Exotic South India

On arrival at Chennai Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.

After some rest, begin exploring the capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, known for its colourful Dravidian architecture, and St. Thomas Cathedral, associated with the apostle St. Thomas. Drive past the University of Madras and Marina Beach for a glimpse of the city’s heritage and coastal charm.

Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM.

After breakfast, drive to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, renowned for its Pallava-era monuments. Explore the Five Rathas, a remarkable collection of monolithic rock-cut shrines, and the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Discover the sculpted mandapams, Krishna’s Butterball and Arjuna’s Penance, an impressive open-air relief filled with intricate figures. After sightseeing, continue to Puducherry and check in at your hotel.

Begin with a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful spiritual centre, followed by Auroville, an international township founded on the ideal of human unity. In the afternoon, enjoy a heritage walk through Pondicherry’s French Quarter, passing colonial-style buildings and charming streets before strolling along the seaside promenade. Visit Our Lady of Angels Church, admired for its elegant architecture and distinctive interiors.

After breakfast, depart for Tanjore, stopping en route at Chidambaram’s Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer. Continue to Tanjore and check in at your hotel. Later, explore Brihadeshwara Temple, an outstanding example of Chola architecture. Visit Thanjavur Palace and Museum to discover royal heritage, bronze sculptures and collections reflecting the region’s rich artistic traditions.

Travel to Trichy after breakfast and visit Rock Fort Temple, set on a dramatic rocky outcrop. The climb involves numerous steps and rewards visitors with views across the city. Continue to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, known for its towering gateways, extensive courtyards and elaborate carvings. Afterwards, drive to Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s historic temple cities, and settle into your hotel.

After breakfast, visit Meenakshi Temple, celebrated for its colourful towers, sculpted pillars and lively atmosphere of worship. Continue to Tirumalai Nayak Palace, where grand arches and impressive columns recall the splendour of the Nayak rulers. Also visit Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a large temple tank with a central pavilion. In the evening, return to Meenakshi Temple to witness the traditional procession accompanied by music, chanting and rituals.

After breakfast, drive to Periyar in Kerala and check in at your hotel. The surrounding hills and greenery offer a refreshing change from Tamil Nadu’s temple towns. Later, explore a spice plantation, where you can see plants such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. Learn about their cultivation and their role in regional cooking while walking through the aromatic gardens.

After breakfast, travel to the backwaters and board a traditional Kerala houseboat, known as a kettuvallom. Once used to transport goods, these boats have been adapted for comfortable stays on the water. Enjoy a leisurely cruise through canals and waterways, passing palm-lined banks, village homes and scenes of daily life. Relax on board as the peaceful countryside unfolds around you.

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and driving to Cochin. After checking in, explore the city’s multicultural heritage with visits to the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace, known for its murals depicting scenes from Indian epics. See the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront. In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance featuring elaborate costumes, expressive gestures and traditional storytelling.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Cochin Airport for your flight home or onward destination. Your journey concludes with memories of South India’s magnificent temples, coastal towns, spice gardens and tranquil backwaters.

Hotel check-out is by 12:00 noon.

Sightseeing order may vary according to opening hours, weekly closures and local conditions. Temple visits are subject to dress codes and access restrictions.