Highlights
- See the picturesque Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram on the Bay of Bengal
- Sample Indian-French fusion dishes on the charming streets of Pondicherry
- Learn to make authentic Chettinadu dishes during a cooking class
- Cool off with one of Madurai's signature drinks during a walking tour of the city
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Chennai, Transfer to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram, Food Tour | Mahabalipuram |
| Day 2 | Guided Tour of Mahabalipuram, Transfer to Pondicherry, Walking Tour | Pondicherry |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Tanjore via Temple Tour | Tanjore |
| Day 4 | Brihadeeshwara & Thanjavur Palace, Transfer to Chettinad, Cooking Class | Chettinad |
| Day 5 | Chettinad Sightseeing Tour | Chettinad |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Madurai, India's Oldest City | Madurai |
| Day 7 | Explore Temples & Palaces of Madurai, Food Walking Tour | Madurai |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Chennai, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chennai, Transfer to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram, Food Tour
Welcome to southern India! Meet your driver at the Chennai airport before setting off on an hour's drive down the coast to the village of Mahabalipuram in the state of Tamil Nadu. An ancient port, Mahabalipuram dates back to the seventh century and is famous for its many temples and beautiful beaches. Along the way, you'll stop at Kanchipuram, also known as the "town of a thousand temples," to see the temples of Ekambaranathar, Kailasanatha, Varadharaja Perumal, and Kamakshi Amman.
At the Kamakshi Amman Temple, learn more about Kamakshi, who is said to be the super-goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. She blesses all who dedicate themselves to her. You'll also witness a workshop where men sit at looms, weaving fabrics that you'll recognize immediately as the famous "Madras cotton." Following the tour of Kanchipuram, continue to your hotel in Mahabalipuram, to relax before dinner.
Depending on your arrival time, drop your things off at your hotel, walk on the beach, and enjoy the refreshing sea air. In the evening, enjoy traditional spiced Tamil cuisine with a food tour through the streets and at local restaurants. A must-try is the local specialty, idiyappam kurma, a side dish made with sweet coconut milk, stewed vegetables, and local spices.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Mahabalipuram, Transfer to Pondicherry, Walking Tour
Rise early this morning to explore the sandcastle-like Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram on the Coromandel Coast. Admire the thousands of sculptures dedicated to Shiva lit by the golden morning light. Continue through the sprawling complex until you reach the Descent of the Ganges monument, a massive rock relief carved on two boulders. Admire the precision of the Indian sculptors of this period. Next, visit the famous Pancha Rathas, also known as the Five Rathas, a monument complex made up of five chariot-shaped temples in procession, each carved from a single rock of granite.
Your driver awaits in the afternoon to take you two hours south to the coastal city of Pondicherry. A former French colony, the town is split north-south by a canal that once divided the French Quarter, at the edge of the sea, from the inland Indian Quarter. Once checked in at your hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour around the French Quarter's historic buildings and ornate churches. Hear the tales of kings and commoners, poets and villains, all of whom wove their way into the fabric of the city. Pondicherry's colonial past comes alive as you wander through its quaint boulevards.
On your tour, you'll visit architectural highlights like the Town Hall, called Hotel De Ville. The landmark building dates back over 150 years and is a charming testimony of Pondicherry's French heritage. Continue to the tranquil Aurobindo Ashram, named after Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, before discovering the ancient Roman trade center of Arikamedu. Unwind amid the lush greenery of Bharathi Park and the Botanical Garden, then end your day with a relaxing evening stroll on Pondicherry Beach, stopping by French bakeries or cafés along the way.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Transfer to Tanjore via Temple Tour
After breakfast, get back on the road for the four-hour transfer south to Tanjore. Along the way, you'll explore three major Chola dynasty temples, stopping first at the Thillai Nataraja (also known as the Chidambaram Nataraja) in Chidambaram (two hours away). A Hindu temple erected to the lord of dance, Shiva, is a UNESCO-listed site and an excellent example of the Chola dynasty craftsmanship typical of southern India. Wander the temple complex and discover the colorful artwork of the nine gopurams (monumental, ornate entrance towers).
Next, continue to the temple of Lord Brihadisvara in the former capital of the Chola dynasty, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, before driving another hour farther inland to Darasuram to check out the 12th-century Airavateswara Temple. From here, it's another hour west to your hotel in Tanjore (also known as Thanjavur).
Day 4: Brihadeeshwara & Thanjavur Palace, Transfer to Chettinad, Cooking Class
After breakfast, visit two of Tanjore's most famous sites, starting at the Brihadeeshwara Temple, an architectural masterpiece. The temple is one of the tallest in the world and the world's first complete granite temple. After wandering the temple grounds, end your time in Tanjore with a visit to the Thanjavur Palace (Royal Palace of Tanjore), a massive, mazelike complex full of frescos, rock-cut architecture, underground tunnels, relics, and ornate towers.
After lunch, venture farther south during your three-hour transfer to Chettinad, driving through lush-green rice fields and passing by several palatial homes characteristic of the region (now used as movie sets or for weddings). Once in Chettinad, stroll through the village and take in the sites. Apart from being known as a temple town, Chettinad cuisine is the most renowned in Tamil Nadu. The word "Chetti" is a Sanskrit term meaning wealth, referring to the traders of the region who dealt with salt and spices for marble and other decorative items used to construct their properties.
These spices from all over the world have heavily influenced the local flavors, which you'll experience firsthand in a cooking demonstration. With an expert chef, shop for fresh ingredients at a local market, then learn the secrets of Chettinadu cuisine. Make dishes such as eral kuzhambu (prawn curry), urlai roast (spiced potatoes), kozhukattai (sweet or savory rice dumplings), and paal payasam (slow-cooked rice pudding).
Day 5: Chettinad Sightseeing Tour
Day 6: Transfer to Madurai, India's Oldest City
Tuck into a hearty breakfast, then prepare to check out of your hotel and hit the road for the two-hour transfer southeast to Madurai. With roots dating back to the third century BCE, Madurai is considered the oldest city in India and is known for its distinctive "lotus flower" shape. It sits on the banks of the Vaigai River within India's Tamil Nadu state and is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy some free time. Madurai's rich history spawned the nickname "Athens of South India" (or "Athens of the East"). The city is known for its many temples, and you'll likely first spot the distinctive Meenakshi Amman on the southern bank of the river (it's hard to miss). The architectural masterpiece is one of India's more prominent pilgrimage shrines, which means you'll see many face-painted sadhus (holy men). The temple features over a dozen towers intricately carved and decorated with colorful stone figures, which you'll see during tomorrow's tour.
Continue to explore Madurai on your own this evening. It's the perfect place to experience Hindu culture with its lively streets, bazaars, and regional restaurants. Immerse yourself in the city by exploring the vibrant streets on foot, stopping for a delicious and spicy dinner before returning to your hotel.
Day 7: Explore Temples & Palaces of Madurai, Food Walking Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll join a guided sightseeing tour of Madurai, focusing on some important cultural monuments. Unsurprisingly, the excursion starts with an in-depth guided visit to Meenakshi Amman. Built during the Nayak Dynasty period, between the 16th and 18th centuries, Meenakshi is one of the largest temple complexes in India. The surrounding gopuram towers are known for their colorful stucco images of gods, goddesses, and animals.
In the vicinity of Meenakshi is the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, which you'll visit next. Built in 1636, this Indo-Mughal-style structure is commonly known to be one of the most beautiful monuments of southern India—and fittingly, it was declared a national monument following India's independence movement. Then, it's on to the Gandhi Memorial Museum before concluding the day with a walking food tour of the city.
Try kari dosa, a thick dosa topped with egg and crisp-fried mutton, or adirasam, a deep-fried sweet made from jaggery and spices. Cool off with a refreshing paruthi pal, a local beverage made from cotton seeds, or jigarthanda, a cool milk-based drink made from almond gum and sasparilla. Following the food tour, attend an evening ceremony at Meenakshi before returning to your hotel to relax for the evening after a busy day of sightseeing.
Day 8: Transfer to Chennai, Depart
Your epic journey through southern India draws to a close today. After saying your goodbyes, your driver will take you to the Chennai airport to catch your flight. Safe travels!
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