Puducherry and the Great South

Arrival in Pondicherry

Warm welcome upon your arrival at Chennai airport, followed by your transfer to Pondicherry. Check-in at the hotel. The program for the rest of the day will be adjusted according to your flight arrival time.

Discovering Pondicherry

Today, you will explore the cultural heritage of old Pondicherry, possibly by bicycle. The itinerary includes iconic sites such as the Manakula Vinayagar Hindu temple, dedicated to Ganesh, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and The Mother, and the famous Goubert Market, accessible from the lively Nehru Street. The visit also includes a stop at the ashram’s handmade paper factory and the Church of Our Lady of Angels.

Pondicherry

Free day to explore the city at your own pace. You may be tempted by an Ayurvedic massage session. In the evening, you can join the locals who enjoy strolling along the waterfront to enjoy the cool air before sunset.

Mamallapuram

Departure for the fishing village of Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock-carved temples, an exceptional heritage from the Pallava dynasty dating from the 7th to 9th centuries. You will discover the impressive monolithic sculptures of the Five Rathas village and the remarkable bas-relief of Arjuna’s Penance. After lunch, travel through the Tamil Nadu countryside to visit the Eagle Temple in Thirukazhukundram. Return to Mahabalipuram for the night.

Flight from Chennai to Bangalore, then drive to Mysore

Transfer to Chennai airport and direct flight to Bangalore, followed by a drive to Mysore. In the evening, don’t miss the grand illumination of the Mysore Palace, which shines brilliantly every Sunday for half an hour and, unfortunately, for only five minutes on other days of the week.

Mysore - Somanathapura

This morning, explore the extravagant Mysore Palace with a guided tour, then wander through the lively Devaraja Market, famous for its local handicrafts, including silks, textiles, natural soaps, and sandalwood products. In the afternoon, head to the village of Somanathapura to discover a masterpiece of architecture and sculpture from the Hoysala dynasty. Return to Mysore.

Departure for the Blue Mountains

Today, depart for the tea plantations of the Nilgiris, also called the "Blue Mountains," a mountain range at the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A stop at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, in the heart of the Mudumalai National Park, can be arranged—a magical experience for all ages. Arrival in Gudalur at your host’s home in the late afternoon. Rural accommodation in the heart of the plantations.

A Day in the Tea Plantations

Today, discover the traditional tea-making process by participating in leaf picking and transformation, or embark on a jeep tour through the plantations. Enjoy meeting local people and share a friendly lunch in a local school with students and teachers. Drive to Ooty. Overnight stay.

Train to Coonoor, then departure for Palani

After breakfast, board the Ooty-Coonoor train for a scenic journey through the enchanting landscapes of the Nilgiris. Upon arrival in Coonoor, enjoy lunch in an exceptional setting: a charming old British bungalow. In the afternoon, depart for Palani. Arrive at your hotel in the early evening and check in.

Palani - Athoor

A visit to Palani without the blessing of Lord Murugan would be incomplete. The hill houses one of his six sacred residences. Murugan, the god of victory over evil and the son of Shiva and Parvati, is highly revered in this region. Plan to visit the temple early in the morning, accessible by funicular or cable car. After lunch, depart for Athoor, where you will stay in the heart of lush green hills, perfect for relaxing walks.

Athoor - Kuttikkanam

Head to the heights of Kerala! En route, stop to discover a traditional brick-making factory. You will pass through the Kumily region, renowned for its vast pepper and cardamom plantations, with an opportunity to visit a spice garden if desired. Arrive at your accommodation in the early afternoon, nestled in the heart of a tea plantation. Your host offers a jeep tour of the property and a visit to the tea factory.

Stay on the Backwaters

Today, head towards the Malabar coast, specifically the famous backwater region. At noon, embark on a private two-day cruise aboard a traditional houseboat. This unique experience offers you the opportunity to observe the daily lives of the locals living around Kerala’s largest lake. Full board and overnight stays on board.

Backwaters - Fort Cochin

Return to land early in the morning. Several options are available: why not enjoy the benefits of an Ayurvedic massage at a nearby clinic? You can also visit a coconut fiber workshop and a boatyard. For lunch, enjoy a traditional Kerala meal with a local family. Then, relax on Marari Beach before heading to Fort Kochi.

Fort Cochin

In the early morning, take a guided tour in French of the city's historical heritage, including St. Francis Church, the Indo-Portuguese Museum, and the Mattancherry Palace. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance, preceded by a makeup session of the artists. This major art form of Kerala requires years of rigorous training for its performers. Overnight in Fort Kochi.

Cochin Airport

This wonderful journey comes to an end. You will be transferred to Cochin International Airport according to your flight schedule. On the way, you will have the opportunity to do some last-minute shopping at Lulu Market.

Puducherry and the Great South

Your Itinerary

Your tour program