Captivating Tour to South India

• Breakfast
• Chennai To Pondicherry
• Stay Included

Embark on a scenic drive along the East Coast Road this morning, leaving Chennai behind for the fishing town of Mamallapuram. 

Marvel at the 8th-century Shore Temple, adorned with intricately carved pillars, and observe locals paying homage to the deity Shiva. Continuing your journey in the afternoon, head towards Puducherry, a former French colony exuding a European ambiance in its colonial-style houses and chic boutiques. 

Upon arrival, hop into Accord Puducherry and enjoy the evening at leisure to explore the diverse culinary scene, blending traditional Indian flavors with classic French influences. Seek recommendations from your leader for an unforgettable dining experience in Puducherry.

• Breakfast

Enjoy a healthy breakfast at the hotel, and mark the beginning of the day's exploration with a visit to the renowned Auroville, an experimental township near Puducherry advocating human unity. Explore its diverse rural settlements, housing over 1500 residents, half of whom are international. 

Marvel at the world's largest solid crystal before proceeding to the spiritual enclave of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. 

Returning to Puducherry, embark on a walking tour through the French Quarter, admiring mustard-colored buildings adorned with bougainvillea. Your leader will narrate tales of historical figures who once roamed these streets. 

Admire the pastel pink Church of Notre Dame, reminiscent of its Parisian counterpart, amid evidence of the French colonial era evident in the architecture and town squares. Enjoy the evening at your leisure for further exploration.

• Breakfast
• Pondicherry To Madurai
• Stay Included

Ensure having breakfast before unlocking your journey to the ancient city of Madurai, making several chai stops along the way. 

Upon arrival in the late afternoon, check into Amika Hotel, Madurai - Near the Airport", and embark on a brief orientation walk to familiarize yourself with one of India's oldest cities. 

Then, join your leader for an enticing exploration of Madurai's Tamil cuisine. Discover hidden street food stalls and family-owned eateries, sampling regional delicacies like mutton dosa and fish gravy – dishes not typically found on tourist menus. 

Delight your taste buds with Madurai's iconic dessert, Jigarthanda, a delightful concoction of condensed milk, ice cream, and almond gum, while your leader shares tales of time-honored recipes and passionate culinary artisans.

• Breakfast

Continue your exploration of Madurai with a guided walk through the Tailor's Market, local bazaars, and the Sri Meenakshi Temple. This ancient temple, still active today, features labyrinthine corridors illuminated by lamps, leading to shrines where traditional rituals unfold. 

Visit the National Gandhi Museum, honoring the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, India's independence leader. Explore the opulent Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century marvel built by King Tirumala Nayaka. In the evening, immerse yourself in Tamil culture with a traditional home-cooked dinner hosted by a local family. 

Interact with them about their lives and savor dishes like Chettinad chicken, egg paratha, and vegetable korma.

• Lunch
• Breakfast
• Madurai To Thekkady
• Stay Included

Head towards the countryside town of Thekkady, passing through pineapple and rubber plantations. Serving as the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, nestled in the Western Ghats, Thekkady offers a rich natural landscape. 

Explore a spice plantation, interact with a local expert, and indulge in a sensory experience of India's vibrant spices. Enjoy a flavorful lunch prepared with spices from the plantation. 

In the evening, explore Thekkady's shops offering aromatic spices and organic tea, or unwind by the palm-fringed pool at your resort.

• Breakfast

Embark on a guided nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary this morning, led by an expert guide. Keep an eye out for tiger tracks, Indian elephants, spotted deer, and the gaur, the largest buffalo species. You may also spot Bonnet macaques and the Malabar giant squirrel. 

After the wildlife adventure, enjoy a free afternoon, perhaps with an optional Ayurvedic massage. 

In the evening, witness a captivating demonstration of kalarippayattu, the ancient martial art originating in Kerala, at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, featuring high-energy fighters showcasing remarkable skills.

• Breakfast
• Thekkady To Munnar
• Stay Included

After breakfast, pack up all your luggage, and head on a journey north to Munnar, an old British Hill Station nestled in a scenic valley.

At 1525 meters above sea level, expect a noticeable temperature drop, so carry your jacket!

Munnar is renowned for its tea trade, with lush green hills enveloping the town. 

Upon arrival, check-in at Pleasant Hill Resort and then head out to explore a tea plantation with an expert guide, witnessing the tea-making process and sampling various blends. Relax at your mountain resort in the evening, surrounded by serene landscapes.

• Breakfast

After breakfast, embark on a guided walk through the lush hills of Munnar, often veiled in enchanting clouds. Capture the stunning landscape with your camera as you learn about Munnar's history as a favored British Colonial summer retreat due to its cool climate. 

In the afternoon, venture to the picturesque Mattupetty Dam for breathtaking views of the valleys and a serene man-made lake. 

Enjoy an optional motorboat ride before returning to Munnar for a leisurely evening.

• Breakfast
• Munnar To Kerala Backwaters
• Stay Included

This morning, journey to the serene backwaters of Kerala and uncover Alleppey's tranquil, palm-fringed canals. Once a bustling trading hub, the town is renowned for its vibrant 'snake boat' races held annually in August. Traditionally, these waterways bustled with kettuvallams, large wooden boats ferrying goods like rice and spices. 

Today, these vessels have evolved into luxurious houseboats, offering guests a lavish experience amid the lagoons.

Enjoy your Feature Stay aboard one of these floating sanctuaries, crafted from natural materials like bamboo and coconut wood, providing modern comforts amidst rustic charm. Stay overnight at Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise.

• Breakfast
• Kerala To Kochi
• Stay Included

Indulge in a serene morning amidst Kerala's tranquil waters before embarking on an afternoon journey to Kochi. Once known as Cochin, this city sprawls across multiple islands, boasting a rich tapestry of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, and British influences. 

On reaching the city, drop your luggage at the Presidency Airport Hotel.

Join your leader on an orientation walk to witness these cultural amalgamations reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine, and daily life. 

Later, explore the bustling Princess Street or relax with a coffee. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian art form originating from Kerala, known for its symbolic storytelling and intricate physical techniques. 

Witnessing this vibrant spectacle is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your journey.

• Breakfast

Embark on a vibrant exploration of Kochi's antique shops and spice markets today, led by your knowledgeable leader who will impart valuable haggling tips. Discover the charm of Fort Kochi and marvel at the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a beloved local landmark. 

Explore the historic Mattancherry Palace, dating back to the 16th-century Portuguese era, and proceed to the Paradesi Synagogue, India's oldest functioning Jewish synagogue. In the evening, meet with an Ayurvedic doctor to delve into the ancient holistic practices aimed at fostering physical and mental harmony. 

Gain insights into the Satvik Bhojan, an Ayurvedic diet, and partake in a cooking demonstration and dinner featuring traditional recipes and techniques.

• Breakfast
• Hotel To Airport

Bid farewell to your enriching journey after breakfast. Enjoy airport transfer to Cochin International Airport to smoothly conclude your travels.

Have a Safe Journey Ahead!