Package Best For
This 17-day odyssey through South India harmonizes cultural heritage, wildlife exploration, mountain serenity, and backwater tranquility. From sunrise temple rituals and artisan workshops to jungle safaris and star-lit houseboat dinners, each day is curated for luxe comfort. Experience breathtaking hill station panoramas, private spa retreats, Ayurvedic rejuvenation, spice and silk villages, and the stylish yet serene ambiance of restored heritage estates.
Tour Highlights
Tour Itinerary
Day-1: Arrival in Chennai – Heritage & Relaxation
Arrive at Chennai International Airport and be welcomed by your personal chauffeur. Settle into your luxury hotel (e.g., The Taj Connemara or ITC Grand Chola). Afternoon: choose between a relaxing spa or a heritage walk through the colonial quarters of Egmore and Anna Salai. Evening: savor a fusion dinner of Chettinad spices and Southern sea fare, while a Carnatic vocalist performs exclusively for you. Overnight in Chennai
Day-2: Mamallapuram – Shore Temple Sunrise & Coastal Art
Drive (1.5 hrs) to Mamallapuram: Sunrise tour of the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, with the soft sea breeze and waves as backdrop. Explore the intricately carved Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) and Arjuna’s Penance, relics of Pallava magnificence. Afternoon gourmet beach picnic featuring fresh catches and local coconut chutney by your private chef. Return to Chennai for an evening spa therapy inspired by traditional Tamil healing. Overnight in Chennai
Day-3: Kanchipuram – Silk, Stone & Spirituality
Short drive to Kanchipuram (1 hr): Visit the Kailasanathar Temple (Sculpted stone architecture) and Ekambareswarar Temple (800-year-old peepal tree). Private tour of a silk weaving workshop, where master weavers demonstrate brocade and zari weaving—end by choosing a personalized silk saree or dhoti. Lunch on a royal terrace, followed by sunset temple puja. Evening guided heritage walk in Chennai’s colonial quarters. Overnight in Chennai
Day-4: Pondicherry & Auroville – Colonial Elegance & Spiritual Calm
Drive to Pondicherry (~3 hrs): Arrive at La Ville or Le Dupleix in the French Quarter. Afternoon: a walking tour through tree-lined boulevards, pastel heritage villas, and mustard shops. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and attend a chant session. Late afternoon tea at the Matrimandir visitor center; optional yoga or meditation session. Evening: beachfront dinner listening to waves and exploring boutique cafes of White Town. Overnight in Pondicherry
Day-5: Chidambaram – Temple of the Cosmic Dance
Short morning drive to Chidambaram (~1.5 hrs): Explore the Nataraja Temple, including secret passages, grand halls, and the 1000-pillared hall with tantric symbolism. Private ritual insight session with a temple priest. Return to Pondicherry via a scenic coastal route, stopping at fishing villages for fresh coconut water. Evening spa with coastal aromatherapy or a leisurely beach dinner. Overnight in Pondicherry
Day-6: Pondicherry to Thanjavur – Countryside & Classical Performance
Scenic drive (~5 hrs) through rural Tamil Nadu: Arrive at a luxury heritage hotel in Thanjavur. Afternoon visit to the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, learning about Tamil sculptural excellence and Chola history. Evening performance of classical Bharatanatyam accompanied by live Carnatic music, followed by an authentic Thali dinner. Overnight in Thanjavur
Day-7: Thanjavur → Tiruchirappalli → Madurai – Temple Capitals
Morning temple tour, then drive to Trichy: Climb the rock fortress to visit Ucchi Pillayar Temple, enjoy panoramic town views. Continue to Madurai, arriving mid-afternoon; check into your royal heritage hotel. Evening: explore the lit temples or unwind in a spa with jasmine-infused ritual bath. Overnight in Madurai
Day-8: Madurai – Meenakshi Temple Ritual & Artisan Tour
Early visit to the sprawling Meenakshi–Sundareswarar Temple: Witness the golden chariot procession and morning abhishekam (ritual bath). Learn stone carving or kolam rice powder art in nearby studios. Afternoon: exclusive cooking class featuring Madurai’s signature Jigarthanda dessert. Evening spa treatment or boutique-shopping accompanied by a stylist. Overnight in Madurai
Day-9: Madurai to Thekkady – Hills & Spice Origins
Scenic drive (~4 hrs) into Thekkady’s spice country: Afternoon guided tour of a working spice plantation, sampling pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Sunset private boat cruise on Periyar Lake, spotting elephants and water birds. Evening campfire, tribal music performance, and dinner served under starry skies at your luxury lodge (e.g., Spice Village, Cardamom County). Overnight in Thekkady
Day-10: Periyar National Park – Jungle Walk & Conservation
Start with a guided forest walk led by naturalists, exploring flora and fauna. Post-walk juice bar breakfast in the lodge’s treetop area. Afternoon safari or bamboo rafting. Evening: interactive conservation talk and Ayurvedic massage near the lodge’s herbal garden. Overnight in Thekkady
Day-11: Thekkady to Munnar – Mist-Filled Mountain Passage
Drive through Western Ghats (~4 hrs) to Munnar: Check into elegant hill property (e.g., The Wind Munnar or Taj Savoy). Afternoon hike to Echo Point, with local guide narrating colonial tea estate history. Sunset high-tea with homemade snacks overlooking U-shaped valleys. Fine-dining evening menu showcasing South Indian and Anglo-Indian fusion. Overnight in Munnar
Day-12: Eravikulam National Park – Hilltop Wildlife Safari
Morning excursion to Eravikulam NP: Watch the endangered Nilgiri tahr and panoramic vistas. Visit Anamudi Peak foothills followed by lunch at a nearby tea factory with tasting session. Afternoon at leisure or join a birdwatching walk and spa treatment. Overnight in Munnar
Day-13: Munnar to Kochi – History by the Harbour
Scenic descent through misty forests to Kochi (~4 hrs): Stay in a restored heritage mansion in Fort Kochi. Afternoon walking tour: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese nets, spice bazaar. Evening Kathakali performance with makeup demo, followed by fresh seafood dinner at the port. Overnight in Kochi
Day-14: Kochi to Alappuzha – Into the Backwaters
Transfer to Alappuzha (~1.5 hrs). Board your private luxury houseboat with ensuite cabins, chef, and lounge area. Cruise through canals lined with coconut palms, stop at villages, observe toddy tapping. Lunch and dinner prepared fresh onboard, showcasing Kerala’s fish curry and tapioca. Yoga and starlit lounging on the upper deck. Overnight afloat – Houseboat
Day-15: Houseboat to Kumarakom – Lakefront Elegance
Leave and drive to Kumarakom (~1 hr): Check into a waterside resort (e.g., Coconut Lagoon or Kumarakom Lake Resort). Guided birdwatching at Vembanad Lake, afternoon village walk exploring coir-making and local cuisine. Evening Ayurvedic massage using backwater plant extracts.
Overnight in Kumarakom
Overnight in Kumarakom
Day-16: Kumarakom to Chennai – Return to the Coast
Morning at leisure: enjoy sunrise meditation by the lake or a final Ayurvedic session. Lunchtime departure to Kochi airport for internal flight to Chennai. Evening: indulge in a coastal fine-dining menu paired with classical Indian music and dance.
Overnight in Chennai
Overnight in Chennai
Day-17: Departure – Farewell to Southern Splendor
Savor a gourmet breakfast overlooking the city skyline or garden terrace. Chauffeur escorts you to Chennai International Airport for your departure. Leave India with sensory memories of temples, tea-clad hills, spices, wildlife, and tranquil backwaters.
Note: Designed for luxury travelers seeking depth in cultural engagement, wildlife, wellness, and scenic beauty, this itinerary is flexible—easily enhanced with additional Ayurvedic spa days, yoga retreats, tribal cultural tours, or extended stays in remote hill stations like Coonoor or Ooty, or Holistic village conservancy stays.