South India: Temples and Backwaters

Day 1

Arrive Chennai, India

A city remarkable as a center of Indian classical music and song, Chennai is rich in cultural heritage, with historic landmarks that span the centuries and culinary traditions to thrill the palate. Arrive in this often-overlooked gem of a destination and settle into your hotel.

Day 2

Chennai – City of Myths & Legends

After a morning on your own, tour the city of Chennai, visiting the artifact-rich Government Museum; Fort St. George, first bastion of the British East India Company in southern India; and Gothic Santhome Cathedral, named after St. Thomas the Apostle, whose tomb is said to lie beneath the basilica. Later, walk through Mylapore, a bustling neighborhood that pre-dates the city by at least 2,000 year

Day 3

Kanchipuram – Secrets of the Silk Weavers

Rise early for a day excursion to Kanchipuram for visits to seventh-century Kailasanatha Temple as well as the 16th-century Ekambareswarar Temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring a different side of Kanchipuram, visiting a weaver's village renowned for silk saris, delicate and delightful garments sought out by people from across the south. Later return to Chennai with the rest o

Day 4

Mahabalipuram – Magnificent Shore Temples

Journey to Pondicherry, stopping en route at the intricate Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram, a stunning collection of rock temples and carvings designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from AD 630 to 668, they include such carvings as Bhagiratha's Penance, a bas-relief sculpted over enormous rocks that depicts animals, gods and saints, all watching the holy Ganges River flow from the Himalaya

Day 5

Pondicherry – Communities Devoted to Spiritual Insight

French colonists once called it their “Riviera of the East,” such was the natural beauty of Pondicherry’s location on the Bay of Bengal. A trading port dating back to Roman times, the city is lively and filled with multicultural appeal. Drive to Auroville to visit its unique community working toward realizing the dream of human unity through diversity. Learn how this internationally endorsed, ongo

Day 6

Swamimalai and Kumbakonam – Bronze Artisans at Work

Today, set out for Kumbakonam, diverting for various explorations along the way. Sit down to lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to Swamimalai, where you witness the casting of bronze statues at a local factory. Discover this age-old art and learn about local families who have been practicing this artisan trade for centuries. Afterward, continue to Kumbakonam, where you settle into your

Day 7

Thanjavur/Chettinad – Historic Temple & Palace

Located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is a center for the ethnic Tamil people and the site of intricately detailed temples, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the grandly carved Sri Brihadeshwara Temple, built in the 10th century by the Chola king Raja Raja Cholan and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then proceed to explore storied Thanjavur Maratha Palace. Break for lunch

Day 8

Chettinad – A Visit to a Private Home

Experience the diverse highlights of Chettinad, a city with teak temple architecture and spice-laden cuisine that show the influences of Burma and other nearby Asian countries. Stop at a handmade tile-making factory, visiting local villages and markets, and being welcomed into a private home for snacks along the way.

Day 9

Madurai – Journey to a Spice Plantation

Rise early and journey to Madurai. Upon arrival, make a brief visit to the famous Shri Meenakshi Temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then continue to Periyar, where you check in to your cottage nestled on a spice plantation.

Day 10

Periyar – Fragrant Scents of Favorite Spices

After breakfast, visit the plantation with a naturalist, taking in the delicious scents of the cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and other plants growing around you, and learning firsthand why Periyar is renowned for its spices. After lunch, proceed to Kumarakom, where you check in to your amazing resort, and perhaps enjoy a cooling dip in your villa's private pool. Cap off the day with a

Day 11

Kumarakom – Rural Life in Kerala's Backwaters

If a lush and languid lakeside setting scented with flowers and echoing with exotic birdsong sounds like paradise to you, Kumarakom checks all the boxes. Get an up-close look at daily life in Kumarakom, learning about the culture, traditions and livelihoods of the people who populate this region. Board private tuk-tuks for a fun ride to the embarkation point of a boat cruise that takes you along t

Day 12

Kumarakom – A Relaxing Day Cruise by Houseboat

After a morning at leisure, step aboard a houseboat for a leisurely cruise on Vembanad Lake, enjoying a traditional Kerala lunch on board, and viewing exotic birdlife along the way. This afternoon, disembark at Alleppey and drive to Kochi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. This evening, gather with fellow guests for cocktails and a farewell dinner on site.

Day 13

Kochi – Meet the Royal Family

Kochi is a major port city in the Indian state of Kerala and does justice to its nickname, “The Queen of the Arabian Sea.” A sunny haven for beach lovers, it is also noted for its rich history and culture. Today, become the honored guest of the Cochin Royal Family. One of the four major royal dynasties of Kerala, the Cochin Royal Family played a significant role in shaping Kerala's history, past a

Day 14

Depart Kochi

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