PLACES: CHENNAI | KANJIPURAM | MAHABALIPURAM | PONDICHERRY | KUMBAKONAM | THANJAVUR | TRICHY | CHETTINAD | MADURAI | THEKKADY | KUMARAKOM | ALLEPPEY | MARARI | COCHIN The Colours of South India is a 19-day journey that weaves through the cultural, spiritual, and natural heartlands of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Beginning in Chennai and travelling through temple cities such as Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy, Chettinad, and Madurai, the tour highlights iconic Dravidian architecture, ancient heritage sites, vibrant traditions, and regional craftsmanship. Crossing into Kerala, the experience shifts to the lush Western Ghats of Thekkady, the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey, and the tranquil beaches of Marari. With a blend of guided sightseeing, wildlife encounters, houseboat cruising, local cuisine, and leisurely coastal relaxation, this itinerary encapsulates the diverse landscapes, rich history, and soulful essence of South India. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Chennai. One of India’s four major metropolitan cities, Chennai also features several forts and palaces that reflect the glory of bygone eras. After check-in, proceed on a sightseeing tour. Developed originally as a British trading post, Chennai today is a lively coastal city. Marina Beach, stretching over 13 km, is the second-longest beach in the world. Visit Fort St. George, built in 1653, which now houses the state government’s secretariat. Continue to Saint Thome Cathedral, constructed in the 14th–15th century, another impressive colonial landmark. Also visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and regarded as the oldest temple in Chennai. Overnight in Chennai. After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram. Upon arrival, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour. Famous for its exquisite silk, Kanchipuram is known as the “Golden City of a Thousand Temples,” with structures dating as far back as the 2nd century. Today, around 100 temples remain. The most important among them include the Ekambareswara Temple (entry restricted for non-Hindus), dedicated to Lord Shiva; the Kailasanatha Temple, one of the most beautiful in the town, with intricately carved panels depicting legends of Shiva; and the Ardharaja Swamy Temple and Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, both rich in history and architecture. Continue your journey towards Mahabalipuram. Picturesquely located on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon, Mahabalipuram offers a blend of heritage sites, beautiful beaches, relaxed tourism, and excellent seafood. Check in to your resort on arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Mahabalipuram. After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. The town is renowned for its series of charming rathas (monolithic rock-cut temples) and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna’s Penance. Visit the magnificent Shore Temple, built by King Rajasimha in the 7th century, which houses shrines dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu. Explore the Varaha Cave, a rock-cut mandapam depicting two incarnations of Vishnu — Varaha and Vamana — along with scenes of kings and queens. Also visit the Krishna Mandapam, which features a striking bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill on his fingertips. Overnight in Mahabalipuram. Breakfast at the hotel. Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach, or you may choose to visit nearby attractions such as the Dakshina Chitra cultural centre, the Crocodile Farm, and Tiger Cave. Overnight in Mahabalipuram. After breakfast, continue your journey towards Pondicherry (Puducherry), meaning “new settlement.” Formerly a French territory, Pondicherry includes the enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam in addition to the town itself. Uniquely, the Union Territory is spread across multiple states. On arrival, check in to your city hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for most of their lives. Continue to the Pondicherry Museum, which houses a fine collection of architectural and sculptural exhibits. Pondicherry also offers a pleasant beachfront promenade and several historical monuments. Overnight in Pondicherry. After breakfast, transfer to Kumbakonam, visiting Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram en route. Chidambaram welcomes you with its magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja, Lord Shiva in the form of the Cosmic Dancer. It is one of the few temples in India where Shiva and Vishnu are enshrined under the same roof. Revered as one of Tamil Nadu’s holiest regions, this land has long been associated with divine energy and spiritual tradition. Continue to the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, an architectural masterpiece. Often considered a counterpart to the famous Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, it was built by Rajendra Chola to surpass the grand monument constructed by his father, Rajaraja Chola. The temple is renowned for housing the largest Shiva lingam in southern India. Proceed to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Kumbakonam. After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Kumbakonam, Swamimalai, and Darasuram. Formerly a Chola capital in the 7th century, Kumbakonam is a major pilgrimage centre known for its Dravidian temples and peaceful ambience. Key temples include Adi Kumbeswarar, Someswarar, and Nageswara Swami, set near the confluence of the Arasalar and Cauvery rivers. Continue to Swamimalai, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, where the hilltop temple overlooks a quiet riverside hamlet. Legend says Lord Murugan taught his father, Lord Shiva, the sacred Pranava Mantra here. Proceed to Darasuram to visit the Airavateshvara Temple, a 12th-century Chola masterpiece renowned for its musical pillars, chariot-shaped mandapam, and intricate stone carvings. Darasuram is also known for its silk weaving heritage. Then drive to Thanjavur, the cultural heart of Tamil Nadu and once a focal point of Chola temple architecture. Check into your hotel on arrival. Overnight in Thanjavur. After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Thanjavur (Tanjore). The main attraction is the Brihadeeswara Temple, which for centuries has captivated artists, historians, sociologists, and travellers. Its wealth of sculptures, elegant calligraphy, frescoes, and over one hundred inscriptions make it a true masterpiece of Chola architecture. The artistic tradition continued under the Nayak and Maratha rulers, and their legacy can be seen in monuments such as the Tanjore Palace and the Mahal Library. Overnight in Thanjavur. After breakfast, drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), situated on the banks of the Cauvery River. Once a Chola citadel and later ruled by the Pallavas and Nayaks of Madurai, Trichy blends tradition with modernity and is built around the famous Rock Fort. The Rock Fort Temple, perched on a massive rocky outcrop, is the city’s most iconic landmark with spectacular views. Visit the Vinayaka Temple at the summit and the Sri Thayumanswamy Temple halfway up, known for its 100-pillared hall and gold-covered Vimana. Also visit the Tiruvanaikkaval (Jambukeswara) Temple, where the Shiva lingam is partially submerged in water, symbolising the element of water among the five sacred manifestations of Shiva. Overnight in Trichy. After breakfast, check out and drive to Chettinad. Known as the land of the Nattukottai Chettiars, Chettinad is famous for its fortress-like mansions and temples that are architectural marvels. This rural region is dotted with elegant heritage homes featuring courtyards, long corridors, and beautifully decorated halls crafted with intricate artwork, Burmese teak, and Italian marble. Check into a heritage homestay in Chettinad and sample the distinctive local cuisine for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a bullock cart ride through the village, visit nearby temples, shop for antiques in Karaikudi, and explore the Chettinad Palace. Overnight in Chettinad. Breakfast at leisure to relax or visit nearby villages. Overnight in Chettinad. After breakfast, proceed to Madurai, known as the temple town of South India and the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check in to your hotel for a one-night stay. Madurai is famous for the Sri Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. The architectural marvels and intricate stone carvings of this historic temple fascinate all who visit, while the city’s many festivals reflect a rich cultural tradition. In the evening, visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple and attend the pooja ceremony. Overnight in Madurai. After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Madurai. Begin with a visit to the famed Sri Meenakshi Temple, the heart of the city, renowned for its towering gopurams, exquisite sculptures, and vibrant atmosphere. Continue to the Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, an elegant 17th-century palace known for its impressive Indo-Saracenic architecture, grand pillars, and beautiful courtyard. Visit the Gandhi Museum, housed in the historic Tamukkam Palace, which presents a moving account of India’s freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi’s life and legacy. Explore the Koodal Azhagar Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India dedicated to Lord Vishnu, celebrated for its serene ambience and fine craftsmanship. Later, see the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a large temple tank that hosts the spectacular Float Festival during the Tamil month of Thai. Overnight in Madurai. After breakfast, drive to Periyar (Thekkady) through the scenic Western Ghats, passing tea gardens and spice plantations. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a designated Tiger Reserve, is home to elephants, sambar, wild boar, langurs, and rich birdlife around the artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam. After check-in, enjoy a guided spice plantation visit to see cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, and more growing in lush natural surroundings. Overnight in Periyar. In the morning, proceed to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for boating. A steamer cruise on the serene Periyar Lake offers the best chance to spot wildlife, including elephant herds by the water’s edge, sambar deer, wild boar, and, with luck, even a tiger resting in a clearing. Keep binoculars handy to spot blue-winged parakeets, kingfishers, Nilgiri wood pigeons, white-bellied treepies, laughing thrushes, and flycatchers. After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful retreat on the shores of Vembanad Lake. This emerald peninsula is a network of lagoons, canals, and waterways, home to rich flora and fauna. Swaying coconut palms, paddy fields, mangroves, and tranquil backwaters create the perfect setting to unwind and reconnect with nature. Check in at the hotel upon arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure. Optional: Overnight in Kumarakom. Breakfast at the hotel. At noon, board your private kettuvallam (houseboat) for an unforgettable overnight cruise through Kerala’s enchanting backwaters. Your exclusive houseboat cruises until sunset and features a fully equipped kitchen with an experienced cook preparing authentic Kerala cuisine, including fresh seafood specialities — a wonderful chance to pick up cooking tips. Cruising these waterways offers a unique glimpse into life along Kerala’s villages and islands. Once used to transport rice, traditional houseboats are crafted from local materials such as bamboo poles, coconut fibre ropes, and coir mats, combining rustic charm with comfort. Lunch, evening tea with snacks, and dinner will be served on board as you drift through shimmering canals and tranquil backwaters. Overnight on board a houseboat. After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Marari Beach, a calm and serene stretch of coastline in central Kerala located in the Alleppey district. With palm-fringed shores and a nearby fishermen’s village, Marari offers an ideal retreat for travellers seeking peace and natural beauty. Check into your resort at Mararikulam and take time to relax and explore the tranquil surroundings. Overnight in Marari. Day at leisure to relax at the resort or visit the nearby fishermen’s village to interact with locals and sample fresh seafood specialities straight from the nets. Optional (extra charge): enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage to relieve travel fatigue and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Overnight in Marari. After breakfast, you will be dropped off at Cochin airport on time for the return journey.
Itinerary
