The Essence of South India

Arrive at Chennai International Airport. Clear immigration and visa requirements, then collect your luggage. A Luxury India Tour representative will be waiting for you in the arrival hall with a placard displaying your name to greet you. You’ll then be assisted with your transfer to Mahabalipuram. After arriving, check in at the hotel and enjoy your overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll explore Mahabalipuram. This beautiful spot is nestled on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon, known for its stunning scenery and the impressive Pancha Rathas. The charm of the area is enhanced by towering casuarina trees, soft silver sands, and traditional crafts that make the visit delightful. You'll surely be captivated by the beauty all around. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade beach. Spend the night at a hotel in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, you'll head to Pondicherry, a town blessed with the natural beauty of the Deccan Plateau. The rich red soil combined with lush green trees creates a picturesque backdrop, with plenty of cashew, palm, and neem trees dotting the landscape. Once under French rule for 281 years, Pondicherry still reflects its French heritage, from delightful restaurants serving French cuisine to streets named in French. The grand boulevards contribute to the cosmopolitan feel of the city. With palm-fringed beaches, enchanting backwaters, and charming fishing villages, Pondicherry is a gem waiting to be explored. You’ll have the day free to wander through this lovely town. Spend the night at a hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, we start our day with an exciting visit to Auroville and the beautiful Matri Mandir. Auroville, known as the 'City of Dawn', is a unique community focused on peace, sustainability, and a shared vision of 'divine consciousness'. Here, people from all over the world come together, setting aside differences in creed, color, and nationality, to create a universal township that thrives without cash or religious boundaries.

The Matri Mandir, which means "Temple of the Mother" in Sanskrit, stands as Auroville’s spiritual and geographical heart. Its exterior shines with gold, while inside, you will find a calming space filled with warm light, white marble, and stunning geometric patterns. Walking through this space takes you to the inner chamber, a striking white cylindrical hall that features a large crystal sphere at its center. After exploring, we will head back to Pondicherry.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Shri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by the renowned philosopher Shri Aurobindo Ghosh. The ashram also includes a library, study room, sales emporium, and a beautiful Botanical Garden. Our adventure continues in French town, often referred to as the French Riviera of the East, which showcases French architectural influences. The city’s layout is based on a French grid pattern, and many streets still have their original French names. We will spend the night at a hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast in the morning, we set off for Tanjore. On our way, we will stop to visit the famous Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. This historic Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and sits in the heart of the temple town, covering about 50 acres. It’s a remarkable site where both Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are worshipped together.

After our visit, we'll continue our journey to Tanjore. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel and then explore the Airavateshwara Temple and the Tanjore Royal Palace. The palace, a grand building crafted from masonry, was constructed partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and later added to by the Marathas. The two palace towers and the armory are visible from throughout the city, showcasing the palace's impressive architecture. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Tanjore.

After enjoying breakfast, head to the Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, built by the illustrious Chola King Raja Raja from 985 to 1012. This temple showcases the incredible architectural feats of the Chola dynasty, with its inner sanctum topped by a towering structure that soars to 64.8 meters. A massive monolithic stone slab weighing 81.3 tons graces the top, complete with intricate winged niches. Following your visit, travel to Madurai. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. 

Start your day with an early visit to the bustling flower market. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, head over to the Meenakshi Temple, which is the main attraction in Madurai. This temple is one of the five divine dance stages, a significant part of the area's culture. Madurai is not just about spirituality; it's also a lively modern city known for its commerce and industry. You’ll find beautiful Chungudi cotton sarees, vibrant dyeing techniques, unique motifs, handicrafts, brassware, and delightful wooden toys that appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Later, explore the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, located about 1.5 kilometers from the temple. This palace showcases a stunning blend of Dravidian and Islamic architecture, featuring impressive stucco work on its domes and arches. Although it has faced damage over the years, Lord Napier, the former Governor of Madras, partially restored it between 1866 and 1872. Today, after independence, the palace is recognized as a national monument and is protected by the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour of Old Madurai. Spend the night at your hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast, you'll travel to Periyar. This region boasts a pleasant climate and lush greenery, making it a perfect getaway for travelers. Periyar is celebrated for its wildlife and beautiful landscapes, especially in the Periyar National Park, set in the picturesque Western Ghats. This protected area on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border offers a unique blend of peace and adventure amidst nature. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind for the evening.

You will be staying at Spice Village, Periyar, which is designed to harmonize with nature. The resort resembles a village, built with local materials and crafted by skilled artisans who embrace the mountain spirit and traditional practices. While it offers the comforts of urban life, it maintains a calm atmosphere free from noise and pollution. The local communities, who have lived in tune with nature for generations, have shared their wisdom with us. They take care of our organic gardens, ensuring fresh vegetables, fruits, and spices are available for your meals every day. Enjoy a restful night in this serene setting.

Start your day with a shared boat ride on Periyar Lake, nestled within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Enjoy a two-hour journey on the artificial lake, where you might spot herds of elephants grazing along the shore. Keep an eye out for deer, sambar, gaurs, and wild boars; they frequently roam this area. If you're visiting during the summer months of March and April, you’ll get the best chance to see an array of wildlife. The lake is also a haven for birds like darters, egrets, and kingfishers, often seen perched on the dead trees rising from the water.  

After your boat ride, head back to your hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, embark on a Spice Plantation Tour. As you stroll along the winding paths, the delightful scents of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom will fill the air, sometimes blending in unique ways. The cool climate and elevated location of Kumily make it perfect for growing these spices. Spend the night at your hotel in Periyar.  

After breakfast, you'll travel to Alleppey, often called the Venice of the East and a true highlight of Kerala’s backwaters. Upon arrival, board your houseboat and set off to explore the enchanting waterways. Cruising through Kerala’s backwaters is an experience you won’t forget! This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this unique adventure without breaking the bank. Relax on the calm waters, enjoy the stunning views, and you can choose to return the same day or spend the night aboard the houseboat.  

During your Spice Coast Cruise in Alleppey, you’ll ride traditional boats called Kettuvalloms. These crafts have been transformed into beautiful floating homes, allowing you to glide over the serene Vembanad Lake. Built with natural materials, these spice boats are powered by solar energy and vegetable oils, which help protect the lake's ecosystem. The friendly crew members, who have known these waters all their lives, do more than just steer the boat; they also prepare delicious meals and keep everything shipshape. Their welcoming smiles reflect the warm hospitality that the region is famous for—what we like to call "hospitality from the heart."

After breakfast, say goodbye to the houseboat and travel to Marari. The name 'Marari' comes from 'Mararikulum,' a local fishing village along the beautiful Arabian Sea coast. Marari Beach is an ideal spot to relax and soak up the sun on its sandy shores. This stunning beach in Kerala is lined with swaying coconut palms and golden sand, creating a picturesque paradise. You'll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. Spend the night at your hotel in Marari.

After breakfast, enjoy a day at your leisure. Spend the night at your hotel in Marari.

After breakfast, take another day to relax and explore at your own pace. Stay overnight at your hotel in Marari.

Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Cochin airport in time for your flight home.