15 Nights - 16 Days

15 Nights - 16 Days

A Gastronomic and Cultural Odyssey Through South India
Welcome to an enchanting 16-day expedition across South India, where delectable cuisine and captivating culture entwine to create an unforgettable travel experience. In this culinary odyssey, you'll venture through the vibrant streets of Kochi, tasting traditional Kerala delicacies and witnessing the mesmerizing Kathakali dance. Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey, savoring local spices and fresh catches prepared on a traditional houseboat.
Your journey continues in Tamil Nadu, where Madurai invites you to explore bustling markets, learn the art of Tamil cooking, and immerse in the soul-stirring temple ceremonies. Thanjavur beckons with its grand temples and classical art performances, while Kumbakonam introduces you to pottery-making and the flavorful Chettinad cuisine.
Pondicherry welcomes with French pastries and coffee, leading to serene beach days and vibrant folk performances. Mahabalipuram's ancient marvels and seafood delights provide a feast for the senses, under the starlit sky accompanied by Bharatanatyam performances.
The vibrant metropolis of Chennai offers street food escapades and cultural explorations. Bengaluru, in Karnataka, showcases innovative culinary delights and traditional fare, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
This journey, designed for both epicureans and culture enthusiasts, promises not only the tastes of South India but also the essence of its soul - the warmth of its people, the vivacity of its traditions, and the harmony of its cultural expressions. As we embark on this gastronomic and cultural adventure, every dish becomes a story, and every performance paints a vivid portrait of the rich tapestry that is South India. Bon appétit and let the exploration begin!

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.
  • Optional: Visit Thripunithura Hill Palace, showcasing Kerala's royal history.
  • Explore Fort Kochi, indulge in local street food, and witness Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
    Overnight stay in Kochi
02

Day : 2 Alleppey Houseboat

  • Drive to Alleppey, board a traditional houseboat, and enjoy a cooking demonstration of Kerala cuisine on the boat.
  • Experience the scenic beauty of the backwaters and enjoy freshly prepared Kerala meals.
  • Visit Alleppey Beach and interact with local fishermen to learn about their daily lives.
  • Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.
03

Day : 3 Kumarakom

  • Transfer to Kumarakom, 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, explore the local food markets, and indulge in street food delicacies.
  • Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness the 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 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 the 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 Kumbakonam - Temple Town

  • Drive to Kumbakonam, participate in a pottery-making workshop in a local village.
  • Explore ancient temples and witness traditional rituals.
  • Enjoy a traditional Chettinad cuisine dinner with a local family.
  • Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.

 

10

Day : 10 Pondicherry - French Riviera of the East

  • Drive to Pondicherry, explore local bakeries offering French pastries and coffee.
  • Visit Aurobindo Ashram, explore the French Quarter, and dine at a French-inspired restaurant.
  • Attend a live art performance or cultural event in the evening.
  • Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
11

Day : 11 Pondicherry - Beach Relaxation

  • Relax on Paradise Beach, participate in a fishing experience with local fishermen.
  • Visit local villages, interact with artisans, and learn about traditional crafts.
  • Experience a traditional folk dance or music performance in the evening.
  • Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
12

Day : 12 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.
13

Day : 13 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.
14

Day : 14 Bengaluru - Garden City

  • Drive to Bengaluru, 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.
15

Day : 15 Bengaluru - City Exploration

  • Explore innovative attractions like Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum.
  • Enjoy a culinary tour in Bengaluru, tasting local Karnataka cuisine.
  • Attend a traditional art exhibition or craft fair featuring local artisans.
  • Farewell dinner with a diverse menu of South Indian and Karnataka delicacies.
  • Overnight stay in Bengaluru.
16

Day : 16 Departure from Bengaluru

  • Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
  • Depart from Bengaluru with delightful memories of your South India culinary and cultural journey.
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?