Charismatic South India Tour

Welcome to Chennai - Gateway to Tamilnadu! On your arrival at Chennai International Airport, our company representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Depends on your arrival flight, we shall suggest you day program.

Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, complete the check out process and drive to Mahabalipuram (2hrs. approx.). Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its impressive collection of ancient monuments dating back to the 7th to 9th centuries. After checking in at your hotel, set out to explore the town and discover its rich historical and architectural legacy. Explore Arjuna’s Penance, an awe-inspiring bas-relief carved across two massive boulders. Dating back to the 7th century, the intricate carvings illustrate the descent of the Ganges from the Himalayas along with vivid scenes of daily life in ancient India. Next, marvel at the Five Rathas — remarkable monolithic shrines hewn from a single rocky outcrop. Take time to admire the detailed carvings of gods, humans, and elephants, and reflect on the mystery of why these temples remain unfinished and were never consecrated.

Overnight at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Spend a relaxed morning by the beach. The stunning Mahabalipuram Beach, set along the Bay of Bengal, offers a picturesque view with its beautiful rock-cut sculptures that are truly a visual delight. Post breakfast check out from hotel and head towards Pondicherry, a charming coastal town on the Bay of Bengal known for its serene beaches. This unique destination reflects a fascinating blend of Tamil heritage and French colonial charm. Once a French settlement, Pondicherry still retains its colonial character with elegant French-style buildings, tree-lined boulevards, Catholic churches, and superb French cuisine—offering a refreshing contrast to British colonial influences found elsewhere in India.

En route, visit Auroville, a visionary township, designed as a place for people of all backgrounds and nationalities to live together in harmony, Auroville features innovative architecture that merges Western and Indian styles, nestled along peaceful, greenery-lined rural roads. The community thrives on sustainable living, promoting agriculture, handicrafts, and eco-friendly technologies. It is also known for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram—one of India’s most dynamic spiritual centers, established in memory of the revered philosopher. On arrival in Pondicherry, check in to your hotel and enjoy evening at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a picturesque drive to Tanjore (approximately 5 hours), a vibrant market town nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s fertile rice-growing region. Once the capital of the powerful Chola Empire, Tanjore still retains its cultural charm with a wealth of beautiful temples, even though many original structures from that era have not survived. En route, you can choose to visit the Dharasuram Temple, an architectural gem built in honor of the mythical white elephant, Airavata. On reaching Tanjore, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

This morning, begin your exploration of Tanjore with a visit to the majestic Brihadeeswara Temple. Over a thousand years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple stands as a towering symbol of the Chola dynasty’s grandeur and influence. As you walk through the complex, admire the intricate carvings and inscriptions that vividly portray scenes from temple life, including dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths, and astrologers who once flourished here.

Tanjore is well known for its ancient tradition of crafting intricate bronze sculptures, a skill passed down through generations. You’ll have the chance to witness skilled artisans using the ancient lost wax technique—a method perfected during the Chola era and still preserved today by generations of craftsmen who keep this sacred art alive.

Afterward, continue your journey to Madurai, a vibrant and ancient city with a history spanning over 2,500 years. Located on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai offers a vibrant sensory experience, with its bustling streets filled with pilgrims, wandering cows, street food vendors, and vibrant marketplaces. On arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind for the evening.

Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast, spend a relaxed day discovering Madurai, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu.You may choose to explore at your own pace, visiting notable landmarks such as the majestic Meenakshi Temple, Saint Mary's Cathedral , The grand Tirumalai Nayak Palace, the Gandhi Memorial Museum, and other local attractions. Transfer back to hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Post breakfast, proceed to Periyar a picturesque wildlife sanctuary nestled at an altitude of about 1800 meters in the lush semi-evergreen forests of Kerala’s Idukki district. This biodiverse region is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as indigenous tribes like the Mannans, Palians, and Uralis, who still follow their traditional lifestyles of herding and honey collection. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, visit a local spice plantation. The Cardamom Hills are renowned for their aromatic spice gardens where you can learn about the cultivation and uses of spices in both regional cooking and traditional medicine. If you wish, you can also opt for a short elephant ride (Optional) for a unique view of the scenic landscape.

Overnight at hotel in Periyar.

Start your day early with an optional river safari on the serene waters of Lake Periyar. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, set off for Kumarakom (3.5hrs. approx.)— a charming collection of small islands renowned for their enchanting natural beauty. Surrounded by a network of tranquil tropical canals, Kumarakom serves as the gateway to discovering the famed backwaters of Kerala.

Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

Enjoy a leisurely morning after a delightful breakfast at your serene resort. Nestled along the scenic backwater lagoons of Kerala, Kumarakom is a peaceful town known for its stunning natural surroundings. Spend your day as you please — try your hand at fishing, unwind with a traditional Ayurvedic massage, experience the charm of a houseboat cruise, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking sunset views over Vembanad Lake.

Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

This morning, drive to Cochin, a captivating coastal city spread across several islands between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala Backwaters. As you arrive, you’ll immediately notice the European charm woven into its streets — a legacy of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences visible in the architecture and overall ambiance. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Later, set out on a city tour. Wander through the historic neighborhoods of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin, where narrow lanes and waterfront buildings reflect the area’s colonial past. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the beautifully ornate Santa Cruz Basilica. Explore the 16th-century Dutch Palace, renowned for its vivid murals, including scenes from the Ramayana. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling spice markets, rich with color and fragrance, before heading to the iconic Chinese fishing nets — a signature sight along the Fort Cochin shoreline.

Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Post breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Cochin International airport to board the flight for onwards journey.

***TOUR END ***