SOUTHERN SPICE
Duration: 09 Days | Chennai – Kochi
Destinations: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Madurai – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kochi
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DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01 | CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM
Arrive Chennai. You will be met and assisted with your baggage at the airport by our representative. Begin a comfortable drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram (64 km | 2 hr.), a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Pallava-era monuments and coastal charm.
- Proceed to explore the iconic monuments of Mahabalipuram, starting with Arjuna’s Penance / Descent of the Ganges, an impressive open-air rock relief depicting mythological stories in exquisite detail.
- Visit the remarkable Five Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples carved from single granite boulders during the Pallava period. Each ratha is uniquely shaped and named after the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, showcasing distinct architectural styles that later influenced South Indian temple design. Though never consecrated, these structures serve as early prototypes of Dravidian architecture, featuring intricate carvings, sculpted pillars, and animal figures such as lions and elephants.
- This is followed by a visit to the famous Krishna’s Butter Ball, a gigantic natural granite boulder that appears to defy gravity as it rests precariously on a sloping hillside. Weighing several tons, this perfectly rounded rock has remained in the same position for centuries, despite earthquakes and natural erosion
- Continue to the ancient Varaha Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram, a series of rock-cut sanctuaries carved into granite cliffs during the Pallava dynasty. These caves are renowned for their finely sculpted panels of Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and Krishna, depicting mythological scenes with remarkable artistic precision. The beautifully carved pillars, detailed reliefs, and serene interiors reflect the early evolution of Dravidian temple architecture and the religious significance of the site.
- End the sightseeing at the magnificent Shore Temple, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, majestically overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
DAY 02 | MAHABALIPURAM
- Explore the ancient temple city of Kanchipuram (70 km | 2 hr.), one of the seven sacred cities of India, renowned for its magnificent Dravidian temples and spiritual heritage. Begin with Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of earth (Prithvi Lingam).
- Visit the revered Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, an incarnation of Parvati. This important Shakti shrine is known for its serene sanctum, beautiful carvings, and deep spiritual significance
- Continue to Varadharaja Perumal Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is celebrated for its grand architecture, richly sculpted pillars.
- Conclude Kanchipuram sightseeing at the historic Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- After temple visits, witness traditional Kanchipuram silk weaving, where skilled artisans create world-famous silk sarees using age-old techniques, vibrant colors, and pure zari work.
DAY 03 | MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY
After breakfast, leave for Pondicherry (96 km | 2 hr.). Arrive Pondicherry and check in at the prebooked hotel.
- Afternoon, begin the sightseeing with a visit to Auroville, an international township founded with the vision of human unity beyond nationality and religion. Walk through the peaceful surroundings and view the iconic Matrimandir, a striking golden spherical structure set amidst lush gardens.
- Continue to the French Quarter, also known as White Town, characterized by tree-lined boulevards, pastel-colored colonial villas, and elegant cafés.
- Visit the renowned Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by philosopher-yogi Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The ashram is a serene spiritual center where visitors can experience moments of silence and reflection.
- Proceed to the Puducherry Museum, which houses an impressive collection of archaeological finds, sculptures, bronzes, colonial furniture, and artifacts from the French era.
- Visit some of Pondicherry’s beautiful colonial-era churches, such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or Notre Dame des Anges Church, known for their Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and peaceful interiors that reflect French Christian heritage.
DAY 04 | PONDICHERRY - THANJAVUR
Morning, leave for Thanjavur (170 km | 03 hr.). Proceed to Chidambaram, home to the sacred Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. Continue to the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its graceful architecture, serene atmosphere, and monumental Shiva lingam. On arrival, check in at the prebooked hotel.
Afternoon, sightseeing of Thanjavur.
- Visit the magnificient Brihadishwara temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece which was built by Raja Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. This temple is one of the monuments in India with a World Heritage listing.
- Also visit the Thanjavur Palace,which houses the Art Gallery, Palace Museum, and the famous Saraswathi Mahal Library—one of Asia’s oldest libraries. Here, you will see bronze idols, royal artifacts, ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves, and historical records.
DAY 05 | THANJAVUR - MADURAI
After breakfast, leave for Madurai. En route, visit the Rock Fort Temple in Tiruchirapalli and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam—this superb temple complex is surrounded by seven concentric walls with 21 gopurams and is probably the largest in India. Continue driving to Madurai.
DAY 06 | MADURAI - THEKKADY
After breakfast, sightseeing of Madurai
- Meenakshi Amman Temple – This temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, famous for its towering gopurams and detailed sculptures. Spend time exploring the temple’s thousand-pillared hall and vibrant corridors.
- Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple – Located on a hill, this temple dedicated to Lord Murugan offers a serene atmosphere and panoramic views of Madurai city.
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace – Experience the grandeur of 17th-century Nayak architecture with its massive pillars and ornate stucco work. The palace gives insight into the royal history of Madurai.
Afternoon, drive to Thekkady – one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves noted for its geography, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty. Arrive Thekkady and check in at the prebooked hotel.
DAY 07 | THEKKADY
After breakfast, leave for Jungle Walk. The forest provides specially trained guides for early morning treks into the jungle. The treks are of a duration of 03 hrs. These treks are an ideal way to really feel the forest and to experience it closely.
Afternoon boat ride on the Lake Periyar, where one can have a unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attractions of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
DAY 08 | THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY
After breakfast, leave for Alleppey in time to board the houseboat for an overnight backwater trip. On arrival in Alleppey, commence an overnight houseboat cruise, which gives one a fascinating insight into the life of a Keralan Backwater Village. As the boat glides along the backwaters, one can see the daily life in the backwater villages. On the narrow strips of land, fishermen fishing, children swimming and playing in the water, women doing their daily chores, mobile shops in tiny canoes, the cultivation of paddy and its harvesting (during harvest season), huge country barges ferrying the coconuts, rice, coir etc. Note: The cruise commences at 1300 hrs with lunch served onboard and continues till dusk. At dusk the boat will anchor in a wide waterway or lake for the night. (The backwaters close to boat traffic at dusk as the fisherman lay their nets in the backwaters. Other boats are not allowed to ply in the backwaters after dusk.) On the following day the cruise commences again after breakfast, and you will be dropped at Alleppey by 1000 hrs.
DAY 09 | ALLEPPEY - KOCHI
Check out from the houseboat and proceed to Kochi (53 km | 01½ hr.)
Afternoon, sightseeing of Kochi. Visit Fort Kochi beach, chinese fishing nets, Vasco da Gama square, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church), Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery (view from outside), Bastion Bungalow, local spice and handicraft shops, Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue & Mattancherry Palace.
Evening, transfer to Kochi airport to board your onward/return flight.