By the way … If you would rather start your India trip in Cochin and finish in Chennai, it’s possible to do this itinerary in the reverse order. We could also then tag on a few days on the Andaman Islands for some beach time at the end of the trip. Speak to one of our India specialists for more details.
Day 1 – Arrive in Chennai and transfer to Mamallapuram
Touching down amidst the hustle and bustle of Chennai can be a little overwhelming, so you’ll be met at the airport and whisked straight out of the city to the friendly coastal town of Mamallapuram. The sea isn’t ideal for swimming, so we’ve selected a hotel with a nice pool, so you can relax and recover after your long flight.
Mamallapuram is well-known for its UNESCO-listed rock-cut cave temples and impressive stone carvings. The Shore Temple, located directly on the beach, is one of the oldest in India. We’ve only included one night here but if you have more time then we can add a second night which would give you time to explore the temples.
Day 2 – Bonjour Pondicherry!
After a night in Mamallapuram it’s time for something completely different as you continue on to Pondicherry. This attractive city was ruled by the French until 1954 and has a distinctly French feel, with its wide, tree-lined boulevards, European churches and colourful colonial houses. It’s an easy city to stroll around and explore independently. There are plenty of places to eat, and the bakeries are stacked with delicious croissants! There’s a colourful Ganesh temple that welcomes visitors or you may wish to join a meditation session at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
We have only included one night in Pondicherry, but if have time and want to slow down the pace of your trip, ask your Travel Specialist to add another night.
Days 3-5 – Mystical temples of Tamil Nadu
Nowhere else in India can you see so many impressive temples than in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and over the next few days you’ll follow in the footsteps of devotees and pilgrims as you visit some of the main temples.
You’ll spend one night in Tanjore and visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Brihadeeswarar Temple – one of the state’s most important temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With an expert local guide you will soak up the spiritualism, marvel at the intricately carved sculptures and learn about the rich history dating back to the Chola dynasty. Pilgrims crowd to the central shrine and witnessing their intense devotion is a magical and memorable experience.
Then travel to Madurai for two nights where we’ll arrange a guided tour of the Meenakshi Temple. This iconic temple is renowned for its Dravidian architecture and considered to be one of the most beautiful and colourful temples in south India. It is such a vast historic temple that we think having a guide is essential. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, this architectural wonder features towering gopurams, sacred halls, and impressive sculptures. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and witness rituals as you stroll through the complex.
Madurai is known as a city of temples, but it also has a great variety of regional food. During your stay we can arrange a food tour with a local guide who will take you to mouth-watering places to eat that only the locals know about. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 6 – Travel to Thekkady
It’s time to leave the cities and temples behind as you travel west into the southern state of Kerala. Kerala is known for its palm-lined backwaters, spice and tea plantations, and relaxed pace of life. Your destination is Thekkady, which is the base for exploring Periyar National Park. On arrival, the rest of today is free to spend as you wish. Your accommodation is within walking distance of small shops (mainly selling spices) and places to eat. If you would like to do something more active, we can arrange bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake. Spot wildlife on the shore as you paddle through the water.
Day 7 – Trekking in Periyar National Park & cooking class
Today you will head on a trekking tour in Periyar National Park. This expansive protected park is home to several species of deer, Indian bison, wild boar, langur monkeys and an abundance of birds and reptiles. But it’s best known for its wild elephants. Periyar is also an important tiger habitat and the population is gradually growing here, although you’ll be very lucky to spot one. You’ll spend a morning in the park, trekking through the forest with one of the park’s patrolmen who is an expert on the flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for tiger pug marks and wild elephants grazing in the tall grass.
In the evening, you will be introduced to the spicy cuisine of Kerala during a cooking workshop at a local Thekkady restaurant. The restaurant’s experienced chef demonstrates how to prepare a traditional Keralan dish, explains the important spices and local ingredients he uses and shares his tips. We guarantee the delicious aroma will make your stomach growl! And once the dishes are prepared, it’s time to sit down and enjoy dinner.
Day 8 – Travel to the tea hills of Munnar
Travelling up through the cloudy hills to Munnar is one of the most scenic drives in India, so relax and take in the impressive views. Your accommodation is a tranquil hotel located in a lush valley, just outside Munnar town. The rest of the day is free, so you can take it easy and enjoy the surrounding views, or head into the town for a wander.
Day 9 – Tea tasting time
Wake up to peaceful hill views as you enjoy breakfast. This morning you’ll visit the tea museum, where you’ll learn what goes into a proper cuppa. There’s a short film about Munnar’s past and the British tea era, then you have time to browse old machinery and photographs. Your guide will prepare different blends for you to sample, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation of the tea process.
If you’re feeling active, we can arrange a guided morning walk through the surrounding tea plantations. You’ll see pickers at work and learn more about how the leaves move from field to factory. Ask your Travel Specialist for details.
Day 10 – Charming Cochin
Time to swap the green hills for the coast. Today you’ll travel to Cochin (a.k.a Kochi) – a colourful coastal town with Portuguese and Dutch influences. It’s a melting pot of cultures and religions, and still an important seaport for trade in gold, textiles, fish and spices. The spice market here is one of the best in Kerala. Down by the water, you can see the legendary Chinese fishing nets in action.
Day 11 – Guided tuk-tuk tour
Today, we will arrange a guided tuk-tuk tour as a fun introduction to Cochin. As you buzz through the lanes, your knowledgeable guide will share tales of the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural wonders. You’ll see a mix of colonial influences and modern developments as you pass by iconic landmarks such as the Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and the bustling spice markets. The rest of your day is free for you to explore independently
Alternative experiences in Cochin
There are so many things to see and do in Cochin – you could easily spend a week based in this charming town. Cochin is the home of Keralan dancing and we can arrange a two hour dance class if you want to experience classic Kathakali dancing first-hand. Or, if you’re a foodie and want to try your hand at cooking Keralan cuisine we can organise a hands-on cooking class in a local home. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 12 – Houseboat on the backwaters
Now for something completely different: a night aboard a traditional Keralan rice barge. You’ll be driven to Alleppey where you’ll be welcomed onboard a wooden houseboat. Sit back and relax as you float along the labyrinth of tiny canals that form the Keralan backwaters, passing small villages, hidden temples, lush paddy fields and other rice barges. You’ll see the local people go about their daily work, women in colourful saris washing their laundry, fishermen waiting patiently with their nets and children playing in the water and waving from the banks. Full board is included on the boat and the crew will conjure up delicious Indian dishes for you. Tonight you’ll sleep aboard your houseboat, moored alongside the river bank.
Just like hotels, houseboats come in different styles and comfort levels. We’ve selected an affordable but charming boat with all the necessary comforts. But if you’d like a bit more space and luxury, then just let us know and we will arrange an upgrade.
Days 13-15 – Beach time!
After bidding farewell to your houseboat crew, you’ll be driven to the final stop on your south India holiday: the peaceful, palm-fringed, Marari Beach. Time for some R&R and to reflect on your Indian experience. Take a dip in the sea, sunbathe beside the pool, doze in a hammock or try an Ayurvedic treatment – it’s up to you.
Day 16 – Depart India
Take a final stroll along the beach and a dip in the pool before your driver arrives to take you to Cochin airport (about one hour’s drive) in time for your homebound flight. If three nights on the beach isn’t long enough, just ask your Travel Specialist to add an additional night or two to your travel plan.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
3 weeks in South India
If you have more time and would like to explore more of south India we can offer a three week itinerary that journeys into the state of Karnataka. You will follow the first five nights of our Sights & Sounds of the South itinerary, then fly up to Bangalore and journey south through Karnataka to Cochin, before continuing through Kerala. You’ll visit the ornate palaces of Mysore, hike & bike through the picturesque hills around Wayanad and take the toy train from Ooty to Coonor. If this sounds of interest, request this option below.