Welcome to India! You will be met on arrival at the airport, and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Depart Chennai this morning for a scenic 3.5-hour drive south to Pondicherry, a city with a rich and ancient history that stretches back to the Vedic era. Over the centuries, Pondicherry has been shaped by various cultures, from the Romans, who traded here over two millennia ago, to the Portuguese, who arrived in 1521, followed by Dutch and Danish traders. However, it was the French who left the most lasting impact on the city, purchasing it in the late 17th century and only relinquishing control in 1954. Today, Pondicherry is a unique destination in India, combining the allure of French colonial charm with Tamil warmth and culture, all while maintaining a cosmopolitan flair.

Your accommodation in Pondicherry is at Palais de Mahe, located on Rue de Bussy in the quiet and picturesque French Quarter of the city. This beautifully restored property offers an ideal base for exploring the area on foot, with easy access to the city’s many attractions. From the French-style villas and boulevards to the vibrant local markets and coastal beauty, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the distinctive blend of cultures that make Pondicherry a fascinating and memorable destination.

While there are plenty of fascinating sites to explore in Pondicherry, such as churches, temples, museums, and the Botanic Gardens, for many, a perfect day in the city revolves around shopping and dining.

Pondicherry is a retail haven, with boutiques lining almost every street, offering a diverse array of goods to suit all tastes. From vibrant textiles and handcrafted leather items to intricate pottery, local handicrafts, aromatic oils, fashion, antiques, and more, there's something for everyone. For a completely different shopping experience and a lively slice of local life, make sure to visit M.G. Road on a Sunday. The colourful market is bustling with people and stalls, offering an exuberant atmosphere and plenty of photo opportunities. This area is a reflection of traditional Tamil Pondy, presenting a stark contrast to the city's more sophisticated boutiques and designer stores.

When it comes to dining, Pondicherry offers a wide variety of choices, blending both Indian and French influences. The city’s diverse restaurant scene means you’ll never be short of options, whether you're in the mood for something local or more international. For those craving Western dishes, there are many excellent places to indulge in healthy salads, freshly brewed coffee, crusty bread, and indulgent cakes and pastries. La Maison Rose and La Pasta World are both renowned for their delicious Italian fare, while Café Ole offers a variety of sandwiches and is a popular spot for a relaxed lunch. For a truly special experience, don’t miss the rooftop restaurant at Palais de Mahe, where you can enjoy spectacular views while savouring a seafood platter that is hard to beat.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart for the 4-hour drive to Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, a town rich in history and culture. Once the capital of the powerful Chola kings, Tanjore is renowned for its monumental Brihadeeswara Temple, an architectural masterpiece built over 1,000 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the finest examples of Dravidian (South Indian) temple architecture and is considered the pinnacle of Chola architectural achievement. The temple is especially famous for its towering central spire, which stands as one of the tallest of its kind, and for the impressive engineering techniques used in its construction, many of which remain a marvel to this day.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, Svatma, a newly built luxury property nestled in a quiet lane in the heart of Tanjore. Surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, Svatma provides a serene and peaceful retreat, offering a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. Its tranquil setting is in contrast to the lively streets nearby, and the hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the town's vibrant culture and history. With its impeccable service and relaxed atmosphere, Svatma ensures a comfortable and convenient stay, just a short walk away from the bustling heart of the city.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, with a variety of activities available to immerse you in the rich culture of Tamil Nadu.

If you're a foodie, you may wish to join a cooking class that focuses on traditional local vegetarian cuisine, offering a chance to learn how to prepare authentic Tamil dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Alternatively, you can explore the traditional arts of the region through demonstrations of bronze casting, handloom weaving, and Thanjavur painting. The Thanjavur painting technique is particularly unique, incorporating gemstones into the artwork to create stunning, intricate designs that reflect the cultural heritage of the area.

For those interested in history and architecture, a guided visit to the renowned Brihadeeswara Temple is a must. With the help of an academic expert, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the temple’s restoration, its architectural significance, and the intricate iconography that adorns its walls and structures. This experience offers a fascinating insight into the temple’s historical and cultural importance, making it even more meaningful.

If you’re looking to unwind and relax, the resort offers yoga and meditation classes that allow you to embrace the spiritual side of Tamil culture, helping you find peace and tranquillity. Afterward, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments at the resort’s luxury spa, where you can unwind and revitalise your body and mind.

Today, travel to Madurai, a 3-hour drive from your current location. As one of South India’s oldest cities, Madurai has been a significant centre for learning and pilgrimage for centuries, largely due to the iconic Meenakshi Temple. This temple is not only a religious focal point but also a living symbol of the city’s spiritual heart.

After a relaxing afternoon at your leisure, head out for an early evening visit to the Meenakshi Temple, a truly unforgettable experience. The temple complex, with its twelve towering gopurams (gateway towers), is adorned with literally hundreds of thousands of deities, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. Located in the heart of the old town, the temple complex spans six hectares and features soaring 50-metre-high towers and a magnificent 1,000-pillared hall. As one of the largest and most visually striking temples in India, it is filled with a variety of shrines, halls, and colonnades, all bustling with colour, noise, and the lively presence of devotees.

Visiting the temple during the late afternoon or early evening offers a chance to witness the aarti ceremony, a vibrant and deeply spiritual event where the temple’s priests perform ritual offerings to the deities, accompanied by chanting and music. The atmosphere during this ceremony is electric, offering a unique glimpse into the religious practices that define Madurai.

Your accommodation in Madurai is at the charming Heritage Madurai, a hotel that combines traditional Tamil architecture with modern comforts, providing the perfect retreat after your day of exploration.

Before departing Madurai today, you may like to take an early morning walk through the streets and lanes around the Meenakshi Temple. This is when the city comes to life, with fruit and flower markets being set up, holy water being carried to the temple, and the first cups of chai or Madurai coffee being brewed for the day. It's a photographer's dream and a chance to experience the vibrant daily life of this temple town.

After breakfast, begin the 4-hour drive to Thekkady in the Western Ghats, where your accommodation, Aanavilasam, awaits. This eco-friendly boutique homestay is set on 2.83 hectares of private estate surrounded by a pristine cardamom and pepper plantation. With luxurious yet casual and welcoming accommodation, Aanavilasam offers a personalised country retreat. You can enjoy the peace of the natural surroundings or take part in the various activities the region has to offer, making it the perfect place to unwind or explore, depending on your preferences.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, with plenty of activities available both within Aanavilasam and in the surrounding area. For bird lovers, the homestay is surrounded by a variety of exotic and colourful bird species, many of which can be spotted around the plantation, including some rarer species.

A short walk away is a friendly village where you can explore typical Kerala-style homes and experience the local way of life. You can also take a bullock cart ride through the nearby farmlands, offering a peaceful insight into the slower pace of rural life.

For those interested in nature, a visit to the nearby Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended. Just a 15-minute drive away, this sanctuary is one of the oldest and most famous in Kerala, and one of India’s 27 tiger reserves. An early morning or late afternoon tour offers the best chance to see wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species, in their natural habitat. Whether you choose to relax, explore the village, or visit the sanctuary, today offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and culture of the region.

Depart Thekkady this morning for a scenic 3-hour drive to your ‘home’ for the next two nights, the enchanting Coconut Lagoon, located deep in the heart of Kerala’s lush backwater country. This 12-hectare, eco-friendly property is nestled within a coconut grove on the tranquil shores of Vembanad Lake. The resort is surrounded by swaying palms, vibrant fruit trees, flowering shrubs, and organic rice paddies, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Coconut Lagoon is a unique river resort, offering a truly immersive experience in Kerala’s natural beauty. The property is accessible only by boat, adding to its charm and ensuring a peaceful, uninterrupted atmosphere. As you arrive by boat, you’ll be greeted by the stunning sights of the lake and the surrounding greenery, with the calming sounds of nature enhancing the experience. This idyllic retreat offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, allowing you to unwind in a beautiful natural environment while enjoying the authenticity and tranquillity of Kerala’s backwaters.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, with plenty of activities available to help you relax or explore the beauty of Coconut Lagoon and its surroundings. Start your day with an early morning yoga session, a wonderful way to energise your body and mind. Yoga and meditation classes are held daily at an open-air platform yoga centre, where you can enjoy the fresh air and calming sounds of nature while practising mindfulness and flexibility.

For those interested in nature, you can take a guided walk around the resort with a knowledgeable naturalist, who will share fascinating insights into the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this lush environment. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby village, where the path winds through paddy fields and tranquil waterways, offering glimpses of local life and the rural charm of Kerala.

If you're drawn to the outdoors, spend time in the resort's enchanting butterfly garden, or take to the water by canoeing or fishing with one of the local fishermen. This is a great way to connect with the landscape while experiencing a traditional way of life. For food lovers, why not join a cooking class and learn the secrets behind Kerala’s rich vegetarian and seafood cuisine from one of the resort’s expert chefs? This hands-on experience will give you a taste of the region’s culinary heritage, from the flavours of fresh coconut to the aromatic spices that make Kerala cuisine so unique.

If relaxation is more your style, indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, a therapeutic treatment that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for the short 30-minute drive to Marari Beach, a tranquil and relatively undiscovered stretch of coastline nestled between the famous backwaters of Alleppey and the cultural hub of Cochin. Marari Beach offers a serene escape, perfect for those seeking a quiet, idyllic retreat.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is at A Beach Symphony, an intimate luxury hideaway that exudes a personal and friendly atmosphere while ensuring plenty of privacy. This small boutique property consists of just four traditional fishermen’s cottages, each offering a comfortable and unique stay. Set amidst a beautifully landscaped sandy garden dotted with vibrant plants, hammocks, and tall palms, A Beach Symphony provides a relaxed and peaceful environment, just metres from Marari's unspoiled white beach. With its blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, the property is an ideal place to unwind, offering a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility to the beach.

You may wish to rise early this morning and take a leisurely stroll down to the beach to witness the local Mararikulam fishermen bringing in their catch, often battling the powerful breakers. It’s a picturesque scene that hasn’t changed much in a thousand years, and it's perfect for capturing beautiful photographs. Most guests at this property enjoy spending their days lounging on the beach or relaxing by the private swimming pool in the garden pavilion, swaying gently in a hammock, or reading books in the comfortable chairs on the verandas.

If you're seeking a bit more activity, you can take a bike ride around the neighbourhood or venture further afield to explore the area at your own pace. For those looking to experience the local culture, a personalised tour can be arranged in an auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk) to visit some of the nearby temples and churches, or perhaps explore the local coir industry, where you can learn about the traditional art of coir making.

For a more immersive experience, you may want to explore the famous backwaters of Kerala. Day trips to Alleppey, complete with boat tours on the serene Vembanad Lake and its intricate canals, can be easily arranged. Alternatively, if you’re after ultimate relaxation, why not indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage or treatment at the hotel’s newly opened ‘Ayur Kutiram’ Ayurvedic massage centre?

Depart Marari this morning for the 1.5-hour drive to Cochin, which many consider the jewel of Kerala, especially if you believe that Kerala is India’s most beautiful state. The lovely port city of Cochin has a long and fascinating history, particularly in the Fort Kochi area, where you’ll find remnants of its rich cultural past. Over the centuries, the city has been shaped by various traders and explorers, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese, who were some of the first to arrive. Later, it became a much sought-after prize in the colonial battles that began with the Portuguese in 1503, followed by the Dutch, French, and British, each leaving their mark on the city.

Your accommodation in Cochin is at Malabar House, a historic property that’s an integral part of Fort Kochi’s story. Originally purchased by Dutchman Jan Herman Clausing in 1755, it was later owned by spice and tea traders, as well as bankers, before being transformed into a boutique heritage hotel in 1996.

Located on the old parade ground in the heart of the heritage zone, Malabar House is surrounded by historical buildings and faces the iconic St Francis Church. Set within a lush garden, complete with large trees and tropical vegetation, the property comprises just seventeen luxury rooms and suites. Each room is elegantly furnished with a mix of contemporary and antique colonial pieces, artwork, and locally woven textiles. The hotel’s eclectic decor features original artefacts, including temple sculptures, and bold splashes of vivid colours, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. This blend of traditional and modern elements beautifully reflects the cultural richness of the Malabar coast.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, with a variety of options for relaxation and exploration. If you're keen to explore, the fascinating historical area around your hotel offers a wealth of sights to discover. You can wander through the winding streets of Fort Kochi, where you'll encounter a fascinating mix of architectural and cultural influences. Notable sights include the historic Jewish Synagogue, the beautiful Portuguese churches, Dutch-era buildings, as well as mosques, temples, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets, which have become synonymous with the city. This area is a treasure trove of history and culture, making it a wonderful place to stroll and take in the local sights.

If you'd prefer a more relaxed day, you can unwind in the comfort of your hotel. Enjoy some downtime on your private terrace, or take a dip in the plunge pool located in the airy internal courtyard, which is surrounded by frangipani trees. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the tranquillity of the environment and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

For those in need of some rejuvenation, consider indulging in a relaxing massage at the hotel’s spa. The treatment offered here, known as Kalari, is rooted in one of the oldest schools of Ayurveda, offering a deeply therapeutic and rejuvenating experience.

We hope you enjoyed your luxurious journey through South India! Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.