Best of South India 13 Days 12 Nights

This morning after breakfast join your tour guide for sightseeing of iconic 8th century Shore Temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva built during Pallava dynasty. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, a gigantic rock relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. Next to Pancha Pandava Rathas (Five Rathas or chariots), intricately carved out of a single rock. Further to Krishna's Butterball, a boulder seemingly defying gravity. Unwind yourself strolling along the town’s sandy shores. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Have your breakfast and join your driver and guide for journey to Pondicherry ‘the France in South India’ following the establishment of French colonial rule in India. With its seaside promenades, fine restaurants and colonial-style villas, Puducherry or Pondicherry is a lively coastal city that exudes a unique charm. On arrival, check in at hotel and take a guided walking tour of Pondicherry visiting French heritage quarter. Visit the Pondicherry Museum of art and history; and the Catholic Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, explore the former colony town with its picturesque streets, boutique cafes and shops. Wander through the famous Auroville in Aurobindo ashram, a spiritual community that forms a vibrant part of the town the resting place of The Mother, Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual collaborator.

Return to hotel after the tour and stay overnight.

Check out from hotel after breakfast and travel to Thanjavur enroute visiting a bronze-casting foundry, where Hindu deities are crafted using the ancient wax mould process. On arrival, check in at hotel.

After freshen up explore the ancient glories of Chola dynasty as you visit the splendorous Brihadeeshwara Temple, a thousand-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural marvel significant for the height of the central tower and methods used to construct it. In the evening enjoy scintillating Bharatanatyam dance performance, one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India and famous for graceful movements, precise footwork and facial expressions. Return to hotel and stay overnight.

Today after breakfast we take short tour of Tamil Art Gallery and the Royal Palace Museum, we drive to our next destination Chettinad to step inside the colorful world of Tamil merchants. On the way visit Ayyanar Koil in Namanasamuthiram, a sacred village shrine with striking collection of over 100 terracotta horses and elephants making up Tamil Nadu's own miniature "Terracotta Army".

After your visit continue to Chettinad and check in at hotel. Chettinad is a culturally rich known region of South India for its heritage mansions, enormous temples, and flavourful cuisine. Chettinad reminds us a decadent chapter of Tamil Nadu’s history as it was home to wealthy Chettiar’s (merchants). On arrival, check in at hotel and amble around your hotel exploring the mansions with your guide. Overnight in Chettinad.

On 6th day of your Best of South India Tour visit one of the traditional homes in Chettinad to learn more about lifestyle of people, rituals and have traditional local lunch for an authentic experience of Indian cuisine. Visit Kamban Mani Mandapam related to the famous poet Mahakavi Chakravarthy Kamban followed by visit to the art gallery and library at Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Mani Mandapam, which was built to honour another revered poet - Shri Kannadhasan. Remaining day at leisure and relax. Overnight in Chettinad.

Drive this morning to Madurai, situated on the banks of River Vagai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a prominent seat of learning. On arrival, check in at hotel and take walk through vibrant bazaars to discover traditional garments, admire crafts and for wonderful photographic opportunities.

Now to the showpiece of Madurai ‘The Meenakshi Amman Temple’ overlooking the River Vagai and one of the greatest examples of Dravidian architecture that millions flock to every year. Attend the night puja ceremony where an idol of Lord Shiva is carried in a colorful musical procession from his shrine to join his consort Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi). Finish your grand and amazing day with an overnight stay.

Take a morning walk in flower and vegetable market followed by drive to Periyar in Kerala on your South India Tour. On arrival, check in at hotel.

After freshen up in the afternoon join your guide for a private tour of Kerala Spice Plantation. Stroll through the verdant estate to see how natural pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg are grown. Learn how these ingredients are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. After your Spice Plantation Tour return to hotel and stay overnight.

This morning take a boat cruise on Periyar Lake which is one of the best ways to spot wildlife. Periyar Lake is a prime site for viewing the elephants as they come often for the water. You may be able to spot some rare bird species including Ceylon frog-mouth and rose billed roller, and the Osprey and Ratchet - tailed Durango.

Return to hotel for relax and afternoon drive to Kumarakom a wonderful village located on the Vembanad Lake renowned for its tranquil backwaters, lush mangrove forests, bird sanctuary and traditional houseboats or kettuvalam drifting along its surface. Visiting Kumarakom is offers a different experience to its visitors as the daily life on the Keralan Backwaters has maintained its age-old essence over time. On arrival in Kumarakom, check in at your resort. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Before you embark on houseboat cruise you can watch the local life along the shores of the Vemabanad Lake. Get on board after breakfast and cruise the luscious waters, immerse in rural Keralan life as your boat stops at various shores, try your hand at weaving coconut leaves and browse a range of products made locally before settling up for a comfortable night stay on board enjoying the delicious fish curry. Overnight in houseboat.

Enjoy the morning at leisure and enjoy scenery before cruising to Alleppey where you meet our driver for travels to Kochi. Kochi or Cochin is formerly considered as the Queen of the Arabian Sea because of its ideal trading position that invited European settlements. On arrival, check in at hotel.

After relaxing for a while join your guide for a private tour of Cochin. Start with Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in commonwealth nations that was built in 1586. Next, we visit the Dutch Palace offering a fantastic view of the city. In the evening you can visit a local theater for Kathakali Dance performance, the word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". Kathakali Dance is known for its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and powerful storytelling. Return to hotel afterwards and stay overnight.

Rise early and our driver will pick you up for a private walking tour of Kochi with guide. Walk along the waterfront and see the local fishing community in action and join the chaos of a fish auction nearby. Stop for a chai and catch ferry to Ernakulam for a local market tour. Return to hotel and spend the time at leisure. In the late afternoon you will have an option of visiting the four-century old Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry palace, erstwhile home to the Verma kings and today a fine museum. Overnight in Kochi.

Our local assistant and driver will transfer you to Kochi Airport to board flight for onward journey.