Quest of The Southern Senses

Day 1  Chennai      
Arrive in Chennai and be transferred to your hotel. Settle into your accommodation for the next two nights and Chennai’s sole heritage hotel, Taj Connemara. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure before a welcome dinner at the award-winning Raintree Restaurant to savour regional flavours.    

Day 2  Chennai    
After breakfast, join an expert guide as you embark on the British Blueprint Trail. Learn about the city’s colonial evolution and its renowned Indo-Saracenic architecture. Witness the vibrant tapestry of Indian, Islamic and Gothic revival of buildings that are adorned with both Hindu Gods and Muslim domes, stained glass and Greek columns. Conclude your tour at the Government Museum where a range of impressive bronze sculptures are displayed. Savour lunch at Anise in Taj Coromandel before traversing your way through the bustling lanes of Georgetown. Your guide will show you where to find fresh produce, market stalls and allow you to sample hand selected street food treats. Enjoy the majestic sunset at Marina Beach to round out your day in Chennai.    

Day 3  Chennai to Pondicherry    
This morning, travel south to the historic Pallava capital of Mahabalipuram and see the spectacular sites of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave temples, bas-relief sculptures, carved pillared halls and the inspiring shore temple. Indulge in lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Pondicherry, a French colonial settlement with impressive tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured villas and trendy boutiques. Later, explore Pondicherry by foot and wander through the shady streets of the French Quarter towards the world-famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram.  

Day 4  Pondicherry    
Begin the day with a visit to the 'City of Dawn’, Auroville. This experimental, New Age community attracts devotees from over 45 nations who are interested in learning about the teachings of ‘The Mother’. Explore the unique utopian community which boasts a vast Matrimandir hall, a huge meditation centre and many vibrant bohemian residents. Lunch will be served in the Solar Kitchen. In the afternoon enjoy your Real Moment. Enjoy a gastronomy experience diving into the history of regional cuisine your chef to a local market in Pondicherry, take in the sights, smells and tastes. Learn how to discern fresh local product before creating your own traditional dish in a Creole cooking class.

Day 5  Pondicherry to Kumbakonam
Venture further south to discover one of India's oldest towns, Kumbakonam. Decorated with many temples, this unique town is also known for its Chola heritage, remarkable educational institutes and the colourful Mahamaham Festival. Visit a bronze-caster’s workshop in Swami Malai to witness the timeless 'Lost Wax' technique in real time as craftsmen create ornate bronze sculptures using wax and riverbed clay molds. Then delve into the magical process of 'Pattu' silk weaving. See the creation of intricately designed silk saris as artists weave fabric together on hand-assembled wooden machines. Mantra Koodam is your accommodation for the evening and reflects the historical, cultural and spiritual influences of the surrounding region. Savour dinner at the hotel.    

Day 6  Kumbakonam    
Today, the exploration of Kumbakonam’s traditional crafts continues with your Real Moment. Create your own kolam, a display of rice flour, coloured chalk and herbs, often displayed outside homes as a sign of health and prosperity. After, head towards the region of Chettinad via the historic town of Thanjavur and see some of the most renowned Indian landmarks, Chola Temples. Before continuing on to Chettinad, enjoy lunch at Svatma hotel. Later arrive in Chettinad, a region renowned for its palatial homes. Tonight, be treated to a stay in a splendidly restored mansion full of heritage, Visalam.    

Day 7  Kumbakonam to Chettinad    
Spend your day discovering Chettinad with its wide streets of palatial mansions adorned with Italian marble and Burmese teak. See the Arraynar shrine of Kothadi before immersing your senses with the sights and smells of local markets. Discover craftsmen at work at the Athangudi handmade tile-making unit and admire traditional sarees at a weaving centre. In Karaikudi, visit the antiques market on Muneeswaran Koil Street and purchase some unique souvenirs. Later, explore the weekly market accompanied by your chef and handpick ingredients from a range of various vendors. Return to the hotel’s kitchen to prepare tonight’s meal with your findings for a local culinary experience.

Day 8  Chettinad to Madurai    
This morning, you’ll continue on your journey to Madurai. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll demystify the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Temple and its 14 vibrant gateway towers. This multi-tiered, technicolour work of art is decorated with an array of mythical carvings and is renowned for its pilgrimage status. This location is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and is truly a site to behold. In the afternoon, discover the vivacious markets, temples, palaces and museums on a guided tour of the city. Take a tuk tuk and observe an arti Hindu prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. Treat the senses with mesmerising hymns, rhythmic drumming and aromatic incense. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel. You’ll stay at the beautiful Gateway Hotel, crowning Pasumalai Hill.    

Day 9  Madurai to Periyar    
Depart Madurai and head towards the lush mountain range known as the Western Ghats to Periyar National Park in Kerala. Once you arrive in Periyar, settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Uncover the Batlagundu village experience. Centred around agriculture and a hub for wholesale businesses, this town’s economy flourishes by cultivating mountain-grown vegetables and fruits. You’ll discover the local market with its array of local fare including spices and meat. Venture through fields and learn about the water body system before visiting a local 400-year-old temple to participate in prayers. At the end of the tour, savour a traditional banana leaf lunch at a local village home for an unforgettable cultural experience.    

Day 10  Periyar    
Before breakfast, you’ll join your expert tribal guide for a nature walk. Wander through lush forests and rolling grasslands. Admire vibrant birdlife, elephants and glimpse big cats. Afterwards, return to your accommodation for a leisurely breakfast and spend the morning relaxing in your idyllic surroundings. Later take in the smells of a local spice plantation on your Real Moment. In the evening, discover Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s form of ancient martial art. Deriving from traditional warfare, witness the art of this movement in an arena.  

Day 11  Periyar to Kumarakom    
Head towards Kumarakom, a set of enchanting back-water islands bordering Lake Vembanad attracting many nature enthusiasts. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at Coconut Lagoon, your scenic luxury resort. Situated on the banks of the lake, it is the perfect location to bask in the wilderness or enjoy wellness spaces such as the accommodation’s spa and yoga.  

Day 12  Kumarakom    
Spread over 25 acres of idyllic tropical gardens, spend the day cruising aboard your houseboat and absorb the serene setting. Float through rice paddy fields, bright houses and vibrant riverside scenes of fishermen and local children playing. For lunch, relish a flavourful feast of local cuisine curated by your onboard chef.

Day 13  Kumarakom    
Awake at your stunning location and start the day with a 45-minute Ayurvedic massage to restore your balance between mind, body and soul. Delve into the Ayurveda philosophy merging traditional wisdom with modern challenges. The rest of the day is yours to choose. Embark on an exciting tour of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or immerse yourself in traditional activities from coir making to coconut tree climbing on a visit to the Kumarakom village. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Coconut Lagoon and indulge in local Kerala cuisine.    

Day 14  Kumarakom    
The time has come to farewell your enriching small group journey through southern India. You’ll be met by your representatives in the reception area of your hotel and continue to your private transfer towards the airport.  

Please note: You can choose to join onto either of the following extensions after this tour:
4 day Kumarakom Lake Resort Extension    
4 day Kovalam Extension    
4 day Goa Extension