India Dravida Journey

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport—ideally on a flight landing between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm—you will be welcomed by our tour representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and sits on the Bay of Bengal coast. Established in 1639 around the British East India Company’s fortress of St. George, the city still retains many colonial-era buildings reflecting its historical roots. The rest of the day is yours to explore Chennai at your own pace. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Chennai. Our first stop is Fort St. George, completed in 1653, which houses many historical artefacts including St. Mary’s Church—the first church consecrated on Indian soil. Next, we visit the National Art Gallery to admire notable bronzes, including the famous Nataraja statue depicting Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance. We then continue to the Government Museum, renowned for its collection of sculptures and architectural pieces from the Dravidian dynasties. In the afternoon, we drive along the Marina, an elegant seaside promenade, before heading to Mylapore, the old Indian quarter. Here, we visit San Thome Basilica, dedicated to the apostle Thomas Didymus, who is believed to have lived and preached in this area. After the tour, we return to the hotel, leaving you the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore Chennai independently. Overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast, we leave Chennai and travel to Mahabalipuram, stopping en route at Kanchipuram, known as the ‘Golden City’. This historic town boasts around 125 shrines dating back to the early Chola period around 200 BC and served as the capital for the Cholas, Pallavas and Vijayanagara Rayas. Its temples are remarkable examples of South Indian architecture, and Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk weaving tradition, producing the highly prized Kanchi saris. Please note that the temples close from midday to 4pm, so visits are scheduled before noon. Continuing to Mahabalipuram, we check in at the hotel before an afternoon tour of this coastal town, famed for its rock-cut sculptures and temples. Highlights include Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief depicting celestial beings, humans and animals, and the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood by the sea for over twelve centuries. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, we leave Mahabalipuram and travel to Pondicherry, a coastal town known for its enduring French heritage. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel before setting out on an afternoon tour of key landmarks. We visit Raj Nivas, the former residence of the Lieutenant Governor, a stately 200-year-old building overlooking Government Park with its manicured lawns and sculptures. Next is the Romain Rolland Library, home to over 60,000 volumes, followed by the Pondicherry Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts reflecting the region’s French colonial past. We also see the church of Notre Dame des Anges, built around 1865, notable for its rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, a gift from Napoleon III. Later, we visit the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual centre attracting visitors worldwide for yoga and community activities. Nearby is Auroville, an experimental township where around 800 residents from 28 countries live, known for its innovative architecture and communal lifestyle. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, we drive to Tanjore, stopping first at Chidambaram, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Shiva and renowned for its exquisite Nataraja temple—an outstanding example of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian architecture. We then continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram to visit the impressive Shiva temple, notable for its towering gopuram visible from a distance. Our next stop is Swamimalai before proceeding to Tanjore for check-in. In the afternoon, we explore the Brihadeeswara Temple, famed for its recently uncovered sculptures and frescoes from the Chola period. Nearby, the palace and remnants of the surrounding fort remain visible; while parts of the former royal family still reside within, the palace primarily functions as an art gallery today. After the visit, we return to the hotel for the evening.

After an early breakfast, we set out for a morning excursion to the historic town of Trichy. Our first stop is the imposing Rock Fort, rising 90 metres above the city. Here, you will climb 434 steps carved into the rock, passing shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapathi and Lord Shiva. The ascent rewards you with panoramic views of the sacred Kaveri River. Next, we visit the island of Srirangam, home to a vast temple complex dedicated to Vishnu, which includes a bustling bazaar within its walls. This temple is renowned for its annual winter festival that draws thousands of devotees. After the tour, we continue to Madurai, where you will check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure. Overnight in Madurai.

After a leisurely breakfast, we explore the holy city of Madurai, located in the heart of Tamil Nadu. The city’s vibrant life centres around the magnificent Meenakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, rebuilt in the 17th century by King Tirumalai Nayak. This architectural masterpiece features an impressive array of columns and corridors adorned with countless statues, creating an atmosphere rich in faith and tradition. We then visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, established in 1636, which showcases Indo-Muslim architecture with Italian influences. Another highlight is the Mariammam Teppakulam, a large tank historically fed by the Vaigai River, reflecting the city’s cultural heritage. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to explore Madurai at your own pace. Overnight in Madurai.

After breakfast, we depart for Periyar, arriving around midday for hotel check-in. Following lunch, we explore this region known for its elephants, rolling hills and fragrant spice plantations. We take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, a haven for wildlife, where you may spot herds of elephants playing in the water, as well as sambhar deer, bison, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, Malabar flying squirrels and mongooses, depending on water levels. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance at a local theatre. Originating in South India, this ancient discipline combines strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry and healing techniques. Overnight in Periyar.

After breakfast, transfer to Kochi and check in at your hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, we explore Kochi’s rich heritage, beginning with the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch in 1663. Inside, you’ll find vibrant 17th-century murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. If time permits, we will view the Jewish Synagogue from the outside in Jew Town and the Fort Kochi area—this community’s trade links with Kerala date back to the era of King Solomon. Next, visit St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, housing several antiquities and historic records, including a palm-leaf deed granted to the Portuguese in 1503. The tour concludes at the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, unique to this region and a lasting symbol of centuries of Chinese influence on the Kerala coast. Overnight in Kochi.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring Kochi at your own pace. You may choose to wander through its vibrant streets, enjoy sightseeing, shop for local crafts or sample regional cuisine. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel and make the most of its facilities. Today is yours to set the rhythm and discover Kochi as you wish.Overnight in Kochi.

After breakfast, we transfer to Conoor, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, an area known as the ‘Blue Mountains’ for its lush, rolling landscape. Upon arrival, we board the scenic train to Ooty, a journey renowned for its stunning views. Situated at 2,286 metres above sea level, Ooty is celebrated for its refreshing climate, beautiful gardens and charming cottages. Founded in 1819 by John Sullivan, the first European settler, the town retains much of its colonial-era character. We visit the Botanical Gardens, spread over 22 hectares and home to a wide variety of flowering plants and trees. After the tour, we check in to the hotel, leaving the rest of the day free for you to relax and explore Ooty at your own pace.

After breakfast, depart Ooty and travel towards Mysore. En route, stop at Somnathpur to visit the exquisite 13th-century temple of the Hoysala dynasty, situated on the banks of the Kaveri River. This temple features a closed courtyard and intricately carved friezes depicting dancers, musicians, warriors and scenes from nature. Continue to Mysore and check in at your hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Mysore, often called the ‘City of Palaces and Oriental Splendour’. Visit the Maharajas’ Palace, an impressive blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, noted for its gateways, domes, arches and detailed sculptures. Then proceed to Chamundi Hill, home to an ancient temple dedicated to the royal family’s patron goddess and the 16-foot monolithic Nandi, Shiva’s bull. From the hilltop, take in panoramic views of Mysore, including its surrounding hills, lakes and temple turrets. Overnight in Mysore.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a full-day excursion to the temples of Belur and Halebidu, once flourishing cities under the Hoysala dynasty around 800 years ago. At Belur, we visit the Chennakesava Temple, remarkably well preserved and renowned for its polished black stone exterior intricately carved with scenes from ancient epics. Nearby at Halebidu, we explore the Hoysalesvara Temple dedicated to Shiva, noted for its extraordinary friezes depicting gods, goddesses, animals and humans. Although construction began a decade after Belur’s temple, it remained unfinished after 80 years of work. We return to Mysore for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Bangalore Airport for your flight to Aurangabad (flight not included). Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest or explore Aurangabad independently. Overnight in Aurangabad.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out on a morning excursion to Ellora, renowned for its exceptional Indian rock-cut sculpture. The highlight is the Kailash Temple, a vast monolithic structure carved entirely from solid rock and dedicated to Lord Shiva. This remarkable temple was created by removing rock rather than building up, showcasing extraordinary planning and craftsmanship. Ellora features 34 shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions, with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as various depictions of Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, return to Aurangabad for a city tour. Visit the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, built in memory of Aurangazeb’s wife Rabia Durrani and intended to rival the Taj Mahal in splendour. Continue to the Panchakki, an ingenious Mughal-era water mill used to power flour grinding stones, with a saint’s tomb set in the surrounding garden. Conclude the tour at the Aurangabad Caves, where Cave 7 features a striking figure of Bodhisattva Padmapani praying for protection from eight fears, carved in impressive detail. Return to the hotel for overnight in Aurangabad.

After breakfast at your hotel in Aurangabad, set out on a morning excursion to the Ajanta Caves. These remarkable caves were carved into rock by Buddhist monks and comprise thirty caves, including twenty-six monasteries and four temples. The walls are adorned with exquisite paintings and sculptures that vividly depict the life and teachings of Buddha, as well as his earlier existence as a prince. The caves unfold like chapters of an epic visual story, with natural light illuminating the interiors at different times of day—a striking architectural achievement. After your visit, transfer to the airport to catch your connecting flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival late in the evening, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

After breakfast, we take a motor launch from Mumbai for a one-hour trip to Elephanta Island, home to the renowned Elephanta Caves (closed on Mondays). The island’s name comes from a large stone elephant once near the landing point, now displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in Mumbai. From the ferry, we ascend a stairway up the hillside to explore the caves. Returning to the mainland, we spend the afternoon on a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Highlights include the Gateway of India, the Afghan Church commemorating those lost in the First Afghan War, and views of the Bombay High Court and Old Secretariat. We pass the university building with its 280-foot Rajabhai Clock Tower, the ornate Victoria Terminus, vibrant Crawford Market, and the Flora Fountain in the city’s bustling centre. We also visit the Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays), which houses an eclectic collection of Chinese ceramics, miniature paintings and sculptures. The tour continues along Marine Drive, known as the Queen’s Necklace, with views of the Haji Ali memorial. We stop at the Jain Temple and Mani Bhavan, the historic residence of Mahatma Gandhi during his visits to Mumbai. Later, you will be transferred to the airport to connect with your onward flight.