Tour in South India

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Chennai - Mahabalipuram

  Upon your arrival at Chennai airport, you will be transferred to your hotel located in Mahabalipuram, 1h30 away by road. You will discover the city of Mahabalipuram, a charming seaside resort located on the Coromandel Coast.

• day 2

  Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

  In the morning, you will take the road to Pondicherry. Once there, you will visit the Museum and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Take the time to stroll through the streets of the "white city" and admire the most beautiful colonial buildings.

• day 3

  Pondicherry - Kumbakonam

  This morning, you will take the road to Chidambaram. You will visit its immense temple, entirely dedicated to Shiva Nataraja. Then, you will discover the magnificent sanctuary of Gangaikondacholapuram. At the end of the day, you will continue your visit to Darasuram, where you will discover the temple of Airavateshvara.

• day 4

  Kumbakonam - Tanjore - Kumbakonam

  In the morning, you will leave for an excursion to Tanjore where you will visit the Brihadeshwara temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, you will continue discovering the city with a visit to the Chola Brihadishwara temple and a master bronzesmith's workshop. Return to Kumbakonam at the end of the day.

• day 5

  Kumbakonam - Trichy - Chettinad

  This morning, head to Trichy, where you will visit the Sri Ranganathasvami sanctuary. You will continue your journey towards Chettinad. On the way, you will stop at Namasamudram to visit an Ayyanar temple in Ellangudipatt.

• day 6

  Chettinad

  Today, visit of the Chettinad region, known for its baroque mansions and the immense properties of the wealthy merchants of the Chettiar community. At the end of the afternoon, you will go for a walk at the local market.

• day 7

  Chettinad - Madurai

  In the morning, you will head towards Madurai, the cultural capital of the Tamil country and former seat of the royal Pandya, Sangam, and Nayak dynasties. You will notably visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace and the Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple.

• day 8

  Madurai - Periyar

  Today, you will head towards Periyar National Park, the most famous wildlife reserve in South India. In the afternoon, you will set off in a jeep to discover a fruit and vegetable farm, a spice plantation, and a cardamom processing center.

• day 9

  Periyar - Munnar

  This morning, you will leave with your guide for a hike in Periyar National Park. Then, you will take the road to Munnar, a small resort located at 1600 m altitude. Enjoy the free end of the day to stroll and discover this region.

• day 10

  Munnar

  In the morning, you will leave for a Jeep excursion in the Kolukkumalai tea estate. This is the highest tea plantation in the world. You will walk through the heart of the plantation and visit the factory. End of the day free in Munnar.

• day 11

  Munnar - Cochin

  In the morning, you will take the road to Cochin, where you will arrive in the early afternoon. There, you will discover in particular the oldest European church in India, the Mattancherry Palace, and the Pardeshi Synagogue. You will stroll through the peaceful and shaded district of Fort Cochin. Free time in the Jew Town district for shopping or hunting for antiques. In the evening, you will attend a Kathakali dance performance at Greenix Village.

• day 12

  Cochin - Alleppey

  Enjoy your free morning to stroll around the Fort Cochin district. You will then take the road to Allepey, in the heart of the backwaters. You will then be taken on board a Kettuvalam or houseboat, a traditional boat now converted into a hotel, and set off for a cruise on the backwaters.

• day 13

  Alleppey - Marari

  You will finish the cruise after breakfast. Then, head to Marari. Free time by the sea on the beautiful coconut-fringed beach of the peaceful fishing village of Mararikulam.

• day 14

  Marari

  Free day by the sea.

• day 15

  Marari - Cochin - France

  Transfer to Cochin airport (2h drive), then return flight. End of our services.