South India Tour Programme

You will be welcomed at Chennai Airport by our representative. First stop is at Mamallapuram. Spend time on the white-sand beach shaded by casuarina trees and hire a bike to pedal through the surrounding countryside but make time to explore the wonderful open-air museum, much of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Arjuna's Penance (Bass Relief) and the monuments of Krishna's Butterball, five rathas (symbolises equality of men & women) and then end at the famous Shore temple. Spend a relaxing evening at the beach. Spend the night at Mamallapuram/Mahabalipuram and get ready for the next day’s plans.

We will travel from Mamallapuram to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India. You will visit the Kailasanathar Temple and the Ekambareswarar Temple. The beautiful sculptures include three Lingams worshipped to Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. It is 57 metres high, Rajagopuram being one of the tallest towers in South India.

Next in the itinerary is a drive to Pondicherry and en route we will tour Auroville "the universal town." Then in Pondicherry sightseeing, we will visit Aurobindo ashram, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Puducherry Museum. We finish it off by walking though the rock beach of Pondicherry.

We hit the road towards Thanjavur, en route we will visit Chidambaram, Darasuran, Kumbakonam. Darasuram is a small town near Kumbakonam. It is known for the Airavateswarar Temple built by a Chola king in the 12th Century CE. From here we resume our drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check into Hotel for an overnight stay.

Morning, you will be visiting Brihadeshwara Temple. This magnificent temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Afternoon, we will drive to Karaikudi, to enjoy this prosperous city, homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a banking and business community. This is a city of elegant mansions, highlighting the best of the region's art and architecture. The weekly Chettinadu Shandy market is a cynosure to tourists. Chettinadu cuisine: With some of the spiciest and most aromatic food in India, the cuisine of the Chettinadu region of Tamil Nadu state is widely sought out by those keen to sample fine food. Don't leave the city without trying the hot, fragrant dishes featuring seafood, chicken and lamb liberally doused in oil and spices.

Kick off the day to a start at Chettinadu Palace. Meander through the beautiful rooms of this 20th-century palace built using the finest Burmese teak and Italian marble. Then comes Thirumayam Fort - From miles around, the imposing remains of the Thirumayam Fort can be seen by all those who approach because of its commanding hilltop location. From here, a drive to Madurai - This vast, pulsating city, one of the oldest cities in South India, dating back 2500 years, sprawls along the banks of the River Vaigai. Wander through the fun, packed streets which are full of pilgrims, wandering cows, open-air kitchens and colourful bazaars. Check in at the hotel and relax.

To give an auspicious start to our morning, we will visit Meenakshi Temple - Join the locals thronging this bustling temple. Something is always happening here – ceremonies, musicians playing, weddings, prostrating pilgrims, festivals – making it a compelling place to spend time and enjoy temple life. You can taste south Indian cuisine by taking a street food tour or by taking a trip to the markets, to become one among the locals.

The Cardamom Hills is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a reserve on the Kerala/Tamil Nadu border which is surrounded by tea and spice plantations. You may benefit from an elephant ride to get the best view of the stunning scenery. Here at Periyar, grab the chance to experience a display of this most ancient of art forms. Witness the Kalaripayattu show which dates back to 3000 years.

In a natural walk, early in the morning, at Periyar wildlife sanctuary you can spot elephants, deer, wild boar, mongoose and colourful birds or even elusive leopards and tigers, with the help of a guide. Engage in a cooking demonstration at the end of the day.

We will begin the day with a drive from Periyar to Alleppey, through the beautiful landscape to reach the land of backwaters. Experience the daily slice of lives of the locals from the decks of a house boat. Enjoy tasty local meals as the boat drifts along and watch the sunset over the ever-changing scenery before retiring to your cabin to be lulled to sleep by the gentle lapping water

On reaching the picturesque fishermen village of Mararikulam, get tucked away by the quiet and rich coconut groves. Spend a relaxing day in the resorts right by the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari; they offer you an unparalleled quiet in astoundingly beautiful settings. Take a dip in the sea, take a walk on the beach, read a book by the pool or hunt for fishing villages.

Bask in the essence of a free day or enjoy a relaxing Ayurveda massage.

Meander through the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin where the European influences are strikingly bold in merchant houses and old warehouses. We will explore Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town, St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the highly decorated Santa Cruz Basilica, then the colourful murals that depict epics like 16th century Ramayana and the much-photographed Chinese nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin: all of these are breaths of Cochin, whiff them in abundance on this trip. Cochin: This town is located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. Kathakali: Kathakali, traditional Kerala dance becomes the shine of the evening, where the characters incorporate striking gestures, wear bold costumes and dramatic make-up to perform the epics of the country. To tie your dinner to the roots of the land, watch the local fisherman unload his catch of the day and run to his favourite roadside "restaurant” and have them cooked to tantalise your taste buds! (If you are fond of sea foods)

You will be dropped at Cochin airport for your return journey back home.