Tour Highlights
Chennai | Pondicherry | Tanjore | Madurai | Munnar | Cochin
- Experience the rituals at the renowned 9th-century Kapaleeshwar Temple, along with its stunning tank monuments
- Take in the breathtaking sight of the Shore Temple during sunset
- Experience a taste of France in India within the historic colonial precinct of Pondicherry
- Observe the rituals at Sri Meenakshi Temple amidst throngs of pilgrims and the fragrant aroma of incense
- Take pleasure in observing the harbor as you witness local fishermen skillfully managing the Chinese fishing nets
Price Includes
- Accommodation at the mentioned hotels
- Daily breakfast at the hotels
- Monument entrance fee as per the itinerary
- Local experienced English-speaking guide during the city tour
- Bottled water during sightseeing and excursion
Itinerary Details
Day 01 Arrive Chennai
International Arrival
The British turned a strip of Local village into India’s major southern city, leaving an eclectic blend of architecture and a fine example of Indo-Saracenic Victorian construction which they called Madras (Chennai).
Overnight at Taj Connemara, Chennai
Chennai
Taj Connemara, Chennai
The Leela Palace, Chennai
Itinerary Details
Day 02 Chennai – Pondicherry
4 hr (170 km)
Your day will start with a visit to city’s highlights including the ancient Shiva Temple and the San Thomas Cathedral; where the remains of St. Thomas are said to be housed.
Enroute to Pondicherry will stop at Mamallapuram to explore the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage listed ShoreTemples.
Later, drive to the pretty seaside town of Puducherry, the former capital of the French territories in India.
Overnight at Palais De Mahe
Pondicherry
Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
Maison Perumal, Pondicherry
Itinerary Details
Day 03 Pondicherry
Explore the local bazaar to watch the opening of the day. Enjoy a stroll through the narrow lands meeting fruit and vegetable vendors. Finish our walk with a cup of authentic meter high filter “kaafi”(coffee), before you return to your hotel for breakfast.
Later learn how the local Tamil population successfully assimilated French culture with their won during a heritage walking tour. Stroll past charming Tamil and colonial fusion architecture and visit the Aurobindo Ashram.
Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
Maison Perumal, Pondicherry
Itinerary Details
Day 04 Pondicherry – Tanjore
4 hr (190 km)
Journey through the ‘rice bowl’ of Tamil Nadu and on to Tanjore. We will be stopping at Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple yet another UNESCO World Heritage site and a living sample of the Great Living Chola Temples.
Overnight at Palais De Mahe
Pondicherry
Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
Maison Perumal, Pondicherry
Itinerary Details
Day 05 Tanjore
Tanjore is the home of most spectacular temples, the Brihadisvara Temples, which you will visit this morning. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visit a dance school where you may like to learn a few steps of the traditional form of dance popular in Tamil Nadu.
Later, explore the magnificent 14th century Tanjore Palace built for Martha Royal and surrounded by huge fortress walls. Wander through its huge corridors, spacious halls and decorated rooms, and admire its beautiful stucco work, frescoed wall paintings and intricate carvings.
Itinerary Details
Day 06 Tanjore – Madurai
3 hr (185 km)
Drive to one of the oldest cities in South Asia “Madurai’, also known as the “Athens of East”.
In the evening, an impressive sight awaits us as you visit one of South India’s biggest pilgrimage sites, the Sri Meenakshi Temple to witness the night ceremony.
Overnight at Taj Gateway Pasumalai
Madurai
Gateway, Madurai
Gateway, Madurai
Itinerary Details
Day 07 Madurai
Rise early for a walk through the heritage section of town, wander through the local flower and vegetable, and the weavers market.
Visit the Tirumalai Nayakkar Mahal – a 17th-century palace erected by the then king. This Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles.
Gateway, Madurai
Gateway, Madurai
Itinerary Details
Day 08 Madurai – Munnar
4.5 hr (165 km)
This morning head up to the Western Ghats, a four and half hour drive to the town of Munnar. Look out for some wonderful waterfalls on your way up to the tea country. The Munnar region was initially settled by ten tribal communities, the most prominent of whom have been the Muthuvans, Mannans and Hill Pullayas. Their villages and hamlets are still in evidence across the high ranges.
Overnight at Windermere Estate, Munnar
Munnar
Windermere, Munnar
Windermere, Munnar
Itinerary Details
Day 09 Munnar
Your day will start with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered endemic Ibex, also known as the Nilgiri Thar. The park is the largest reserve of these huge, majestic beasts.
After lunch visit the Tea Museum, an easier but equally interesting option to learn about tea, a quaint place with lovely artefacts, video explanations and even a mini factory.
A guided trek is a great way to experience the gorgeous tea gardens up close, understand how they work and meet the lovely people who work on the estates. If you like hiking, you’ll love Kolukumalai, one of the highest tea estates in India.
Windermere, Munnar
Windermere, Munnar
Itinerary Details
Day 10 Munnar – Kochi
4 hr (125 km)
Today you will be driven to Cochin, spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Stroll along the waterfront to see fishermen working the Chinese fishing nets, or just relax at your hotel.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel to rest.
Overnight at Brunton Boatyard, Kochi
Kochi
Brunton Boatyard, Kochi
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
Itinerary Details
Day 11 Kochi
Enjoy a private tour of colonial Cochin today with your local guide. It usually lasts for around half a day and includes St Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Your guide can tailor the tour to suit your interests. The rest of the day is yours to explore this colonial fort on foot, or enjoy your hotel.
Evening cooking session with a local family.
Brunton Boatyard, Kochi
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
Itinerary Details
Day 12 Kochi – Home
International Departure
It is the last day of the journey in India. Legend has it that the waters of India have a divine power to make one come back to them.
Following a restful start to the day, you will be driven to the international airport in Cochin for your flight back home.
Speak to someone who’s been there
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Best time to visit
| Destination | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JULY | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ||
| Agra | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | |
| Delhi | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | |
| Jaipur | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | |
| Delhi | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | |
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