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Hop on a three-week journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, from Chennai to Kochi. Explore the architectural gems of Tamil Nadu, the former French outpost of Puducherry, and the lush mountains of Kerala. Finish your journey by the sea with a week of Ayurvedic treatment. A complete immersion in South India, combining heritage, nature, and wellness.
Request a quoteA captivating journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, from Chennai to Cochin. This trip allows you to discover the architectural gems of Tamil Nadu, the cultural richness of Pondicherry, the lush hill stations of Kerala, and concludes with a traditional Ayurvedic retreat. A complete immersion into South India, combining historical heritage and well-being.
Warm welcome at Chennai airport. Transfer to Mamallapuram, an ancient seaport of the Pallava dynasty, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check-in at the hotel. The day's schedule will be adjusted according to your arrival time. Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.
The morning is dedicated to exploring the archaeological site of Mamallapuram. After lunch, departure for Pondicherry with a stop at Auroville, a utopian city founded 50 years ago by Mira Alfassa, known as "The Mother." Visit the Matrimandir, nicknamed "the soul of Auroville," an iconic temple at the city's heart. Once settled at the hotel, you may visit the local market with your guide and prepare a typical dinner together in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
A day of exploring the former French trading post. Highlights include visiting the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, home to Ganesh, discovering the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a major spiritual center, and strolling through the French Quarter with its grid-like streets and colonial houses. Visit the ashram’s paper-making factory and Notre-Dame des Anges Church, a testament to French-Indian history.
Early departure for Thanjavur. En route, stop at Chidambaram to admire the Shiva Nataraja Temple, renowned for its cosmic dance depictions. Guided tour in French of the magnificent Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, a masterpiece of Chola architecture. In the afternoon, discover the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, famous for its intricate sculptures, followed by a visit to traditional silk weaving workshops.
Morning exploration of Thanjavur, a former cultural capital: visit the "Big Temple" of Brihadeeswarar, a marvel of Chola architecture, followed by the palace and Saraswathi Mahal Library. Journey to Madurai via the Chettinad region. Stop at the Ayyanar Shrine in Namanasamudram and explore the fascinating ritual pottery. Optional lunch at a beautifully restored Chettiar palace.
Start the day at the vibrant flower market, a festival of colors and fragrances. Visit the Gandhi Museum, chronicling India’s independence struggle. With your English-speaking local guide, explore the fascinating Meenakshi Temple, a jewel of Dravidian architecture, and its mythical Hall of a Thousand Pillars. Free time in the afternoon to wander through Puthu Mandapam Market, known for its tailors.
Drive to Munnar, a hill station nestled among tea plantations. En route, stop at a traditional brick-making workshop to witness this ancestral craft. Visit the Lockhart Tea Museum to understand tea cultivation and processing. Check-in at your hotel in the afternoon, surrounded by the lush Western Ghats hills.
Guided hike to discover the region’s exceptional flora. Walk through traditional villages hidden among tea, coffee, cardamom, and black pepper plantations. Your guide will explain the secrets of these crops, which contribute to the region’s wealth. In the afternoon, visit the local market to discover regional specialties like handcrafted chocolates and fragrant spices.
Morning visit to a spice and Ayurvedic plant garden to learn about their traditional uses. Drive to Thekkady, the gateway to Periyar National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, home to diverse bird species. In the evening, attend a Kalaripayattu performance, an ancient Kerala martial art, at the Kadanandan Cultural Center.
Departure for Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East." Upon arrival, a warm welcome from your host, who will introduce you to Kerala's traditional cuisine during a homemade lunch. In the afternoon, explore the famous backwaters by boat, a labyrinth of coconut-lined canals, with stops at traditional villages.
Drive to Fort Kochi, a former Portuguese trading post with rich colonial heritage. Free time in the afternoon to explore the historic streets. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre, with the chance to watch the artists’ elaborate makeup process.
Morning guided tour in French of Fort Kochi’s historical landmarks: St. Francis Church, Portuguese Museum, Dutch Palace, the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and the old Jewish quarter with its synagogue. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for the journey to Varkala. Check-in at the Ayurvedic center to begin your retreat.
Start your traditional Ayurvedic retreat. The morning begins with a consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, who will determine your constitution and the personalized treatment plan. Enjoy your first Ayurvedic massage and an introduction to the principles of this ancient medical system. The afternoon is dedicated to treatments and relaxation.
After breakfast, conclude your Ayurvedic retreat. Transfer to Varkala train station for the journey to Alleppey, then drive to Marari Beach. Check-in at your beachfront accommodation. The afternoon is free for you to relax on the beach and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this paradise-like setting.
Free morning to enjoy Marari Beach one last time and its tranquil atmosphere. You may stroll along the shore, observe traditional fishermen, or simply relax. In the afternoon, transfer to Cochin Airport for your return flight.
Choose the ideal time to travel with our Weather Calendar.
Designed according to your itinerary stages and based on weather data from the last 3 years (regularly updated), it reliably guides you to select the best travel dates.
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