Travel to South India – Highlights of South India

Namaste! Welcome to India!
The city of Chennai grew up around Fort St. George, a citadel created by the East India Company in 1639. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is now the bustling, seaside capital of Tamil Nadu.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chennai, including stately and historic Fort St. George. Then, you’re off to Mylapore, where you’ll visit the San Thome Church, named for the Christian disciple (“Doubting Thomas”) who lived and taught here. You’ll also visit 13th centuryKapaleeswarar Temple, before heading to Mahabalipuram.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, 7th century Mahabalipuram boasts of some of India’s most sublime carved-rock art. Marvel at the exquisite Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance and the Cave Temple during your tour. Later, it’s on to Kanchipuram, a thrumming pilgrimage center that is also renowned for its silk.

Pondicherry was the capital of French colonies in India, and retains a unique mix of French flair and Indian personality. On your tour, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the charming streets of this colonial city.

Stop at Chidambaram—one of Tamil Nadu’s most important holy towns—on your way to Tanjore.  The city was capital of the powerful Chola dynasty over a thousand years ago, and Tanjore’s 93 magnificent temples still bear witness to the splendor of Chola architecture.

Visit the Rock Fort in Trichy, carved from stone that is approximately 3.8 billion years old. Climb the 434 steps that lead to the ancientTemple of Ganapati before stopping at the picture-perfect Dravidian Brihadeeshwara Temple on the way back to Tanjore. Visit a local market tonight to get a feel for the culture here.

Travel to Madurai, a center of learning in South India for centuries. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Templecomplex on cycle-rickshaw, and witness an evening aarticeremony.

This “town of temples” attracts pilgrims year round, especially to the famous Meenakshi complex. These Dravidian structures are covered with a jaw-dropping assortment of multi-colored images—gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures.  Later, see the 17th centuryTirumalai Nayak Palace and take in the captivating art, music and dance showcase at Kadambhawanam.

Continue your South India tour as you venture to Munnar, an idyllic town nestled in the Kannan Devan hills. Wander in a picturesque tea estate here, enjoying the fresh air and interacting with the local workers who will fill you in on the secrets of the Indian tea industry.

Explore Kumarakom, known as the “Venice of the East.” Set in the lush backwaters of Kerala, Kumarakom is a serene lattice of lagoons, palm-fringed lakes and winding canals. Float through this paradise and watch as rustic boats carry everything from fish, rice and coconuts to the milkman and local politicians.

Experience the backwaters on board a houseboat—a quintessential Kerala experience—before driving to Kochi (more commonly known as Cochin).  With its prime location on the west coast of India, historic Cochin was popular with seafarers and merchant ships that made frequent stops to stock up on spices and coffee.

Discover the history and charm of Cochin today. Visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India (built in 1568), see the famed Dutch Palace and the Portuguese-built, 16th century St. Francis Church. In the evening, witness the elaborate Kathakali, a distinctive southern India style of dance.

Fly to Mumbai, a modern megalopolis infused with the country’s ancient ways and eclectic personality. Sample the many flavors of Mumbai today: the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, iconic Marine Drive, the Dhobi Ghat, a huge open-air laundry, the Jain Temple and the famed Victoria Terminus.

This morning, enjoy a boat ride from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, famous for the cave temples that have been carved out of rock. After an afternoon to enjoy your last taste of India, transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.