Best of South­ India and Backwaters

Arrival in Chennai, formerly known as Madras, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Wander along Marina Beach to get a feel of South India.

Drive to Kanchipuram; a religious and historical center also famous for its silk sarees. Proceed to Mahabalipuram, whose Shore Temple majestically stands on the beach.

Drive to Pondicherry en route visiting medieval Gingee Fort.In the evening take a walk alongside the Promenade beach and enjoy some relaxed time.

Admire the vision of the French-sub continental aesthetics through the beautiful boulevards and gothic structures in Pondicherry. Some of the famous ones include; Sacred Heart Church, inherited from brief French occupation. Also visit the ashram of Auroville, the “City of Dawn”, named agter Guru Sri Aurobindo Ghosh.

Leave the coast and enter Tamilnadu. Renowned for intricately carved temples, Tamilnadu is a pilgrim’s paradise. Visit famous temples in Chidambaram and Kumbakonam. Proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), a peaceful town with beautiful monuments built by Chola kings and dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Head to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy); visit Rock Fort and Srirangam temple complex- a tremendous work of art and architecture. Move towardsMadurai, a spiritual center of pilgrimage and teaching for centuries. Visit the MeenakshiSundereshwar Temple, aDravidan masterpiece, and the Muslim palace of Tirumalai Nayak. You will be enamored by the intricate carvings and beautiful idols inside the temples.

Drive to Munnar along the lush green tea estates and forests in the Nilgiri Hills.

Visit Christ Church, a hundred-year old church dedicated to tea farmers. Take a walk into a tea estate or drive to Eravikulam National Park, home to wild elephants. You can also see South India’s highest peak, Anamudi from the park.

Drive along the spice gardens to Kumarakom. Get onto a Kettuvalom, a traditional Bamboo-made rice boat converted into an intimate houseboat on sail. Cruise through coconut lagoons and narrow canals and savour some freshly cooked seafood right on the boat.

Depart thehouseboat in Alleppey (Alappuzha) and drive to Fort Cochin, an eclectic city where different communities have long cohabited. Wander along the jetty to observe Chinese fishing nets. These unique and ancient nets need at least four people to operate their counterweights at high tide but they can easily provide fresh seafood to the city. It is a sight to be seen.

Kochi is an intriguing blend of giant fishing nets, ancient mosque s, beautiful Portuguese houses anda 400-year-old synagogue. Visit the 16th century Paradesi synagogue, Mattancherry Dutch Palace and Saint Francis Church to understand the culture of this colonial city. During the evening attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance and then head to the airport for your onward destination