Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, you’ll be greeted by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Chennai, formerly Madras, sits along the Bay of Bengal coast and was initially developed by the British East India Company. The city’s architectural heritage reflects its colonial past, with landmarks like Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church, the first consecrated church on Indian soil. The rest of the day is for you to relax and acclimate.
After breakfast, embark on a half-day city tour beginning with Fort St. George, home to relics from Chennai’s colonial era. Stop at the National Museum and explore Marina Beach, a serene stretch of sand along with the Chennai University campus. Visit Mylapore, known for the San Thome Basilica and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Shiva. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast and journey to Mahabalipuram, stopping at Kanchipuram, a temple-rich “Golden City” once a significant hub for the Cholas and Pallavas. Explore its magnificent temples and vibrant silk-weaving tradition. Continue to Mahabalipuram, where you’ll check in to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Depart for Thanjavur after breakfast, stopping in Chidambaram, an important Shiva pilgrimage center. Here, admire the Nataraja Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The journey continues to Darasuram’s Airavatesvara Temple, dedicated to Shiva. Arrive in Thanjavur, a city known for its rice production and Chola history, where you’ll stay overnight.
After breakfast, head to the historic city of Trichy. Begin at Rock Fort, with 434 steps carved into the rock leading to temples honoring Ganapathi and Shiva, offering views of the Kaveri River. Then visit the Srirangam temple island, dedicated to Vishnu, a massive complex bustling with devotees and vendors. Return to Thanjavur for the night.
Following breakfast, journey to Madurai. Check in at the hotel, then explore the famous Meenakshi Temple, notable for its ten colorful gopurams and thousands of statues. Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a stunning Indo-Saracenic architectural blend, before experiencing a Hindu puja ritual, a sacred offering ceremony.
Depart for Periyar after breakfast and check in by noon. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, birds, tigers, and other wildlife. A boat ride on Periyar Lake provides views of animals coming to drink, and later, visit a spice plantation for a sensory experience of India’s spice heritage. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, travel to Alleppey, known as the “Venice of the East.” Board a traditional houseboat and enjoy lunch while drifting through scenic backwaters and lush landscapes. This immersive houseboat experience includes both lunch and dinner onboard, offering a peaceful ambiance and unique views of local life. Overnight on the houseboat.
Following breakfast on the houseboat, journey to Kochi. Check into your hotel and explore Kochi’s rich history in the afternoon. Visit the Mattancherry Synagogue and Palace, see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch Palace, and San Francisco Church. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to unwind.
Spend a full day at your own pace in Kochi. Wander the city’s colorful streets, sample local dishes, shop, or relax at your hotel. Take this opportunity to delve deeper into Kochi’s culture, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
After a final breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of India Dravida’s cultural and scenic wonders.