SPIRIT OF SOUTH INDIA
14 DAYS TEMPLE TOWNS OF TAMIL NADU TO BACKWATERS OF KERALA.
Experience the diversity of South India on a journey from the towering temple towns of Tamil Nadu and the French colonial charm of Pondicherry through to the UNESCO-endorsed township of Auroville and the fragrant tea plantations of Ooty by toy train towards the soothing backwaters of Alleppey. En-route witness the rural towns of Kerala and Cochin`s importance in the spice trade with a fascinating walking tour. Throughout your South Indian odyssey, stay in heritage properties, cosy cottages and welcoming homestays, all the time savouring authentic South Indian cuisine and aromatic tea.
TOUR PROGRAM
DAY 1 ARRIVAL CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM
Arrive in Chennai, where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to Mahabalipuram. In the evening enjoy a guided tour of Mahabalipuram. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
DAY 2 MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM -MAHABALIPURAM
After a relaxed breakfast proceed to Kanchipuram for a visit to the site. Return to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.
DAY 3 MAHABALIPURAM- PONDICHERRY
After breakfast continue to Pondicherry. The rest of the day is yours to explore this French era settlement. Overnight in Pondicherry.
DAY 4 PONDICHERRY – TANJORE
Depart Pondicherry for Karaikudi, the capital of Chettinad. Stop en route for a guided tour of Tanjore. Overnight in Karaikudi.
DAY 5 KARAIKUDI ( CHETTINAND)
Proceed on a guided tour of Karaikudi, covering the Chettinad Museum and a traditional tile factory to discover how the region’s famous handmade terracotta tiles are made. Overnight in Karaikudi.
DAY 6 KARAIKUDI – MADURAI
After breakfast you will be transferred to Madurai. In the evening proceed to Meenakshi temple to witness the evening ceremony. Overnight in Madurai.
DAY 7 MADURAI – OOTY
After breakfast, check out and drive to the hill station of Ooty. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Ooty.
DAY 8 OOTY – COONOOR – OOTY
Proceed on a guided tour of Ooty. Later, board the toy train to Coonoor. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a gourmet tea tasting experience designed to take you on a sensory journey through the myriad of aromas, flavours and colours of Nilgiri tea. Return to Ooty for overnight stay.
DAY 9 OOTY– PALAKKAD
Transfer to Palakkad, where you will have the rest of the day to explore and relax at your leisure. Overnight in Palakkad.
DAY 10 PALAKKAD – COCHIN
Depart Palakkad and transfer to Cochin. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Overnight in Cochin.
DAY 11 COCHIN
After breakfast proceed on a walking tour of Cochin, which will provide you with a glimpse of the city’s rich history and heritage. Witness the mix of Dutch, English, Portuguese and Jewish influences that make the city such a unique place. In the evening enjoy a motor boat cruise at Cochin harbour. Overnight in Cochin.
DAY 12 COCHIN – ALLEPEY
After breakfast depart for Alleppey. In the evening, witness a Kathakali performance under moonlight by the lake. Overnight in Alleppey.
DAY 13 ALLEPEY
In the morning you will be given a walking tour of Alleppey. Later, board a house boat for a day cruise. Lunch will be cooked and served onboard. In the evening you will disembark and transfer to your homestay. Overnight in Alleppey.
DAY 14 ALLEPPEY – DEPARTURE
Transfer to Cochin airport to connect to your onward flight.
Journey Highlights — South India Heritage & Coastal Trail
Arrival in Chennai & Mahabalipuram Wonders – Begin your journey with a warm welcome before exploring Mahabalipuram’s ancient shore temples and intricate rock-cut architecture on a guided evening tour.
Sacred Kanchipuram Excursion – Visit one of India’s most revered temple cities, famed for its spiritual heritage and silk traditions.
Colonial Charm of Pondicherry – Wander at leisure through French-inspired boulevards, seaside promenades, and vibrant cafés in this unique coastal town.
Tanjore’s Artistic Legacy – Discover the cultural treasures of Tanjore en route to Chettinad, renowned for its temples, art, and classical heritage.
Chettinad Traditions in Karaikudi – Tour heritage mansions, visit the Chettinad Museum, and witness artisans crafting the region’s famous handmade terracotta tiles.
Madurai’s Sacred Spectacle – Experience the magical evening ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, a living symbol of devotion and Dravidian architecture.
Nilgiri Hills Escape – Journey to Ooty’s cool mountain landscapes and ride the charming toy train to Coonoor, followed by a gourmet Nilgiri tea-tasting experience.
Palakkad Serenity – Relax in Kerala’s tranquil countryside, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional village life.
Cochin Cultural Fusion – Explore Fort Cochin’s historic lanes shaped by Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Jewish influences, then enjoy a scenic harbour cruise at sunset.
Alleppey Backwater Magic – Witness a moonlit Kathakali performance by the lake, cruise Kerala’s tranquil backwaters on a houseboat, and savour freshly prepared onboard cuisine.
Authentic South Indian Encounters – From temples and heritage towns to hill stations and waterways, each day reveals a different facet of South India’s culture, history, and landscapes.
