Cultutal Heritage of South India

Cultutal Heritage of South India

16 Days / 15 Nights     

Tamil Nadu and Kerala are home to two of the world’s oldest civilizations, each with a rich and vibrant cultural and artistic heritage. This itinerary offers a glimpse into their ancient temples, both historic and contemporary, provides opportunities to observe artists practicing various traditional crafts, and allows ample time for relaxation.

Duration: 15 Nights & 16 Days

Destination Covered: Chennai- Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram- Pondicherry- Tanjore – Trichy- Chettinad (Karaikudi/Kanadukathan)-Madurai- Kanyakumari- Kovalam- Alleppey- Cochin

Tour Highlights

Chennai Beaches, Temples, St. George Fort, Santhome Church
Mahabalipuram Seashore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butter Ball
Kanchipuram Ekambereshwarar temple, Kailashanathar temple, Varadharajar Perumal temple
Pondicherry Auroville Meditation centre, Aurobindo ashram and Manakula Vinayagar temple
Tanjore Bragadeeshwarar temple, Tanjore Palace, Saraswathy Mahal
Trichy Rock Fort Temple and Bazar, Sri Ranganathar temple
Chettinad Athankudi tiles factory, Chettinad Ancient Houses, Palace, Delicious Cuisines
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace
Kanyakumari Vivekananda Rock, Tiruvalluvar Statue
Kovalam Beach
Alleppey Day Cruise in Houseboat
Cochin Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis church, Kathakkali Dance show

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Chennai – Arrival

    On your Arrival our Guest Relations Executive will be there to receive you and assist you to the hotel for check in. Rest of the day relax. Overnight stay at Chennai.

  • Day 2 : Chennai

    After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing. Important temples can be witnessed here are Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a prime example of Dravidian architecture, Astalakshmi temple dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity and Parthsarathy temple Dedicated to Lord Krishna. St. George fort was established by the British East India Company in 1644. It was the first fort built by the British in India and served as the foundation for British rule in the region. And Santhome church is built over the burial site of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles. According to tradition, St. Thomas arrived in India in 52 AD and established Christianity in the region. He is believed to have been martyred in Chennai in 72 AD.. Evening have a sunset stroll at the beach side. Overnight stay at Chennai.

  • Day 3 : Chennai – Mahabalipuram

    Take a 2 hours’ drive to Mahabalipuram which is a beautiful beach destination. Enroute visit Dakshinachitra- a tastefully recreated village showcasing the arts, crafts and building styles of the different states of southern India- and the artists’ village of Cholamandal. Continue drive and on arrival check in at the hotel and relax rest of the day. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

  • Day 4 : Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

    Have a Day Excursion to Kanchipuram (one hour one way), renowned for its ancient temples and are a testament to its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Here are some key temples that you witness are Ekambereshwarar temple representing one of the five elements of nature “Earth”, Kailashanathar temple which is a fine example of early Dravidian architecture. Varadharajar temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Moreover Kanchipuram is also known for its silk sarees, if time permits, it’s really worth to visit the local weaving shops. Return back to Mahabalipuram for your overnight stay.

  • Day 5 : Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

    Morning visit the UNESCO sites of Mahabalipuram namely Seashore temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butter ball. Later drive 2 hours’ to Pondicherry. Enroute visit Auroville meditation centre. On arrival at Pondicherry, check in at the hotel and refresh. Then proceed for the other sightseeings Aurobindo Ashram which is a significant spiritual and philosophical center founded by Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, The Mother (Mirra Alfassa). Then to Manakula Vinayagar temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity known as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. Rest of the day you can relax and in the evening you can have a sunset stroll at the beach side and French colony is something rather special- part Gallic, part Tamil and is a great place to walk around on foot. Explore the French Quarter via the Heritage Trail walk and later venture into the Tamil Quarter with superb shops, boutiques and cafes. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

  • Day 6 : Pondicherry – Tanjore

    Today’s drive to Tanjore takes in the rich agricultural land of the Cauvery Delta and passes through interesting villages and a patchwork of emerald green rice paddies. Enroute visit the 2 temples, both are considered to be the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Gangaikondacholapuram is a relatively modest temple nestled in serene surroundings, away from the usual tourist trails. If you visit, you might find the only other visitors to be a few sadhus (holy men) and the occasional school group. Nearby, in the village of Darasuram close to Kumbakonam, stands the Airavateshwara Temple. This temple is a prime example of the excellent restoration efforts carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India, who are dedicated to preserving India's cultural heritage. Continue the drive to Tanjore and visit the thousand year old Brihadishwara Temple which is also an UNESCO site during the sun sets. This temple is quite simply one of the most stunning sights in all of south India and the effect of the light playing on the granite surfaces of the main temple tower is an unforgettable experience. Overnight in Tanjore.

  • Day 7 : Tanjore – Trichy

    Today have a 2 hours’ drive to Trichy. It is often referred as Rock City. Here the major attractions are Rock Fort temple, Jambukeshwarar temple which is one of the five elements of nature representing Water and Srirangam temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, renowned for its impressive Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings, and sprawling temple complex. Overnight stay at Trichy.

  • Day 8 : Trichy – Chettinad

    Drive to Chettinad which involves 3.5hours. It is one of Tamil Nadu’s most interesting regions. Begin with a visit to Sittanavasal, renowned for its ancient monuments and Jain caves featuring intricate wall paintings. Next, continue to a unique village temple where offerings to the gods are made in the form of brightly painted terracotta animals—horses, bullocks, and elephants.

    The Chettinad district is known as the home of the Chettiars, a banking and merchant community who amassed their fortunes through trade with empires to the east and west over several centuries. The architectural landscape is a fascinating blend of influences—Burmese teak, Italian marble, British steel, and a variety of styles—resulting in impressive buildings, some spanning over 40,000 square feet.

    You will have the opportunity to explore these grand structures and even stay in one. The village of Kannudakathan is ideal for exploration on foot or by traditional bullock cart. Overnight in Kanadukathan.

  • Day 9 : Chettinad

    Today explore further into the unique Chettinad culture, including a visit to a hand-painted tile maker. Many artisans of this ancient craft work from their homes, making it a true cottage industry. Another highlight of Chettinad is its cuisine—rich, spicy, and utterly delicious, it has garnered increasing attention. A visit to Karaikudi, the district headquarters, is also worthwhile; an entire street is dedicated to antique shops. Overnight in Kanadukathan.

  • Day 10 : Chettinad- Madurai

    Leave the tranquility of Chettinad and head to Madurai, Tamil Nadu's second-largest city and a major pilgrimage center. In the afternoon, visit the Nayak Palace and then explore the heart of Madurai: the immense and ornate Sri Meenakshi Temple. This vast complex is best appreciated with the guidance of an expert, who can provide context to its significance. The Meenakshi Temple is not only a spiritual landmark but also a hub for social gatherings and commerce, with the surrounding streets bustling with traders and merchants. Overnight in Madurai.

  • Day 11 : Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam

    Today’s journey takes you on a longer drive. Kanyakumari, at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, to Kovalam. Like many "land’s end" locations, Kanyakumari holds a special allure due to the convergence of three major bodies of water—the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea—and its significance in Indian mythology and spirituality.

    Kanyakumari is also notable as the site where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were scattered after his assassination, and a special memorial stands here as the last structure on the mainland. Additionally, the revered Indian sage and philosopher Swami Vivekananda meditated in a cave on a small island just offshore. Visiting this island is a significant experience for many Hindu pilgrims.

    Continue your journey to Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most renowned beach resorts. Overnight in Kovalam.

  • Day 12 : Kovalam

    Enjoy a full day of relaxation on the beautiful beach, complemented by soothing Ayurvedic massages. Overnight in Kovalam.

  • Day 13 : Kovalam – Alleppey Day Cruise- Cochin

    Drive north to Alleppey and explore the Krishnapuram Palace, followed by a heritage tour of the town, often referred to by locals as the "Venice of the East." Alleppey may take time to reveal its charms, but those familiar with the town can uncover a hidden history that most tourists miss. In the afternoon, board a private houseboat for a leisurely lunch and a scenic day cruise through the renowned backwaters of Kerala. After disembarking, drive for approximately two hours to Cochin, where you will spend the night in Fort Cochin.

  • Day 14 : Cochin

    A full day to explore Cochin- a major trading port for over 500 years. Over these centuries of trade, commerce and conquest, Cochin has been influenced by Chinese, Arab, Dutch, Portuguese and British elements and the lasting impact of all these is still clearly seen around the historic Fort Cochin and Mattancherry areas. Your guided sightseeing will focus particularly on the synagogue here (the oldest in India) and the recently restored Dutch Palace. Later in the day visit Greenix Village, a cultural centre, tour their museum and attend a performance of traditional Kerala dance/drama- Kathakkali. Overnight in Cochin.

  • Day 15 : Cochin

    This full day is free for your own activities. You may choose to spend it shopping or exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Cochin.

  • Day 16 : Cochin – Departure

    Today you will be transferred to the airport as per your departure schedule.

FAQ

Explore Chennai's rich history with visits to Fort St George, Vivekananda House, and the expansive Marina Beach, ending with a traditional sunset stroll.

Mahabalipuram offers a blend of ancient rock-cut temples recognized by UNESCO, along with artistic showcases at Dakshinachitra and Cholamandal Artists' Village.

Kanchipuram is renowned for its centuries-old temples and vibrant silk-weaving traditions, offering a glimpse into South India's religious and cultural heritage.

Pondicherry's charm lies in its blend of French colonial architecture in the Heritage Trail and Tamil culture in vibrant markets, boutiques, and cafes.

Tanjore boasts the Brihadishwara Temple, a thousand-year-old marvel of Dravidian architecture, along with Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram temples en route.

Trichy offers cultural insights with visits to the majestic Srirangam Temple and Rock Fort, providing panoramic views of the Cauvery River and vibrant local bazaars.

Chettinad in Tamil Nadu is famed for its opulent mansions, intricate tile-making traditions, and spicy cuisine, showcasing a blend of Tamil and global influences.

Madurai is renowned for the Sri Meenakshi Temple, a vibrant hub of religious and social activity, and the historic Nayak Palace, reflecting the city's cultural richness.

Kanyakumari, at India's southern tip, is revered for its scenic beauty and spiritual sites, including Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial.

Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, offers serene backwaters, Krishnapuram Palace, and insights into Kerala's rich cultural heritage through a houseboat cruise.

Cultutal Heritage of South India

16 Days / 15 Nights

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