Itinerary
- Day 1
Chennai
You'll be picked up at Chennai airport and taken to your hotel. After settling in, you have time to walk around the city on your own before meeting your group and guide at 6:00 PM for a welcome meeting.
Optional Activities
- Explore Chennai at leisure
- Day 2
Chennai to Pondicherry
Head south from Chennai toward Pondicherry, stopping at Mahabalipuram along the way. You'll see the ancient Shore Temple, check out the Five Ratha temples from the UNESCO site, and look at Arjuna's Penance carving. From there, continue to Pondicherry, where you'll stay for the next two nights in this charming French colonial city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram
- Visit Arjuna's Penance bas-relief carving
- Visit Five Ratha temples in Mahabalipuram
- Guided sightseeing in Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry
Landmarks Shore Temple Five Rathas Arjuna's Penance - Day 3
Pondicherry
Today you'll see the main attractions in Pondicherry. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram spiritual community, then head to Pondicherry Beach to relax and enjoy the golden sand. After that, stop by the Sacred Heart Basilica, a striking Christian pilgrimage site. The rest of your day is yours to wander around at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Visit Pondicherry Beach
- Visit Sacred Heart Basilica
- Guided sightseeing in Pondicherry
Landmarks Sri Aurobindo Ashram Sacred Heart Basilica Pondicherry Beach - Day 4
Pondicherry to Tanjore
After breakfast, travel from Pondicherry inland to Tanjore, an important center for South Indian religion and art. A guide will take you through this ancient fortified town, covering over 1,500 years of history. You'll visit the massive Brihadishwara Temple, which is over 1,000 years old and has a distinctive dome built using methods similar to those used for the Egyptian pyramids.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tanjore
- Visit Brihadishwara Temple
Landmarks Brihadishwara Temple - Day 5
Tanjore to Chettinad
Head to Chettinad, a quiet village known for its unique regional food. You'll explore the crumbling Chettinad Palace and visit the famous tile factory in Athangudi to see how the handmade terracotta tiles are crafted and made.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Chettinad Palace
- Visit Athangudi tile factory
Landmarks Chettinad Palace Athangudi tile factory - Day 6
Chettinad to Madurai
Travel from Chettinad to Madurai for a half-day tour with a guide. Check out the grand 17th-century Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal with its enormous circular pillars, then explore the rock-cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan. Later, join an Aarti prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple where you'll see candles lit and hear traditional songs.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Half-day guided tour of Madurai
- Visit Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
- Visit Thirupparankunram Murugan rock-cut temple
- Participate in Aarti prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
Landmarks Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Thirupparankunram Murugan Meenakshi Temple - Day 7
Madurai to Munnar
Leave Madurai and travel to Munnar, a former hill station surrounded by tea plantations. You'll take a guided walk through a local tea plantation and visit a local market. The afternoon and evening are free for you to relax or explore on your own, with the option to cycle or go boating at nearby Blossom Park if you want.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided stroll through local tea plantation
- Visit local market in Munnar
Optional Activities
- Visit Blossom Park
- Cycling in Munnar
- Boating in Munnar
Landmarks Blossom Park - Day 8
Munnar to Kochi
Arrive in Kochi, your final stop in South India. You'll have free time to wander the city and check things out at your pace. This evening, there's an option to book a tour to watch a traditional Kathakali dance show, complete with elaborate costumes and makeup from the performers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional Kathakali dance show in Kochi
- Day 9
Kochi
Your trip through South India comes to an end today. If you need a departure transfer to the airport or elsewhere, you can arrange one for an extra fee.
Optional Activities
- Book optional departure airport transfer
