Embark on an immersive nine-day journey through South India, where spirituality, history, and nature blend seamlessly. From the dynamic city of Chennai to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, this carefully curated itinerary reveals the cultural depth and living traditions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Discover the great temple heritage of Tamil Nadu, from the UNESCO-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram to the Chola masterpieces of Tanjore and the artisan traditions of the Swamimalai region. Stroll through the French-inspired boulevards of Pondicherry, experience the vibrant devotion of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, and encounter local life in fishing villages and traditional craft centres. Cross into Kerala, where lush landscapes unfold through Periyar’s nature reserve, spice markets, plantation roads, and a peaceful lake cruise, before drifting through the iconic Kerala backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. The journey concludes in Cochin, a historic port city shaped by Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Rich in colour, rituals, craftsmanship, and authentic encounters, this journey offers an inspiring introduction to the soul of South India.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Chennai: The vibrant gateway to South India, blending ancient temples, colonial heritage, bustling bazaars, and contemporary urban life.
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram): A UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rock cut temples, monumental bas reliefs, and the iconic Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Pondicherry: A peaceful coastal town with French colonial elegance, leafy boulevards, and the spiritual atmosphere of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Chola Heritage: Swamimalai & Tanjore Explore the artistic and spiritual legacy of the Chola dynasty through the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, remarkable bronze sculptures, and traditional artisan workshops preserving centuries-old craftsmanship.
Madurai: One of India’s oldest sacred cities, centred around the spectacular Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple and its deeply moving evening Aarti ceremony.
Periyar Nature Reserve (Kerala): A lush mountainous region known for its rich biodiversity, spice markets, and authentic local encounters, including a traditional family lunch.
Kerala Backwaters (Houseboat Experience): Cruise through serene canals and lagoons aboard a traditional houseboat, surrounded by coconut groves, rice paddies, and village life.
Cochin: Kerala’s cultural capital, where colonial history, Chinese fishing nets, synagogues, churches, and vibrant performing arts create a unique coastal atmosphere.
Día 1: ARRIVAL CHENNAI
Arrival in Chennai and personalised welcome with a Rudraksha. The Rudraksha is the seed of Elaeocarpus angustifolius, a tree native to India. Wearing a Rudraksha is traditionally believed to help balance the body’s vital energies, protect against negative influences, and assist the body in adapting to new environments and cuisines. Transfer to the hotel in Chennai. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy free time or a walking tour with your guide for a first introduction to South India, including immersion in a colourful local bazaar among Chennai residents (“Madrasis”). Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Chennai.
Día 2: CHENNAI – MAMALLAPURAM – PONDICHERRY (165km – 4hrs)
Early morning meeting with your guide after breakfast. Departure to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an important departure point between the 6th and 9th centuries for Hindu and Buddhist merchants, priests, architects, sculptors, and scholars travelling to Southeast Asia. Many architectural prototypes of Khmer and Javanese temples originate here. Discover the impressive 17 metre long bas relief carved in the early 7th century, depicting ascetics, deities, Gandharvas, and Apsaras set within a jungle scene of elephants, lions, and birds. The relief is believed to represent either the “Descent of the Ganges” or the “Penance of Arjuna”. Visit the famous Rathas, monolithic rock cut temples from the 7th century, and the Shore Temple, built at the end of the 7th century and dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. During the visit, stop at the Sculptors’ Quarter to observe local artisans at work. Lunch, then drive to Pondicherry. Visit the Museum, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the Samadhi, shaded by a frangipani tree and adorned with flowers, where Sri Aurobindo and The Mother are commemorated. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the former French quarters, passing the Alliance Française, the post office, and a local bookstore.
Overnight in Pondicherry.
Día 3: PONDICHERRY – SWAMIMALAI (150km – 3.5hrs)
Visit a fishermen’s village to gain insight into the daily life of local fishing communities. Continue inland through the rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu. En route, stop at the Chidambaram Temple complex, famous for its four monumental gopurams marking the entrances to the temple dedicated to Shiva Nataraja, Lord of the Cosmic Dance. Lunch, then continue to Swamimalai (Kumbakonam). Local tasting experience. Arrival at the hotel and immersion in local craftsmanship (subject to availability). Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Swamimalai.
Día 4: SWAMIMALAI – TANJORE – SWAMIMALAI (70km – 1.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Tanjore to visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built at the end of the 10th century during the reign of Raja Chola I, and a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Visit the Chola Dynasty Gallery, renowned for its exceptional collection of bronze sculptures representing Shiva, Vishnu, and Parvati. Lunch in Tanjore. Return to Swamimalai. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Swamimalai.
Día 5: SWAMIMALAI – KARAIKUDY – MADURAI (235km – 4.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Karaikudy in the Chettinad region, homeland of the Chettiars, wealthy Tamil merchants whose prosperity during the 19th and 20th centuries is reflected in their grand mansions. Discover the town’s peaceful streets and historic houses blending European and Indian architectural styles. Visit a small artisanal workshop producing colourful cement tiles using traditional Athangudi techniques. Next, enjoy a speciality lunch. Continue by road to Madurai. In the evening, a walking tour of the flower market followed by an electric rickshaw ride to the Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, rebuilt in the 17th century. Attend the evening Aarti ceremony, a powerful devotional ritual accompanied by chanting, bells, and fire offerings.
Overnight in Madurai.
Día 6: MADURAI – PERIYAR (140km – 4hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Periyar Nature Reserve, located in the mountainous region of Kerala, one of South India’s richest natural areas. Stop for lunch with a local family, including a traditional Kerala cooking demonstration. Enjoy a boat ride on the artificial lake created in 1895, which extends into Tamil Nadu and attracts numerous bird species. In the evening, stroll through the old spice market and enjoy a local tasting experience. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Periyar.
Día 7: PERIYAR – BACKWATERS (ALLEPPEY) (130km – 3.5hrs)
Drive through tea, rubber, and spice plantations to Kumarakom. Board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a peaceful cruise across Lake Vembanad and the inland canals. Lunch served on board, prepared with local ingredients. Cruise through the Kuttanad backwaters, often called the “Green Venice of India”, passing coconut groves, rice paddies, and village life. View St. Mary’s Church, traditionally believed to date back to the 5th century. Dinner served on board.
Overnight in the houseboat.
Día 8: ALLEPPEY – COCHIN (70km – 2hrs)
Disembark in Alleppey and drive to Cochin, the cultural and maritime capital of Kerala. City tour including the Dutch Palace, famous for its Ramayana murals, the Paradesi Synagogue with its hand-painted Chinese ceramic floor tiles, and St. Francis Church, considered the oldest European church in India. Lunch at a local restaurant. Free time to walk through Fort Cochin, with its colonial architecture influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British styles. Tasting of crispy banana chips. Attend a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional dance drama inspired by Indian epics.
Overnight in Cochin.
Día 9: COCHIN DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Cochin Airport for your return flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
