South India
Southern Harmony
Day 1: Chennai: Arrive in Chennai. Upon arrival, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague who will escort you to your hotel and help you to check-in.
Day 2: Chennai: After breakfast, you will visit an expert’s home for a presentation on “Nataraja”.
Afterwards, you will explore the main sights of Chennai beginning with Fort St. George, Britain’s first bastion in India and the nucleus from which the British Empire grew.
The other prominent sights you will visit are:
Victory War Memorial, which was earlier known as “Cupid’s bow” was originally built to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I.
The Senate House which is a fine example of the remarkable architectural skills of the famous architect of 19th century, Robert Fellowes Chisholm.
Madras Museum, housed in the Pantheon Complex, it is a complex of cultural institutions that derives its name from The Pantheon.
In the afternoon, you will take a tuk-tuk ride to Mylapore, one of the most ancient parts of the city. This will be followed by a visit to the Santhome Church, built during the 16th century by Portuguese explorers.
Next, you will take a heritage walk through the area including the four narrow Mada streets that circle the 16th century Kapaleeswarar temple.
You will then return to your hotel.
Day 3: Chennai – Mamallapuram – Pondicherry: Today, you will take an excursion to Mamallapuram (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops) to visit a group of sanctuaries carved out of living rock.
On the way, you will stop at Dakshina Chitra, which showcases the culture of the four southern Indian states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Afterwards, you will drive to Pondicherry (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops).
On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 4: Pondicherry: After breakfast, you will explore Pondicherry's wonderful French Quarter, with its clean and uncrowded streets, neatly painted houses, grand government buildings, sombre memorials and thriving cultural institutions.
You will also visit the Notre Dame church, eventually making your way through the bustling Grand Bazaar for a glimpse into the daily life in the Tamil Quarter.
Also on the tour, you will visit Aurobindo Ashram the spiritual centre of the city which was founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, a great seer, poet and prophet of the 20th century to help man reach the zenith of his evolution through spiritual exercises and yoga, combined with physical activity and productive work.
In the afternoon, you will visit “Auroville” with a local, an ideal township devoted to an experiment in human unity by Mirra Alfassa or the Mother, the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo Ghose.
You will then return to your hotel.
Day 5: Puducherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur: This morning’s drive takes you to Thanjavur (approximately 4.5 hours, excluding stops). Since it is going to be a long day, we suggest that you depart from the hotel by 07:00 hours.
On your way, you will visit the famous temple sites of Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram.
Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated of shrines in India. The Gangaikondacholapuram temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was built by King Rajendra to rival the Brihadisvara temple built by his father in Thanjavur.
Thereafter, you will continue on your drive to Darasuram (approximately 50 minutes, excluding stops).
Upon reaching Darasuram, you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Your meal will be served on the banana leaves in the traditional Tamilian style.
After lunch, you will visit the 12th century Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
You will then drive for another hour to reach Thanjavur. On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 6: Thanjavur: After breakfast, you will visit the Brihadisvara Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
In the afternoon, you will visit Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Library. If time permits, you will also visit the Tanjore Painting School.
In the evening, you will visit a Veena (musical instrument) maker’s workshop. Named after the Goddess of wisdom, Saraswati, Veena is a stringed instrument for Hindustani classical music.
Day 7: Thanjavur – Karaikudi (formerly known as Chettinad): After breakfast, you will drive to Karaikudi (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops).
On the way, you will stop at an Ayyanar temple which is a mix of craft, myths, rituals and have local deities which are considered to be village guardians.
On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 8: Karaikudi: After breakfast, you will explore Karaikudi village, known for its fabulous mansions, temples and craftsmanship. The village is also known for its exquisite Kandangi handloom saris.
In the afternoon, you will participate in a cooking demonstration followed by a traditional Chettinad lunch.
After lunch, you will visit the tile making factory at Athangudi. You will then return to your hotel.
Day 9: Karaikudi – Madurai: After breakfast, you will drive to Madurai (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops. On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, built in 1636 AD by the erstwhile king of Madurai.
You will then visit the nearby bazaar where, each street is dedicated to one particular item – stationery, flowers and fruits, vessels, items used in worship etc.
This will be followed by a visit to the Meenakshi temple, dedicated to Parvati (also known as Meenakshi) and her consort, Shiva.
In the evening, you will witness the “Feeding of the Gods” ritual, a unique tradition of preparing food to offer the deities at a local temple.
You will then return to your hotel.
Day 10: Madurai – Thekkady: Early this morning, you will visit the flower market in the outskirts of the city. At the market, you will see a variety of flowers, each with their own purpose – worship, weddings or personal adornment.
You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will drive into the cool lush hills to lakeside Thekkady, bordering the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve (approximately 4.5 hours, excluding stops). On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will take a walking tour of a spice plantation.
Afterwards, you will witness a performance of the famous martial art form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu at a centre before, returning to your hotel.
Day 11: Thekkady – Kumarakom: Early this morning, you will take a trek through the rainforest accompanied by a naturalist who will introduce you to the flora and the fauna of the forest.
After breakfast, you will drive to Kumarakom (approximately 3 hours, excluding stops). En-route, you will visit the Plantation Bungalow at Kanjirappally for lunch with a local Keralan family.
You will then continue on your drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 12: Kumarakom: After a relaxed morning, you take a motorboat ride to visit Philipkutty’s Farm.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel and the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Day 13: Kumarakom – Alappuzha – Kochi: The morning will be at leisure.
At noon, you will board an exclusive air-conditioned deluxe houseboat at Vembanad Lake jetty to travel up to Alappuzha for a day cruise.
Lunch will be served on board.
You will arrive at Alappuzha jetty towards the evening, where you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague, and escorted to your hotel in Kochi (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops).
On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 14: Kochi: Today, you will visit the Jewish Synagogue. One of the oldest in India, the interior of the synagogue is decorated with 18th century blue hand-painted ceramic Cantonese tiles.
Next, you will visit the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights.
In the afternoon, you will explore the Heritage Zone where, you will see various architectural styles reflecting the many cultures that existed here. This will be followed by a visit to the Chinese fishing nets, which were first erected between 1350 and 1450, indicating trading ties with China.
You will then return to your hotel.
In the evening, you will watch a private Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre.
Day 15: Kochi – Onward Destination: After breakfast, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague, who will escort you to the airport and help you to check-in for your homeward bound flight.
Day 2: Chennai: After breakfast, you will visit an expert’s home for a presentation on “Nataraja”.
Afterwards, you will explore the main sights of Chennai beginning with Fort St. George, Britain’s first bastion in India and the nucleus from which the British Empire grew.
The other prominent sights you will visit are:
Victory War Memorial, which was earlier known as “Cupid’s bow” was originally built to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I.
The Senate House which is a fine example of the remarkable architectural skills of the famous architect of 19th century, Robert Fellowes Chisholm.
Madras Museum, housed in the Pantheon Complex, it is a complex of cultural institutions that derives its name from The Pantheon.
In the afternoon, you will take a tuk-tuk ride to Mylapore, one of the most ancient parts of the city. This will be followed by a visit to the Santhome Church, built during the 16th century by Portuguese explorers.
Next, you will take a heritage walk through the area including the four narrow Mada streets that circle the 16th century Kapaleeswarar temple.
You will then return to your hotel.
Day 3: Chennai – Mamallapuram – Pondicherry: Today, you will take an excursion to Mamallapuram (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops) to visit a group of sanctuaries carved out of living rock.
On the way, you will stop at Dakshina Chitra, which showcases the culture of the four southern Indian states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Afterwards, you will drive to Pondicherry (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops).
On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 4: Pondicherry: After breakfast, you will explore Pondicherry's wonderful French Quarter, with its clean and uncrowded streets, neatly painted houses, grand government buildings, sombre memorials and thriving cultural institutions.
You will also visit the Notre Dame church, eventually making your way through the bustling Grand Bazaar for a glimpse into the daily life in the Tamil Quarter.
Also on the tour, you will visit Aurobindo Ashram the spiritual centre of the city which was founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, a great seer, poet and prophet of the 20th century to help man reach the zenith of his evolution through spiritual exercises and yoga, combined with physical activity and productive work.
In the afternoon, you will visit “Auroville” with a local, an ideal township devoted to an experiment in human unity by Mirra Alfassa or the Mother, the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo Ghose.
You will then return to your hotel.
Day 5: Puducherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur: This morning’s drive takes you to Thanjavur (approximately 4.5 hours, excluding stops). Since it is going to be a long day, we suggest that you depart from the hotel by 07:00 hours.
On your way, you will visit the famous temple sites of Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram.
Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated of shrines in India. The Gangaikondacholapuram temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was built by King Rajendra to rival the Brihadisvara temple built by his father in Thanjavur.
Thereafter, you will continue on your drive to Darasuram (approximately 50 minutes, excluding stops).
Upon reaching Darasuram, you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Your meal will be served on the banana leaves in the traditional Tamilian style.
After lunch, you will visit the 12th century Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
You will then drive for another hour to reach Thanjavur. On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 6: Thanjavur: After breakfast, you will visit the Brihadisvara Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
In the afternoon, you will visit Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Library. If time permits, you will also visit the Tanjore Painting School.
In the evening, you will visit a Veena (musical instrument) maker’s workshop. Named after the Goddess of wisdom, Saraswati, Veena is a stringed instrument for Hindustani classical music.
Day 7: Thanjavur – Karaikudi (formerly known as Chettinad): After breakfast, you will drive to Karaikudi (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops).
On the way, you will stop at an Ayyanar temple which is a mix of craft, myths, rituals and have local deities which are considered to be village guardians.
On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 8: Karaikudi: After breakfast, you will explore Karaikudi village, known for its fabulous mansions, temples and craftsmanship. The village is also known for its exquisite Kandangi handloom saris.
In the afternoon, you will participate in a cooking demonstration followed by a traditional Chettinad lunch.
After lunch, you will visit the tile making factory at Athangudi. You will then return to your hotel.
Day 9: Karaikudi – Madurai: After breakfast, you will drive to Madurai (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops. On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, built in 1636 AD by the erstwhile king of Madurai.
You will then visit the nearby bazaar where, each street is dedicated to one particular item – stationery, flowers and fruits, vessels, items used in worship etc.
This will be followed by a visit to the Meenakshi temple, dedicated to Parvati (also known as Meenakshi) and her consort, Shiva.
In the evening, you will witness the “Feeding of the Gods” ritual, a unique tradition of preparing food to offer the deities at a local temple.
You will then return to your hotel.
Day 10: Madurai – Thekkady: Early this morning, you will visit the flower market in the outskirts of the city. At the market, you will see a variety of flowers, each with their own purpose – worship, weddings or personal adornment.
You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will drive into the cool lush hills to lakeside Thekkady, bordering the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve (approximately 4.5 hours, excluding stops). On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will take a walking tour of a spice plantation.
Afterwards, you will witness a performance of the famous martial art form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu at a centre before, returning to your hotel.
Day 11: Thekkady – Kumarakom: Early this morning, you will take a trek through the rainforest accompanied by a naturalist who will introduce you to the flora and the fauna of the forest.
After breakfast, you will drive to Kumarakom (approximately 3 hours, excluding stops). En-route, you will visit the Plantation Bungalow at Kanjirappally for lunch with a local Keralan family.
You will then continue on your drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 12: Kumarakom: After a relaxed morning, you take a motorboat ride to visit Philipkutty’s Farm.
After lunch, you will return to your hotel and the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Day 13: Kumarakom – Alappuzha – Kochi: The morning will be at leisure.
At noon, you will board an exclusive air-conditioned deluxe houseboat at Vembanad Lake jetty to travel up to Alappuzha for a day cruise.
Lunch will be served on board.
You will arrive at Alappuzha jetty towards the evening, where you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague, and escorted to your hotel in Kochi (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops).
On arrival, you will check-in to your hotel.
Day 14: Kochi: Today, you will visit the Jewish Synagogue. One of the oldest in India, the interior of the synagogue is decorated with 18th century blue hand-painted ceramic Cantonese tiles.
Next, you will visit the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights.
In the afternoon, you will explore the Heritage Zone where, you will see various architectural styles reflecting the many cultures that existed here. This will be followed by a visit to the Chinese fishing nets, which were first erected between 1350 and 1450, indicating trading ties with China.
You will then return to your hotel.
In the evening, you will watch a private Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre.
Day 15: Kochi – Onward Destination: After breakfast, you will be met by our Peirce & Leslie colleague, who will escort you to the airport and help you to check-in for your homeward bound flight.
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