Spice Route Symphony – A 21-Day South India Odyssey
21 days / 20 nights
Starting from USD 2345 / person
Detailed Tour Program
Day 1 – Arrival in Chennai
Arrival at Chennai International Airport. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and acclimate. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 2 – Chennai / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram (140 km – approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, departure for Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples” and one of the seven sacred cities in India. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, a beautiful example of early Dravidian architecture, and the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering gopuram and sacred mango tree.
Next, continue to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Bay of Bengal.
Afternoon: Discover the famous Five Rathas, monolithic temples each carved from a single stone, Arjuna’s Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, and the stunning Shore Temple, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 3 – Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (100 km – approx. 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast, scenic drive to Pondicherry, the former French colony with Mediterranean charm.
Afternoon: Explore Auroville, the international township founded by the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, with a visit to the Matrimandir, a futuristic golden meditation dome.
Evening: Stroll through the French Quarter, admire colonial villas and churches such as Notre-Dame des Anges, and relax by the seafront promenade.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 4 – Pondicherry / Chidambaram / Gangaikondacholapuram / Kumbakonam (180 km – approx. 5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Chidambaram, home to the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva performing the cosmic dance. The temple’s architecture features intricate sculptures and symbolic representations of Hindu cosmology.
Continue to Gangaikondacholapuram, a lesser-known but equally magnificent Chola-era temple with grand bronze sculptures and a massive Shiva lingam.
Arrive in Kumbakonam, a sacred town famous for its concentration of ancient temples, including Adi Kumbeswarar, Sarangapani, and the beautiful Ramaswamy Temple with vivid Ramayana frescoes.
Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 5 – Kumbakonam / Darasuram / Tanjore (40 km – approx. 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast, short drive to Darasuram to visit the exquisite Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate carvings and chariot-shaped sanctum.
Proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), former Chola capital and cultural center.
Afternoon: Visit the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, built in the 11th century and featuring one of the world’s tallest temple towers. Explore the Royal Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library with its rare manuscripts, and the Art Gallery with bronze Chola sculptures.
Overnight stay in Tanjore.
Day 6 – Tanjore / Chettinad (Karaikudi) (100 km – approx. 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast, journey to Chettinad, known for its grand merchant mansions, antique markets, and rich cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit a typical Chettinad mansion, showcasing Burmese teak, Italian tiles, and European chandeliers. Tour an Athangudi tile workshop, and explore local markets or temples like Karpagavinayagar Temple in Pillayarpatti.
Overnight stay in Karaikudi.
Day 7 – Chettinad / Madurai (90 km – approx. 2 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast, departure for Madurai, one of the oldest and most sacred cities in South India. On the way, there is the possibility to stop in a small village to observe traditional rural life and admire the typical architecture of the Chettinad region.
Afternoon: Arrival in Madurai and check-in at your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in the 17th century. This impressive structure blends Dravidian and Islamic styles and is known for its majestic pillars and open courtyards.
Late afternoon: Free time to stroll through the colorful bazaars surrounding the Meenakshi Temple. These markets are bustling with activity and offer everything from spices to silk sarees and brass souvenirs.
Day 8 – Madurai :
Morning: After breakfast, visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi and her consort Sundareshwar. Admire its towering gopurams (temple towers) adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site.
Afternoon: Continue with a visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum, housed in the 17th-century Tamukkam Palace. This museum presents the story of India’s struggle for independence and Gandhi’s life through a rich collection of photographs, letters, and artifacts.
Late afternoon: Enjoy a rickshaw or walking tour through the historic quarters of Madurai, discovering local crafts, vibrant street life, and perhaps sipping a traditional South Indian coffee in a local café.
Day 9 – Madurai / Munnar (Western Ghats) (160 km – approx. 5 hrs)
After breakfast, scenic drive into the Western Ghats to reach Munnar, a former British hill station nestled in rolling hills carpeted with tea plantations.
Afternoon: Visit the Tea Museum to understand the history and process of tea making, followed by a stroll through a working plantation.
Enjoy panoramic views of the misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and exotic flora.
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 10 – Munnar
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the natural beauty of Munnar.
Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, with sweeping grasslands and views from the Anamudi Peak (South India’s highest).
Continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point, surrounded by lush landscapes.
Optional visit to Top Station for panoramic views of Tamil Nadu’s plains.
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 11 – Munnar / Periyar (Thekkady) (90 km – approx. 3 hrs)
After breakfast, drive through scenic spice plantations to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Afternoon: Take a guided nature walk or boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot elephants, wild boars, and birdlife in their natural habitat.
Visit a spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and clove cultivation.
Optional evening martial arts (Kalaripayattu) or dance performance.
Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 12 – Periyar / Alleppey – Backwaters Houseboat (140 km – approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, descend to the Kerala plains to Alleppey (Alappuzha), known as the “Venice of the East.”
Midday: Embark on a private houseboat cruise, gliding through Kerala’s backwaters – a tranquil network of canals, rivers, and lagoons fringed by coconut palms and rice paddies.
Experience local life on the water as villagers wave from the banks and fishermen cast their nets.
Enjoy traditional Kerala meals on board.
Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Day 13 – Alleppey / Cochin (Fort Kochi) (55 km – approx. 1.5 hrs)
Morning: After breakfast at the house-boat, disembark at Alleppey Jetty and drive to Fort Kochi, a charming historical town on the Arabian Sea, known for its colonial ambiance and cultural mix of Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Indian influences.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel, then begin your discovery of Fort Kochi with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), featuring impressive murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the lives of the kings of Kochi.
Late afternoon: Explore the old Jewish Quarter and visit the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, with its hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Continue to the waterfront to see the famous Chinese fishing nets in action, a legacy of ancient trade with China, especially scenic at sunset.
Day 14 – Cochin :
Morning: After the breakfast visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Then continue with a walk through the heritage streets of Fort Kochi, admiring colonial buildings, art cafés, and local boutiques.
Afternoon: Visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum or the Kerala Folklore Museum (depending on your interest), both offering rich insight into the region’s cultural history and artistic traditions.
Late afternoon: Attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance — a unique art form of Kerala characterized by elaborate costumes, expressive gestures, and mythological storytelling. Enjoy some leisure time in the evening in one of Fort Kochi’s seaside cafés or art spaces.
Day 15 – Cochin / Coonoor
Morning: Early breakfast and departure for the journey to Coonoor, located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Depending on your travel preference, this may include a scenic train ride via Coimbatore and Mettupalayam or a combination of train and road. Enjoy changing landscapes as you leave the coastal plains behind and ascend into the Western Ghats.
Afternoon: Arrival in Coonoor, a quiet and charming hill station known for its tea plantations, colonial cottages, and fresh mountain air. Check-in at your heritage hotel or guest house nestled in the hills.
Late afternoon: Rest and relaxation. You may choose to take a gentle walk around the property or nearby tea gardens to soak in the peaceful surroundings and cool climate. Optionally, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Nilgiri tea with mountain views.
Day 16 – Coonoor / Toy Train / Ooty
Morning: After breakfast, board the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” for a scenic ride from Coonoor to Ooty. This UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway offers a slow and picturesque journey through tunnels, forests, and rolling hills with panoramic views of the Nilgiris.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Ooty, check-in at your hotel and begin your exploration with a visit to the Government Botanical Gardens, famous for their vast collection of exotic and native plants, including rare orchids and towering eucalyptus trees.
Late afternoon: Take a peaceful walk around Ooty Lake or enjoy a short paddle boat ride. Later, stroll through the colonial-era streets, discovering charming churches, tea shops, and vibrant local markets offering homemade chocolates and Nilgiri teas.
Day 17 – Ooty :
Morning: After breakfast, depart for a panoramic drive to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys and tea-covered hills. On the way back, stop at a local tea factory to learn about the production process of Nilgiri tea, followed by a tasting session.
Afternoon: Visit the charming Ooty Rose Garden, home to over 20,000 varieties of roses. Then continue to St. Stephen’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the region, with beautiful colonial architecture and stained-glass windows.
Late afternoon: Free time to wander through the lively Charing Cross market or relax at a local café. You might also enjoy a peaceful walk through the Pine Forest or a short hike in the surrounding hills before returning to your hotel.
Day 18 – Ooty / Mysore
Morning: After breakfast, depart by road to Mysore, descending through the forested hills of Mudumalai and Bandipur, both renowned for their rich wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, monkeys, and possibly wild elephants along the way. The journey covers approximately 125 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Mysore, check in at your hotel and begin your exploration with a visit to the magnificent Mysore Palace. This architectural marvel blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles and is famous for its intricate interiors, grand halls, and beautiful stained-glass domes.
Late afternoon: Take a stroll through the lively Devaraja Market, a bustling hub of spices, flowers, silk, and incense. Optionally, visit Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy panoramic views of the city, especially stunning at sunset.
Day 19 – Mysore
Morning: After breakfast, visit the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill if not done the previous day. This sacred temple dedicated to the goddess Durga offers breathtaking views of Mysore. On the way down, stop at the massive monolithic statue of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, carved from a single granite piece.
Afternoon: Explore the Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery, home to an extensive collection of traditional Mysore paintings as well as works by Indian masters like Raja Ravi Varma. Continue with a visit to St. Philomena’s Church, an impressive neo-Gothic landmark.
Late afternoon: Enjoy free time to browse Mysore’s renowned silk and sandalwood shops, or relax at the peaceful Brindavan Gardens, known for its musical fountains and beautifully landscaped terraces.
Day 20 – Mysore / Bengaluru (143km & 2h30)
Morning: After breakfast, depart Mysore and drive to Bengaluru (Bangalore), the capital city of Karnataka, known as the “Silicon Valley of India.” The drive covers approximately 150 km and takes around 3 to 4 hours.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and begin exploring Bengaluru with a visit to Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, famous for its extensive collection of tropical plants and the iconic glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.
Late afternoon: Visit Cubbon Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for a leisurely walk. Then explore the vibrant Commercial Street for shopping or enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés in the bustling MG Road area.
Day 21 – Bengaluru
Morning: After breakfast, visit the Bangalore Palace, an imposing Tudor-style palace built in the 19th century, featuring elegant interiors and beautiful grounds.
Afternoon: Head to the ISKCON Temple, a modern and serene spiritual complex dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its grand architecture and peaceful ambiance. Then visit the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, a fun and educational stop highlighting India’s achievements in science and technology.
Late afternoon: transfert to Bangaluru international airport to catch your flight back home.
End of Services
Your hotels or similar :
- Chennai – Quality Inn Sabri Grand***
- Mahabalipuram – Mamalla Heritage***
- Pondichéry – Villa Helena (Heritage)
- Kumbhakonam : Chola Dynasty***
- Tanjore – Gnanam***
- Chettinad – Chettinadu Mansion (heritage)
- Madurai – GRT Regency***
- Munnar – Silver Tips***
- Periyar – Tree Top***
- Alleppey – House Boat
- Cochin – Dutch Bungalow (heritage)
- Coonoor – Tea Nest***
- Ooty – Meadows Residency***
- Mysore – Pai Vista***
- Bangaluru – The President
Price Includes :
- Private vehicle adapted to the number of travelers: spacious, air-conditioned, and suitable for transporting all luggage comfortably.
- English-speaking driver (basic level), including all his meals, accommodations, and salary.
- Accommodation in double or twin-sharing rooms, with breakfast and all applicable taxes included.
- Daily breakfast + full board on the houseboat
- All monument and park entrance fees
- Spice plantation visit, tea museum, and cultural show tickets
- Houseboat cruise with private staff and all meals included
- Toy train ride from Coonoor to Ooty.
- Airport transfers in Chennai and Cochin
- Driver’s expenses, tolls, fuel, and taxes
Price Does Not Include :
- International and domestic airfare
- Visa fees and processing
- Lunches and dinners (except houseboat)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, etc.)
- Tips for guides and driver
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional activities (Ayurveda treatments, performances, yoga, etc.)
- Camera/video fees at certain monuments
