Spice of the South
Duration
14 days
On specific dates
Guaranteed
with 4 travellers
Max group size
16 travellers
From R55,678
WHAT TO EXPECT
Visit to Dakshina Chitra – Which showcases “A Picture of the South“. It is an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles and crafts of South India. Walk through the French Quarter of Pondicherry, which will leave you spellbound whilst experiencing the French architecture in India. Walk through some of the lush green plantations to experience the beauty of this beautiful place known as Munnar.
Spice of the South
Day 1: Chennai Arrival
Arrive in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and often referred to as the cultural capital of India for its rich traditions and heritage. Spanning over 200 square kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai serves as the gateway to South India. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight in The Accord Metropolitan (or similar)Day 2: Chennai to Pondicherry (B)
After breakfast, begin a short orientation tour of Chennai, visiting the vibrant Fish Market along Marina Beach, where early-morning activity buzzes with local fishermen and fresh catches. Explore the Kapaleeswara Temple, Chennai's largest and a Dravidian architectural gem, dedicated to Lord Shiva with traditions dating back to the 13th century. Drive to Pondicherry, stopping at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 7th-9th century rock-cut monuments, including the Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and the Shore Temple, showcasing Dravidian architecture. Arrive in Pondicherry, a coastal town rich in French heritage and cultural charm, and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight in Le Pondy (or similar)Day 3: Pondicherry (B)
After breakfast, explore Pondicherry starting with Auroville, the "City of Tomorrow," a unique township designed to promote human unity and diversity. Stroll through the French Quarters, where colonial charm persists in tree-lined streets, heritage villas, and landmarks like the Gandhi Memorial and Aayi Mandapam. Walk along the seaside promenade, passing historic sites such as Our Lady of Angels Church and Raj Nivas. Conclude with a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a globally significant spiritual institution offering charitable benefits and rich cultural heritage. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight in Le Pondy (or similar)Day 4: Pondicherry to Kumbakonam (B)
After breakfast, drive to Kumbakonam, stopping en route to visit the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, renowned for its architectural blend and key features like the Chitsabha, Nritha Sabha, and the thousand-pillar hall. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, once the Chola capital, known for its monumental Shiva temple, reminiscent of the Thanjavur Brihadeshwara temple. Arrive in Kumbakonam, an ancient temple town situated between the Cauvery and Arasalar rivers, famed for its Mahamaham festival and architectural splendor. Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight in Mantra Koodam (or similar)Day 5: Kumbakonam (B)
Visit Mr. Ramamohan’s house in Kumbakonam to learn about Kalamkari, an ancient art form he preserves and modernizes, rooted in Maratha-era Thanjavur traditions. Explore the Dharasuram Airavateshwara Temple, a stunning 12th-century Chola architectural masterpiece with intricate sculptures, a chariot-shaped mandapam, and musical pillars. In the evening, enjoy a scenic bullock cart ride through lush paddy fields and visit historic temples, Chathurkala Bhairavar and Karkadeshwar, steeped in centuries-old heritage. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Overnight in Mantra Koodam (or similar)Day 6: Kumbakonam to Chettinad (B)
After breakfast, drive to Chettinad, stopping at Thanjavur to visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeswara Temple, a 10th-century Chola architectural marvel with a 63-meter-high dome carved from a single granite piece. Continue to Chettinad, a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage, unique Chettinad mansions blending global influences, and famous temples. Explore attractions such as the Chettinad Palace, local temples, and antique markets, and discover the opulent Chettiar homes reflecting the prosperity of this historic merchant community. In the evening, enjoy a tour of Chettinad's vibrant surroundings and architectural wonders. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Overnight in Chidambara Vilas (or similar)Day 7: Chettinad to Madurai (B)
Start your day with a drive to Madurai. Discover the superb Meenakshi Temple which is approx. 2000 years old located in the heart of the old town-a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. Later, visit Tirumalai Nayak Mahal the palace (or Mahal) which was built by Thirumalai Naicker, the greatest of Nayakkar kings of Madurai. In the late Evening enjoy the ceremony 'Bedtime of the God' at Meenakshi Temple - A colourful procession, in which the image of Shiva is carried & accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests from his shrine and entering in to Parvati's (Meenakshi) temple to sleep with her for the night.
Overnight in Regency Madurai (or similar)Day 8: Madurai to Munnar (B)
After breakfast drive to Munnar. The queen of hill stations, Munnar has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers 2695 meters above sea level. Today's Munnar has unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air.
Overnight in Fragrant Nature (or similar)Day 9: Munnar (B)
Munnar is a pleasant hill station, set amongst dramatic hills with a patchwork of tea plantations, precariously perched on the side of steep embankments. The prevalence of the surrounding tea industry and the quality of the tea make Munnar one of the most important commercial centres for the tea trade. After early breakfast, enjoy a walking tour through the tea plantation in Munnar - We will walk through some of the lush green plantations to experience the beauty of this place. Visit the Srishti welfare centre. Later visit a Tea Factory and see the process of tea-making up close, with the opportunity to sample different blends and leaves - There are several tea factories in Munnar and vicinity that can be explored.
Overnight in Fragrant Nature (or similar)Day 10: Munnar to Kumarakom (B/L)
After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, stopping for a delightful lunch at Mundackal Homestay and a farm visit with a spice or rubber plantation walk. Kumarakom, a serene backwater village, is nestled on reclaimed land from the vast Vembanad Lake and is steeped in natural beauty with lush greenery, coconut groves, mangrove forests, and vibrant water lilies. Its tranquil charm, enhanced by misty mornings and verdant landscapes, offers a captivating retreat. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight in Coconut Lagoon (or similar)Day 11: Kumarakom (B/L)
Today is at leisure to savour this beautiful setting and soak up the views and atmosphere of the backwaters. Enjoy day cruising at backwaters along with the traditional lunch at House boat. This afternoon join-in a short cooking demonstration by one of our hotels chefs, showcasing the delicious fresh spicy flavours of Keralan cuisine - perhaps a simple beetroot curry or a shrimp stir-fry. Following this, move to the lakeside gardens for special sundowners with a local touch, perfect for enjoying this superb location.
Overnight in Coconut Lagoon (or similar)Day 12: Kumarakom to Cochin (B/L)
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Later, sit back and relax as we continue our Journey to Cochin. Cochin has long been eulogized in tourist literature as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Cochin (now officially known as Kochi) is one of India’s most attractive, unusual and pleasant cities. Built on a series of islands and surrounded by water, it is a port town with a complicated mix of influences and history, and is India’s oldest ‘European’ city. Many cultures including Portuguese, Syrian, Chinese, Islamic and Jewish have had a huge impact on the city. It is home to some beautiful colonial architecture, the distinctive large Chinese fishing nets which are suspended from the quayside and the charismatic Jewish Town. With most main attractions based on Fort Cochin island, this is a great place for exploring, shopping for souvenirs and antiques and also for delicious culinary experiences – all accessible by foot from your hotel. We visit a cultural centre for a short demonstration of some of the famous Keralan performing arts, including thevam and kathakali, with their lavish costumes and subtle body language.
Overnight in Fragrant Nature (or similar)Day 13: Cochin (B/D)
Begin the day with a walking tour of Fort Cochin, exploring its rich history shaped by Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Jewish influences. Visit landmarks such as St. Francis Church, the burial site of Vasco da Gama, the Santa Cruz Basilica with its stunning ceiling paintings, and the Dutch Cemetery. Stroll along the seaside promenade and marvel at the iconic Chinese fishing nets, unique to Kochi. In the evening, enjoy a 1.5-hour motorboat cruise around Cochin Harbor, taking in picturesque islands, serene backwaters, and a breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner at Brunton Boatyard, enjoying wine or beer, and spend the night at the hotel.
Overnight in Fragrant Nature (or similar)Day 14: Cochin Departure (B)
Its time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. Your journey ends after breakfast with a transfer to Cochin airport for your flight towards your next destination.
Tour Images
Inclusions
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Insider Experiences
Arts & Craft - Ancient art form of Kalamkari and interaction with Mr. Rammohan in Kumbakonam
Arts & Craft - Demonstration of Keralan performing arts, including thevam and kathakali
Social - Visit the Srishti welfare centre
Social / Taste - Visit a family-run plantation and enjoy lunch at their house
Spiritual - ‘Bedtime of the God’ ceremony at Meenakshi Temple
Spiritual - Visit the spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Taste - Visit a Tea Factory to see the tea-making process and sample different blends
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Accommodation
13 nights in 3-4 star hotels
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Meals
Daily breakfast
3 local lunches
1 local dinner
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Transport
Airport transfer on arrival and departure
Transport in Air-conditioned Vehicles -
Touring
English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees for locations specified
Tipping for Guide and Driver
Departure Dates
| START DATE | END DATE | PRICE TWIN SHARE | PRICE SINGLE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 20 May 2025 | Monday, 02 June 2025 | 55678 | 80594 |
| Tuesday, 07 October 2025 | Monday, 20 October 2025 | 64212 | 95056 |
| Tuesday, 21 October 2025 | Monday, 03 November 2025 | 64212 | 95056 |
| Tuesday, 04 November 2025 | Monday, 17 November 2025 | 64212 | 95056 |
| Tuesday, 18 November 2025 | Monday, 01 December 2025 | 64212 | 95056 |
| Tuesday, 02 December 2025 | Monday, 15 December 2025 | 64212 | 95056 |
| Tuesday, 13 January 2026 | Monday, 26 January 2026 | 64212 | 95056 |
| Tuesday, 03 February 2026 | Monday, 16 February 2026 | 68905 | 103864 |
| Tuesday, 17 February 2026 | Monday, 02 March 2026 | 68905 | 103864 |
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