Southern India Uncovered

Welcome to Tamil Nadu and the city of Chennai. You'll be met by a member of our local team, who will transfer you to your hotel. Once you're settled in, we'll run through the tour itinerary for the next few days, brief you on the local area and arrange a time to collect you and your fellow group members tomorrow. If you have a morning arrival, why not join our optional half day Chennai City Tour which starts at around 12 midday.

From Chennai we'll take the coastal road south towards Pondicherry, stopping along the way to visit the incredible shore temple at Mahabalipuram. The Mahabalipuram temples stand as a testament to the artistry and devotion of the ancient Pallava dynasty. These magnificent structures, carved directly into the rock face, boast intricate sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooks the Bay of Bengal, while other temples like Arjuna's Penance and the Five Rathas showcase a range of architectural styles. Mahabalipuram invites you to explore a world where history and spirituality collide, revealing the remarkable craftsmanship and vision of those who came before. As we continue along the coast we'll arrive in Pondicherry where you'll have some free time in the evening to begin exploring.

Today is all about Pondicherry. We'll begin our exploration in the heart of Pondicherry's French Quarter (White Town). Stroll along tree-lined avenues admiring the elegant villas, quaint cafes, and restored colonial buildings. Next, it's time to seek tranquility at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Learn about their philosophy and visit the peaceful courtyard which is used for meditation. We'll experience the vibrant Tamil culture at the Manakula Vinayagar temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Witness traditional rituals and admire the ornate architecture on show here. We'll end the day by heading to the iconic Promenade Beach for a refreshing sea breeze. Take a leisurely stroll, admire the Gandhi Statue, and soak in the coastal energy. Consider revisiting the French Quarter this evening where you'll be spoilt for dinner options!

The Mohanam Cultural Centre, established in 2001, serves a rural village within the Kaluveli/Auroville region of coastal Tamil Nadu. Facing the challenges of globalization, the centre strives to preserve local culture by providing extracurricular activities that help young people connect with their heritage. Housed in a traditional village home, Mohanam offers creative arts classes, a creche/kindergarten, and evening tuition. Its mission is to document and revive endangered elements of the region's intangible heritage, including performing and martial arts, festival customs, and crafts. By identifying living practitioners and offering workshops and classes focused on Kummi, Kollattam, Tapattam, Silambam, and Koothu, the centre raises awareness and passes skills to the next generation. This vital work draws government and international attention, particularly through the Tamil Heritage Festival. Mohanam's programs celebrate the richness of Tamil culture while embracing contemporary influences. In addition to these vibrant arts initiatives, the centre fosters education with its innovative kindergarten program, empowers women through skills training and its Mohanam Malargal House, and actively contributes to community development projects focused on environmental safety, health, and hygiene.

After receiving a traditional welcome to the cultural centre, our visit will include an introductory tour of the village, a visit to their bamboo farm and lesson in Kolam making, a traditional dance and musical performance and a tamil style lunch which is typically served on banana leaves.

Your Mohanam experience will leave you with a deep appreciation for the local culture, knowing your visit directly supports those the center helps. This afternoon, we head to Tanjore!

Tanjore, nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, is a city steeped in history and artistic brilliance. Renowned as the cradle of Chola art and architecture, Tanjore's crown jewel is the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this will be the focus of our sightseeing this morning. This temple stands as a testament to the Chola dynasty's architectural prowess. With its towering vimana, intricate carvings, and the massive Nandi statue, it leaves visitors awestruck.

In the afternoon we'll continue south to the city of Madurai.

Madurai, an ancient city in Tamil Nadu, pulses with a unique blend of history, spirituality, and vibrant culture. Renowned as the "Athens of the East," Madurai was once the seat of the Tamil Sangams, promoting a rich literary tradition. The city's heart beats around the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural masterpiece with towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and sacred rituals that draw pilgrims from across India. Madurai's streets, filled with the sweet fragrance of jasmine, lead to bustling bazaars where you can find colorful textiles, delicious street food, and echoes of the city's lively spirit. Madurai offers a window into India's rich heritage and a glimpse of a city steeped in tradition yet brimming with modern energy.

Our sightseeing in Madurai today will include the Old Town - where you can lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets lined with traditional homes, shops selling fragrant jasmine garlands, and small eateries serving up Madurai's famous street food, The Grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and the centre piece of Madurai, the Meenakshi Amman Temple where we'll have time to explore and partake in the aarti ceremony this evening.

After breakfast today, we leave Tamil Nadu and head in to Kerala state where we'll end our journey in Munnar. Imagine rolling green hills covered in a perfect blanket of tea plants, crisp mountain air with a hint of spice, and mist swirling around the peaks – well that's Munnar. Munnar's cooler climate and scenic beauty have long made it a popular escape from the tropical heat of the lower regions.

Today is all about Munnar! We start exploring with a visit to the local market, located in the heart of town. As you enter the market you'll be greeted by a delightful mix of colors, aromas, and sounds. The air is thick with the scent of spices, fresh produce, and stalls selling vibrant fabrics. Your guide will give you a brief overview of the market and give you some free time to begin exploring at leisure. The market is known as being a treasure trove of fresh spices, but you'll also find stalls selling handicrafts, fruit/vegetables and even homemade chocolate - a Munnar speciality!

Next we'll visit one of the many tea-plantations which surround Munnar. You'll see vibrant green tea bushes, neatly trimmed into precise rows hugging the hillsides. You'll also likely see tea-pickers hard at work, moving swiftly between the tea-bushes, using their expert hands to pick the freshest of tea leaves. Next we'll learn about the processes involved in how these freshly picked leaves become the tea you're familiar with back at home. You'll see the trays on which the withering process takes places, before watching the rolling machines release the natural juices which aid the oxidation process which takes place next. Finally, you'll see the drying and packing where the leaves are sorted into different grades ready for sale. Our plantation visit ends with some tea tasting.

Leaving the green hills of Munnar, we'll drive to Periyar today. The route will take us through small towns and villages, past agricultural areas and of course, through the natural beauty which Kerala is famous for.

The town of Thekkady is known as the gateway to Periyar National Park which we'll see this afternoon as we take a boat ride on Lake Periyar, located in the heart of the national park. As the boat leaves the jetty area, you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of the immense lake, surrounded by lush green hillsides. The main reason for coming to Lake Periyar is for the wildlife which is in abundance in this area. An whilst we can't guarantee you'll see any specific animals, it's not uncommon to see Elephants along the lake shore, coming down for a drink or bathing in the water. Keep your binoculars on hand for sightings of water birds such as Herons, Egrets and Cormorants. Other mammals that can be found in the national park include Indian Bison, Deer, Wild Boar, Langurs and whilst it's rare, tigers have also been spotted on the lake shores. You have the remainder of the day free to explore the town of Thekkady.

This morning we'll leave Periyar and head to the town of Kumarakom, synonymous with lush backwaters, a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and lakes fringed by palm trees. This intricate, serene network of waterways is the heart of Kumarakom.

Once we reach Kumarakom we'll travel on the backwaters for around an hour, on board a Shikara. Shikaras are smaller, more traditional wooden boats, hand-paddled by skilled boatmen. With open sides and often a canopy for shade, they offer a closer, more intimate connection with the surrounding nature, before we board our larger houseboat tomorrow. We'll also explore the local village where we'll learn about some of the local crafts and industries which take place here, these include Coir Making (coir is the natural fibre extracted from coconut husks), Mat Weaving (often from the natural coir we've just learned about). We'll also learn about Toddy Tapping (this is process of extracting sap from specific types of palm trees to produce a mildly alcoholic drink called "toddy"), we'll also sample the cocounut water which is often sold by the road. The remainder of the day is free, why not try a local Ayurvedic treatment which this region is famous for.

A real highlight of any visit to Kerala is an overnight stay onboard one of the beautiful houseboats which this part of India has become known for. Kerala houseboats, known as Kettuvallams, are an incredible blend of tradition and modern comfort. Kettuvallams originally served as cargo boats, transporting rice and spices through the waterways. They were masterfully constructed without using a single nail, with planks of wood tied together using coir rope and coated with a protective resin made from cashew nut shells. Today's luxurious houseboats retain the traditional charm but incorporate modern amenities, transforming them into floating retreats.

Whilst the exact route the houseboat takes will be determined by local conditions at the time of your visit, a typical day onboard a houseboat is all about slow, peaceful rhythms and quiet immersion in nature. The captain will navigate the boat through the narrow waterways of the backwaters, keep your eyes peeled for vibrant kingfishers, graceful egrets, and water lilies blooming on the waters edge. We may make a stop at a local village which you can explore or you can try your hand at fishing with the rods which are available to hire onboard. As dusk approaches, the backwaters transform themselves into a painting of gold and orange. Find a perfect spot to witness the sun dip below the horizon, a truly unforgettable sight. You'll spend the night in your private en-suite cabin, lulled by the gentle symphony of crickets outside.

After a magical night on your houseboat, we'll enjoy breakfast onboard before returning to Kochi, where our Keralan adventure will come to an end tomorrow. We'll spend our final evening at a beach resort where you'll have time to relax after spending two exploring the best of India.

You have some free time to buy any gifts for your loved ones back home before we transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home.