Highlights of Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Rajasthan - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Chennai, Transfer to Mahabalipuram, Guided City Tour

Welcome to India! Meet your driver outside Chennai International Airport and transfer 1.5 hours south to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town nestled between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake in southern India. Check-in at your hotel and freshen up for a tour of the UNESCO-listed Group of Monuments, which encompasses an array of rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and intricately carved stone reliefs dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries. 

Highlights include the iconic Shore Temple perched on the edge of the bay. Wander through the temple complex to see the twin shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and the smaller shrine featuring a reclining figure of Lord Vishnu. When you explore the rest of the UNESCO site, don't miss Arjuna's Penance, a massive open-air bas-relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. After 2.5 hours, return to your hotel to rest and fight off jet lag.

Day 2: Transfer to Pondicherry, Walking Tour of the French Quarter

Trade one coastal city for another as you transfer two hours south to the former French colony of Pondicherry. Check-in at your hotel and relax until this afternoon's walking tour of the French Quarter. Follow your guide down the cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings to get to Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), which exemplifies the city's rich colonial past. Continue to Notre Dame des Agnes Church, known for its pink and yellow facade and elegant colonial architecture. Take a break from the sightseeing at Le Café, housed in a former French port office overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

After refueling, head to École Française d'Extrême-Orient to discover the institute's campus. Your next stop is the tranquil Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a center for integral yoga and spiritual practice. Attend a meditation session, explore the art gallery and library, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambience. Then, learn more about the city's rich culture at the Alliance Francaise before ending the tour at the Pondicherry Museum. Peruse the galleries dedicated to archaeology, sculpture, and anthropology, then transfer back to your hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Thanjavur, Visit Brihadeeshwara Temple & Thanjavur Palace

After a restful night in Pondicherry, continue your journey south on a four-hour transfer to Thanjavur. Better known as Tanjore, the city is celebrated for its classical arts and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Following the long drive, check into your hotel and relax until this evening's visit to the Brihadeeshwara Temple, built by King Rajaraja I in the 11th century. The highlight of this UNESCO site is the 200-foot-tall (60 m) vimana (temple tower) topped by a massive cupola carved from a single piece of granite. Marvel at the intricate sculptures depicting Hindu deities, celestial beings, and mythological scenes.

Then, continue to Thanjavur Palace, which served as the official residence of the rulers of Thanjavur. Discover the grand courtyards, intricately carved pillars, and ornate stucco work outside before perusing the museum within. Admire the rich collection of artifacts, including weaponry, sculptures, and artwork that span several centuries. Don't miss the Thanjavur-style paintings depicting mythological scenes, royal processions, and historical events in Durbar Hall.

Day 4: Transfer to Madurai, Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Discover more iconic Hindu temples in Madurai, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities. On the three-hour transfer southwest, you can ask your driver to stop at the Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple atop Solaimalai Hill. Enjoy panoramic views of Madurai, then step inside the temple complex to discover the main sanctum sanctorum housing an idol of Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and victory. Back in the car, complete the drive to your hotel. 

In the afternoon, set off on a sightseeing tour, starting at Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The temple is renowned for its towering gopurams (gateway towers), adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, an opulent palace built in the 17th century. Explore the vast courtyard surrounded by pillared corridors, ornate arches, and intricately carved domes. Then, as darkness falls, return to the temple to attend aarti, a ritual worship involving fire, light, and rhythmic chanting.

Day 5: Transfer to Periyar, Spice Plantation Walk 

Leave Tamil Nadu behind as you cross the state border into Kerala this morning to get to Periyar, nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats. After the four-hour transfer southwest, check into your hotel and get ready for a spice plantation walk. Periyar is renowned for its rich biodiversity and fertile soil, making it an ideal region for cultivating spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Learn how these valuable spices are grown, harvested, processed, and used in cooking and medicine. When you're done touring the spice garden, wander around town to shop for spices and other local delights.

Day 6: Hike & Rafting Experience in Periyar National Park

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an active adventure as you set off on a jungle walk through Periyar National Park. Follow your guide into the dense forest in search of wildlife like elephants, gaur, and deer. This is also a bird lover's paradise, as you can spot plenty of endemic bird species, like the Malabar gray hornbill, racket-tailed drongo, and great hornbill. Stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the park's mist-clad hills, dense forests, and the sparkling Periyar Lake.

After the three-hour trek, enjoy a packed lunch, then continue to explore the park, this time aboard a bamboo raft. Glide along the lake's serene waters to observe more wildlife in their natural habitat. You may spot elephants bathing at the water's edge or colorful birds flitting among the lush greenery. Following the one-hour boat ride, you'll return to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Day 7: Transfer to Alappuzha, Houseboat Backwater Cruise

After breakfast, it's time to return to the coast as you transfer three hours west to Alappuzha, renowned for its network of canals, lagoons, and freshwater rivers collectively known as the "Backwaters." Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up for this afternoon's cruise on the Backwaters aboard a houseboat. Around 2:00 pm, you'll board the houseboat and glide gently along the tranquil waters. Watch scenes of rural life unfold along the banks as villagers wash their clothes, children play in the water, and fishermen cast their nets. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while you pass emerald rice paddies and Vembanadu Lake, the largest lake in Kerala. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may spot freshwater turtles basking on the banks, otters going for a swim, and plenty of birds flying above. Watch the sun slowly set around you, casting golden-orange hues across the water and surrounding coconut palms. Then, indulge in a dinner showcasing Kerala's rich flavors before settling into your cabin for the night.

Day 8: Transfer to Cochin, Cultural Performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre

Wake up on the houseboat to a delicious breakfast before you disembark. Then, it's onto Kochi, a vibrant port city on the southwest coast. After the 1.5-hour transfer up the coast, relax at your hotel until this evening's cultural performance. When it's time, head to the Kerala Kathakali Centre to learn about Kathakali, a classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, facial expressions, and gestures.

Before the performance, you can watch the makeup artists transform the dancers into characters like gods, demons, and heroes. Then, listen to the rhythmic beats and watch the performers adorned in elaborate costumes take the stage and perform stories from ancient Indian epics, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. After the captivating performance, transfer back to your hotel for the night.

Day 9: Cochin Sightseeing, Cooking class in Cochin

Start your day with a tour of Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its mix of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. Head to the waterfront first to see Fort Emmanuel and the traditional fishing nets that Chinese traders and fishermen brought during the 14th century. Continue to St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European-built church in India. Then, take a ride through the neighborhood on an open-air tuk-tuk to get to Dhobi Khana, a traditional communal laundry, where dhobis (washermen) wash, dry, and iron clothes using age-old methods. 

Your next stop is Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty in the 16th century. End the tour at a Jewish synagogue and nearby spice market to shop for souvenirs. After the city tour, you'll learn how to prepare popular Keralan recipes with a local family. They'll welcome you into their traditional home and teach you about Indian spices and regional dishes like fish curry or payasam, a sweet, pudding-like dessert. When everything is ready, enjoy the meal with your hosts and exchange life stories.

Day 10: Fly to Jaipur, Local Market Visit

Say goodbye to southern India today as you head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Hyderabad. From there, you'll jump on a two-hour flight to Jaipur in Rajasthan, known as the "Pink City" for its terracotta-colored buildings. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel in the city. If you're not too tired, you can join a local market tour, like Johari Bazaar or Bapu Bazaar, to peruse the stalls full of traditional handicrafts, intricate jewelry, colorful textiles, and local delights. Shop for souvenirs or indulge in street food like pyaz kachori, a deep-fried pastry with a spiced onion filling.

Day 11: Jaipur Sightseeing Tour, Market Visit & Cooking Class

Join your guide on a sightseeing tour of Jaipur today, starting at Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of the Winds," a five-story palace designed to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna. Continue to Amber Palace Fort, renowned for its blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. Enter through the Sun Gate and look at the facade's marble carvings, latticework, and frescoes. Wander through the complex to see highlights like Sheesh Mahal, known as the "Mirror Palace" for its walls and ceilings adorned with thousands of tiny mirrors and colorful glass.

After exploring the fort, continue to the 18th-century City Palace to learn more about Jaipur's royal legacy and the architectural splendor of Rajasthan. Stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings, each adorned with intricately carved marble and sandstone, vibrant murals, and delicate mirror work. Then, visit Jantar Mantar—a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing 19 astronomical instruments crafted from stone and marble. Don't miss the 88-foot-tall (27 m) sundial, the Samrat Yantr.

 
In the evening, you'll visit a local market to pick up and learn about essential Indian ingredients. Then, take your ingredients to a local family for a hands-on introduction to Jaipur's culinary traditions. Your hosts will walk you through creating a typical Rajasthani meal, complete with chewy bread, two or three savory vegetarian dishes, and a couple of mouthwatering desserts. While the food is cooking, women will learn about the ancient art of applying henna, while men can try their hand at tying a turban. When everything is ready, sit down to enjoy it with your friendly hosts.

Day 12: Transfer to Jodhpur, Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Continue your exploration of Rajasthan today as you transfer six hours west to Jodhpur, often called the "Blue City" for its vibrant blue-painted houses. After the long drive, stretch your legs on a half-day city tour, starting at Jaswant Thada, a cenotaph built in the 19th century by Maharajah Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. Admire the finely carved marble lattice screens, gazebos, and delicate portraits of past rulers adorning the cenotaph before continuing to Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky hilltop overlooking the city.

Step through the towering gates to discover the treasure trove of palaces, each decorated with colorful artwork, stained glass windows, and detailed carvings. When you're done exploring the fort, stroll along the well-preserved sections of the city walls, enjoying panoramic views of the bustling streets and surrounding hills. Then, head down to the old city for a closer look at the artificial lakes, blue buildings, temples, and bazaars. Indulge in local snacks and masala chai in a local's home to end the tour before transferring back to the hotel. 

Day 13: Transfer to Udaipur via Ranakpur, Visit Bagore Ki Haveli

Today, you head to your final destination, Udaipur, often called the "City of Lakes" due to its numerous artificial and natural lakes. On the seven-hour transfer southwest, stop in the charming village of Ranakpur, renowned for its Jain temples, particularly the Ranakpur Jain Temple, built in the 15th century. When you arrive in Udaipur in the afternoon, enjoy some free time at the hotel, then head to Bagore Ki Haveli, built in the 18th century on the waterfront of Lake Pichola. 

Explore the different rooms housing traditional costumes, royal jewelry, intricate glasswork, and miniature paintings, stepping out onto the balconies for panoramic views of the lake. The main attraction here is the nightly dharohar, a cultural performance that involves traditional Rajasthani music, folk dances, and puppet shows. Each act blends rhythmic beats, colorful costumes, and graceful movements, telling stories of local legends, historical events, and everyday life. After the one-hour performance, you'll transfer back to the hotel. 

Day 14: Guided City Tour, Boat Ride on Lake Pichola

Your penultimate day in India starts with a visit to Animal Aid Unlimited, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and ill street animals. After meeting the animals and learning about the organization, continue to City Palace, a sprawling complex that blends Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Wander through the courtyards, grand halls, and regal rooms, admiring the rich collection of artifacts, including royal costumes and vintage furniture. Head to the Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maidens) next, built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his queen.

Discover the garden's intricately carved marble pavilions, lotus pools, and charming elephant-shaped fountains before moving on to Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Step through the richly decorated entrance to discover the sanctum sanctorum adorned with idols of Lord Vishnu and the other gods and goddesses. In the evening, set off on a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichola. As the boat glides gently across the water, watch the setting sun cast a golden glow over the lake and its surrounding temples, including Jag Mandir, where you can disembark to wander through the 17th-century palace.

Day 15: Depart Udaipur

After exploring 10 vibrant cities and charming towns in India, your 15-day adventure is coming to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you can explore a bit more of Udaipur on your own. Head to Hathipole Market to shop for souvenirs, like traditional Rajasthani textiles, or pick up a samosa for the road. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!