Highlights
- Stroll along the promenade and soak up the atmosphere at Pondicherry Beach
- Marvel at Madurai's exquisite 17th-century architecture and temples
- Spot tigers, lion-tailed monkeys, and elephants in Periyar National Park
- Kick back and relax on an overnight cruise aboard a Keralan-style houseboat
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Chennai, Transfer to Ponchiderry via Mahabalipuram | Pondicherry |
| Day 2 | Visit Pondicherry Beach & Hop On a Sightseeing Tour | Pondicherry |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Madurai, One of India's Oldest Cities | Madurai |
| Day 4 | Discover Madurai's Most Spectacular Temples | Madurai |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Thekkady, Spot Tigers, Elephants & Monkeys | Thekkady |
| Day 6 | Spend Time Feeding & Bathing Elephants | Thekkady |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Alapphzha, Cruise the Backwaters in a Traditional Houseboat | Alappuzha |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Kochi & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chennai, Transfer to Ponchiderry via Mahabalipuram
Welcome to India! You'll begin your journey after you touch down at Chennai Airport and transfer to Pondicherry, stopping along the three-hour journey to visit the ancient temples at Mahabalipuram. Stretch your legs as you walk around the site and admire the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, marvel at the Five Rathas rock temples, and witness the grand Arjuna's Penance relief carving. After soaking in Mahabalipuram's rich history, get back on the road and continue to Pondicherry, where you'll get settled into your hotel.
Located on India's southeastern coast, Ponchiderry (officially known as Puducherry) was a long-time outpost of colonial France, and you'll see that history throughout the cobblestone streets and colorful houses of its French Quarter. Take a walk along the beachfront promenade for cool breezes and stunning views across the Bay of Bengal, then head to a local restaurant to sample some of the city's distinctive and renowned cuisine.
Day 2: Visit Pondicherry Beach & Hop On a Sightseeing Tour
This morning you'll embark on a spiritual and historical journey through Pondicherry, starting with a visit to Auroville, the "Universal Town" founded on the principles of peace and harmony. Here you'll explore 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.
Day 3: Transfer to Madurai, One of India's Oldest Cities
Day 4: Discover Madurai's Most Spectacular Temples
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today, you'll head off on a sightseeing tour of Madurai, starting with the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple. In this 17-acre (7 ha) Hindu complex, god and goddess are worshipped together. Marvel at the temple's intricate 17th-century architecture and 12 towering gopurams (entrance towers). From there, you'll head to Mariamman Teppakulam, a divine temple in Tamil Nadu built in honor of Lord Vigneshwara.
Later you'll explore Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a 17th-century palace known for its grand architecture, with over 250 giant pillars. Then it's on to the Gandhi Memorial Museum before concluding the day with the enchanting Aarti ceremony (the ceremony of light) at Meenakshi Temple. Retire to your hotel to relax for the evening after a busy day of sightseeing.
Day 5: Transfer to Thekkady, Spot Tigers, Elephants & Monkeys
Today you'll embark on a three-hour transfer east to Thekkady, home to India's largest wildlife sanctuary. Located in the district of Kerala, sprawling Thekkady sits at an altitude of 2,297 feet (700 m) above sea level and has lush evergreen forests. As well as the region's famous elephants and tigers, keep your eye out for leopards, boars, and lion-tailed monkeys. You might even spot one of the few white tigers that roam the sanctuary if you're lucky.
It's not just incredible wildlife at Thekkady; you can also explore the aromatic spice plantations, where you'll be captivated by the scents of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom. Later on, take a trip to the bustling Kumily Market on a walking tour, where you'll discover the town's importance as a commercial center in Kerala and engage with locals to learn about their unique way of life.
Day 6: Spend Time Feeding & Bathing Elephants
After breakfast, head into Thekkady's Periyar National Park and take a boat ride across the vast lake that sits within the park; here, you'll get to see diverse wildlife such as gaur, sambar deer, wild boar, and leopards along the way. Keep an eye out for herds of elephants enjoying the wetlands as you listen to birds and the soothing sounds of the water. After the boat ride, you'll participate in an ethical elephant program, which includes feeding and bathing these majestic creatures.
Day 7: Transfer to Alappuzha, Cruise the Backwaters in a Traditional Houseboat
Your journey continues this morning, as your driver takes you 3.5 hours east to Alappuzha, formerly known as Alleppey, passing through some beautiful scenery on your journey. This coastal town sits between the Arabian Sea and a vast landscape of canals and rivers known as "the backwaters."
Upon arrival, you'll embark on an enchanting overnight private cruise through these backwaters aboard a traditional Keralan-style houseboat (known as a kettuvallam). As you glide through this region's remarkable waterways, marvel at the Chinese fishing nets, paddy fields, coir-making locals, and ancient temples. Enjoy delicious meals prepared on board using local fish and vegetables. The comfortable houseboat features two or three bedrooms with en-suite facilities and a large open-sided sitting area.
Day 8: Transfer to Kochi & Depart
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