Classic South India - 15 Days
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Summary
Uncover the rich cultural tapestry, spiritual heritage, and natural beauty of South India on this immersive 15-day journey. From the colonial grandeur of Chennai and the ancient rock temples of Mahabalipuram, to the French-flavoured streets of Pondicherry and the towering Dravidian architecture of Madurai — this itinerary is a vibrant mosaic of history, spirituality, and coastal charm. Travel through the lush Western Ghats to experience wildlife encounters in Thekkady, glide through the peaceful backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional houseboat, and unwind by the tranquil waters of Kumarakom before ending in the cosmopolitan port city of Cochin. Carefully curated for comfort, insight, and authenticity, this is South India at its most enchanting.
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Highlights
Explore Majestic Dravidian Temples Marvel at architectural wonders like the Brihadeshwara Temple in Tanjore and the towering gopurams of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, two of South India's most iconic spiritual sites.
Cruise Kerala’s Tranquil Backwaters Experience the magic of Alleppey's canals aboard a traditional houseboat, drifting past rice paddies, coconut groves, and village life — with freshly prepared Keralan meals onboard.
French Flair in Pondicherry Stroll the charming colonial streets of Pondicherry’s French Quarter, with its pastel-hued villas, seaside promenade, and the serene Aurobindo Ashram.
Wildlife Adventures in Periyar Enjoy guided nature walks and bamboo rafting through the lush forests of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — home to elephants, monkeys, exotic birds, and more.
UNESCO Heritage at Mahabalipuram Stand in awe of ancient rock-cut temples and carvings including the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance — relics of the powerful Pallava dynasty, beautifully set along the Bay of Bengal.
Culture-Rich Cochin with Kathakali Dance Wander through Cochin’s spice-scented streets, see Chinese fishing nets in action, and witness an unforgettable Kathakali dance performance steeped in myth and tradition.
Day 1: Arrive in Chennai – Gateway to the SouthArrival Day
Welcome to India! Upon arrival in Chennai, you’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. This coastal capital of Tamil Nadu offers a dynamic mix of colonial heritage, temple architecture, and cosmopolitan energy. After checking in, take time to relax, unwind, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Activities: • Meet & Greet at Chennai Airport • Private transfer to your hotel
Accommodation: Grand Chennai (Business Class Room) Meals Included: None
Day 2: Chennai City Sights & Journey to Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, set out on a cultural exploration of Chennai. Visit the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, the historic Fort St. George, the charming St. Mary’s Church, and the exquisite Bronze Gallery at the National Museum. Later, travel south along the scenic coastal highway to the historic town of Mahabalipuram. Once a bustling seaport under the Pallavas, it’s now known for its magnificent stone temples and dramatic ocean views.
Activities: • Chennai city tour: Mylapore Temple, Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Bronze Gallery • Drive to Mahabalipuram (approx. 2 hours)
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay (Garden Chalet Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Ancient Wonders of Mahabalipuram
Today, explore Mahabalipuram’s famed rock-cut monuments. See the massive Arjuna’s Penance, the largest bas-relief in the world, carved from solid granite. Admire the intricately sculpted Shore Temple, standing gracefully against the waves of the Bay of Bengal for over twelve centuries. These sacred sites evoke the artistry and spirituality of India’s ancient past.
Activities: • Tour of Mahabalipuram’s temples and rock carvings • Visit Arjuna’s Penance and the Shore Temple
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay (Garden Chalet Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Temples of Kanchipuram & Coastal Drive to Pondicherry
Depart Mahabalipuram and travel inland to Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities. Visit the grand Ekambareshwara Temple, famed for its 3,500-year-old mango tree and vast pillared halls. Then explore the beautiful Kailasanatha Temple, a sandstone gem and the oldest structure in town. Continue your journey to the former French colony of Pondicherry, where tree-lined boulevards, colonial villas, and seaside promenades await.
Activities: • Visit Ekambareshwara Temple and Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram • Scenic drive to Pondicherry (total approx. 4.5 hrs)
Accommodation: Le Dupleix (Deluxe Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Colonial Charm & Spiritual Heritage in Pondicherry
Discover Pondicherry’s rich blend of cultures. Stroll past elegant colonial buildings, leafy gardens, and French-style cafes. Visit Raj Nivas (Governor’s residence), the Romain Rolland Library, and Government Park. Later, explore the tranquil Aurobindo Ashram, an internationally renowned centre of yoga and spiritual learning that draws followers from across the globe.
Activities: • Pondicherry city tour: Raj Nivas, Government Park, Romain Rolland Library • Visit to Aurobindo Ashram
Accommodation: Le Dupleix (Deluxe Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Drive to Tanjore – Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu
Head deeper into Tamil Nadu today as you journey to Tanjore (Thanjavur), known for its towering temples, classical arts, and rice fields. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Brihadeshwara Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over 1,000 years ago. Later, explore the Royal Palace complex, a mix of crumbling fortifications and elegant halls, housing art, antiques, and royal artefacts.
Activities: • Drive to Tanjore (approx. 3.5 hrs) • Visit Brihadeshwara Temple and the Royal Palace
Accommodation: Sangam (Executive Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Sacred Madurai & Meenakshi Temple by Night
Travel to Madurai, a lively city with over 2,500 years of history. After hotel check-in, enjoy a special evening visit to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the Night Ceremony, where a statue of Lord Shiva is paraded in a palanquin and ceremonially united with his consort, Meenakshi, for the night.
Activities: • Drive to Madurai (approx. 3.5 hrs) • Evening Night Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott (Deluxe Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Marvels of Madurai & Potters Village
This morning, tour the iconic Meenakshi Temple by daylight. Admire its towering gopurams and the 1,000-pillared hall with intricately carved columns. Visit the grand Thirumalai Nayak Palace and its vibrant Indo-Saracenic architecture. In the afternoon, head to a nearby Potters Village to see local artisans at work crafting traditional terracotta figurines.
Activities: • Meenakshi Temple guided tour • Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace • Visit Potters Village near Madurai
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott (Deluxe Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9: Into the Hills – Journey to Thekkady
Leave Tamil Nadu behind and ascend into the lush, green hills of Kerala. Arrive in Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. After settling in, enjoy a guided Nature Walk through forests and grasslands, a peaceful way to discover birds, butterflies, and local flora guided by a local naturalist.
Activities: • Drive to Thekkady (approx. 3.5 hrs) • Guided Nature Walk in Periyar Reserve
Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort (Superior Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10: Bamboo Rafting in Periyar National Park
An unforgettable day of eco-adventure begins with an early breakfast before heading to Periyar Lake. Embark on a Bamboo Rafting expedition deep into the jungle — a unique experience blending trekking and river exploration. Spot elephants, wild boars, and exotic birds in their natural habitat while gliding silently across the water. A packed lunch is served en route.
Activities: • Full-day Bamboo Rafting & Jungle Hike in Periyar • Wildlife and birdwatching experience • Packed lunch included
Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort (Superior Room) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)
Day 11: Cruise the Backwaters – Alleppey Houseboat
Drive west to Alleppey and step aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat for a serene overnight cruise through a maze of coconut-lined canals and paddy fields. Watch daily life unfold along the water’s edge, enjoy a freshly cooked Keralan lunch and dinner onboard, and drift into a peaceful evening on the backwaters.
Activities: • Drive to Alleppey (approx. 4 hrs) • Overnight Houseboat Cruise on Vembanad Lake • Explore backwater villages and waterways
Accommodation: Lakes and Lagoons (1-Bedroom Deluxe Houseboat) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Tranquillity in Kumarakom
After breakfast on your houseboat, disembark and take a short drive to Kumarakom, a quiet village on the edge of Vembanad Lake. The rest of the day is yours to relax in the peaceful surroundings or explore at your own pace — whether birdwatching, enjoying an Ayurvedic massage, or simply soaking in the views.
Activities: • Houseboat disembarkation • Drive to Kumarakom (approx. 1 hr) • Leisure time in Kumarakom
Accommodation: Rhythm Kumarakom (Poolside Cottage) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13: Travel to Cochin
After a leisurely breakfast, journey to Cochin, the cultural capital of Kerala. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Perhaps stroll along the waterfront or explore the nearby shops and cafés at your own pace.
Activities: • Drive to Cochin (approx. 2 hrs) • Check-in and evening at leisure
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza (Standard Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14: Colonial Cochin & Cultural Performance
Today, discover Cochin’s rich multicultural heritage. Visit the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in action. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, where mythological tales are told through dramatic gestures, music, and elaborate costumes.
Activities: • Guided Cochin city tour: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Fishing Nets • Kathakali dance performance
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza (Standard Room) Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 15: Farewell India – Departure from Cochin
After breakfast, transfer to Cochin airport for your onward journey or flight back home. You leave with unforgettable memories of South India’s temples, beaches, wildlife, and backwaters.
Activities: • Private airport transfer
Meals Included: Breakfast
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