Seven Wonders of South India | 13 Nights

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and unwind at leisure.

Following breakfast, drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram (approx. 1 hour), a coastal town renowned for its ancient rock-cut monuments and temples. Begin your exploration with the iconic Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site beautifully set against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal. Continue to marvel at Arjuna’s Penance, an enormous bas-relief carved into a rock face, and visit the Five Rathas, impressive monolithic temples carved from single granite blocks. These remarkable structures, reflecting the Dravidian architectural style of the 7th and 8th centuries, are primarily dedicated to deities like Shiva and Vishnu, showcasing the region’s rich artistic legacy.

In the afternoon, depart for Pondicherry, once a thriving Roman trading post on the Coromandel Coast and later shaped by Portuguese and French colonial influences. Upon arrival, check in at your resort. Spend the evening enjoying a leisurely sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, taking in its colonial charm and serene seaside ambiance.

Pondicherry is a city shaped by a rich tapestry of colonial history, having seen the presence of Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, English, and most notably, the French. Among them, the French have left the most enduring legacy, visible in the city's elegant colonial architecture and charming boulevards. This European influence blends seamlessly with Tamil culture and the spiritual aura of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, making Pondicherry a vibrant hub of cosmopolitan life. Highlights of the city include the bustling Grand Bazaar, the informative Pondicherry Museum, the solemn French War Memorial, the iconic Aayi Mandapam, the scenic Promenade, and the tranquil shores of Pondicherry Beach.

You will begin your tour by first visiting the Auroville (Matrimandir) and the Aurobindo Ashram. Matrimandir is a place for individual silent concentration and holds spiritual significance for those who practice Integral Yoga. Matri Mandir features a unique combination of modern western and traditional Indian architecture. Later visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram where you can witness the history and learn the teaching of Sri Aurobindo. The ashram also houses the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother where followers visit and meditate.

Later in the afternoon, head to the French War memorial to pay respect to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country during World War I.

Next, visit Our lady of Angels Church to praise the rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption and the beautiful Greek Roman architecture that the church showcases.

Your next stop is White Town, a popular shopping market in Pondicherry offering items related to home furnishing which have a unique flavour of Pondicherry. Later, head to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The church is known for its subtle beauty, elegant exteriors and neo-Gothic architecture. It was founded in the year 1908 by the French missionaries and bags the title of being the 1st basilica in Pondicherry.

Your next stop is the Seaside Promenade Beach where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. This 1.5 km. stretch is a reminder of the glorious French colonization in the region and houses some iconic landmarks such as Old Lighthouse, French War Memorial and Town Hall. After a day full of exploration, spend an evening in Pondicherry at leisure.

Overnight in Pondicherry

Check out at 9:00 AM and continue your journey to Thanjavur, formerly known as Tanjore—an eminent cultural hub celebrated for its rich legacy in South Indian religion, art, and architecture. The cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is located in the fertile Cauvery delta and is just as popular for its temples, arts and handicrafts as it is known for its paintings and rich history. Thanjavur is also a prominent center for rice cultivation and is therefore called the ‘Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’.

Explore the grandeur of the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, locally known as Aranmanai, the historic residence of the Bhonsle dynasty who ruled the region from 1674 to 1855. Originally named Sivaganga Fort, the palace complex showcases a blend of architectural styles and royal heritage. Later, visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Lord Shiva. This iconic temple stands as a masterpiece of Tamil architecture and a testament to the artistic brilliance of the Chola dynasty.

Dinner & Overnight in Thanjore.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and some time to settle in.

Madurai’s history dates back to the 6th century BC, so there’s plenty to see in this important cultural and commercial centre of southern India. Here, you will find people speaking the Tamil language in its purest form, since this city, whose main attraction is the Meenakshi Temple, was once the base of Tamil learning.

In the evening, you’ll settle down to watch the spectacular Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi temple, and on your return you’ll have a front-row seat for the bright lights of the city at night.

You’ll spend half the day touring the city of Madurai, stopping off at the Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, a prime example of Dravidian temple architecture at work. This sanctuary is only open to Hindus. You’ll also explore the Tirumala Nayak Palace, an Indo-Saracenic style 17th century building with splendid domes and arches.

Later in the day, explore the Gandhi Memorial Museum. The building that houses the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai is the historic Tamukkam Palace belonging to Rani Mangammal of Nayak Dynasty built about 1670 A.D. The Museum was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on 15 April 1959. Among the exhibits at the Museum is part of the blood-stained garment worn by Gandhiji when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse.  The Museum contains a ‘Visual Biography of Bapuji’ containing photos, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, quotations and some of the selected photostat copies of many of the letters written by him.

Dinner & Overnight in Madurai

Check out after a hearty breakfast and drive to Munnar over rugged hills, rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, through luscious grasslands, before passing the Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

At a height of 1,500 metres, set amidst mountains once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a bustling hub of tea plantations.  Prepare to be captivated by its dense carpet of tea, sprinkled with Acacias and Red Gum trees, and delighted by its freshly brewed cuppas.

Enrote to Munnar take a break for Spice Plantation tour - Munnar is the heaven of spices and this spice tour will leave your senses tingling with joy. Wander in the captivating farms and witness the plantation of spices like black pepper, cardamom, ginger, curcuma, cinnamon, etc.

Dinner & Overnight in Munnar

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajamalai wildlife Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam.

Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Today you will also experience the Kathakali & Martial Arts show.

Dinner & Overnight in Munnar

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the spice capital and check into your next hotel. Along the way you will also explore Thekkady. The afternoon is at your leisure. Feel free to walk through the spice market in the Kumily Village. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for the finest cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace!

First up is the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama, with majestic costumes, elaborate makeup, and mythological stories. Kalaripayattu is the oldest form of martial arts, with elaborate movements and the sounds of slashing swords. Return to the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight in Thekkady

After breakfast at the hotel, step out for a blissful day in a natural haven for wildlife.

Tourists rush from all over the country to experience the exotic wildlife at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is amidst dense forests and make way for thrilling mountain walks. Experience boating in the lake where you can spot many more interesting species of animals as you admire the beauty called Thekkady.

After spending quality time with nature, head to the Tribal Heritage Museum which features different types of artifacts displaying the culture, dressing, rituals, etc. of the Mannan settlement. You can also check out the spice market in the Kumily Village and pick fresh aromatic cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace from the market.

Dinner & Overnight in Thekkady

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Alleppey via Kuttikanam, a picturesque hill station in the Idukki district, best known for its trekking routes and adventure sports.

You can explore the cardamom and tea plantations which surround the entire place. Later head to Alleppey and experience the memorable cruise through the iconic backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is the most popular backwater cruising destination in Kerala and is termed as “Venice of the East”. Kerala claims its title as ‘God’s Own  Country’ due to its captivating charm and wonder.

Your comfortable and luxurious house boat will take you through paddy fields and lined up coconut trees. Indulge in some traditional Kerala cuisines served on board made with various tasty spices and flavours.

Marvel the Chinese fishing nets, ancient temples, rustic buildings, paddy fields and swaying coconut trees along the coastline. Having experienced an overnight stay in a houseboat, you have lived a perfect vacation in Kerala.

Overnight on the Houseboat

Check out at 09:30 & depart to Kochi.

Kochi is the magnificent entry to Kerala and has been featured in National Geographic Travellers “50 greatest places of a lifetime.” Spread over several islands and historically rich in culture with booming industries, the city is a fantastic beginning to exploring the vivacious diversity of Kerala.

Morning at Leisure, afternoon Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour that will take you into the heart of this magnificent and beautiful city. The Dutch, British, French, and Portuguese have all left their outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture.

You will visit Fort Cochin, which has been a cherished seaport for centuries, Vasco Da Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars.  Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends.

Following breakfast, you will proceed with check-out formalities at the hotel. You will then be transferred to Cochin for any remaining sightseeing or shopping, subject to available time.

Subsequently, you will be dropped off at Cochin International Airport in accordance with your flight departure schedule.

We trust you had an enjoyable and enriching journey and thank you for choosing to travel with us.