Spice of the South

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Chennai Arrival

Welcome to Chennai, the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu and a gateway to South India’s rich culture and heritage. Upon arrival, our friendly representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel, where you can unwind and refresh after your journey. Take a moment to soak in the city’s lively energy, from bustling markets and historic temples to the serene Bay of Bengal coastline. Your adventure begins here, with a taste of the traditions, colors, and flavors that await in the days ahead.

Overnight in The Accord Metropolitan or similar.

Day 2: Chennai to Pondicherry (B)

After breakfast, begin a short orientation tour of Chennai, visiting the vibrant Fish Market along Marina Beach, where early-morning activity buzzes with local fishermen and fresh catches. Explore the Kapaleeswara Temple, Chennai's largest and a Dravidian architectural gem, dedicated to Lord Shiva with traditions dating back to the 13th century. Drive to Pondicherry, stopping at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 7th-9th century rock-cut monuments, including the Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and the Shore Temple, showcasing Dravidian architecture. Arrive in Pondicherry, a coastal town rich in French heritage and cultural charm, and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Le Pondy or similar.

Day 3: Pondicherry (B)

After breakfast, explore Pondicherry starting with Auroville, the "City of Tomorrow," a unique township designed to promote human unity and diversity. Stroll through the French Quarters, where colonial charm persists in tree-lined streets, heritage villas, and landmarks like the Gandhi Memorial and Aayi Mandapam. Walk along the seaside promenade, passing historic sites such as Our Lady of Angels Church and Raj Nivas. Conclude with a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a globally significant spiritual institution offering charitable benefits and rich cultural heritage.

Please note: Optional Tricycle ride in the French quarters (additional cost)

Overnight in Le Pondy or similar.

Day 4: Pondicherry to Kumbakonam (B)

After breakfast, drive to Kumbakonam, stopping en route to visit the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, renowned for its architectural blend and key features like the Chitsabha, Nritha Sabha, and the thousand-pillar hall. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, once the Chola capital, known for its monumental Shiva temple, reminiscent of the Thanjavur Brihadeshwara temple. Arrive in Kumbakonam, an ancient temple town situated between the Cauvery and Arasalar rivers, famed for its Mahamaham festival and architectural splendor.

Overnight in Mantra Koodam or similar.

Day 5: Kumbakonam (B)

After breakfast, visit Mr. Ramamohan’s house in Kumbakonam to see Kalamkari, a traditional hand-painted textile art passed down through generations, and hear him explain its history and techniques. Next, explore the Dharasuram Airavateshwara Temple, a 12th-century Chola masterpiece with musical pillars, a chariot-shaped mandapam, and exquisite sculptures. In the afternoon, experience a local village visit, witnessing daily rural life and lush surroundings. End the day with a bullock cart ride through paddy fields, passing by the ancient Chathurkala Bhairavar and Karkadeshwar temples, offering a glimpse of centuries-old heritage amidst the serene countryside.

Overnight in Mantra Koodam or similar.

Day 6: Kumbakonam to Chettinad (B)

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad, stopping at Thanjavur to visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeswara Temple, a 10th-century Chola architectural marvel with a 63-meter-high dome carved from a single granite piece. Continue to Chettinad, a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage, unique Chettinad mansions blending global influences, and famous temples. Explore attractions such as the Chettinad Palace, local temples, and antique markets, and discover the opulent Chettiar homes reflecting the prosperity of this historic merchant community. In the evening, enjoy a tour of Chettinad's vibrant surroundings and architectural wonders.

Overnight in Chidambara Vilas or similar.

Day 7: Chettinad to Madurai (B)

Start your day with a drive to Madurai. Discover the superb Meenakshi Temple which is approx. 2000 years old located in the heart of the old town-a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. Later, visit Tirumalai Nayak Mahal the palace (or Mahal) which was built by Thirumalai Naicker, the greatest of Nayakkar kings of Madurai. In the late Evening enjoy the ceremony 'Bedtime of the God' at Meenakshi Temple - A colourful procession, in which the image of Shiva is carried & accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests from his shrine and entering in to Parvati's (Meenakshi) temple to sleep with her for the night.

Overnight in Grand Madurai or similar.

Day 8: Madurai to Munnar (B)

After breakfast drive to Munnar. The queen of hill stations, Munnar has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers 2695 meters above sea level. Today's Munnar has unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air.

Overnight in Fragrant Nature or similar.

Day 9: Munnar (B)

Munnar is a pleasant hill station, set amongst dramatic hills with a patchwork of tea plantations, precariously perched on the side of steep embankments. The prevalence of the surrounding tea industry and the quality of the tea make Munnar one of the most important commercial centres for the tea trade. After early breakfast, enjoy a walking tour through the tea plantation in Munnar - We will walk through some of the lush green plantations to experience the beauty of this place. Visit the Srishti welfare centre. Later visit a Tea Factory and see the process of tea-making up close, with the opportunity to sample different blends and leaves - There are several tea factories in Munnar and vicinity that can be explored.

Overnight in Fragrant Nature or similar.

Day 10: Munnar to Kumarakom (B/ L)

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, stopping for a delightful lunch at Mundackal Homestay and a farm visit with a spice or rubber plantation walk. Kumarakom, a serene backwater village, is nestled on reclaimed land from the vast Vembanad Lake and is steeped in natural beauty with lush greenery, coconut groves, mangrove forests, and vibrant water lilies. Its tranquil charm, enhanced by misty mornings and verdant landscapes, offers a captivating retreat. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Coconut Lagoon or similar.

Day 11: Kumarakom (B/ L)

Today is at leisure to savour this beautiful setting and soak up the views and atmosphere of the backwaters. Enjoy day cruising at backwaters along with the traditional lunch at House boat. This afternoon join-in a short cooking demonstration by one of our hotels chefs, showcasing the delicious fresh spicy flavours of Keralan cuisine - perhaps a simple beetroot curry or a shrimp stir-fry. Following this, move to the lakeside gardens for special sundowners with a local touch, perfect for enjoying this superb location.

Overnight in Coconut Lagoon or similar.

Day 12: Kumarakom to Cochin (B/ L)

Enjoy a morning at leisure. Later, sit back and relax as we continue our Journey to Cochin. Cochin has long been eulogized in tourist literature as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Cochin (now officially known as Kochi) is one of India’s most attractive, unusual and pleasant cities. Built on a series of islands and surrounded by water, it is a port town with a complicated mix of influences and history, and is India’s oldest ‘European’ city. Many cultures including Portuguese, Syrian, Chinese, Islamic and Jewish have had a huge impact on the city. It is home to some beautiful colonial architecture, the distinctive large Chinese fishing nets which are suspended from the quayside and the charismatic Jewish Town. With most main attractions based on Fort Cochin island, this is a great place for exploring, shopping for souvenirs and antiques and also for delicious culinary experiences – all accessible by foot from your hotel. We visit a cultural centre for a short demonstration of some of the famous Keralan performing arts, including thevam and kathakali, with their lavish costumes and subtle body language.

Overnight in Fragrant Nature or similar.

Day 13: Cochin (B/ D)

Begin the day with a walking tour of Fort Cochin, exploring its rich history shaped by Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Jewish influences. Visit landmarks such as St. Francis Church, the burial site of Vasco da Gama, the Santa Cruz Basilica with its stunning ceiling paintings, and the Dutch Cemetery. Stroll along the seaside promenade and marvel at the iconic Chinese fishing nets, unique to Kochi. In the evening, enjoy a 1.5-hour motorboat cruise around Cochin Harbor, taking in picturesque islands, serene backwaters, and a breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner at Brunton Boatyard, enjoying wine or beer, and spend the night at the hotel.

Overnight in Fragrant Nature or similar.

Day 14: Cochin Departure (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a final moment to reflect on your journey through South India’s enchanting landscapes, hill stations, historic temples, serene backwaters, and vibrant cities. Transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you a treasure trove of memories, stories, and experiences that will linger long after the trip ends. The sights, sounds, and flavors of this incredible journey will remain vivid in your heart, inspiring stories to share for years to come.

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