12 DAYS

Heritage, Backwaters, and Wildlife

Southern India Splendors

About This Trip

Experience the wonders of South India over 12 days! Start your adventure in Mamallapuram, where you’ll visit the iconic Shore Temple. Then, journey to Thanjavur to explore the impressive 11th-century Brihadeeswara Temple. Continue to Trichy to delve into its rich cultural and architectural heritage before heading to Madurai to admire the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. At Periyar Tiger Reserve, encounter tigers and other exotic wildlife. Enjoy a serene houseboat cruise through Alleppey’s picturesque backwaters, and conclude your journey with a tour of Kochi’s top attractions.

Duration

12 Days 11 Nights

Country

India

Accomodation

Hotels 4/5 Star

Guided Tour

Fully Guided Tour

Activities / Excursions

Exceeds Expectation

Food/ Dining

Exceptional

Tour Highlights

Shore Temple, Mamallapuram: Admire the 7th-century Shore Temple, a coastal marvel surrounded by lush gardens.
Arjuna’s Penance and Five Rathas, Mamallapuram: Explore these celebrated bas-reliefs and rock-cut temples known for their intricate carvings.
French Quarter, Pondicherry: Stroll through the charming French Quarter, with its colonial architecture and vibrant street-side cafes.
Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry: Visit this renowned ashram dedicated to the synthesis of yoga and modern science.
Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur: Discover the monumental Brihadeeswara Temple, a symbol of the Chola dynasty’s architectural prowess.
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai: Witness the grandeur of the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and vibrant evening puja ceremonies.
Rock Fort, Trichy: Climb to the ancient Rock Fort for panoramic views and visit its historic Ganapati and Shiva temples.
Periyar Tiger Reserve: Experience wildlife sightings, including Asian elephants, and explore spice plantations in this scenic reserve.
Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey: Enjoy a serene houseboat ride through Kerala’s backwaters, observing rural life and natural beauty.
Fort Kochi: Explore Fort Kochi’s historical landmarks, including the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and the ancient Chinese fishing nets.

AT A GLANCE

Start & End: Chennai & Kochi

Group Size: Min 2 pax

Sightseeing: As per itinerary

Countries: India

Guide: Licensed Tour Guides – Spanish, French, German, English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean

Duration: 12 Days and 11 Nights

Accomodation: Hotels 4/5 star

INCLUSIONS

12 Days 11 Nights stay in Bespoke Hotels
Airport arrival Meet and Greet
Private Car through our the itinerary
Culinary experiences
All sightseeing and entrance as per program included with monument tickets
All Meals
Fully Guided Tour as per language of choice
24×7 Dedicated Staff for any assistance
Local SIM Card for mobile with Internet

EXCLUSIONS

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions above
Items of a personal nature
Tips for guide and driver

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai and Transfer to Mamallapuram

Welcome to India! Upon landing at Chennai’s airport, our representative will greet you and transport you to Mamallapuram, a coastal town on the Bay of Bengal. After checking into your hotel and receiving a brief overview of your itinerary, enjoy some free time to unwind and explore at your own pace.

Note: Travel times are approximate and may vary based on traffic and road conditions.

Day 2: Explore Mamallapuram

Begin your day with breakfast before visiting Mamallapuram’s Shore Temple, a 7th-century marvel set amidst lush gardens. Next, explore Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas, renowned for their intricate carvings. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

Day 3: Journey to Pondicherry

Travel south along the coast to Pondicherry, a former French colony. Spend the afternoon wandering through the French Quarter, admiring its colonial architecture and quaint cafes. For a different perspective, consider renting a bicycle. Later, visit Aurobindo Ashram, which blends yoga with modern science.

Day 4: Pondicherry to Thanjavur

Drive through Tamil Nadu’s fertile ‘rice bowl’ region to Thanjavur. In the afternoon, explore the monumental Brihadeeswara Temple, a symbol of the Chola dynasty’s power. Visit Thanjavur Palace to view its royal artifacts and learn about local bronze and handicraft production.

Day 5: Thanjavur to Madurai

Travel to Trichy to see the Rock Fort, featuring ancient temples. Then, proceed to Madurai, a key pilgrimage site and South India’s oldest city.

Day 6: Discover Madurai

In Madurai, visit the Meenakshi Temple, renowned for its grand gopurams and evening puja ceremonies. Also explore Tirumala Nayak Palace, which highlights the wealth of the Nayaka dynasty, and visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock Temple.

Day 7: Madurai to Periyar

Drive through the Western Ghats to Periyar Tiger Reserve, known for its Asian elephants. After checking into your hotel, visit a local spice plantation to learn about the region’s spices used in cuisine and medicine. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 8: Periyar Tiger Reserve

Start early with a forest trek in Periyar Tiger Reserve, lasting between 1 to 3 hours. Later, take a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you might spot wildlife at the water’s edge. Optionally, you can watch a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. The rest of the day is free for your enjoyment.

Day 9: Periyar to Alleppey

Drive to Alleppey and board a houseboat for a tranquil cruise through Kerala’s backwaters. Relax and observe rural life along the waterways, known for their cashew nuts, coir, rice, pepper, and coconuts. Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine prepared by your houseboat chef.

Day 10: Alleppey to Kochi

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kochi, Kerala’s vibrant city and spice trading hub. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, you might choose to experience Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance-drama.

Day 11: Kochi Exploration

Explore Fort Kochi, tracing the historical influences of the Dutch, Portuguese, British, Arabs, and Chinese. Visit the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and India’s oldest Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town. Head to the harbor to see traditional Chinese fishing nets in action.

Day 12: Departure from Kochi

Bid farewell as our representative escorts you to the airport for your departure flight to your next destination or home.