Spectacular South India - 15 day tour

Once you have arrived in Chennai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, we will meet our guide and fellow travellers in the hotel reception for a welcome briefing and drinks.

Please note: it is common for international flights to arrive in Chennai late at night, so your tour briefing may take place tomorrow.
Overnight: Chennai

Chennai - Dakshinachitra - Mahabalipuram. After breakfast, we begin with a brief orientation tour of Chennai, exploring the bustling fish market and visiting Fort St. George and its museum. We then drive along Marina Beach, admired for its wide stretch of golden sand and vivid blue sea.

After that, we will depart from Chennai, stopping in Dakshinachitra before continuing to Mahabalipuram, where you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore on your own, enjoy dinner, or relax.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram  |  Breakfast

Mahabalipuram - Kokilamedu - Mahabalipuram. This morning, we visit Kokilamedu Village, a traditional fishing community where we experience local life, homes, and scenic rural landscapes.

Later, we explore the Five Rathas, an impressive set of monolithic rock temples, followed by a visit to Arjuna’s Penance, one of Mahabalipuram’s most iconic stone carvings. We continue to the Shore Temple and nearby mandapams, shaped by centuries of wind and sea. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy—perhaps with a walk on the beach or time to unwind.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram  |  Breakfast

Mahabalipuram - Auroville - Pondicherry. Today, we will drive from Mahabalipuram heading to our first destination, the town of Auroville. Known as “the City of Tomorrow,” Auroville was founded to promote unity in diversity and shared human values.

Afterwards, we will continue our journey to Pondicherry, enjoying a stroll through our charming French quarters. We’ll then visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, our serene spiritual community established in 1926, where Sri Aurobindo, after retiring from politics, devoted himself to spiritual work, entrusting the ashram’s care to his collaborator, the Mother.
Overnight: Pondicherry  |  Breakfast

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Kumbakonam. After breakfast, we depart for the lowlands of Kerala. On our way, we visit the remarkable Nataraj Temple at Chidambaram, known for its distinctive blend of architectural styles. We then continue our drive, stopping at the historic site of Gangaikonda Cholapuram before reaching Kumbakonam, where we will spend the night.
Overnight: Kumbakonam  |  Breakfast

Kumbakonam - Darasuram - Kumbakonam. Today we will visit Mr. Ramamohan’s house in Kumbakonam, where the ancient art of Kalamkari is still alive. This traditional craft involves hand-painting or block-printing fabric with natural dyes, creating intricate patterns and storytelling scenes. We’ll also explore the Dharasuram Airavateshwara Temple nearby, a well-preserved 12th-century Chola architectural gem dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a relaxing bullock cart ride through the quaint village streets.
Overnight: Kumbakonam  |  Breakfast

Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Chettinad. This morning, we depart for Thanjavur, where we will explore the magnificent Brihadeswara Temple and Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an outstanding example of grand Chola architecture, renowned for its scale, symmetry, and intricate detail. We will then continue driving to Chettinad, a culturally rich region that includes Karaikudi and over 70 surrounding villages in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district.

In the evening, we’ll explore the Chettinad region, taking in its grand mansions, traditional homes, and vibrant local surroundings, before heading to our accommodation.
Overnight: Chettinad  |  Breakfast

Chettinad - Madurai. Today, we journey to Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities and a vibrant centre of Tamil culture and spirituality. Our first stop is the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, set in the heart of the old town. This 2,000-year-old marvel of Dravidian architecture impresses with its towering gopurams, vibrant carvings and lively temple courtyards.

Later, we visit the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, an opulent 17th-century palace blending Dravidian and Islamic styles, once the seat of the greatest Nayakkar king of Madurai. As night falls, we return to Meenakshi Temple for the unique ‘Bedtime of the God’ ceremony. In this mesmerising nightly ritual, Shiva’s image is carried in a spirited procession—accompanied by musicians and temple priests, taking the image to join Meenakshi in her inner sanctum for the night, an age-old tradition rich in symbolism and devotion.
Overnight: Madurai  |  Breakfast

Madurai - Munnar, After breakfast, we leave the plains behind and ascend into the cool, mist-laced hills of Munnar, South India’s beloved hill station. As we wind our way through lush landscapes, the scenery transforms into sweeping tea gardens, rolling valleys, and forested slopes alive with birdsong and the scent of spices.

En route, we’ll stop to take in scenic viewpoints and enjoy the dramatic shift in atmosphere. By afternoon, we arrive in Munnar, nestled among the Western Ghats and home to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India at 2,695 metres.

The rest of the day is yours to relax, breathe in the crisp, fragrant air, or begin exploring the town’s charming colonial echoes, vibrant market stalls and the surrounding emerald slopes dotted with tea estates.
Overnight: Munnar  |  Breakfast

This morning, after an early breakfast, we’ll head to a tea plantation and enjoy a walk through the lush, rolling fields. Surrounded by vibrant greenery, we’ll take in the tranquil beauty of Munnar and get a glimpse into daily life on the estate. Munnar is a charming hill station nestled among steep hills and vast tea plantations, making it a key centre for the tea trade.

Next, we will visit the Srishti Welfare Centre, a community hub dedicated to supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable crafts. After our visit, we will make our way to a tea factory, where we will learn about the tea-making process and try different blends. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to further explore the surrounding tea plantations, relax or explore Munnar.
Overnight: Munnar  |  Breakfast

Munnar - Kumarakom. After breakfast, we head further into the lush lowlands of Kerala. Along the way, we will stop at a family-run plantation cultivating pineapples and rubber. Following a leisurely walk through the verdant grounds, the family warmly invites us into their ancestral home, a sprawling estate built over a century ago. Here, we enjoy a Keralan lunch featuring fresh local vegetables and the region’s distinctive aromatic spices.

Later, we arrive at Coconut Lagoon, a serene lakeside resort set within rich gardens. This elegant property showcases traditional Keralan architecture in its bungalows and communal spaces, blending organic farming and Ayurvedic practices into its ethos. You can relax this afternoon, enjoying the stylish yet natural ambience and stunning lake views.
Overnight: Kumarakom  |  Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we will set out on a traditional houseboat cruise, gliding through tranquil canals fringed with palm trees and village life. As we drift along, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared Keralan lunch on board, surrounded by calm waters and lush scenery.

In the afternoon, we’ll take part in a relaxed cooking demonstration led by one of our hotel’s chefs, showcasing the fresh, vibrant flavours of the region — perhaps a beetroot curry or a spicy shrimp stir-fry. After, we will enjoy a sundowners drink by the lake side.

The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. You may wish to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, take a canoe ride, visit the butterfly garden, go birdwatching, or attend a cultural performance this evening. Or simply relax in the lakeside gardens and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at your own pace.
Overnight: Kumarakom  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Kumarakom - Kochi. Today, you will have the morning at leisure to explore Kumarakom at your own pace. Afterwards, we will head to Kochi, formerly Cochin, known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea.’ This unique city, built across several islands, boasts a rich history influenced by Portuguese, Syrian, Chinese, Islamic, and Jewish cultures. As India’s oldest European settlement, Kochi is famed for its colonial architecture, spice markets, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront.

Most of Kochi’s attractions are on Fort Cochin island, perfect for strolling, exploring galleries, antique shops, and sampling local cuisine. In the evening, we will visit a cultural centre to enjoy a performance of Kerala’s traditional arts, including Theyyam and Kathakali, celebrated for their elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling.
Overnight: Kochi  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will enjoy a guided walking tour around the historic Fort Kochi area, immersing ourselves in the city’s rich tapestry of Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences. Our first stop is St. Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India, steeped in history. From there, we continue to the stunning Santa Cruz Basilica, admired for its exquisite ceiling paintings.

Next, we visit the Dutch Cemetery before exploring the nearby Mattancherry Palace, an intriguing 16th-century structure adorned with detailed murals and traditional royal costumes. Our walk concludes at the iconic Chinese fishing nets, locally known as Cheenavala, unique to Kochi’s waterfront and a striking symbol of the city’s maritime heritage.

Later, we will join our guide and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, the rest of the day will be at your leisure to further explore Kochi, explore the night life or relax.
Overnight: Kochi  |  Breakfast, Dinner