South India

Detailed programme

The state of Tamil Nadu is the homeland of the Tamils, whose Tamil language is one of the oldest classical languages in the world. Tamil Nadu is a land especially known for its ancient Hindu temples integrated into Dravidian architecture, among which the grand Chola temples and the Shore Temple have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also known for its rich tradition of literature, art, music, and dance that continues to thrive today, including its classical dance form Bharata Natyam. You will visit Mahabalipuram and then Pondicherry, where a sweet scent of French nostalgia lingers. Next, you will explore tea plantations with beautiful views of the peaks of the Nilgiri Hills. Then, discover Keralan cuisine, experience Ayurvedic massage, and relax on the beaches of Kerala.

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

The city of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, better known by its former name of Madras,

Welcome at Chennai airport and taken to your hotel. Then you start the city tour with a visit to the Kapeeleshwar Temple, Fort St. George, and the opportunity to stroll through the markets of Chennai (flower market, fish market…)

Day 2: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram 140 km/3h

Take the road to Mahabalipuram, stopping en route at Kanchipuram, the ancient capital of the Pallava kings. There, you will visit the Kailasanatha temple (the temple of Shiva), Ekambareswarar, Varadaraja, and Vaikunta Perumal.

Continue along the road to Mahabalipuram: Famous for its sculptural representations of chariots and its impressive granite bas-relief depicting the Penitence of Arjuna, it is also known for the magnificent Shore Temple that has withstood the sea spray for 13 centuries. The temples feature several remarkable sculptures that narrate the story of Krishna. Krishna Mandapam is the largest among the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry 100 km/2h

In the morning after breakfast, you continue your journey to Pondicherry, the French city nicknamed the White Town. Dupleix between the years 1742 and 1754. Pondicherry remained under French influence until 1954. Today, one can find a visible and pleasant French heritage.Le soir continuez à la découverte du vieux quartier français de Pondichéry (bel exemple d'architecture coloniale française), dernier comptoir de l'Inde. Aussi  visitez de ses constructions gothiques (Eglise du Sacré Coeur) et de ses plages tranquilles. Nuit dans votre hôtel.

Day 4: Visit to Pondicherry and Auroville.

In the morning after your breakfast, begin your exploration of Auroville and Pondicherry. The city, partly designed by a French architect, is in its embryonic state, but the wild site is stunning.

In the evening, you take a stroll through the local market of Pondicherry. (Markets of fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers colour and scent the market. Night in your hotel.

Morning option to take a bike ride in Pondicherry accompanied by a private guide (French-speaking and English-speaking).

Day 5: Pondicherry - Tanjore (Thanjavur) 190km/4h

In the morning after your breakfast, set off for Thanjavur. You will cross the Indian countryside. Here, farmers cultivate sugarcane, rice, bananas, and coconuts... you will regularly encounter bullock carts and coconut vendors... On the way, you will visit Gangakondacholapuram and Kumbakonam, where the Chola kings built a magnificent temple to celebrate one of their victories on the banks of the Ganges. Then we continue on the road to Tanjore and visit the peaceful city, which is adorned with numerous monuments inherited from the Chola kings. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 6: Tanjore - Karaikudi - Madurai 195km/4h

In the morning after breakfast, visit the Brihadishwara Temple, a masterpiece of Chola sacred architecture, as well as the Palace in the morning. Then depart for Madurai, and on the way, the driver will take you to Chettinad (Karaikudi) where you will visit the palaces and old residences of the wealthy merchants from the Chettinad region. Continue to Madurai for check-in at the hotel.

Day 7: Visit to Madurai​

Madurai is one of the oldest cities of Tamil culture and a place of pilgrimage for centuries. You will visit the magnificent Sri Meenakshi temple in the heart of the old city. A true labyrinth where priests and devotees bustle about in an atmosphere of spiritual fervour, the temple of Madurai, with its beautifully carved entrance towers (gopuram) standing 50m high, is certainly one of the most fascinating in India. Then you will visit the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, the Gandhi Museum, and the Samanar Caves. In the evening, you will attend the Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi temple.

Day 8: Madurai - Munnar 160km/5h

In the morning after your breakfast, depart for Munnar. Perched at 1500m above sea level, it is situated amidst the most spectacular mountainous landscape of South India. Due to its mild climate in an exceptional setting, it was the preferred summer residence of the British. Its beautifully maintained tea plantations, mountain air, and majestic lakes make Munnar and its surroundings a must-visit destination in Kerala. Upon arrival, transfer and check into your hotel. Relax in your hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Munnar

The morning after your breakfast around Munnar includes a visit to a tea factory converted into a museum, an excursion in the tea plantations, a visit to a spice garden, Night in Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar - Periyar 9km/3-4h

After your breakfast, drive to Periyar Park. In one of the most beautiful protected areas of South India, Periyar Park covers an area of 777 km² between 900 and 1800 m in altitude. The nature reserve is home to a significant wildlife population including elephants, tigers, sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrels, and 256 species of birds. Accommodation for two nights in a hotel.

Day 11: Periyar - Backwaters 130km/4h

Car journey to the backwaters. A network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals, the backwaters weave through lush vegetation and dictate a unique lifestyle for the local inhabitants. Boarding a houseboat. (check-in times around noon). The rest of the day to navigate the backwaters. As you drift along this network of canals, rivers, lakes, and lagoons, simply allow yourself to be carried away while admiring the villages on the banks, letting your mind find peace. Overnight in the houseboat with full board.

Day 12: Backwaters - Cochin 45km/2h

In the morning, breakfast on the houseboat, then a journey to Kochi, a magical place that few travellers encounter in the world. Fort Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Check into a hotel and then explore the city. Visit St. Francis Church and the Mattancherry Palace. You can also visit a fishing village and see the activities related to it.

In the evening, attend the performance of Kathakali and Kallaripayattu. Night in your hotel.

Day 13: Cochin

In the morning after your breakfast, start the second day of your visit to Kochi by exploring the Fort Kochi area and visiting the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Quarter, the Pardesi Synagogue, and St. Francis Church, which was built in 1503 by the Portuguese. There is the possibility to attend a Kerala cooking class and enjoy Ayurvedic massages at your hotel.

Day 14: Departure

According to your flight schedule, transfer to the International airport for your return flight.