After breakfast at the hotel, start the day with a visit to the ornate Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and discover the deep-rooted religiosity of southern India. The 7th-century temple is an example of Dravidian architecture. Here, Shiva is worshipped with his consort Parvati as Karpagambal.

The Catholic Basilica of St. Thomas, originally built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, marks the burial site of the Apostle.

Further, drive through some of the historical buildings like Fort St. George, Madras High Court, etc., constructed during the British times.

Later in the afternoon, drive for around 2 hours to reach Mahabalipuram.

On arrival in Mahabalipuram, check in and relax at the hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, take a city tour of Mahabalipuram and visit the temples that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Explore the Shore Temples, monolithic temples known as the Pancha Rathas, and the cave temples built in this area.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Mahabalipuram. Relax on the beach and indulge in the refreshing waters.

Dinner and overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast at the hotel in Mahabalipuram, drive along the coast to Pondicherry, the former French colony on the east coast of India. The French anchored their merchant ships on these beautiful Indian shores to conduct business some 300 years ago, and eventually, their culture blended with the traditional Indian way of life.

Upon arrival in Pondicherry, visit the Aurobindo Ashram and approximately 10 kilometers away, explore the planned township of Auroville, which was inaugurated on February 28, 1968.

Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur today. En route, visit Dharasuram and explore the 12th-century Airavateshwara Temple constructed by the famous ruler of the mighty Chola dynasty, Raja Raja Chola I. This temple has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, continue driving to Thanjavur and visit the Brihadeshwara Temple.

The Brihadeshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands as a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temple is renowned for its architectural brilliance, particularly its massive vimana (tower) which stands 216 feet tall. The vimana is crowned by a monolithic cupola weighing around 81 tons.

The temple complex features a large courtyard, multiple shrines, and pillared halls. At the entrance of the temple, you'll find a colossal monolithic Nandi (bull), the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva. This Nandi statue is one of the largest in India, measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high.

Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Thanjavur.

After breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey to Madurai, making stops in Trichy and Chettinad along the way.

In Trichy, visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple, also known as the Srirangam Temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. This temple is one of the largest functioning temples globally and is a significant pilgrimage site for Lord Vishnu devotees.

The temple complex is a vast architectural marvel covering about 156 acres, showcasing the Dravidian architectural style with numerous gopurams (towered gateways), mandapas (pillared halls), and prakarams (enclosures). Its towering gopurams are intricately adorned with sculptures depicting Hindu mythological scenes, with the tallest Rajagopuram reaching approximately 73 meters (240 feet).

Continue your journey to Madurai, stopping en route to explore the village of Chettinad.

Chettinad is renowned for its distinctive architectural style known as Chettinad architecture. This style features spacious mansions called "Chettinad palaces" or "Chettiar homes," characterized by grand facades, intricately carved wooden doors, and expansive courtyards. The architecture reflects the prosperity and opulence of the Chettiar community, who were prosperous traders and merchants.

Chettinad cuisine is equally celebrated for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and unique cooking methods, especially in non-vegetarian dishes like Chettinad Chicken, Chettinad Fish Curry, and Chettinad Pepper Chicken. The cuisine is distinguished by its use of special spice blends incorporating star anise, fennel seeds, dried red chilies, and black peppercorns, imparting a distinctive taste to the dishes.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Thanjavur.

Today, we are in the enchanting city of Madurai, home to the beautiful Sri Meenakshi Temple where the goddess reigns as the supreme deity around which the city has evolved. Although the temple was built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak in the 17th century, its origins date back 2000 years.

Begin your day by visiting the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and then explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its architectural splendor.

In the evening, witness the captivating evening ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, where the atmosphere is filled with the aura of continuous pilgrimage, adorned with magnificent idols and resonant religious Hindu music.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Madurai, soaking in the rich cultural heritage of this historic city.

After breakfast at the hotel in Madurai, we will depart for Periyar. Today, we will be leaving Tamil Nadu and entering Kerala, famously known as "God's Own Country" due to its stunning landscape. The motto "God's Own Country" reflects Kerala's rich heritage, vibrant culture, lush topography, and positive socio-political climate.

Upon arrival in Periyar, transfer to your hotel.

Later in the afternoon, embark on a boat trip at Periyar Tiger Reserve. Experience the tranquility of the lake while enjoying the lush surroundings and observing wildlife that often gathers at the water's edge—such as elephant families, wild boars, or the magnificent Sambar deer native to the Indian subcontinent.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Periyar, immersed in the natural beauty of Kerala.

Today, immerse yourself in the sights and experiences of Periyar by exploring a tea and spice plantation. Discover the lush greenery and learn about the cultivation of these aromatic plants.

Later, enjoy a unique elephant ride experience where you can get closer to these majestic creatures and interact with them firsthand.

In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kalaripayattu performance, a traditional form of Indian martial arts. This ancient art form showcases precision, skill, and dedication, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India.

After a day filled with enriching experiences, enjoy dinner and spend the night in Periyar, surrounded by the natural beauty and cultural wonders of Kerala.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat that will cruise through the mesmerizing backwaters of Kerala.

The houseboat offers everything you need for a comfortable journey and overnight stay. It includes a bedroom with a comfortable bed, a modern toilet with a shower, an airy lounge on the deck, and a kitchen where regional dishes are freshly prepared.

Enjoy a delightful lunch and dinner on the houseboat while soaking in the serene views of the backwaters.

Spend the night onboard the houseboat in Alleppey, experiencing the tranquility and beauty of Kerala's backwaters.

Wake up to the serene backwaters at sunrise and enjoy the enchanting morning atmosphere aboard the houseboat. Experience the peaceful surroundings, with palm groves and a sense of heavenly tranquility, far from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life.

After breakfast on the houseboat, take a short drive to the nearby village of Mararikulam, renowned for its beautiful Marari Beach.

Today is a leisurely day at Marari Beach, where you can relax and unwind by the seaside.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Mararikulam, soaking in the coastal charm of this picturesque village.

This morning is yours to relax and enjoy leisure time in Mararikulam.

Later, embark on a drive to Kochi, a city located on the Arabian Sea coast and rightfully known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Kochi is a bustling commercial hub and boasts one of the finest natural harbors globally. It has been a pivotal center of trade for centuries, dealing in products such as pepper, pearls, spices, and oil.

In the evening, experience the captivating art of Kathakali with a traditional dance performance. Kathakali is a renowned classical dance form of Kerala, characterized by elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and expressive movements.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Kochi, absorbing the cultural richness and maritime charm of this historic city.

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Kochi. Visit notable landmarks including Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and the Santa Cruz Basilica.

Explore the intriguing Chinese fishing nets along the harbor, which evoke a sense of bygone eras and historical trade.

The afternoon is free for leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ambiance of Kochi at your own pace.