Discover the Majestic South
South India’s unique blend of culture, tradition, and natural beauty makes it a captivating and vibrant part of India, attracting travellers, scholars, and enthusiasts from around the world. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and stunning natural beauty. The dramatic dances, colorful and entertaining fairs and festivals, architectural heritage, delicious cuisine, wonderful handicrafts and Ayurveda all these are a testimony to the richness of South Indian culture. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting travellers with its historical sites, beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and hill stations. The backwaters of Kerala, the temples of Tamil Nadu, and the coffee plantations in Coorg, Karnataka, are just a few of the attractions.
The best season to visit here is in from November to May.
Choose your favourite itinerary from our bouquet and let our experts organise a tour for you.
Itineraries
ITINERARY 1
KOCHI(Muttencherry island, Bolghatty island, Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing nets, St. Francis church)
Arrival at Kochi Airport & take a transfer to Kochi. On arrival at Kochi, check in your hotel.
Kochi’s unique blend of history, culture, and modernity makes it a popular tourist destination in India. Visitors are drawn to its scenic beauty, historical sites, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit city for those exploring the southern part of India.
Later in the day, set out to cover the sightseeing of Kochi Islands. During this sightseeing, you will visit Muttencherry Island also known as Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, it showcases traditional architecture and houses a collections of arts and artifacts. Bolghatty Island known for Bolghatty Palace – a historic Dutch palace that dates back to the 18th century. The palace was initially built by the Dutch as a residence for their colonial officials. Later, it became the residence of the British governor of Kerala during the colonial period. Fort Kochi known for colonial era architecture including iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. It is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops. It is also a hub for traditional arts and performances, including Kathakali dance and traditional music.
St. Francis Church, this church is one of the oldest European churches in India and was originally built by the Portuguese. The famous explorer Vasco da Gama was buried here before his remains were later moved to Portugal.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight at Kochi.
- KOCHI – Local tour of the village
In the first half of the day, visit a nearby village. You can take a walk through the village, interact with the locals & ride a canoe through the lagoons. Visit the organic farms & relish the lunch with the locals. Later in the day, experience the country-boat ride through the mangroves while you interact with the environmentalists.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight at Kochi.
- Check out from Kochi & depart for a picturesque hill station called Munnar. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, lush tea plantations, cool climate, and an array of flora and fauna. Munnar is a popular tourist destination and offers a tranquil escape for those seeking to experience the scenic landscapes and serenity of the highlands. Evening at leisure.
- Meals : Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Munnar.
- Today, you can cover the sightseeing of the places around Munnar, including visit to Mattaputty Dam. the dam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the Mattupetty Lake., Kundala Dam it is a picturesque reservoir and arch dam. You would be enjoying breathtaking panoramic views and stunning landscapes and lush green tea estates. Top Station View Point, Tea Museum, etc.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Munnar.
- You can visit Eravikulam National Park today, where you get a chance to see Nilgiri Tahr – the Mountain Goat. Back to the resort after the excursion. OR you would have a day at leisure to enjoy the wonderful climatic conditions & the scenic beauty.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Munnar
- Check out from Munnar & enjoy a scenic drive to Thekkady. it is renowned for its lush forests, wildlife sanctuary, and scenic beauty. Arrival at Thekkady & check in. In the afternoon, set out for Spice Plantation Visit – an extremely informative activity – during which you can understand about various spices – right from their cultivation till the harvesting. Evening at leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Thekkady.
- Today you can enjoy the Boat Ride on Periyar reservoir which allows you to sail through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – an opportunity for bird watching / wildlife sighting. Visit Kumily market to buy variety of Indian spices & cashews. You will also witness the cultural dance form of Kerala – Kathakali & the Kerala martial arts – Kalaripayattu.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Thekkady.
- After breakfast, check out & proceed to Kumarakom. It is renowned for its serene backwaters, lush green landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Arrival at Kumarakom & check in. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, embark on a motorboat to enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the placid Wembenad Lake.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kumarakom.
- Visit Kumarakom Sanctuary mainly famous for the endemic & migratory birds. After the birdwatching, check out from Kumarakom & take a transfer to Alleppey. Upon arrival at Alleppey, embark on the houseboat – which is the prominent feature of Kerala backwaters. You will sail through the serene Wembenad lake & its canals. This is a great opportunity to witness the local lifestyle of the backwaters – right from their houses, farms, commuting, and all possible indigenous activities. You can enjoy the tranquility of the entire region as the Sun starts setting.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight on the Houseboat.
- After breakfast, disembark from the Houseboat & depart to Kovalam. Arrival at Kovalam & check in. Spend your evening on the famous Kovalam Beach.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kovalam.
- Today, you will cover the sightseeing of Trivandrum – the capital city of Kerala. During this sightseeing, you will visit the magnificent Padmanabha Swamy Temple a form of Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. The temple is renowned for its architectural beauty, historical significance, and its association with one of the wealthiest religious treasures in the world. We would then proceed to Napier Museum. It is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which is a fusion of Indian and Western architectural styles. The building’s design incorporates elements of Indian, Mughal, and Victorian architectural influences, resulting in a visually striking structure. It features a combination of ornate arches, domes, and decorative elements. Zoo is another place of attraction. Chitra Art Gallery, it is known for its extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Indian art, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of the country. Veli Sports Village, is a popular recreational and tourist destination offering visitors a range of outdoor activities, recreational facilities, and natural beauty. In the backwaters and lagoon, visitors can enjoy boat rides and pedal boating on the calm and serene waters of the lake. The picturesque lagoon is surrounded by coconut groves and provides a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Trivandrum.
- You have the entire day at disposal to either relax on the beach or to explore the surroundings on your own, at your own pace.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kovalam.
- Check out from Kovalam & take a transfer to Kanyakumari. It is also known as Cape Comorin, is a coastal town located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. It is situated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal converge. Kanyakumari is a significant tourist destination known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical importance.
- On arrival at Kanyakumari, check in your hotel. In the afternoon, set out to cover the sightseeing of Kanyakumari, including visit to Vivekananda Rock Memorial (situated on the rock inside the ocean – little away from the mainland), Kanyakumari Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, Triveni Sangam, etc. Back to the hotel after the sightseeing.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kanyakumari.
- After breakfast, check out from Kanyakumari & travel to Madurai. Madurai, also known as “The City of Temples” or “Athens of the East,” is a historic city located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India and is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and vibrant traditions.
- Arrival at Madurai & check in. Later in the day, you will cover the sightseeing of Madurai, which mainly includes the iconic Meenakshi Temple, the most iconic and prominent landmark of Madurai. Madurai is renowned for its delicious cuisine, which includes local specialties like Jigarthanda (a cooling drink), Chettinad cuisine, and a variety of dosas (pancakes) and curries. Thirumal Nayak Palace, this historical palace, built in the 17th century, is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace features a grand courtyard, massive pillars, and an ornate throne chamber. It also hosts a sound and light show narrating the history of Madurai. Gandhi Museum, this museum is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and houses a remarkable collection of memorabilia, photographs, and exhibits related to his life and the Indian independence movement etc. Back to the hotel.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Madurai.
- Check out from Madurai & transfer to Rameshwaram, It is a sacred and historic town located on Pamban Island in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated in the southern part of India, near the Gulf of Mannar, and is known for its religious significance, stunning temples, and scenic beauty.
- At Rameshwaram, you can visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, It is the most famous and revered attraction in Rameswaram. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India. The temple’s intricate architecture, massive corridors, and 1,000-pillared hall are awe-inspiring. Pilgrims come from far and wide to visit the temple and take a ritualistic bath in the 22 holy wells within the temple complex.
- Pamban Bridge, it is a historic and iconic railway bridge located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the mainland of India. The Pamban Bridge is renowned for its engineering marvel, scenic beauty, and historical significance. Seetapatham, is a religious and has a mythological importance. Seethapatham is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama, along with his army of monkeys, constructed a bridge (known as Rama Setu or Adam’s Bridge) to reach Sri Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. Ramanpatham, it is a small hillock where you will find divine feet of Lord Ram. Hanuman Temple, etc. You can also visit the famous Dhanushkodi Beach. After the sightseeing of Rameshwaram, proceed to Chettinad.
- Arrival at Chettinad, it is famous for its unique and rich cultural heritage, distinct cuisine, and stunning architecture, including music, dance, and traditional art forms.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Chettinad.
Today, you will cover the sightseeing of Chettinad town – well known for its architecture. Most of the mansions were built about 100 years ago. Visit a village famous for its handmade tiles, where the entire tile making process is carried out by human hands. Visit Handloom Home Units where the famous Chettinad cotton sarees and the most vibrant textiles are woven.
Explore Chettinad’s lanes, bylanes, markets, old streets, etc. in a bullock-cart or on bicycle.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Chettinad.
Check out from Chettinad in the morning & depart to Thanjavur. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and contributions to art, music, and dance.
Upon arrival at Thanjavur, visit Brihadeshwara Temple; a mammoth structure made of over 130,000 tons of granite; known for its grandeur and architecture. After visiting Brihadeshwara Temple, proceed to Kumbakonam. Arrival at Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is often referred to as the “Temple Town” of Tamil Nadu due to its numerous ancient temples.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Kumbakonam.
Today, cover the sightseeing of Kumbakonam, including visit to a legendary Vedic school; where you will witness students of Vedic studies partaking in vedic chants. Experience gurus passing on generations-old wisdom to aspirants about life, social skills, art and culture. Admire the Kalamkari – an intricate artwork on fabric, where the colours are extracted from natural sources. Watch the master craftsman in action while weaving intricate designs into Pattu Silk sarees. Enjoy a Bullock Cart ride through the countryside.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Kumbakonam.
You will check out from Kumbakonam & drive to Chidambaram. Upon arrival at Chidambaram, you will visit the famous Nataraja Temple Complex; one of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian architectural highlights. The Gopurams of the temple complex are covered with the 108 classical postures of Nataraja.
After the sightseeing at Chidambaram, travel further to Pichavaram. At Pichavaram, you can take a boat ride through the Mangrove Forest. You might spot a lot of migratory bird species during the boat ride. Then you will proceed to Pondicherry. It is known for its unique blend of French and Indian culture, making it a popular tourist destination. Pondicherry was a French colonial settlement until 1954 when it was incorporated into the Indian Union. The French influence is still visible in the architecture, cuisine, and culture of the region. Arrival at Pondicherry & check in.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Pondicherry
Today, visit the old town of Pondicherry; which is designed in colonial style. You will feel as if you are walking in the French town. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Notre Dam Church, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Barathi Park, Government Park, and the botanical gardens. You can spend your evening strolling along Pondicherry Promenade.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Pondicherry.
After breakfast, set out to visit Auroville, which is referred as the Universal Township in the making for more than 50000 people from all over the world. A visit to Auroville is an experience in itself. Today Auroville is recognized as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity, transformation of consciousness & the sustainable living. After spending nostalgic day at the transformational Auroville; you will get back to Pondicherry.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Pondicherry.
The day is at disposal to explore the colonial town on your own and at your own pace. You can enjoy few of the optional activities like visiting the rural region, or visit the textile units to get insights in the conscious clothing, or take up guided nature trails spotting Otters, etc. Spend time at the Promenade of Pondicherry. Enjoy walking through the French colonies, exploring Antique shops, Art Galleries, Historical Buildings, etc.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Pondicherry.
Check out from Pondicherry & depart to Mahabalipuram is a historic town located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
At Mahabalipuram, visit Shore Temple, a World Heritage Monument, other stone carvings and rock-cut temples depicting events from Mahabharat.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Mahabalipuram.
THANK YOU
ITINERARY 2
KOCHI(Muttencherry island, Bolghatty island, Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing nets, St. Francis church)
Arrival at Kochi Airport & take a transfer to Kochi. On arrival at Kochi, check in your hotel.
Kochi’s unique blend of history, culture, and modernity makes it a popular tourist destination in India. Visitors are drawn to its scenic beauty, historical sites, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit city for those exploring the southern part of India.
Later in the day, set out to cover the sightseeing of Kochi Islands. During this sightseeing, you will visit Muttencherry Island also known as Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, it showcases traditional architecture and houses a collections of arts and artifacts. Bolghatty Island known for Bolghatty Palace – a historic Dutch palace that dates back to the 18th century. The palace was initially built by the Dutch as a residence for their colonial officials. Later, it became the residence of the British governor of Kerala during the colonial period. Fort Kochi known for colonial era architecture including iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. It is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops. It is also a hub for traditional arts and performances, including Kathakali dance and traditional music.
St. Francis Church, this church is one of the oldest European churches in India and was originally built by the Portuguese. The famous explorer Vasco da Gama was buried here before his remains were later moved to Portugal.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight at Kochi.
- KOCHI – Local tour of the village
In the first half of the day, visit a nearby village. You can take a walk through the village, interact with the locals & ride a canoe through the lagoons. Visit the organic farms & relish the lunch with the locals. Later in the day, experience the country-boat ride through the mangroves while you interact with the environmentalists.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight at Kochi.
- Check out from Kochi & depart for a picturesque hill station called Munnar. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, lush tea plantations, cool climate, and an array of flora and fauna. Munnar is a popular tourist destination and offers a tranquil escape for those seeking to experience the scenic landscapes and serenity of the highlands. Evening at leisure.
- Meals : Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Munnar.
- Today, you can cover the sightseeing of the places around Munnar, including visit to Mattaputty Dam. the dam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the Mattupetty Lake., Kundala Dam it is a picturesque reservoir and arch dam. You would be enjoying breathtaking panoramic views and stunning landscapes and lush green tea estates. Top Station View Point, Tea Museum, etc.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Munnar.
- You can visit Eravikulam National Park today, where you get a chance to see Nilgiri Tahr – the Mountain Goat. Back to the resort after the excursion. OR you would have a day at leisure to enjoy the wonderful climatic conditions & the scenic beauty.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Munnar
- Check out from Munnar & enjoy a scenic drive to Thekkady. it is renowned for its lush forests, wildlife sanctuary, and scenic beauty. Arrival at Thekkady & check in. In the afternoon, set out for Spice Plantation Visit – an extremely informative activity – during which you can understand about various spices – right from their cultivation till the harvesting. Evening at leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Thekkady.
- Today you can enjoy the Boat Ride on Periyar reservoir which allows you to sail through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – an opportunity for bird watching / wildlife sighting. Visit Kumily market to buy variety of Indian spices & cashews. You will also witness the cultural dance form of Kerala – Kathakali & the Kerala martial arts – Kalaripayattu.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Thekkady.
- After breakfast, check out & proceed to Kumarakom. It is renowned for its serene backwaters, lush green landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Arrival at Kumarakom & check in. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, embark on a motorboat to enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the placid Wembenad Lake.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kumarakom.
- Visit Kumarakom Sanctuary mainly famous for the endemic & migratory birds. After the birdwatching, check out from Kumarakom & take a transfer to Alleppey. Upon arrival at Alleppey, embark on the houseboat – which is the prominent feature of Kerala backwaters. You will sail through the serene Wembenad lake & its canals. This is a great opportunity to witness the local lifestyle of the backwaters – right from their houses, farms, commuting, and all possible indigenous activities. You can enjoy the tranquility of the entire region as the Sun starts setting.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight on the Houseboat.
- After breakfast, disembark from the Houseboat & depart to Kovalam. Arrival at Kovalam & check in. Spend your evening on the famous Kovalam Beach.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kovalam.
- Today, you will cover the sightseeing of Trivandrum – the capital city of Kerala. During this sightseeing, you will visit the magnificent Padmanabha Swamy Temple a form of Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. The temple is renowned for its architectural beauty, historical significance, and its association with one of the wealthiest religious treasures in the world. We would then proceed to Napier Museum. It is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which is a fusion of Indian and Western architectural styles. The building’s design incorporates elements of Indian, Mughal, and Victorian architectural influences, resulting in a visually striking structure. It features a combination of ornate arches, domes, and decorative elements. Zoo is another place of attraction. Chitra Art Gallery, it is known for its extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Indian art, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of the country. Veli Sports Village, is a popular recreational and tourist destination offering visitors a range of outdoor activities, recreational facilities, and natural beauty. In the backwaters and lagoon, visitors can enjoy boat rides and pedal boating on the calm and serene waters of the lake. The picturesque lagoon is surrounded by coconut groves and provides a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Trivandrum.
- You have the entire day at disposal to either relax on the beach or to explore the surroundings on your own, at your own pace.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kovalam.
- Check out from Kovalam & take a transfer to Kanyakumari. It is also known as Cape Comorin, is a coastal town located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. It is situated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal converge. Kanyakumari is a significant tourist destination known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical importance.
- On arrival at Kanyakumari, check in your hotel. In the afternoon, set out to cover the sightseeing of Kanyakumari, including visit to Vivekananda Rock Memorial (situated on the rock inside the ocean – little away from the mainland), Kanyakumari Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, Triveni Sangam, etc. Back to the hotel after the sightseeing.
- Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kanyakumari.
THANK YOU
ITINERARY 3
- Arrival at Trivandrum Airport & take a transfer to Kovalam. On arrival at Kovalam, check in your hotel. Spend your evening on the famous Kovalam Beach.
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight at Kovalam.
- Kanyakumari(Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, Triveni Sangam)
Check out from Kovalam & take a transfer to Kanyakumari. It is also known as Cape Comorin, is a coastal town located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. It is situated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal converge. Kanyakumari is a significant tourist destination known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical importance.
In the afternoon, set out to cover the sightseeing of Kanyakumari, including visit to Vivekananda Rock Memorial (situated on the rock inside the ocean – little away from the mainland), Kanyakumari Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, Triveni Sangam, etc. Back to the hotel after the sightseeing.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Kanyakumari.
- Rameshwaram Chettina(Ramnathaswamy Temple, Pamban bridge, Ramanpatham, Dhanushkodi beach)
Check out from Madurai & transfer to Rameshwaram, It is a sacred and historic town located on Pamban Island in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated in the southern part of India, near the Gulf of Mannar, and is known for its religious significance, stunning temples, and scenic beauty.
At Rameshwaram, you can visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, It is the most famous and revered attraction in Rameswaram. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India. The temple’s intricate architecture, massive corridors, and 1,000-pillared hall are awe-inspiring. Pilgrims come from far and wide to visit the temple and take a ritualistic bath in the 22 holy wells within the temple complex.
Pamban Bridge, it is a historic and iconic railway bridge located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the mainland of India. The Pamban Bridge is renowned for its engineering marvel, scenic beauty, and historical significance. Seetapatham, is a religious and has a mythological importance. Seethapatham is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama, along with his army of monkeys, constructed a bridge (known as Rama Setu or Adam’s Bridge) to reach Sri Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. Ramanpatham, it is a small hillock where you will find divine feet of Lord Ram. Hanuman Temple, etc. You can also visit the famous Dhanushkodi Beach. After the sightseeing of Rameshwaram, proceed to Chettinad.
Arrival at Chettinad, it is famous for its unique and rich cultural heritage, distinct cuisine, and stunning architecture, including music, dance, and traditional art forms.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Chettinad.
Today, you will cover the sightseeing of Chettinad town – well known for its architecture. Most of the mansions were built about 100 years ago. Visit a village famous for its handmade tiles, where the entire tile making process is carried out by human hands. Visit Handloom Home Units where the famous Chettinad cotton sarees and the most vibrant textiles are woven.
Explore Chettinad’s lanes, bylanes, markets, old streets, etc. in a bullock-cart or on bicycle.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Overnight stay at Chettinad
- Thanjavur-Kumbakonam(Brihadeshwara Temple)
Check out from Chettinad in the morning & depart to Thanjavur (driving time: around 2 hours). Upon arrival at Thanjavur, visit Brihadeshwara Temple; a mammoth structure made of over 130,000 tons of granite; known for its grandeur and architecture. After visiting Brihadeshwara Temple, proceed to Kumbakonam (driving time: around 1 ½ hour). Arrival at Kumbakonam & check in. Evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Kumbakonam.
Today, cover the sightseeing of Kumbakonam, including visit to a legendary Vedic school; where you will witness students of Vedic studies partaking in vedic chants. Experience gurus passing on generations-old wisdom to aspirants about life, social skills, art and culture. Admire the Kalamkari – an intricate artwork on fabric, where the colours are extracted from natural sources. Watch the master craftsman in action while weaving intricate designs into Pattu Silk sarees. Enjoy a Bullock Cart ride through the countryside.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Thekkady.
You will check out from Kumbakonam & drive to Chidambaram (Driving time: around 2 hours). Upon arrival at Chidambaram, you will visit the famous Nataraja Temple Complex; one of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian architectural highlights. The Gopurams of the temple complex are covered with the 108 classical postures of Nataraja. After the sightseeing at Chidambaram, travel further to Pichavaram. At Pichavaram, you can take a boat ride through the Mangrove Forest. You might spot a lot of migratory bird species during the boat ride. Then you will proceed to Pondicherry (Driving time: around 2 hours). Arrival at Pondicherry & check in.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Kumarakom.
- Pondicherry (Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Notre Dam Church, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Barathi Park, Government Park and Botanical Garden.)
Today, visit the old town of Pondicherry; which is designed in colonial style. You will feel as if you are walking in the French town. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Notre Dam Church, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Barathi Park, Government Park, and the botanical gardens. You can spend your evening strolling along Pondicherry Promenade.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight on the Houseboat.
After breakfast, set out to visit Auroville which is referred as the Universal Township in the making for more than 50000 people from all over the world. A visit to Auroville is an experience in itself. Today Auroville is recognized as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity, transformation of consciousness & the sustainable living. After spending nostalgic day at the transformational Auroville; you will get back to Pondicherry.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Kovalam.
The day is at disposal to explore the colonial town on your own, at your own pace. You can enjoy few of the optional activities like visiting the rural region, or visit the textile units to get insights in the conscious clothing, or take up guided nature trails spotting Otters, etc. Spend time at the Promenade of Pondicherry. Enjoy walking through the French colonies, exploring Antique shops, Art Galleries, Historical Buildings, etc.
Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Trivandrum.
Check out from Pondicherry & depart to Mahabalipuram. At Mahabalipuram visit Shore Temple, a World Heritage Monument, other stone carvings and rock-cut temples depicting events from Mahabharata.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight at Kovalam.
Check out and proceed for Chennai airport.