Overview:

A 16 day private South India tour with car and driver from the coastal plains through the inlands of Tamil Nadu to Kerala – God’s own country covering the Western Ghats, tranquil backwaters and ending your journey in the colonial port town of Cochin. World heritage sites, breath-taking architecture, the historic towns, vibrant temple ceremonies, lively bazaars, enchanting wildlife and palm-fringed backwaters are some of the forte of this truly memorable journey.

Day 01

Chennai

On arrival in Chennai, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay at Taj Connemara for 02 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 02

Chennai

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chennai in the morning visiting San Thome Basilica, Kapaleeshwara Temple, Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Later take a drive along the Mareena Beach before returning to your hotel.

Day 03

Chennai – Mahabhalipuram– Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to visit the impressive coastal site of Mahabalipuram, which was constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries and portrays, by way of impressive rock carving and relief, the historical, mythological and philosophical Indian epic the Mahabharata. You visit the famous Shore Temple, Five Ratha’s and Arjuna’s Penance. Later, drive south following the coastline to the former French colony of Pondicherry. Stay at Palais De Mahe for 02 nights.

Day 04

Pondicherry

Enjoy a heritage walk through lively marketplaces, silent yet colourful lanes and witness how life thrives in this region. During the course of your walk, interact with the locals and get an opportunity to have a glimpse of their daily life. Visit the famous Aurbindo Ashram, Paper making unit, Pondicherry Museum, Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Day 05

Pondicherry – Kumbakonam

This day’s drive will take you away from India’s eastern coast to the inlands of Kumbakonam visiting the temples of Chidambaram and Darasuram enroute. Stay at Mantra Koodam for 02 nights.

Day 06

Kumbakonam

A whole day to visit the sights and temples in and around Kumbakonam. Visit Raja Veda Kavya Patashala, a legendary Vedic school that has produced renowned scholars and pandits since its establishment in 1542, Ramamohan's house to see the ancient artform of Kalamkarialive and thriving and a Silk weaving centre to see the master craftsmen weave intricate designs into silk saris with fine gold thread. In the evening, enjoy a scenic bullock cart ride to catch the glimpses of the rustic village life across the countryside. As your driver traverses expertly through the narrow lanes, you will be waved at, and even joined by excited kids with contagious smiles. Get a first-hand experience of the charm of rural life amidst acres of paddy fields and warm-hearted locals.

Day 07

Kumbakonam – Chettinadu

This morning, drive to Tanjore to see the famous Brihideeshwara Temple and the Bronze Museum. Later, proceed to the town of Chettinadu, the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiyar, a prosperous banking and business community, many of whose members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Chettinadu is well known for its Chettinadu cuisine, mansions, and temples. Stay at Visalam for 02 nights.

Day 08

Chettinadu

Enjoy a visit to the rustic town of Chettinadu. Hop across towns, visiting the old mansions to take in the splendour of the art and architecture, the most famous is Chettinadu Raja’s Palace, Athangudi handmade tile making unit, saree weaving and the daily local market. Visit the Ayyanar shrine of Kothadi where alignment of terracotta figures which have been offered to the village Deity. Go antique shopping at the main market on Muneeswaran Kovil street in Karaikudi. Shopkeepers are friendly and willing to chat with you about the rich history of their wares, most of them from local Chettiar homes.

Day 09

Chettinadu – Madurai

After breakfast, drive to the famous temple town of Madurai. Stay at the Gateway Hotel Passumalai for the night. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madurai, which is home to some fine examples of Dravidian architecture, and in particular the stunning Meenakshi Temple complex with its vast colourfully carved gopuram. Thiru Malai Nayak Palace, actually designed by an Italian architect, makes for an interesting visit, along with the Puthu Mandapam and Pillared Hall.

Day 10

Madurai – Periyar

Leaving the inlands of Tamil Nadu, we drive through the winding ghat road to Periyar wildlife Sanctuary, South India’s best-kept Tiger reserve. Stay at Spice Village for 02 nights. Visit a spice plantation in the evening to learn more about the spices grown in this area.

Day 11

Periyar

Early morning, you’ll enjoy a nature trek with tribal trackers in Periyar Tiger Reserve. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot wild Elephants, Indian Bisons, Sambar Deers, Nilgiri Langurs and variety of species of birds.

Day 12

Periyar – Kumarakom

This morning, you’ll drive down the hills visiting the tea and rubber plantations enroute to Kumarakom, famous for its tranquil backwaters. On arrival, check-in to Coconut Lagoon, a heritage backwater resort overlooking the Vembanad Lake for the night. Remainder of the day at leisure to relax by the backwaters or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda spa.

Day 13

Backwaters

Morning at leisure. Afternoon, board your private houseboat (Kettuvallom) for an overnight cruise through the famous Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the tranquil backwaters and narrow canals enjoying the village life. Your lunch, evening tea and dinner will be served on board the houseboat. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 14

Alleppey –Cochin

After a leisurely breakfast, you disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey, where you’ll be met by the driver and transferred to Cochin. Stay at the Old Harbour Hotel for 02 nights. In the evening, witness Kathakali dance performance, the traditional dance drama of Kerala based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Accompanied by a gong, drums and cymbals, Kathakali performers combine dance and theatre in a ritualistic portrayal of gods and demons.

Day 15

Cochin

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin &Mattancherry in the morning. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Spice Markets, Chinese Fishing Nets and the local fish market. In the evening, enjoy a private sunset cruise along the harbour.

Day 16

Cochin Airport Drop

In good time, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to connect your flight home.