South India: Temples and Backwaters

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.

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 years, where residents have kept alive many of Chennai's traditions and arts. Stroll with your guide who shares stories of local life, of gods and demons, of ancient customs and symbolisms, and of Mylapore and Madras - some amusing and some baffling. This evening, gather for cocktails at the hotel followed by a welcome dinner.

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 Himalayas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before proceeding to Pondicherry, where you settle into your hotel and have dinner.

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, ongoing experiment in the transformation of consciousness was founded and enjoy insider access opportunities with community members who help you gain a deeper understanding of their approach to living. This afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community dwelling in Pondicherry, and stroll the city's French Quarter.

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 hotel and, later, join your fellow guests for dinner.

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 Sits. 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 before driving to Chettinad. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later this evening enjoy a mouth-watering cooking demonstration led by a chef on site.

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.

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.

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 breakfast and some time free, venture overland 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 thirst-quenching drink.

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 the gentle backwaters of a nearby river and explore local villages. Learn about the residents' traditional crafts and agricultural practices such as toddy tapping, climbing coconut trees, weaving coconut leaves and fishing. Also discover how India's Responsible Tourism initiative seeks to minimize negative economic, environmental and social impacts of overtourism.

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.

Set out on a city tour of Kochi, visiting the Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Net, St. Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace, to get a feel for the diverse cultures that are part of life here. The afternoon is yours, for relaxing or exploring at your own pace.

Transfer to the airport for your departing flight.