Destinations: Madurai, Periyar National Park, Kochi, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Pondicherr...
Destinations: Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur, Auroville, Pondicherry, Tiruchirappalli, Mahabalipuram
Uncover the splendour of Southern India and immerse yourself in one of the most colourful and diverse countries in the world on a 10-day small-group tour (max. 16 travellers). Visit whimsical temples dating back to the 7th century, roam the vibrant quarters of Chennai and the cobblestone streets of Pondicherry, witness a traditional Aarti ceremony and be pampered with an Ayurvedic treatment in Thanjavur – all while indulging in nine nights of comfortable accommodation. Your tour includes three nights stay at the historic Palais de Mahe – CGH Earth, a beautiful hotel housed in a colonial building in the heart of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, and two nights at Svatma in Thanjavur, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection.
Your journey takes you to: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Ponidcherry – Auroville – Thanjavur – Madurai.
Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Auroville, Thanjavur, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli
Destinations: Madurai, Periyar National Park, Kochi, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Pondicherr...
Destinations: Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur, Auroville, Pondicherry, Tiruchirappalli, Mahabalipuram
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport (MAA), you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Your home for the next two nights, Hyatt Regency Chennai, is located in the heart of this bustling city and offers thoughtful amenities and features, exquisite decor and unparalleled elegance. Your first evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, so do be sure to step out and see some of the sights.
After breakfast, proceed on a tour of the city to witness its rich architectural and cultural wealth. Visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery to see the art and bronze gallery. A highlight today is a visit the colourful 16th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. (Please note: non-Hindus are only allowed into the outer courtyard and may not enter the temple).
Stop to enjoy lunch at one of Chennai’s popular local eateries before continuing on to Fort St. George and the Basilica of San Thome Cathedral. This impressive Roman Catholic cathedral was originally built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, then rebuilt by the British in 1896. It is said to mark the final resting place of Saint Thomas the Apostle.
Enjoy time to freshen up at the hotel before you join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Today, leave the bustling city of Chennai behind and head for Mahabalipuram – a legacy in stone. Admire the Shore Temple, standing by the sea for over 12 centuries, with an impressive bas-relief and imposing twin towers, considered the finest early example of medieval southern Indian architecture.
Stop for lunch before the drive to Pondicherry, where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this charming city on your own.
Palais de Mahe – CGH Earth will be your home for the next three nights: a French colonial outpost within the most beautiful part of the city. Resembling a Mediterranean mansion, this boutique hotel boasts high airy ceilings, traditional roof beams and colonnades and is set amid the stunning French Quarter, which brims with historic buildings, charming cafes and trendy boutiques.
This morning, take to the streets on a Pondy cultural trail – a walking tour of Tamil Quarter. Discover the hidden secrets of this fascinating district as you walk through the Goubert Market and visit the Mahakavi Bharathiar Museum & Research Centre.
Take a short stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, award-winning streetscape of Vysial Street, which boasts restored buildings with distinctive Franco-Tamil architecture. Visit the recently restored Mahakavi Bharathiyar Memorial Centre and museum, former home of famed Tamil poet and activist Bharathi. Visit the 500-year-old Vedapureeswarer Temple and relish traditional delicacies made with local flair. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own, or you may choose to retreat to the surrounds of your historic hotel.
Each city has its own unique flavour and take on Indian cuisine, and Pondicherry is a perfect example, with a mix of French, Asian and local influences. Tonight, enjoy dinner with the group a European twist at one of the restaurants in the old quarter.
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day visit to Auroville. A utopian ideal, the concept of Auroville is for all people to live in unison, regardless of race. In the mid-1960s the concept was developed and put before the government of India, who gave their backing and took it to the General Assembly of UNESCO, which passed a unanimous resolution in 1966 commending it as a project of importance for the future of humanity. The population of the township is made up of some 49 nations and features all age groups, social classes, backgrounds and cultures. Your guide will give you an insight on the history and the future relevance of this society, and how it continues to grow in today’s world.
Return to the hotel in time for an included lunch. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
After breakfast, drive approximately four hours to Thanjavur (Tanjore) and check in at the hotel on arrival. Home to the striking UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brihadeswarar Temple – an 11th-century temple built by King Raja Raja Cholan and considered one of South India’s most magnificent architectural accomplishments – Thanjavur is an incredible city waiting to be explored, where rich history, contemporary art and heritage luxury go hand in hand.
Here you will spend two nights at the luxurious Svatma, a classic Tamil Residence turned into a hotel. Part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, Svatma is more than just a hotel – it's an experience allowing you to truly immerse yourself in Tamil art, architecture and culture.
This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the opulent surrounds of your hotel. Take the opportunity to indulge in an included 45-minute traditional Indian foot or head massage at the hotel spa. Awaken your senses with traditional Ayurvedic technics using a mixture of local herbs, oils and pressure points.
Tonight will be an exploration of Tamil vegetarian cuisine, using organic ingredients and highlighting the flavours of the region, prepared by specialist chefs at the hotel.
Please note: Your included head or foot massage can be taken on Day 6 or Day 7 and is limited to availability on day chosen.
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Thanjavur, including the beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeswarar, a remarkable example of Dravidian artisanship. It features exquisitely detailed gopuram towers carved with images of Hindu deities on the outside, while on the inside, the carvings are all Buddhist.
After lunch, return to the lavish surroundings of the hotel. If you did not get the chance to experience Ayurvedic wellness yesterday, this is the perfect opportunity to pre-book your included Indian foot or head massage.
After breakfast, proceed to Madurai. En route, visit the city of Tiruchirappalli. Commonly known as 'Trichy,' this ancient city has rich cultural heritage, manifested in its awe-inspiring temples, especially the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam, one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Trichy, then continue to Madurai, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
After breakfast, experience the rich cultural heritage at Meenakshi Temple, whose soaring towers are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours. The temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, with its towers rising high above the surrounding township.
You'll also visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, with the help of an Italian architect.
This evening, witness the Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. During this traditional ceremony, the image of Shiva is carried from his shrine to another part of the temple in a mystical experience accompanied by music, incense and devotees carrying oil lamps, giving the temple a magical feeling. Following this, bid farewell to your fellow travellers with a special dinner in one of the city’s traditional restaurants.
After breakfast at the hotel, your tour comes to an end. Transfer to Madurai Airport (IXM) for your onward journey. Depending on your flight time, the day is at your leisure.
Travel into a realm of spectacular landscapes, rich history, elegant cities and gastronomic wonder with this enchanting tour through southern India. The southern region showcases breathtaking remnants of ancient civilisations, famous for the creation of awe-inspiring rock-cut shrines that were meticulously crafted by Buddhists and Hindus in a bygone era – including the 16th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chennai, and the magnificent Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram. Explore this cultural treasure trove and birthplace of yoga, take in its undulating hills of the mountain region that perfectly contrast against the palm-fringed shores of the sun-kissed coastline, all while witnessing the fascinating wildlife that roams its diverse landscapes.
The food scene of southern India boasts a glorious array of bold flavours within a balanced art of culinary fusion that creates a captivating gastronomic journey. Experience gourmet culinary delights from the masters of haute-cuisine found at the fine dining establishments sprinkled throughout and dine on mouth-watering street food inspired by Portuguese delicacies, fresh seafood, and the sweet touch of local coconuts. Experience a journey of overwhelming sight, taste and aroma as you travel through Pondicherry, famous for the influence of Asian and French flavours on its local foods, including a hint of European delight.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
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Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
The tour begins in Chennai International Airport (MAA) and ends in Madurai International Airport (IXM). The extended tour ends in Cochin International Airport (COK).
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Flights generally arrive late evening in Chennai, so for this reason, no touring or activities are scheduled on Day 1, allowing you to arrive at any time. You may depart at any time after breakfast on the final day of your tour.
Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only, unless you have booked your pre- and post-accommodation with Luxury Escapes. If you have booked your pre- or post-accommodation with us, please advise our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com to arrange your transfer.
You must complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller's responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Time zone: GMT+5:30
Telephone: +91
Currency: Rupee
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: Official languages include Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam. English is widely spoken and understood.
Climate: The region has a tropical climate and depends on monsoons for rainfall. It has a non-arid climate with minimum mean temperatures of 18 °C (64 °F). Hilly areas near the Ghats experience equable climates. The hill stations are fairly cool through the year.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.