Sights and Sounds of the South
Itinerary
By the way … If you would rather start your India trip in Cochin and finish in Chennai, it’s possible to do this itinerary in the reverse order. We could also then tag on a few days on the Andaman Islands for some beach time at the end of the trip. Speak to one of our India specialists for more details.
Days 1-2 – Overnight in Mamallapuram
Touching down amidst the hustle and bustle of Chennai can be a little overwhelming, so you’ll be met at the airport and whisked straight out of the city to the friendly coastal town of Mamallapuram. The sea isn’t ideal for swimming, so we’ve selected a hotel with a nice pool, so you can relax and recover after your long flight.
Mamallapuram is well-known for its UNESCO-listed rock-cut cave temples and impressive stone carvings. The Shore Temple, located directly on the beach, is one of the oldest in India. We’ve only included one night here but if you have more time then we can add a second night which would give you time to explore the temples.
Days 2-4 – Bonjour Pondicherry!
The following morning you’ll follow the coastline south to Pondicherry. This attractive city was ruled by the French until 1954 and has a distinctly French feel, with its wide, tree-lined boulevards, European churches and colourful colonial houses. It’s an easy city to stroll around and explore independently. There are plenty of places to eat, and the bakeries are stacked with delicious croissants! There’s a colourful Ganesh temple that welcomes visitors or you may wish to join a meditation session at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Days 4-7 – Mystical temples of Tamil Nadu
Nowhere else in India can you see so many impressive temples than in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and over the next few days you’ll follow in the footsteps of devotees and pilgrims as you visit some of the main temples.
You’ll spend one night in Tanjore and visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, with an expert local guide. Then travel to Madurai for two nights where we’ll arrange a guided tour of the Meenakshi Temple. This iconic temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful and colourful temples in south India. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and witness the intense devotion of visiting pilgrims as you stroll through both sites.
Madurai is known as a city of temples, but it also has a great variety of regional food. During your stay we can arrange a food tour with a local guide who will take you to mouth-watering places to eat that only the locals know about. Ask your travel specialist for more details.
Days 7-9 – Mysore: city of palaces
It’s time to explore another south India state. Take a short flight from Madurai, to Bangalore, which is in the state of Karnataka. A driver will be waiting to transfer you to Mysore, which is known for its royal heritage and ornate palaces. Not to be missed is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mysore Palace, with its giant silver doors, lavish rooms of marble and gold, and perfectly manicured gardens. Mysore is not only known for its palaces, but also for the incense, sandalwood and high-quality silk that is produced here.
Days 9-11 – Through emerald valleys to Kerala
Continue your journey through southern India, departing Karnataka for the state of Kerala. You’ll drive for around 3 hours through green tea plantations and palm-flanked valleys to Wayanad, nestled in the hills of the Western Ghats. Surrounded by misty clad mountains, emerald green slopes and a winding river, the landscape around Wayanad is picturesque and best explored by bike and on foot. During your stay we’ll arrange a guided forest hike and bike tour. There are many bike trails in the area and the route will be based on your preference and fitness levels.
Days 11-12 – Toy trains & tea plantations
You’ll stay in the lush green Keralan hills as your journey continues to Ooty, a charming hill station that was a popular retreat for the English during the colonial period. Here you’ll board the ‘Toy Train’ (a narrow-gauge train), for a scenic one hour journey through the green landscape of the Nilgiri Hills to Coonoor, which is where you will spend the night. Take a stroll around the tea plantations and you’ll probably spot the women plucking tea in colourful saris.
Days 12-14 – Charming Cochin
Time to swap the green hills for the coast. Your driver will take you to Coimbatore, where you hop on the train bound for Cochin. Cochin (a.k.a Kochi) is a colourful coastal town with Portuguese and Dutch influences. It’s a melting pot of cultures and religions, and still an important seaport for trade in gold, textiles, fish and spices. The spice market here is one of the best in Kerala. Down by the water, you can see the legendary Chinese fishing nets in action. We’ll arrange a guided tuk-tuk tour as a fun introduction to the town. As you buzz through the lanes, your knowledgeable guide will share tales of the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural wonders.
Days 14-16 – Trekking & cooking in Periyar National Park
After two nights you’ll leave the coast behind and travel inland once again. Your destination is Thekkady, which is the base for exploring Periyar National Park. This vast park is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer, monkeys, birds and reptiles, but it’s best known for its wild elephants. You’ll spend a morning in the park, trekking through the forest with one of the park’s patrolmen who is an expert on the flora and fauna. If you’re lucky you may spot wild elephants grazing in the tall grass.
During your stay in Thekkady, we’ll also arrange a cooking class at a local restaurant, to introduce you to the spicy cuisine of Kerala. The restaurant’s experienced chef will show you how to prepare a traditional Keralan meal which you’ll tuck into at the end of the class.
Days 16-17 – Houseboat on the backwaters
Now for something completely different: a night aboard a traditional Keralan rice barge. You’ll be driven to Alleppey where you’ll be welcomed onboard a wooden houseboat. Sit back and relax as you float along the labyrinth of tiny canals that form the Keralan backwaters, passing small villages, hidden temples, lush paddy fields and other rice barges. Just like hotels, houseboats come in different styles and comfort levels. We’ve selected an affordable but charming boat with all the necessary comforts. But if you’d like a bit more space and luxury, then just let us know and our India travel specialists will arrange an upgrade.
Days 17-20 – Beach time!
After bidding farewell to your houseboat crew, you’ll be driven to the final stop on your south India holiday: the peaceful, palm-fringed, Marari Beach. Time for some R&R and to reflect on your Indian experience. Take a dip in the sea, sunbathe beside the pool, doze in a hammock or try an Ayurvedic treatment – it’s up to you. At the end of your beach stay we’ll transfer you to Cochin airport, in time for your homebound flight. If you’d like to add some more time at the beach, just let us know.
By the way …
If you would rather start your India trip in Cochin and finish in Chennai, it’s possible to do this itinerary in the reverse order. We could also then tag on some beach time on the unspoilt white sand beaches of the Andaman Islands, which are just a short flight from Chennai. Speak to one of our India specialists for more details.
Accommodation
