11 Nights 12 Days

11 Nights 12 Days

South India Spiritual and Cultural Tour
This 12-day tour of South India is a journey through the region's rich culinary and cultural heritage. Travelers will experience the diverse flavors of Kerala cuisine, the ancient temples of Thanjavur, and the vibrant festivals of Madurai.
South India is a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions coexist with modern sensibilities. From the lush backwaters of Kerala to the bustling streets of Chennai, the region offers a diverse tapestry of experiences.
This tour is designed to introduce travelers to the best of South India, with a focus on its culinary and cultural heritage. Travelers will learn about the region's unique cuisine, explore its ancient temples and palaces, and witness its vibrant festivals and performances.
Throughout the tour, travelers will have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their way of life. They will also enjoy a variety of culinary experiences, from cooking demonstrations to street food crawls.
Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking to experience a new culture, this tour is the perfect way to discover the magic of South India.

Day To Day Travel Planning

01

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi, Kerala

Arrive in Kochi, check into your hotel, and enjoy a traditional Kerala welcome drink. Optionally, explore the Thripunithura Hill Palace showcasing Kerala's royal history. Discover Fort Kochi, indulge in local street food, and witness a Kathakali dance performance in the evening. Overnight stay in Kochi.

02

Day 2: Alleppey Houseboat

Drive to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat. Enjoy a cooking demonstration of Kerala cuisine on the boat. Experience the scenic backwaters and savor freshly prepared Kerala meals. Visit Alleppey Beach and interact with local fishermen. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.

03

Day 3: Kumarakom

Transfer to Kumarakom and participate in a cooking class to learn traditional Kerala recipes. Check into a luxurious resort overlooking Vembanad Lake. Explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and enjoy a sunset cruise with local refreshments. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

04

Day 4: Periyar National Park

Drive to Periyar and check into your accommodation. Visit spice plantations, learn about spices, and enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch with local families. Experience a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, a traditional art form of Kerala. Overnight stay in Periyar.

05

Day 5: Periyar National Park - Adventure Day

Embark on a jungle safari in Periyar National Park. Engage in bamboo rafting through the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Explore local markets, interact with spice vendors, and taste authentic Kerala snacks. Overnight stay in Periyar.

06

Day 6: Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Drive to Madurai and explore the local food markets, indulging in street food delicacies. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness vibrant temple ceremonies. Enjoy a classical dance or music performance in the evening. Overnight stay in Madurai.

07

Day 7: Madurai - Cultural Immersion

Visit the historical Kazimar Big Mosque and Maqbara. Explore the Gandhi Memorial Museum and understand the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Participate in a traditional Tamil cooking class and enjoy the meal you prepared. Overnight stay in Madurai.

08

Day 8: Thanjavur (Tanjore)

Drive to Thanjavur, visit local markets, and shop for unique spices and ingredients. Explore Brihadeeswarar Temple and the art-filled Tanjore Palace. Attend a classical music or dance performance in the evening. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

09

Day 9: Mahabalipuram - UNESCO Heritage Site

Drive to Mahabalipuram, indulge in seafood delicacies at a beachside restaurant. Explore the ancient rock-cut temples and witness local artisans creating stone sculptures. Attend a live performance showcasing Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

10

Day 10: Chennai - Metropolitan Exploration

 Explore local markets in Chennai, tasting various street foods and snacks. Visit DakshinaChitra, a heritage village showcasing South Indian art and craft traditions. Attend a live performance at Kalakshetra, a renowned cultural academy. Overnight stay in Chennai.

11

Day 11: Bengaluru - Garden City

Drive to Bengaluru and explore local markets, tasting regional Karnataka snacks. Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art or any ongoing art exhibitions. Attend a Kannada theatre performance or a fusion music concert in the evening. Overnight stay in Bengaluru.

12

Day 12: Departure from Bengaluru

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Depart from Bengaluru with delightful memories of your South India culinary and cultural journey. Safe travels!
 

Other Details

 Trip Inclusions 

  • Accommodation: India Tour Company- arrange accommodations in comfortable hotels or resorts for the duration of the tour. Our itinerary includes a variety of 4- and 5-star hotels, or a mix of both, depending on your preference. 
  • Transportation: A chauffeur-driven car for privacy is a great option for an India tour. It allows you to travel at your own pace and see the sights at your convenience. It also provides a safe and comfortable way to travel in a country where traffic can be chaotic. All of our cabs are Air-Conditions and chauffeurs are professionals to care for you respectfully. 

Here is a summary of the benefits of having a chauffeur-driven car for your India Tour:  

Convenience: Travel at your own pace and see the sights at your convenience, without getting lost or dealing with public transportation; Privacy: Have private conversations and enjoy your own company without worrying about other people. Safety: Chauffeur-driven cars are typically driven by experienced professionals who know the roads and traffic conditions well, which can reduce the risk of accidents. Comfort: Chauffeur-driven cars are usually well-maintained and comfortable, which is important for long journeys.

  • Sightseeing: Guided tours to major attractions and historical sites in each city, as mentioned in the itinerary. Entrance fees to monuments, museums, and other attractions are often included.
  • House Boat Cruise: Overnight luxury house boat cruise with guided tour and all meals included (lunch, evening tea, dinner, and breakfast).
  • More Cruises: Explore the backwaters of Kerala on a guided boat cruise, departing from Alleppey or Kumarakom. Cruise in Periyar-Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
  • Herbal treatments: Herbal Ayurveda massage is a traditional Indian massage therapy that uses herbal oils to improve physical and mental health. The massage is typically performed by a trained therapist who uses a variety of techniques to stimulate the body's energy channels and promote healing.
  • Cultural Shows : Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art. It is a full-body fighting system that teaches techniques in both weapons and unarmed combat. Kathakali is a traditional Indian dance form that originated in the state of Kerala, India. It is a highly stylized dance that combines elements of dance, drama, music, and storytelling. Kathakali performances typically tell stories from Hindu epics and mythology.
  • Meals: Daily breakfast with a lot of choices is usually included in the tour package. Some cases we include other meals, such as dinners or special cultural dining experiences. The specific meal inclusions vary based on the tour package.
  • Tour Guide: Knowledgeable and experienced local guides are often provided during sightseeing tours. These guides provide historical and cultural insights, enhancing the overall tour experience.
  • Activities: Inclusion of specific activities mentioned in the itinerary, such as visits to forts, palaces, markets, and other cultural experiences.
  • 24/7 Assistance: India Tour Company provides you a local SIM card on arrival. It will activate your Mobile Data and allow you to make local calls. For International calls you may use WhatsApp. Your local manager and office contact numbers for India and Australia will be provided upon booking.
  • Documentation: We-India Tour Company- often handle necessary documentation such as permits, passes, and other paperwork required for specific attractions or activities which will be complimentary in most of the cases.
  • Optional Add-ons: We can guide and support to offer optional activities or excursions that you can choose to participate in for an additional cost. These might include hot air balloon rides, cultural shows, Cooking Classes, or Herbal spa experiences.

Hotel Category

  05 Star only(Prestige Class)
  Combo of 04 & 05 Star (Luxury Blend)
  4 Star only (Exclusive Elite)
  Combo of 4 and 3 Star (Majestic Mix)

Interested Places to Visit

  North India
  South India
  North & South India
  Nepal
  Sri Lanka
  Maldives

Tailor Your Adventure: List the Cities & Experiences (Optional)

Details / Comments (preferred destinations, any health conditions, traveling with children?