Summary
Southern India awaits! On our 13 day tour you'll explore ancient temples, French-Tamil Pondicherry, and serene Kerala backwaters. Hike Munnar's tea hills, spot wildlife in Thekkady, and soak up history in Madurai and Kochi
Short Itinerary / Route
- Day 1
- Welcome To Chennai. Transfer To Your Hotel.
- Day 2
- Travel To Pondicherry Via The Unesco Listed Mahaba...
- Day 3
- Exploring Picturesque Pondicherry
- Day 4
- Learn About Local Culture And Arts At The Mohanam ...
- Day 5
- Visit The Brihadeeswarar Temple In Tanjore. Aftern...
- Day 6
- Visiting The Old City Of Madurai, Thirumalai Nayak...
- Day 7
- Head In To Kerala State And The Tea Growing Region...
- Day 8
- Exploring The Markets And Tea Plantations Of Munna...
- Day 9
- Continue To Thekkady And Take A Boat Ride In Periy...
- Day 10
- Craft And Backwaters Of Kumarakom
- Day 11
- Board A Houseboat And Explore The Keralan Backwate...
- Day 12
- Disembark And Enjoy The Keralan Beaches
- Day 13
- Bon Voyage! Transfer To Kochi Airport For Departur...
Travel Cities (5): Backwaters, Chennai, Kochi, Madurai, Pondicherry
Details
Start your adventure in vibrant Chennai with a warm welcome and briefing. An optional city tour introduces you to its highlights. Afterward, embark on a scenic coastal drive south, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Mahabalipuram to marvel at the Shore Temple and other ancient rock carvings. Arrive in charming Pondicherry for free time to explore.
Experience Pondicherry's unique blend of French and Tamil influences. Stroll the French Quarter, find tranquility at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and admire the vibrant Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along Promenade Beach. Next, immerse yourself in Tamil Nadu's rural culture at the Mohanam Cultural Center. Witness traditional arts, create Kolam artwork, and enjoy a Tamil-style lunch while supporting the community's heritage preservation. Continue to the historical city of Tanjore.
In Tanjore, admire the architectural marvel of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a testament to the Chola dynasty's power. Journey south to the ancient city of Madurai. Feel the vibrant spiritual energy, explore bustling bazaars, and revel in the grandeur of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Reflect on your Indian adventure during a scenic train ride back to Chennai before your departure flight the following day.
Next we head to Kerala! Travel to the picturesque hill station of Munnar, passing plantations of many varieties along the way.
Let Munnar's tea-covered hills, crisp air, and swirling mists enchant you. Explore a spice-scented market, tour a tea plantation, observe tea pickers, and savor a tea tasting. Venture onward to Thekkady for wildlife viewing. Take a scenic boat ride through Periyar National Park, with the chance to spot elephants, water birds, and maybe even a tiger.
Our next stop is Kumarakom, a tranquil backwater paradise. Glide through palm-fringed waterways aboard a traditional Shikara boat, and immerse yourself in the heart of a local village, witnessing the age-old craft of coir making. Your backwater adventure reaches its peak with a luxurious overnight stay on a traditional houseboat, complete with modern comforts. Surrender to the gentle rhythms of the water, savor local delicacies, and witness a breathtaking sunset. Say farewell to Kerala in vibrant Kochi, exploring its rich history and culture. Perhaps even catch a captivating Kathakali dance performance, leaving you with cherished memories before your journey home.