South India Small Group Tour

Arrival at Chennai International Airport, where you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to the hotel.

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant city where colonial heritage blends with ancient South Indian traditions. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a first discovery of the city including the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture, and a walk along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.

Overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast, depart along the scenic East Coast Road toward Mahabalipuram, a historic port city that flourished during the Pallava dynasty.

Upon arrival, check in at your luxury seaside resort. Later, explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram. Visit the remarkable Arjuna’s Penance, a vast 7th-century bas-relief carved into rock depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Continue to the famous Five Rathas, monolithic temples carved from single granite blocks, representing the legendary Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.

End the day at the Shore Temple, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Dating back to the 7th century, this elegant granite temple is one of the oldest structural temples in South India and offers a spectacular setting at sunset.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, continue along the coastal road to Pondicherry, the former French colonial enclave in India.

Upon arrival, check in at your boutique luxury hotel in the historic French Quarter. In the afternoon, explore the charming streets lined with mustard-colored colonial villas, bougainvillea-covered walls, and elegant cafés.

Visit the Sacred Heart of Jesus Basilica, known for its impressive stained-glass windows, and the Notre Dame des Anges Church, reflecting a unique blend of French and Tamil architecture. Continue with a visit to the Vinayaga Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

End the day with a walk along the seaside promenade as the sun sets over the Bay of Bengal.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, depart toward the fertile plains of the Kaveri River Delta, often considered the cultural heartland of Tamil civilization.

On the way, stop at Chidambaram to visit the famous Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. This sacred complex is one of the most important temples in South India and a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.

Continue the journey to Tanjore (Thanjavur), the former capital of the powerful Chola dynasty.

In the evening, visit the spectacular Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 11th century. This monumental temple is renowned for its towering granite vimana and exquisite stone sculptures illustrating scenes from Hindu mythology.

Overnight in Tanjore

After breakfast, depart for the Chettinad region, famous for its wealthy merchant families and magnificent mansions built during the 19th century.

Upon arrival, check in at a beautifully restored Chettiar mansion converted into a luxury heritage hotel.

In the afternoon, explore traditional Chettinad villages and discover the remarkable mansions decorated with Burmese teak, Italian marble, and intricate tile work imported from Europe and Southeast Asia. These residences reflect the prosperity of the Chettiar trading community.

You may also visit local artisans producing handmade tiles and traditional textiles.

Overnight in Chettinad

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India and a major center of Tamil culture.

Upon arrival, check in at your luxury hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an impressive 17th-century structure combining Dravidian and Islamic architectural influences. Its vast courtyard and massive columns create an atmosphere of royal grandeur.

Later, explore the bustling markets surrounding the Meenakshi Temple, where vendors sell spices, flowers, textiles, and handcrafted jewelry.

In the evening, attend the spiritual night ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, when the idol of Lord Shiva is ceremonially carried to the chamber of Goddess Meenakshi.

Overnight in a luxury hotel in Madurai.

Overnight in Madurai

After breakfast, leave the plains of Tamil Nadu and ascend toward the cool hills of the Western Ghats.

The scenic drive to Munnar passes through forests, waterfalls, and vast tea plantations covering the hills like a green carpet.

Upon arrival, check in at your luxury hill resort nestled among tea estates.

The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the tranquil mountain atmosphere.

Overnight in Munnar

After breakfast, explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats. The park offers spectacular views of rolling hills covered in tea plantations.

Later, visit a tea plantation and tea factory, where you will learn about the fascinating process of tea production, from plucking the leaves to drying and blending.

The afternoon is free to relax at the resort or enjoy a walk through the surrounding tea gardens.

Overnight at Windermere Estate

After breakfast, descend toward the tropical lowlands of Kerala and reach Alleppey, gateway to the famous backwaters.

Board a luxury private houseboat for a cruise through the peaceful network of canals, lagoons, and palm-lined waterways.

As you glide through the backwaters, observe village life along the banks, fishermen casting their nets, and lush rice fields stretching to the horizon.

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine on board and admire a magical sunset over the lagoons.

Overnight on a houseboat.

After breakfast on board, disembark and continue to Cochin (Kochi), one of India’s most historic port cities. Upon arrival, check in at your luxury heritage hotel.

In the afternoon, explore Fort Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences blend with traditional Kerala culture. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, famous for its beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

Continue to St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, and observe the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront.

In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance-drama of Kerala known for its elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling.

Overnight in Cochin  

After breakfast, drive to the peaceful coastal village of Mararikulam, home to one of Kerala’s most beautiful beaches.

Check in at your luxury beachfront resort, surrounded by coconut groves and overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The rest of the day is free to relax by the beach, enjoy the spa facilities, or take an optional Ayurvedic treatment.

Overnight in Mararikulam

After breakfast, enjoy free time at Mararikulam Beach (room available until 12:00 noon). In the evening, transfer to Cochin Airport for your flight back home.