Glimpses of South India 13 Days / 12 Nights

After breakfast, begin your journey to Mahabalipuram. En route, visit: Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram – One of the earliest examples of Dravidian architecture, built by Pallava King Rayasimha in the 7th century. Ekambaranathar Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this grand temple features a towering gopuram and a 3,500-year-old mango tree with branches said to represent the four Vedas. Later, explore DakshinaChitra, a living museum depicting traditional homes, crafts, and lifestyles of South India. Arrive in Mahabalipuram by evening and check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Post breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram: Arjuna’s Penance – A magnificent rock relief narrating mythological tales. Shore Temple – A stunning 7th-century structure showcasing Pallava architecture. Krishna Mandapam – Famous for its pastoral carvings of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. Five Rathas – Monolithic rock-cut temples representing early Dravidian architectural prototypes. Later, drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon exploration of the town’s colonial charm, pristine beach, and spiritual vibe, including a visit to Auroville Ashram for quiet reflection and meditation.

After breakfast, visit the following in Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram – A center of yoga and spiritual learning. Pondicherry Museum – Home to rare collections of sculptures and architecture. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the seaside promenade. Continue your drive to Thanjavur with a stop at Chidambaram to visit: Nataraja Temple – A Chola-era temple celebrating cosmic dance and classical architecture. Kali Temple – Known for its spiritual significance. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Thanjavur: Brihadeeswara Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chola architecture. Thanjavur Palace – Features vast halls, towers, and a royal museum showcasing Maratha artifacts. Later, drive to Madurai via Trichy (Tiruchirapalli). En route, visit: Rock Fort Temple – A temple complex built atop an ancient rock formation. Jambukeshwara Temple – A shrine where the Shiva lingam is naturally bathed by an underground stream. Arrive in Madurai and check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu: Meenakshi Temple – A grand example of Dravidian architecture with 12 towering gopurams. Tirumalai Nayak Palace – A 16th-century Indo-Saracenic marvel. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old city, and in the evening, witness the aarti ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.

Post breakfast, drive to Periyar in the Western Ghats. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari in Periyar Lake located within Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its elephants, tigers, and rich birdlife. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel to Alleppey (Alappuzha). Board your houseboat for an overnight backwater cruise through the tranquil canals and lush paddy fields of Kuttanad, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala." Witness village life, coir-making activities, and endless coconut groves as you float through “The Venice of the East.”

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam, a serene beach town on the Arabian Sea. Check in at your beachside resort. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Enjoy two relaxing days at leisure. You may opt for Ayurvedic treatments, local sightseeing, or simply relax on the beach. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy two relaxing days at leisure. You may opt for Ayurvedic treatments, local sightseeing, or simply relax on the beach. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Cochin (Kochi). Check in at your hotel. In the evening, attend a performance of Kathakali, Kerala’s traditional dance-drama. Watch the actors apply elaborate Ayurvedic-inspired makeup and enact stories from Indian epics. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Cochin: St. Francis Church – The oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was once buried. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) – Known for its murals and royal artifacts. Chinese Fishing Nets – Iconic cantilevered fishing nets lining the waterfront. Jewish Synagogue – Built in 1568 with hand-painted tiles and antique chandeliers. Evening at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.