Welcome to Chennai! After a warm traditional ‘Swagat’, you’ll be assisted to your hotel. Known for its classical music, temples, and colonial heritage, Chennai was once a vital trading hub under the British East India Company.
Explore:
Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church (India’s oldest Anglican church)
Fort Museum – showcasing colonial artifacts
Santhome Cathedral – built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle
Kapileshwar Temple – a Dravidian architectural gem
National Art Gallery – one of India’s oldest museums
Overnight: Chennai
Today, journey to Kanchipuram, one of India’s seven sacred cities, famed for its 1,000 ancient temples and silk weaving.
Visit:
Kailasanatha Temple – known for its intricate Pallava carvings
Ekambaranatha Temple – boasts a 3,000-year-old mango tree
Kamakshi Amman Temple – dedicated to the divine feminine
Continue onward to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Discover the seafront Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance (world’s largest bas-relief), and the iconic Five Rathas – monolithic temples carved from granite.
Highlights:
Glimpse Pallava-era Dravidian architecture
Marvel at stonework mimicking wooden structures
Witness the unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist design
Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Drive to Auroville, an experimental township devoted to human unity, built on the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Visit the spiritual heart, Matrimandir.
Later, proceed to Pondicherry, a coastal town brimming with French colonial charm and spiritual significance.
Overnight: Pondicherry
Head to Tanjore (Thanjavur), cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and birthplace of the exquisite Tanjore paintings.
Visit:
Brihadeshwara Temple – a UNESCO site built by Raja Raja Chola I
Observe ancient Chola frescoes rivaling those of Ajanta
Overnight: Tanjore
En route to Madurai, stop at Trichy (Tiruchirapalli).
Explore:
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam – one of the largest temple complexes in India
Rock Fort Temple – set atop a 3.8-billion-year-old rock, older than the Himalayas!
Continue to Madurai, one of India’s oldest inhabited cities.
Overnight: Madurai
Spend the day exploring Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel with 1,000 intricately carved pillars and vibrant gopurams.
Highlights:
Explore halls, shrines, and sacred tanks
Witness devotional rituals and cultural performances
Overnight: Madurai
Drive into the green hills of Periyar, nestled in Kerala’s Western Ghats. Home to wildlife, spice plantations, and tribal cultures.
Experience:
Spice plantation tour – see cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon in their natural habitat
Overnight: Periyar
Begin the day with a boat safari on Lake Periyar, where you may spot elephants, deer, and water birds. Later, drive to Kumarakom, a serene backwater haven on Vembanad Lake.
Overnight: Kumarakom
Explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory birds like Siberian cranes and darters.
Later, embark on a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat) cruise to Alleppey, gliding past palm-lined canals and rustic villages.
Overnight: Houseboat (Includes all meals)
Disembark and drive to Cochin (Kochi), a melting pot of Arab, Dutch, Portuguese, and British influence.
Leisure time to relax or explore the bustling local markets.
Overnight: Cochin
Dive into Cochin’s multicultural past:
Visit:
Jewish Synagogue (closed Fri–Sat)
Dutch Palace (built by the Portuguese)
Spice Market – once the heart of global spice trade
Chinese Fishing Nets – unique to Kerala’s coast
Evening: Enjoy a live Kathakali performance, showcasing expressive dance and elaborate makeup.
Overnight: Cochin
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of temples, traditions, and tranquil backwaters.
