Lisa Weaver
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Chennai
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, a friendly representative will be waiting to accompany you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you can look forward to the Mylapore Walk, a popular walking tour through the historic Mylapore neighborhood. This area is considered the cultural and religious epicenter of the Tamil people, predating the city of Chennai itself.
Once a thriving port city, Chennai is now a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends its rich history and traditions with modern life. From ancient landmarks like the 17th-century Fort St. George to the spiritual significance of the 7th-century Temple, Chennai offers a captivating mix of culture and heritage. Wander markets, historical sites, and unique museums to uncover the city's fascinating stories. Delight in the diverse culinary scene and immerse yourself in Chennai's passionate music culture.
Day 2
Chennai
In the morning, enjoy a guided visit to the Dakshina Chitra Museum to experience the rich cultural heritage of southern India. Your guide will provide insightful commentary and answer any questions you may have.
This afternoon, continue your guided tour with visits to the historic Fort St. George, the revered St. Thomas Cathedral, and the magnificent Kapaleeswarar Temple.
Day 3
Pondicherry
Your private driver will take you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a 4-hour journey from Chennai to Pondicherry. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing in Mahabalipuram and have lunch. Afterward, you can enjoy your hotel's amenities for the rest of the afternoon.
Pondicherry's canary-yellow buildings and mix of Tamil and colonial heritage reflect a unique blend of Indian and French influences. The city is home to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which promotes a holistic lifestyle. Discover Pondicherry's heritage by walking its streets, visiting art galleries, and checking out design studios. Don't miss the chance to see handcrafted musical instruments and learn about the local cuisine from an expert.
Day 4
Pondicherry
Take a morning guided tour of Auroville, an innovative township comprising over 3,300 individuals from 60 nations. Established in 1968, its mission is to foster human unity and advocate for sustainable living practices. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the town's history and mission, visit the Matrimandir, and interact with the residents.
Experience the charming French town of Pondicherry by taking a leisurely walk and experiencing the Tamil quarters from the unique vantage point of a cycle rickshaw.
Day 5
Tanjore
Your driver will accompany you on a 4-hour journey from Pondicherry to Tanjore. You can stop to visit the Chidambaram and Darasuram temples along the way. The Chidambaram temple, built in the 10th century, is known for its beautiful bronze sculpture of Lord Shiva's cosmic dancer, which showcases Tanjore's artistic legacy.
Tanjore is a city with a rich history and deep spiritual significance. Its cultural heritage has lasted for centuries. The Great Living Chola temples, built in the 11th and 12th centuries, are remarkable examples of Chola architecture and craftsmanship. In addition to its historical significance, Tanjore is known for its art, craft, painting, and music traditions, making it a culturally rich and artistic destination.
Day 6
Tanjore
This morning, visit the most prominent attraction in Thanjavur with your guide, the Brihadeeswarar Temple. Constructed in the 11th century, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an incredible representation of Tanjore's architectural legacy.
Walk through Thanjavur’s streets to delve further into its cultural heritage. You can meet traditional instrument makers, visit residents' homes, witness the art of Tanjore painting, and observe the ancient technique of lost wax bronze casting, which is still practiced in small communities. These communities are integral to Thanjavur's cultural fabric, and your visit will contribute to their sustainable livelihoods.
Day 7
Chettinad
Today, enjoy a picturesque 2-hour drive to Chettinad with your private driver. Upon arrival, you'll have the chance to partake in a heritage walk and tour through a traditional merchant home. Learn about the intricate art of tilemaking at a local factory, and indulge in the delicious and bold flavors of Chettinad cuisine through a fun cooking session guided by a local chef.
Discover Chettinad's rich heritage by visiting grand mansions that showcase the wealth of the Chettiars, renowned merchants from India. These opulent ancestral homes feature impressive architecture with pillared hallways and marble floors. You can also learn about the unique tradition of nature worship at an Ayyanar sacred grove.
Day 8
Madurai
Take a guided morning visit to the enchanting Ayyanar temples. These unique Hindu shrines feature rows of terracotta horse sculptures, which are offerings made by devotees to the village guardian deity Ayyanar.
After the temples, your driver will take you to Madurai, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Chettinad.
Enjoy the vibrant and spiritual atmosphere of the night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Witness the captivating ritual of carrying the sacred image of Lord Shiva, known as Sundareswarar, from his shrine to reunite with his consort Parvati, revered as Meenakshi, at her shrine in another part of the temple. Experience the powerful resonance of chanting, rhythmic beats of drums, and the swirling smoke, all coming together to create a truly chaotic yet profoundly spiritual ambiance.
Considered one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Madurai is often referred to as the Athens of the East and has a history spanning over two thousand years. Take a stroll through the lively Flower Market, an energetic hub for religious offerings and everyday essentials. Step into the grandeur of the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and delve into the city's timeless stories by joining cultural walks.
Day 9
Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, which will take approximately 3 hours. While there, make a special visit to the Srishti Welfare Centre, a social initiative dedicated to providing vocational training and rehabilitation services for the differently-abled.
Surrounded by tea estates and verdant forests, Munnar, which translates to "three rivers," is located at the meeting point of mountain streams. Renowned for its tea and exotic spices like cardamom and pepper, the town provides a cozy refuge from the cool mountain weather. Delve into the rich history of the century-old tea industry, unraveling the tales behind your morning cup of tea and gaining insight into the intricate art of tea processing.
Day 10
Munnar
In the morning, visit the Tea Factory and Tea Museum. Treat yourself to a delightful tea-tasting experience or stroll along the picturesque trails that wind through the stunning elevated tea plantations, where you can take in the breathtaking panoramic views.
Day 11
Kumarakom
This morning, enjoy the lovely 3.5-hour drive to Alleppey. Then, immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of Kerala as you glide through the enchanting backwaters on a cruise. Marvel at the unfolding scenes of rural village life along the palm-lined canals and waterways and take in the natural splendor of this panoramic network of lakes, rivers, and lagoons.
Tucked snugly into the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a delight for the senses. With the backwaters mirroring the blue skies and green palms overhead, few places can offer the quiet calm, tranquility and serendipity of Kumarakom, making it a haven for those who want to escape the urban hustle and bustle. Rich in tropical fruit and vegetation, bananas, mangoes, coconuts, and pineapples jostle for space with brightly colored hibiscus and bougainvillea, which spill over into the backwaters. A cruise through intricate canals reveals this beauty.
Day 12
Kumarakom
You can choose to take a rest day in Kumarakom. Alternatively, opt for a serene Shikara ride through the backwaters, take part in a Responsible Tourism initiative that involves visiting local villages and learning about traditional crafts, or join an insightful tour to discover the ecological importance of the backwaters and understand how the region's wetlands sustain a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Day 13
Cochin
Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Fort Kochi, where you can visit the historic Fort Kochi, the magnificent Mattancherry Palace, and the Jew Town.
In the evening, experience the cultural traditions of Cochin by watching the captivating Kathakali dance performance and enjoying a peaceful sunset dinner near the fishing nets during a leisurely cruise along the coastline.
Cochin is a vibrant city with a fascinating history of international trade dating back to the arrival of Vasco da Gama in 1498. The town offers a unique mix of cultures, including influences from the Spice Route, Chinese fishing nets, and Dutch and Portuguese heritage. From the European-influenced streets of Fort Cochin to the historic charm of Jew Town, Cochin provides a wide range of interesting experiences.
Day 14
Cochin
Today, you have two exciting exploration options. The first option is to embark on the Muziris Heritage Trail, where you can delve into the history of the ancient port city that dates back 3000 years. Alternatively, you can drive to the outskirts of Cochin to witness a community-based initiative dedicated to conserving a rare and unique strain of rice that can tolerate high salinity levels and is currently facing the threat of extinction. Enjoy a memorable dining experience at a restored Chinese fishing net platform in the evening while appreciating the twilight ambiance.
Day 15
Departure Day
Today, it's time to bid farewell to the beautiful country of India. Your driver will accompany you to the airport for your international flight home.
