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.
Overnight The Leela Palace New Delhi
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.
Overnight The Leela Palace New Delhi
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.
Overnight Palais De Mahe
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.
Overnight Palais De Mahe
Day 5
Kumbakonam
Your driver will accompany you on a 3-hour journey from Pondicherry to Kumbakonam. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, Mantra Koodam. Nestled in a quiet corner of Veppathur village, the hotel celebrates the rich culture and history of the region and has incorporated the Tamil Panniyar and Brahmin way of life into its design. Settle into one of two airy verandahs in your lavish cottage and take in the ornate furnishings inspired by the rich Tamil heritage in this region.
In the afternoon, visit the Airavatesvara Temple, a Hindu temple situated in Darasuram. The temple was built in the 12th century by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola II. As you walk through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll learn about the powerful Chola Dynasty and the ten centuries of history that have shaped the monument.
Overnight Mantra Koodam
Day 6
Tanjore
This morning, drive 45-minutes to Tanjore, 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.
Start the day with a visit to the most prominent attraction in the area, 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. Stop by the Bronze Gallery to view hundreds of metal and stone idols spanning the 9th to 13th centuries, including highly revered, ancient representations of deities from the Chola Dynasty.
After lunch, walk through the city's streets to delve further into its cultural heritage. Meet local artisans who design sitars, a traditional musical instrument commonly used in Hindustani classical music. Pause to 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.
Overnight Mantra Koodam
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.
Overnight Visalam Chettinad
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.
Overnight Gateway Madurai
Day 9
Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, which will take approximately 5 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.
Overnight Windermere Estate
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.
Overnight Windermere Estate
Day 11
Kumarakom
This morning, enjoy the lovely 3.5-hour drive to Kumarakom, a city in the backwaters of Kerala. 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.
Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation, Kumarakom Lake Resort, a luxury property that spans 25 acres of lush greenery. The resort features several swimming pools and restaurants, plus a spa that makes for the perfect spot to unwind. Take the rest of the day to enjoy your villa, with its private courtyard complete with a pool and jacuzzi.
Overnight Kumarakom Lake Resort
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.
Overnight Kumarakom Lake Resort
Day 13
Kerala Cruise & Kochi
Start your day in Alleppey, a city in the southern state of Kerala. Here, 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.
After a day on the water, embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to your hotel in Kochi, and take the rest of the day to unwind. Your Kochi hotel, Brunton Boatyard, is inspired by Fort Kochi's colonial past. During the colonial period, the property was a shipyard, and today, it has been modernized into a luxury hotel. Cool off in the pool, treat yourself to a healing herbal massage, or gaze out at the ocean from your sea-facing room.
Overnight Brunton Boatyard
Day 14
Kochi
Today, it's time to explore Kochi! Kochi, known as Cochin during the British colonial rule, 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. Start the day at St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars in 1503.
Then, visit the iconic Chinese fishing nets, made with bamboo poles and teak wood. These 10 m tall nets are counterweighted by five to six people during high tide. Learn about the history of these nets, which dates back to 1400 AD. You’ll also have a chance to visit Mattancherry Palace, where you can witness royal artifacts, Kerala architecture, and Ramayana murals, and the Jewish Synagogue, located in the quarter of Old Kochi known as Jew Town. In the evening, experience the cultural traditions of Kochi by watching a captivating Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight Brunton Boatyard
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.
