Soul of South India

Start a half-day sightseeing tour of the city at Fort St. George, where a museum holds memorabilia of the East India Company and the British period. Proceed to Mylapore, inhabited in the 16th century by the Portuguese, to see the San Thomas Church, named for the Christian disciple (“Doubting Thomas”) who lived and taught here in the first century. See the Shiva temple of Kapleshwar Temple, dating back to the 13th century. Drive past the Marina Beach, the second longest in the world.

A Chettinad Meal in Chennai

Optional

Colonial Chennai- British Blueprint Trail

Optional

Chennai Spice Trail

Optional

Steeple Chase: Exploring Chennai's Christian History

Optional

Travel to Mahabalipuram, where ancient stones sing ballads of history. Discover the magic of the location, known in Marco Polo’s day as the “Seven Pagodas" for the seven-tiered towers that once stood on the shore, of which one (the Shore Temple) remains. Discover impressive cave temples, monolithic rathas (chariots), and sculpted reliefs built by the Pallavas in the 7th and 8th centuries. Later, enjoy an Indian thali meal or chai tea at one of the bustling diners in town. 

Visit Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India, built in the 8th century and now a World Heritage Monument. See other stone carvings and rock-cut temples, including "Arjuna`s Penance"- the largest Bas Relief whale-back shaped rock with carvings of Gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and infants, representing the entire creation. Visit the "Five Rathas”, five monolithic temples in different styles. At the end of the tour, reach a sculpture workshop to learn about sculpturing.  

Reach Puducherry, a city where French culture is still part of everyday life. Wander through cobbled streets with colonial mansions, where the past hums a French melody. 

Spend the day exploring the famous sights of the city. The Vinayagar Temple, Aayi Mandapam and the splendid churches are worth visiting. Carry on to Auroville to learn about the experimental township founded by Mirra Alfassa ("The Mother") with a vision of human unity and spiritual transformation. Learn about its sustainable, harmonious coexistence model, integral yoga and global community living. 

Journey to Thanjavur, a city resonating with South Indian art and culture. Visit the majestic Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, echoing tales of grandeur. Capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite rock weighing 80 tons, the temple is decorated with carved panels depicting mythological events. An immense monolithic Nandi of granite stands in front of the shrine. Also, visit Saraswati Mahal Library and Art Gallery, which has an extensive collection of Chola bronzes. Visit bronze ateliers to watch the process of bronze casting and learn more about the unique Tanjore painting style. 

Madurai is the oldest existing city on the Indian peninsula and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a recorded history spanning more than 2,500 years. In a cultural tour of the Chettinad region, discover 18th-century ornamental mansions with expansive courtyards and spacious rooms embellished with marble and teak. These palatial houses are found in Kaanadukathan, Aathangudi, Kandanur, and Kadiyapatti villages. Many of these mansions were built using a type of limestone known as karai; hence, they are also called Karai[limestone] veedu. Local legend narrates that the mansion walls were polished with a paste of egg whites to give them a smooth and shiny texture. 

Once upon a time in Madurai

Optional

The Spice Trail in Madurai

Optional

Witness a going-to-bed ceremony at the famous Sri Meenakshi Temple of Madurai. The idol of Shiva is carried in an elaborate chariot from his shrine to his wife Parvati’s resting place. It is an eye-opening experience of intense spirituality. 

Madurai Food Trail

Optional

The Spice Trail in Madurai

Included

Idyllically set at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Kerala's Western Ghats mountain ranges with rolling hills, streams, waterfalls, 19th-century tea plantations and colonial bungalows. The area's main attraction is the extraordinary Eravikulam National Park, famous for a diverse array of wildlife, including the endangered mountain goat known as Nilgiri Tahr. The park is also home to the exquisite Lakkam Waterfalls, excellent hiking trails, and the impressive 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak. 

Pedal through Letchmi Village

Optional

Pothamedu View Point

Optional

Tea Ceremony

Optional

Enjoy a day at leisure 

Lockhart Tea Trail with Factory Visit

Optional

Pedal through Letchmi Village

Optional

Tea Ceremony

Optional

Located at the Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a wilderness escape of evergreen forests and savanna grasslands, known for spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Elephants, tigers, sambar, and many other species inhabit the park. Top attractions include the ancient Mangla Devi Temple, the aromatic Abraham’s spice garden, and a massive waterfall at the sleepy, picturesque village of Chellarkovil. Take panoramic views of the extraordinary landscape from the Chellarkovil viewpoint, then picnic at the rolling, lush green lawns at Pandikuzhi. At the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, see demonstrations of the best traditional martial arts. Enjoy a 3-hour guided trail through the magical woods in the early morning, spotting birds, butterflies and other wildlife. 

Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show

Optional

Nature Walk in Thekkady: Explore Periyar Tiger Reserve

Optional

Periyar Bouquet: Morning & Evening Trails (Cycle/Jeep+Tea)

Optional

Spice Plantation Tour

Optional

Located in the Indian state of Kerala, the bustling city of Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is set along the coast of the Laccadive Sea. The ‘Venice of the East' is renowned for its houseboat cruises that float along Kerala's tranquil backwater canals. Visit beautiful beaches, explore riverside villages dotting the lush countryside, and discover an array of resplendent temples. Don’t miss the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at Punnamada Lake.

Reach Kochi, a city that has served as a popular port for over 600 years, is known for its eclectic architecture and an array of religious monuments, museums, galleries, cafes, and antique shops. Stretching across peninsulas and islands, it is accessed by a network of water taxis and bridges. 

Kochi By Cycle

Optional

Kochi Food Crawl

Optional

The Muzuris Trail

Optional

Village Backwater Tour - A Trip down Backwater Lane

Optional

After breakfast, start your Cochin sightseeing tour. Noteworthy sights on Fort Kochi's peninsula include the St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India, and Mattancherry Palace, which dates back to 1557 and contains some exceptional Kerala murals and temple art. Visit the Dutch Palace adorned with beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Other must-see attractions include the Kerala Folklore Museum, with over 4,000 cultural and ethnic artefacts, the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue, and the local market, where the air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices. Enjoy a sunset cruise in the waters around Cochin Harbor in the evening and watch the sunset over the city. 

The Muzuris Trail

Optional

The Spice Trail in Kochi

Optional

Village Backwater Tour - A Trip down Backwater Lane

Optional

Check out of the hotel and depart for the airport for your flight.