15 days Tour

Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondichéry - Tanjore  - Madurai - Munnar - Periyar - Varkala - Munroe Island - Alleppey - Cochin

Tamil Nadu is a vibrant land, where colors abound: from the beautiful saris to the temples in vivid hues, and the garlands of flowers...
It stretches in length, between the Bay of Bengal to the east and the mountain range that separates it from Kerala to the west. The majority of the country consists of vast plains.
This is a destination where there is a constant contrast between the cities, where modernity is omnipresent, and the villages, where time seems to have stood still for over 300 years.
The state of Tamil Nadu is the true cradle of Dravidian civilization.
Its official language, Tamil, is one of the oldest in the world.
Tamil Nadu offers its visitors a journey rich in architectural and cultural heritage, with the chance to discover immense and richly sculpted colorful temples, such as the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

Kerala, a small state bordered by the sea and subtropical mountains, is often the favorite destination for travelers. This can be attributed to its stunning mountain landscapes, spice and tea plantations, beautiful tropical beaches, and peaceful boat rides along the backwaters' canals.
The cities here are small and welcoming, the food is fresh and flavorful, and the hospitality is courteous and kind.

DAY 1: Chennai Airport – Mahabalipuram 54 km – 1h 30
Your chauffeur will await your arrival at Chennai Airport and drive you to your hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 2: Mahabalipuram
The small village of Mahabalipuram, known for its sculptors and fishermen, located on the Coromandel Coast, is a true enchantment. With its pleasant beach, seafood restaurants, stone carvers, and the friendliness of its inhabitants, Mahabalipuram is full of charm.
You’ll explore the UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples.
One of the most beautiful frescoes, known as the "Descent of the Ganges" or "Arjuna's Penance," is a bas-relief considered to be one of the largest in the world.
You will visit the Five Rathas and the Shore Temple, best seen at sunset when its impressive orange hue creates a magical atmosphere.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 3: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry 95 km – 2h
Visit Pondicherry, a former French colony that was returned to India in 1954.
You’ll visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Sacred Heart Church, and the Government Museum (closed on Mondays and public holidays).
Located about 10 km from Pondicherry, Auroville is a utopian city founded in 1968 based on a vision of universal peace and harmony.
It’s a unique experience to discover, allowing you to form your own opinion on its philosophy and way of life.
Overnight in Pondicherry.

DAY 4: Pondicherry – Tanjore 190 km – 5h

Pondicherry – Chidambaram 65 km – 1h 30
Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram 47 km – 1h 30
Gangaikondacholapuram – Darasuram 40 km – 1h
Darasuram – Tanjore 40 km – 1h

Chidambaram (the "City of the Cosmic Dancer") and the grand Nataraja Temple (depicting Shiva in his dancer form) are jewels of Dravidian architecture in Tamil Nadu.
The ancient city of Gangaikondacholapuram, built around 1025 by King Rajendra I, was the former capital of the Chola Empire. It’s a city steeped in history with impressive remains.
Visit Sri Pragadheswarar Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram and the Darasuram Temple at Darasuram.
Overnight in Tanjore.

DAY 5: Tanjore (Thanjavur)
Famous for its magnificent Brihadishwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece, Tanjore is a pleasant city with a unique artistic style, highlighted by its incredible temples and palaces.
Once the capital of the powerful Chola Empire from the 9th to the 13th century, it marked the cultural zenith of Dravidian civilization in South India.
Overnight in Tanjore.

DAY 6: Tanjore – Madurai 190 km – 3h 30
Madurai is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest cities in South India.
Visit the Meenakshi Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in South India, featuring four towers covered with hundreds of vibrant sculptures that depict the lives of the gods.
In the evening, you can witness a ceremony where an image of Shiva is carried in procession to the chamber of Meenakshi.
Overnight in Madurai.

DAY 7: Madurai – Munnar 160 km – 4h
Depart for Munnar, an exceptional journey through the Western Ghats with breathtaking panoramic views.
Munnar, a hill station at 1524m altitude, is nestled amidst the most spectacular mountain landscapes in South India.
Known as the "calm Kerala," Munnar offers a place of relaxation and hiking opportunities.
Visit a tea factory where you can follow the entire process of orthodox tea production, including the traditional methods used for black, green, and white tea.
In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance, a form of dance-theatre.
Overnight in Munnar.

DAY 8: Munnar
We work with a well-known guide in Munnar, who will help you discover the region's fauna and flora.
We offer two hiking options (a guide is mandatory for trekking in the tea plantations):

• 12 km hike – Half day, from 7 am to 11 am.

• 24 km hike – Full day, from 7 am to 2 pm.

You’ll also explore the surroundings of Munnar, with stunning viewpoints, or have the opportunity to observe wild elephants at Anakulam, a 1.5-hour drive through spectacular landscapes leading to Anakulam, where elephants come to drink in the evening. Patience and luck are required!
Overnight in Munnar.

DAY 9: Munnar – Periyar 90 km – 3h
Visit a spice plantation.
You can also take part in an activity at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and end the day with a cooking class at a local’s home.
Overnight in Periyar.

DAY 10: Periyar
Visit Periyar National Park:   https://www.periyartigerreserve.org/
Some of the activities available include:

• Nature Walk or Green Walk

• Bamboo Rafting (half-day)

• Birdsong Trail

• Border Hiking (quite a challenging trek)

• Boating Safari

In the evening, enjoy a Kalaripayattu performance, a traditional Kerala martial art.
Overnight in Periyar.

DAY 11: Periyar – Varkala 160 km – 4h
Varkala is renowned for its beautiful beaches and bohemian atmosphere.
The spectacular cliffs, lined with various establishments, form the postcard image of Varkala. It’s common to spot dolphins while sitting at a restaurant table, enjoying fresh fish and seafood.
You can stay in a guesthouse focused on relaxation and wellness, offering yoga and massages just steps from the beach.
Overnight in Varkala.

DAY 12: Varkala – Munroe Island 50 km – 1h 30
Munroe Island is a hidden gem made up of a group of 8 islands, each separated by small canals and lakes.
The island offers a unique and peaceful setting, far from the chaos of modern life.
Activities available: cycling and canoeing.
Overnight in Munroe Island.

DAY 13: Munroe Island – Alleppey 90 km – 2h 30
To discover the intertwined canals between land and sea, we offer you an unforgettable night on a houseboat, from 12 pm to 9 am the following morning, on a private boat.
Overnight on the houseboat.

DAY 14: Alleppey – Fort Cochin 55 km – 1h 30
End of the cruise at 9 am.
Visit Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, a cooperative housed in an old British factory where traditional coconut fiber weaving techniques are still practiced.
Explore the old quarter, the Paradesi Synagogue, the Basilica of the Holy Cross, St. Francis Church, the Folklore Museum in Ernakulam, and Mattancherry Palace.
Visit the Chinese fishing nets at sunset followed by a meal by the sea.
Overnight in Fort Cochin.

DAY 15: Fort Cochin – Cochin Airport 40 km – 1h 30
Transfer to Cochin Airport for your return flight.

Travel Time: The average speed on roads in India is 45-50 km/h. Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on factors beyond our control (traffic, weather conditions, vehicle type, roadworks, etc.).