Chennai to Kochi

Welcome to South India! On arrival in Chennai you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore the city at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.

This morning we depart Chennai and travel south to the French colonial city of Pondicherry. French rule lasted here until 1954 and the influence is still clear in the city's architecture.

En-route we will visit Mahabalipuram, the beautiful 7th century Shore Temple, so-named because of its location on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. We continue to the magnificent bas-relief carving, Arjuna's Penance and the incredible Five Ratha's. This UNESCO-listed site is made up of five different temples, all carved individually from separate rocks. The temples lay hidden under sand until the British rediscovered them 200 years ago. We continue on to Pondicehrry where we will spend the next two nights. (B)

Today we explore the highlights of Pondicherry including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram spiritual community and Pondicherry Beach, with it's beautiful golden sand and lapping waves. Finally, we explore the striking Sacred Heart Basilica, a famous Christian pilgrimage site. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. (B)

After breakfast we head away from the coastal Pondicherry to an important centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture - Tanjore (Thanjavur). We discover the ancient, fortified town of Tanjore, with a guided tour exploring the glorious history dating back more than 1,500 years. Take in the enormous Brihadishwara Temple. This temple is over 1000 years old and the dome on top is thought to have been hauled up in a similar way to the construction of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. (B)

Today we travel to Chettinad which is renowned across India for its unique and spectacular combination of flavourful cuisine, yet few venture to this sleepy, tranquil village. Explore the crumbling Chettinad Palace and the famous tile factory in Athangudi, where your guide will explain how the renowned handmade terracotta tiles of Chettinad are crafted and readied. (B/D)

Departing Chettinad we continue onwards to Madurai, where we enjoy a half day guided tour taking in the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. This grand palace is known for the giant circular pillars in its courtyard and dates back to the 17th century. We continue to the famous rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan. According to a famous Hindu legend, this is where Murugan slayed the demon Surapadman. Finally, we join an Aarti prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. The ceremony involves the lighting of candles and songs being sung in praise of the gods. (B)

Leave Madurai today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar, surrounded by sprawling tea plantations. We take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation and visit a local market, before the rest of the day is free to relax as you please. You may wish to visit the nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in the stunning surrounds. (B/D)

Today we continue on to Kochi, our final destination in South India. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is free to explore the city at your own leisure.

This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and make up and they always put on a fantastic show. (B)