SOUTH INDIA - 13 Days

Arrival, transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time visit the city of Chennai including Fort St.Georges and Vivekanada House. Overnight in Chennai.

This morning drive towards Kanchipuram to visit the beautiful temple. After the visit direction Mahabalipuram. The city was, nearly 2000 years ago, a seaport known to Phoenician, Arab and Greek merchants. It is to the Pallavas kings that we owe the extraordinary testimonies of Indian rock art from the 7th and 8th centuries gathered at Mahabalipuram. By the sea, visit the Temple du Rivage. Undergoing the onslaught of spray and waves for more than thirteen centuries, the Shore Temple, dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu, is one of the most attractive in South India. Then, the Ratha of the south, monolithic temples in the form of processional chariots dating from the 7th century. Discovery of the bas-relief representing the “descent of the Ganges”, reputed to be the largest in the world. This large sculpted section of rock shows a host of animals, supernatural beings, graceful figures, aquatic deities contemplating the descent of the Ganges, represented by a waterfall falling from the top of the cliff. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Former French counter and vestige of an imperial ambition which died out in 1954 after three centuries of presence. Poudouchéry located on the east coast of the subcontinent. Thus began the epic of France in India, of which Pondicherry remains the symbol. Visit of the Sri Aurobindo ashram and the cenotaph of “The Mother”. Stroll through the districts formerly occupied by the French: post office, bookstore, Alliance française… You will discover streets with evocative names: Romain Rolland, La Bourdonnais and other Avenue Goubert. Walk along the Beach Road.

After breakfast local visit of Pondicherry. The rest of the day free. Overnight in Pondicherry.

On the road to Tanjore, visit Darasuram. Discovery of the temple of Airavateshvara with delicate sculptures. Then to Tanjore (4h30 drive in all),visit of the temple of Brihadishvara, marvel of Chola architecture of the 10th century. Technical prowess, quality of the carved decoration, harmony and serenity… the temple of Brihadishvara, soaring 70 meters in height is surmounted by a monolithic dome of 80 tons, is an absolute masterpiece. Overnight in Tanjoure.

This morning visit Tanjore Palace then proceed to Trichy, another of the major temple towns of Tamil Nadu. On your arrival installation at the hotel. In the afternoon, travel to Srirangam, a large island in the middle of two branches of the Cauvery River and home to one of the largest temple complexes in Asia. Srirangam Temple not only houses a major shrine, but also a thriving city within its seven concentric walls – the entire complex spans over 60 hectares. For superb views of the river, temple and city, you can climb the 437 steps to the top of Rock Fort in the center of town – best done at the end of the day when the temperature drops. The area around Rock Fort has a beautiful bazaar and is home to India’s largest textile store – a massive business with 5 floors of fabrics. Overnight in Trichy.

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad region. This area is famous for its vast and impressive mansions, built by the Chettiar merchant community in the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. The area retains a very traditional feel, and this combination of opulence and humility, along with a range of excellent heritage accommodation options, makes it a singularly unique place to spend time. You can explore and stroll through the many small towns and villages, visit local temples and cottage industries, or shop for antiques at the Karaikudi district headquarters. Overnight in Chettinad.

Depart Chettinad for the short drive to Madurai. Visit the Minakshi Sundareshvara shrine. Of all the temples of the South, here is the most extraordinary, by its architecture and the astonishing baroque profusion of sculptures that adorn its gopurams, and by the incredible vibration of the flow of life that animates it. All the life of this bustling city converges on this Vijayanagar-style shrine, rebuilt in the 17th century by King Tirumalai-Nayak. Devotees come from very far away to gather with Shiva-Sundareshwara and his shakti Menakshi. Overnight in Madurai.

An early start this morning for our walking tour of Vanakkam Madurai which is a great way to see the city as it wakes up at dawn. You’ll meet locals, explain traditions, and experience the city in a way that’s simply not possible when traffic is everywhere. Return to the hotel.
Leave Madurai after breakfast. 4 hour drive in the hills to the city of Thekkady, bordering the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Late afternoon visit the spice garden and the spice market. In the evening enjoy the traditional Kerala martial arts show – spectacle – Kalaripyattu. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, go for a boat safari on Lake Periyar. Road towards Alleppey. On your arrival installation on your Houseboat to enjoy the thrilling experience on the backwater of Kerala. During this cruise, you will be able to see the beautiful villages, rice fields, small churches and temples. Your crew will prepare delicious meals on board. Night on the Houseboat – In the boat, the air conditioning will work in the room from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. B
only (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

After breakfast, head to Fort Cochin. On your arrival installation at your hotel and the day free. In the evening you enjoy the traditional dance performance of Kerala Kathakali.

After breakfast, guided tour of historic Fort Cochin passing by the Synagogue (closed on Friday afternoon and Saturday), the Dutch Palace (closed on Friday), St. Francis Church, the Basilica of Santa Cruz and Chinese fishing nets. The evening is free to go to the markets for last-minute purchases or to stroll around this small town. Overnight in Fort Cochin.

Depending on your departure flight schedule, you will be transferred to Cochin airport before 12:00 (breakfast). End of your journey.