South India: Coast to Coast

Arrive in Chennai, the chaotic capital city of Tamil Nadu province. Spend the afternoon getting acclimated to Indian time and culture. Meet your other tour mates at a group dinner at the hotel.

Stay: Hotel Raintree

After a short drive, we will spend the day exploring Mahabalipuram (formerly Mamallapuram), the historic, picturesque town that is world-renowned for their highly skilled stone carvers. The sweeping stretch of golden sands lacing the Bay of Bengal has defied time and retained its pristine nature, and is the setting for the amazingly well preserved shore temples that date back to the 8th century. Visit the World Heritage Site Five Rathnas and you’ll see five impressive shrines carved out of pink granite and named after five famous characters from the Mahabharata. In the afternoon, watch the Indian fisherman practice the labor intensive ancient art of pulling in their haul by hand from the beach.

Stay: Ideal Beach Resort

Known for being the “City of a Thousand Temples”, it is also the home of the widely acclaimed Kanchipuram hand woven silk sarees. The temples, an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, were built by the rulers of the various dynasties over the millennia, each elevating and refining the structures to their own liking. The Vaikuntha Perumal Temple should be on everyone’s “must-see list” of South India! Then you’ll visit a silk weaving factory, a centuries-old tradition in South India, made famous here for their double warp and double weft that make these sarees some of the finest quality in all of India. Return to Mahabalipuram to spend the evening.

Stay: Ideal Beach Resort

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Chennai where you will catch a flight to Trichy. Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli or Trichy. A fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort, it is home to many churches, colleges and missions dating back to the 18th century. From here, you’ll head towards Chettinad where you’ll relax for the evening.

Stay: The Bangala

Known for its cultural heritage and culinary delicacies, Chettinad is the You’ll visit the Chettinadu Mansion, a 100-year-old architectural marvel that contains more than 100 rooms with classical features reminiscent of a bygone era. The mansion was originally created by the Chettiars, the business tycoons of the South . In the evening, you’ll learn the art of authentic South India cuisine at a cooking class, and then dine on the delicacies that you’ve helped to prepare.

Stay: The Bangala

From Chettinad, you’ll make your way to the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, Madurai. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage and glorious traditions, Madurai is considered one of the “antique” cities of India. With history dating back to the 6th century BC, it’s often called “The Athens of the East”. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the elaborate Meenakshi Amman Temple complex, which is the largest dedicated to Shiva; in the world. The soaring towers rise from solid granite bases and are covered with intricate stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colors. You’ll end the evening with an adventurous auto rickshaw ride through town, returning to the hotel for dinner.

Stay: GRT Residency

After breakfast you’ll make your way to Periyar, literally “land where pepper grows”, into a new climate, state and elevation. Located in Kerala, Periyar is home to a tiger reserve, abundant wildlife, lush forests and spice plantations. For centuries people have been drawn here by the romance and wild beauty of the land. You’ll see every conceivable shade of green in a fertile outpouring, flecked with the crimson and gold of mountain flowers.

Stay: Shalimar Spice Garden

Rising early, you will explore Periyar, searching for the wide variety of birds, reptiles and mammals that call this home. Periyar was originally the hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Travancore, and was declared a wildlife reserve in 1933. Animals you might spot include Bengal tigers, Nilgiri langur, Asiatic elephants, monkeys, hyenas, wild boar, porcupines, sloth bear, otters and numerous varieties of exotic birds. Binoculars are a must! Beginning with a three-hour cruise on a bamboo raft you will traverse a variety of habitats while searching the shoreline for signs of life. You will have panoramic views of the forest clad hills reflected on the lake. We will eat a picnic lunch en route, and make our way back to the boat landing by foot around 5:00 pm.

Stay: Shalimar Spice Garden

You will depart after breakfast heading towards Kumarakom, deep in the tropical heart of Kerala. “God’s Own Country” as the locals call it, Kerala has the country’s highest literacy rate at 91%. It’s mostly known for its lush backwaters, which are a peaceful slice of heaven far away from the clamor of India. Kumarakom is an emerald peninsula jutting into the beautiful Vembanad Lake, where you’ll see plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs through the flat lands of Kerala. You’ll enjoy a delicious, traditional Keralan dinner bursting with local flavors and seafood at the hotel.

Stay: Coconut Lagoon or Philip Kutty Farm House

Today we will board a “rice barge” for a tour through the backwaters where land, sea and sky come together. Cruise comfortably on an air-conditioned boat through quiet canals lined with coconut palms and rice paddies. Before roads were built the waterways were the highways of South India and they still are in a different way as you’ll see.

Stay: Evergreen House Boats

After disembarking from the houseboat, you’ll travel about an hour north to Cochin, the distinctive colonial town that has been home to Jewish settlers, Portuguese and Dutch traders, Chinese visitors with threads of Syrian, Christian and Portuguese merchants. Cochin clings to its vibrant historical traditions such as Kalarippayat, a gravity-defying martial art, and a trance-induced ritual Kathakali, a blend of religion and dance.

Wake up and meet the fishermen at Cochin’s famous Chinese fishing nets during their morning catch. The strong are invited to help pull in a net! Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Cochin’s heritage sites including St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and the world famous spice markets. Shopping opportunities abound! If all that walking has you tired, indulge in one of Kerala’s famous ayurvedic massages.

Stay: Malabar House

Depart from Cochin airport to home, or extend your stay with one of our post-tour extensions. (B)