Tamil Nadu Kerala Exploration

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, you will be greeted by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and sits along the Bay of Bengal coast. The city developed around the British East India Companys fortress of St. George, established in 1639, and many colonial-era buildings remain. The rest of the day is yours to explore Chennai at your leisure. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for an excursion to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of ancient India and the former capital of the Pallava dynasty. The city is renowned for its towering temple gopurams, which rise like peaks above the landscape. We visit the Kailashnath Temple, dedicated to Shiva, one of the oldest Pallava sanctuaries dating back to the 8th century. In the afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chennai, including the Government Museum and National Art Gallery, the art and bronze gallery, and the 16th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Shiva and sacred to Tamil devoteesnon-Hindus may enter only the outer courtyard. We then visit Santhome Cathedral, where St Thomas, the Apostle, lived and preached Christianity. The day concludes with a drive along Marina Beach, the worlds second longest urban beach. Overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave Chennai and travel to Pondicherry. En route, we visit the Hindu temples of Mahabalipuram, set on a striking rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the 7th century, the site includes 14 cave temples, nine monolithic rathas, three stone temples and two large bas-relief panels depicting Arjunas penance to Shivathe largest bas-relief in the world. The shore temple, perched at the waters edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising sun, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring Mahabalipuram, we continue to Pondicherry, a coastal town known for its preserved French colonial charm, evident in its gardens, churches, monuments and wide streets with French names. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel before visiting the Aurobindo Ashram, a centre dedicated to peace and spiritual harmony founded by the philosopher Sri Aurobindo. We then explore the museum and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure before returning to the hotel for the evening. Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, we drive to Kumbakonam, stopping en route at Chidambaram, a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Shiva. Here, we visit the renowned Nataraja temple, a fine example of Tamil Nadus Dravidian architecture. Continuing on, we explore Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a temple dedicated to Shiva with a towering gopuram visible from miles away. This temple, modelled on the Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur, was built to celebrate a historic victory near the Ganges River. Upon arrival in Kumbakonam, we check in to the hotel before visiting the Darasuram and Airavatheeswarar temples, the latter constructed by King Rajaraja Chola II and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding Chola architecture. Later, we tour Kumbakonam itself, a bustling town on the Cauvery River, where we see the Sarangapani temple, the largest dedicated to Vishnu, and the Kumbeshwara temple, the principal temple devoted to Shiva. Every 12 years, the Mahamakham Tank here is believed to be blessed by the waters of the Ganges, an event celebrated with a festival. We spend the night in Kumbakonam.

After breakfast, we transfer to Tanjore, formerly Thanjavur, once the capital of the Chola Empire from the 10th to the 14th century AD. This city later came under the Vijayanagar kingdom, the Marathas, and eventually the British. It has long been a significant cultural, political, literary and religious centre. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before visiting the Brihadeeswara Temple in the afternoon. This impressive temple features a large Nandi bull statue facing the sanctum, dedicated to Shiva. The surrounding corridors display numerous sculptures and frescoes from the Chola period, many of which have been uncovered relatively recently. You will also see the palace and the remains of the fort that once enclosed the temple complex. Members of the former royal family still reside within the palace, which now primarily functions as an art gallery. Overnight in Tanjore.

Begin the day with an early breakfast before setting out to explore Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy. This vibrant city boasts a rich history and numerous ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi and Lord Shiva. We will climb 434 steps carved into the rock, passing several shrines, to reach the Ganapathi temple, followed by another ascent to the Shiva temple. The effort is rewarded with stunning views over the sacred Kaveri River. Next, we visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple on Srirangam Island, a vast and well-preserved Hindu temple complex dedicated to Vishnu. Dating back to the 10th century, it covers over 60 hectares and features seven concentric walls and 21 gopurams, making it one of Indias largest temples. In the evening, we return to Tanjore for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we transfer to Madurai, one of South Indias oldest cities and a longstanding centre of Hindu learning and pilgrimage, with a history extending well before the Common Era. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before setting out on an afternoon sightseeing tour. We visit the iconic Meenakshi Temple, renowned for its intricate Dravidian architecture, followed by the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, a fine example of 17th-century Indo-Saracenic style. The tour concludes at the Gandhi Museum, which offers insight into Indias struggle for independence. In the evening, attend the Sri Meenakshi Temple night ceremony, a moving spiritual experience that showcases traditional rituals and temple music. Overnight in Madurai.

After breakfast, depart for Periyar and check in around midday. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, with Periyar Lake offering a peaceful setting for nature enthusiasts. In the afternoon, we take a boat ride on the lake (subject to water levels), where you may spot elephants bathing, as well as sambhar deer, bison, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, Malabar flying squirrels and stripe-necked mongooses. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art from Kerala that combines strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry and healing techniques. Overnight in Periyar.

After breakfast, we drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha) to board a traditional houseboat, known locally as a Kettuvallom. These large, tapering barges were originally used to transport rice and goods across Keralas waterways. Constructed entirely without nails, their jackwood planks are tied with coir ropes and sealed with a resin made from boiled cashew kernels. Todays houseboats feature comfortable bedrooms, modern bathrooms, living areas, kitchens and balconies where you can relax. Most are propelled by local oarsmen, while some have engines. As we glide through the tranquil backwaters, youll experience a timeless side of Kerala and observe local life along the shores. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the surroundings before spending the night aboard the houseboat.

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Kochi for hotel check-in. Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi is a city rich in cultural diversity, home to ancient Christian and Jewish communities alongside Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist traditions. Its colonial history is reflected in Portuguese, Dutch and British influences evident in the architecture. In the afternoon, we explore the historic districts on foot, visiting Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), and Jew Town, where we see the Pardesi Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays). You will also have the chance to wander through the European-style streets and houses. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance a traditional art form from Kerala that narrates stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata through expressive facial gestures, intricate hand movements, and elaborate costumes. Overnight in Kochi.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Kochi Airport for your onward flight, concluding your time in this vibrant city.