Day 1
Chennai
Welcome to Chennai, India. Upon arrival at the airport, you will take a complimentary transfer to your hotel. There’s an important welcome meeting at 6pm, where you’ll need to bring your insurance details and next of kin information to provide to your tour leader. If you arrive in Chennai with free time to spare, we recommend visiting some of the local marketplaces and temples.
Day 2
Mamallapuram – Puducherry
From Chennai, you’ll drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing village of Mamallapuram. Here, you’ll take a guided tour around the town’s laid-back beaches and temples, visiting an incredible 8th-century Shore Temple. From here, travel to Pondicherry in the late afternoon, where your evening is free to spend at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 3
Puducherry
Spend time exploring the European-style town of Puducherry today, enjoying a walking tour around its local temples, the French Quarter and spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 4
Karaikudi
Your day will begin with a journey to Karaikudi, where you’ll get a taste of Indian village life. After checking-in, take a walk around the village to visit some of the havelis (mansions), whose grandiose architecture is bound to impress, and sample some of the mouth-watering Chettinad cuisine whilst you’re here.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 5
Madurai
Continue on to Madurai today, taking around 2 hours. Here, you’ll wander through the colourful markets and bazaars, and then visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple in the city centre. Still in-use today, the ancient temple is a maze of lamp-lit corridors which lead to shrines where traditional rituals take place. You may also like to explore the National Ghandi Museum (optional, free), dedicated to the life and achievements of the ‘Father of the Nation’ and the leader of India’s fight for independence. Your evening is then free to spend at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 6
Madurai
Enjoy a day at leisure in Madurai; perhaps visit the Art Museum to see a superb collection of carvings, check out the Tirumali Nayak Palace, or simply relax with a cup of delicious chai. Join your group this evening for a hands on Tamil cuisine cooking class.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7
Periyar
Drive through rubber and pineapple plantations to Thekkady and explore Periyar National Park, perched in the ranges of the Western Ghats. This beautiful area surrounds a picturesque lake, and ambles through wooded hills which overflow in wildlife. This afternoon, take an included tour of a local spice plantation, and if you have time, perhaps attend a demonstration of Indian martial arts at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.
Breakfast included.
Day 8
Periyar
In the morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Encounters with animals in the wild are never guaranteed, and this is more of a jungle walk than an animal-spotting tour; however, keep an eye out for tiger tracks, spotted deer or guar – the world’s largest species of buffalo. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage (INR700/person), or just unwind in this beautifully scenic area.
Breakfast included.
Day 9
Kochi
In the morning, you’ll transfer to Kochi (taking approximately 7-8 hours). A cultural melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences, Kochi is a beautiful area to explore. Spend your free time on a local boat excursion, or take a picturesque sunset stroll along the beach.
Breakfast included.
Day 10
Kochi
After breakfast, your day will begin with a visit to the Dutch Palace, followed by the oldest functioning Jewish synagogue in India, the Paradesi Synagogue. For lunch, you'll meet a local expert to learn about the ayurvedic diet, Satvik Bhojan. In the evening, witness a classic Kathakali performance – a dramatic dance which combines storytelling with physical technique.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 11
Kerala Backwaters – Kumarakom
Drive from Kochi to the sleepy Kumarkon in the backwaters of Kerala, where your resort is located along the riverside. Take a short backwaters cruise before heading out on a village walk – this is a great opportunity to meet with and chat to the people who live in the backwaters, whilst exploring the picturesque rice fields and lush palm trees of this tranquil setting.
Breakfast included.
Day 12
Kovalam
In the morning, you’ll take a 4-hour drive to Kovalam, via Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum. Once a quiet coastal village known for its exports of fresh fish and coconuts, Kovalam is now one of India’s most popular beach resorts. Visit the ancient temple of Attukal Bhagavathy in the afternoon, and if you have free time, explore the old signalling station of Anchuthengu Fort or the 16th-century Koyikkal Palace. Your evening is free to spend at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 13
Kovalam
Your trip will come to an end after breakfast, and you’re free to leave the resort at any time.
Breakfast included.
