hotel grounds.

Windermere Estate in Munnar is a peaceful boutique resort set amid lush tea plantations. Offering cozy rooms and cottages, it’s ideal for nature lovers, with activities like tea tours, nature walks, and birdwatching. The resort also features a restaurant, spa, and scenic views, making it a perfect retreat in Munnar’s serene landscape.

Overnight in Munnar.

Deluxe

India

Windermere Estate, Munnar

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 9: Munnar

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day moderate trek in the Letchmi Hills of Munnar. The trek begins through tea plantations, and as you ascend, you’ll traverse ridges offering stunning views of grasslands, rocky slopes, tea and spice plantations, and the Shola forest.

Post-trek, visit the Shristi Welfare & Art Centre and explore the local market. Afterward, return to your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Munnar.

Deluxe

India

Windermere Estate, Munnar

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 10: Munnar to Cochin

After breakfast, drive to Cochin (4.5 hours) and check in at your hotel in the heritage area of Fort Cochin. Cochin, known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is a vibrant coastal city that blends rich history, diverse cultures, and scenic beauty. With its colonial architecture influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, Cochin is a melting pot of traditions.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing tour, starting with the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), showcasing a mix of European and Indian architecture and Hindu murals. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and Vasco da Gama’s burial site. End the tour with a visit to the Chinese Fishing Nets, which are particularly scenic at sunset.

Return to your hotel in Fort Cochin for the night.

Overnight in Cochin.

Deluxe

India

Forte Kochi Hotel – Cochin

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 11: Cochin to Alleppey Houseboat

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (1.5 hours) and board your Kerala Houseboat for a scenic cruise through the backwaters. Experience the tranquil lifestyle of the local villages as you glide through the lush waterways. Enjoy a traditional lunch onboard as you continue your journey. In the evening, the boat anchors for a peaceful dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight on the houseboat.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 12: Alleppey Houseboat to Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (1 hour), a village nestled along the picturesque Vembanad Lake in Kerala’s backwaters. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Kumarakom is renowned for its serene backwaters, lush landscapes, and traditional village life. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing by the backwaters or opt for a Yoga & Ayurveda Massage at the resort (on direct payment basis).

Overnight in Kumarakom.

DeluxeSuperior

India

Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom – Kerala

At Coconut Lagoon, each room offers a unique experience, blending regional charm with carefully curated traditional...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 13: Kumarakom to Mararikulam

After breakfast, drive to the fishermen’s village of Mararikulam, a peaceful coastal village on the Arabian Sea. Known for its pristine beaches and tranquil backwaters, Marari Beach offers soft sands and gentle waves, ideal for relaxation. Spend the day at leisure at your beach resort, with options for Ayurveda treatments to rejuvenate.

Overnight at Mararikulam.

Deluxe

India

Marari Beach Resort – Mararikulam

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 14: Mararikulam: At Leisure

After breakfast, spend the day unwinding at your beach resort in Mararikulam, where the gentle sounds of the Arabian Sea create a serene backdrop. You can relax on the soft sands of Marari Beach, take in the stunning coastal views, or explore the peaceful surroundings. For those seeking relaxation, the resort offers an option for a rejuvenating Yoga session or a soothing Ayurveda Massage, tailored to restore your mind and body (on direct payment basis).

Overnight at Mararikulam.

Deluxe

India

Marari Beach Resort – Mararikulam

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 15: Departure

After breakfast, check out and drive to Cochin Airport to catch your flight back home, concluding your unforgettable journey.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast