South India Discovery: Kerala and Tamilnadu

Welcome to India! Upon arrival, you are met by our local representative and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Balance of the day is at leisure.

(63 miles, 2.5 hours)

A leisurely morning breakfast. Today, we travel to Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram-a town in the strip of land between the Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal-known for the temples and monuments built during the 7th and 8th centuries.

First, we check into our accommodations and then we proceed for sightseeing of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut temples built along the Coromandel Coast and caves associated with Hindu epic Mahabharata.

We visit Arjuna's Penance- a substantial open-air sculpture that shows the various events that occurred during Arjuna’s Penance. It's built on two big rocks which are approximately 43 feet high. The rock sculpture is intricate and is unlike any other you can find in India.

Next, we visit the Thirukadalmallai - one of the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is an 8th-century temple built in the time of Pallavas dynasty. It has Dravidian Pallava style architecture with a white colored tower.

Now, we move on to the rock-cut cave temples of the 7th century. The rock sculptures here are dedicated to various Hindu deities, and these are among the most exquisite masterpieces of Indian art. We also visit the Shore Temple, that overlooks the beaches of Bay of Bengal, and that's how it got its name. It is a distinct Pallava style architecture, finely cut into granite rock, decorated with various rock-cut reliefs and sculptures.

The final stop of the day will be at Pancha Rathas which are open-air rock-cut reliefs, designed in the form of chariots named after the Pandava from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. We can notice the distinctive Dravidian style of architecture in the design. The monoliths are carved out of pink granite, and the tallest one of them is around 40 feet high. The sculptures in the niches in the chariot shaped temples are various characters of Hindu mythology.

Depending on available time and interest, we may or may not visit all the attractions listed but the above are the most important ones, and of course, there are a lot more to see in Mahabalipuram.

38 miles, 1.5 hour

Leisurely morning breakfast and travel to the French colonial town of Pondicherry. You will have time to settle into your rooms and then set out to explore Pondicherry, also called Puducherry. French left in 1954, but we can still see the French legacy well preserved in French quarters, with yellow colored colonial villas, elegant boutiques, and tree-lined streets.

This afternoon, explore the French town, literally walking down the lane of history! It's a heritage walk starting at the French Consulate near the north end of seafront Goubert Ave, then gradually head south, passing by the Bharathi Park with neoclassical governor's residence, Raj Nivas, Gandi Memorial, Hotel De Ville, White Town-Dumas, Romain Rolland, Suffren, and Labourdonnais Sts.

We begin from the Aurobindo Ashram - one of the most renowned and the wealthiest Hindu retreat in India, with devotees from India and all over the world gathering here for spiritual knowledge. Next, we head to the Puducherry Museum (closed on Monday and national holidays) with a wide range of exhibits including rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties.

Now, we drive little out of the city to visit the Auroville - or the ‘City of Dawn.' A project of spiritual leader Aurovinda, Auroville is a universal town that promotes peace and progressive harmony, above all faiths, all politics and all nationalities. We begin from the visitor's center, that offers detailed exhibitions and video viewings on the city’s aims and activities, and we take a walk around.

Next, visit the Pondicherry Museum-an art and history museum, known for its collection of beautiful lost wax bronzes from the period of the Chola dynasty that ruled India from 3rd century BC through the 13th century.

Conclude the day in the Pondicherry Botanical Garden-also built by the French. Here, you will discover many flowers of South India and information on them, including their botanical names.

After breakfast, leave for Thanjavur-popularly known as Tanjore. It's long day travel (122 miles, 5-hours) with two essential stops for sightseeing.

On the way, we stop in Chidambaram (47 miles, 2-hours)-an famous pilgrimage destination for the followers of Lord Shiva. We visit the Natraj Temple situated at the center of the town. Natraj is the dancing form of Lord Shiva. Spread out over 40 acres, Natraj Temple complex includes several other temples, a water pool, and the 'hall of thousand pillars.’ The complex is open to everyone, but the gold-plated sanctum sanctorum that houses the idol is for Hindu worshippers only.

Our next stop is at (25 miles, 1 hour before Thanjavur) to visit some of the 118 temples of the city. Kumbakonam city was the capital in the medieval Chola kings and became the center of studies for Hindu culture and European education during the British reign. Some of the prominent temples we visit here are Kumbeswara Temple, Ramaswamy Temple, and Sarangapani Temple, etc.

Upon arrival, check in hotel and balance of the day is at leisure. 

After breakfast, visit the world heritage sites of Thanjavur. First, visit the Brihadeswara Temple dating back to the 11th century and claiming to be among the tallest temples of the world. It's undoubtedly an architectural wonder, and a perfect example of the Chola rulers love and passion to the original architecture.

Next, visit the Palace of Tanjore. Situated near the Brihadeswara Temple, the Palace of Tanjore is a large building built over several decades by the kings of different dynasties. We visit the Art Gallery, situated in the palace. The palace preserves some of the magnificent and precious Granite and Bronze statues of the Chola period. 

Thanjavur is also known for paintings, jewelry, inlaid copperware, silk brocades, and rugs if you are interested in shopping.

Now, we leave for Madurai (119 miles, 4 hours)-a vibrant ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Meenakshi Amman Temple with 14 towers, known as Gopurams, is the main attraction here. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel.

After dinner, we visit the temple to watch the evening procession ceremony of Lord Shiva. Amidst chanting and prayers, the idol of Lord Shiva is carried on a palanquin from his shrine to his residence where Goddess Meenakshi waits for him.

After breakfast, we return to the Meenakshi temple complex again to see the temple in daylight. The temple complex has 14 towers which are known as the Gopurams, meaning gateway towers. Two of the towers which are elaborately sculptured and painted are for the main deities. Meenakshi Temple is among the most famous temples of India. The temple is known for its outstanding and impressive architectural grandeur.

Next, we visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century palace, built by King Thirumalai Nayak. Designed by an Italian architect, this temple is a perfect fusion of Dravidian, Islamic, and European styles. The palace, listed as the national monument of India and protected by Tamil Nadu Archaeological department, is truly an architectural wonder of India.

Afternoon, leave for Thekkady (88 miles, 4 hours)

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave for Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also called Thekkady (Approx. 100 miles/4 hrs. by car). Thekkady is a popular hill resort and a spice trading town. Thekkady is also known for wildlife Sanctuary and is home to wild elephants.

The afternoon is for a boating trip on Lake Periyar. The boat takes us around the sanctuary. Most commonly spotted animals are monkeys, wild pigs, deer, wild-buffaloes, and elephants. Tiger sighting is very rare. The boat ride lasts in about 2-hour.

Early morning breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Alleppey by car (Approx. 88 miles, 3 ½ hrs. drive).

Embark on your houseboat cruise on the Kerala's backwaters. The boats are made by joining wooden planks together with the help of coconut ropes. Originally, these traditional boats were used for transporting rice. The boats have one or two fan-cooled bedrooms with western style en suite bathroom and shower. The sides can be opened to allow the breeze to flow freely. You will have private crew, steering the boat and cooking meals and serving for you. Tea and soft drinks are also served.

As you float along the backwaters, you can observe the local life in the shores. Some are fishing and others are washing clothes and children trying their English with you while they are splashing in the water. Backwater cruising also offers opportunities to view the various species of aquatic birds; mainly storks, egrets.

Afternoon, we take canoe trip through the narrow canals that go through the paddy fields, coconut lagoons and isolated islands. We observe the daily life of the locals in the land as well as on water.

After breakfast, disembark your boat and transfer to Cochin, also called Kochi ( approx. 1 ½ hrs drive) en route visiting fisherman village. Check into your hotel and balance of the day is at leisure.

Your guide and driver will take you for sightseeing of Cochin. We begin from Fort Cochin, also called Old Cochin. Fort Cochin was the fishing village in pre-colonial Kerala, and later it went to the control of Portuguese, Dutch and British in different period. We visit the Church of St. Francis, which is the oldest church in India. Vasco de Gama- the Portuguese explorer, was originally buried in this church but his body was later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. Next, we visit the Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace (closed on Friday) where you will find some of the most exquisite murals in India. The Chinese Fishing Nets are also attractions of Cochin as they are in no other states of India. The fishing nets are huge and have elegant construction. The way they are operated is quite hypnotic. Interestingly, catches can be purchased individually, and if you wish, you can take it a street vendor nearby who can cook it for you.

In the afternoon enjoy the Kathakali dance – the stylized and theatrical art form retelling stories from Hindu legend. Kathakali, as a form of dance, has evolved from many social and religious dramas which existed in the southern region in ancient times.

Today, explore the port city with your guide and driver.We begin from Fort Cochin, also called Old Cochin. Fort Cochin was the fishing village in pre-colonial Kerala and later it went to the control of Portuguese, Dutch and British in different period of time. We visit the Church of St. Francis which is the oldest church in India. Vasco de Gama- the Portuguese explorer was originally buried in this church but his body was later moved to Lisbon, Portugal.

Next, we visit the Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace (closed on Friday) where you will find some of the finest murals in India. The Chinese Fishing Nets are also attractions of Cochin as they are in no other states of India. The fishing nets are huge and have elegant construction. The way they are operated is quite hypnotic. Interestingly, catches can be purchased individually and needs to be taken to a street vendor nearby who will cook it for you.

In the afternoon enjoy the Kathakali dance – the stylized and theatrical art form retelling stories from Hindu legend. Kathakali, as a form of dance has evolved from many social and religious dramas which existed in the southern region in ancient times.

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport in time for flight to your next destination.