Day 1

ARRIVE CHENNAI, INDIA

Arrive in Chennai and transfer to your hotel

Day 2

CHENNAI

After a leisurely morning at the hotel, start your tour of Cebu with some quiet time to explore Fort St. George, made in 1640. Today, it is mainly a museum and includes St. Mary's Church. Explore the National Arts Gallery whose exhibits feature all major South Indian periods, including the Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya and stop at Kapaleeswara, also known as Shivaji Nagar Temple. It houses one of India's most beautiful temples with an elaborately carved temple tower. End your day with some peace at Santhome Cathedral which is a monument, built in Gothic style with beautiful spires reaching 155 feet into the sky.

Day 3

MAHABALIPURAM

Start your trip with breakfast, then stop to see the Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram. This designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of many different sculptures and depictions, which were created out of enormous rocks and showcase life-sized figures of animals, gods, and saints. Nearby, visit the shallow mandaps that have been sculpted out of the rocky hillside and portray stories from Indian mythology. Finally, you will be able to see the Shore Temple as well as some beautiful gardens. You will be traveling back to Chennai for lunch before making this day come to an end.

Day 4

PUDUCHERRY

Start in the French Quarter, where you will explore on foot, admiring its wide streets and colonial architecture. Next, stay at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram for spiritual guidance from those who live there. While you are there, learn about cooking Indian food from a local chef to get insider knowledge. Finally, visit Auroville for day trips if you decide to stay longer.

Day 6

THANJAVUR

Drive farther south to Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore), the ancient Chola capital, stopping on the way in Chidambaram to visit the vibrant Nataraja Temple, famed for its bronze dancing Shiva. Observe the daily Brahmin rituals at shrines throughout the 40-acre complex.

Day 7

THANJAVUR

A visit to Brihadisvara Temple is a must for anyone coming to India. You can see many intricate sculptures and enjoy Stucco Sculptures, shrines and statues in this 11th-century temple. Additionally, you should also go to the Tanjore Palace a visit that features some of the most magnificent artisans catering to tourists like you. Watch master painters perfect their craft in the Thanjavur style and enjoy a sampler of Indian Classical music by an expert player sculpting from wood. It’s not as simple as it seems at first glance, but this much is clear: everyone here lives and breathes art, past and present.

Day 8

KARAIKUDI

Journey on to the Chettinad region, home to a prosperous banking and business community and remarkable cuisine, among Tamil Nadu’s most famous. Take a bull cart to lunch, where you’ll savor the subtle and aromatic local flavors, followed by a visit to a tile factory and a weaving center to admire soft cotton sarees before continuing to Madurai. This evening, enjoy a sundowner on the magnificent Moon Deck overlooking Madurai city followed by dinner.

Day 9

MADURAI

Join your private guide for an early morning walking tour of Madurai. Discover equal parts legend and history as you wander through this ancient Tamil capital. Return to your hotel for breakfast before exploring Madurai’s great 17th-century Meenakshi Amman Temple. The largest temple complex in southern India, and as significant to the region’s architectural legacy as the Taj Mahal is to northern India, this 15-acre complex is a joyful homage to Shiva and the triple-breasted goddess, Meenakshi.

Day 10

MUNNAR

Your tour includes the Western Ghats, made up of lush green landscapes. You can explore with a native expert and learn about flora and fauna.

Day 11

MUNNAR

Visit the Lockhart Tea Factory and witness every step a tea leaf goes through, from plucking and processing to packaging and pouring. See the plantation workers and their villages, taste various grades of tea at the factory established in 1879, and enjoy some casual conversation with the planter’s family over high tea.

Day 12

PERIYAR RIVER

Drive through scenic forest into the countryside, where rubber trees grow and spices are cultivated. After lunch, continue the drive to Kochi (formerly Cochin). This evening, motor around the harbor and soak up the sunset

Day 13

KOCHI

Rise early to explore Kochi with your local guide. Enjoy a nutritious, traditional south Indian breakfast whilst observing the fishermen work at their trade in nearby boats. Spend the day exploring the capital city and its fascinating cultural mix. Visit one of the oldest synagogues in India, decorated with a mixture of blue ceramic Chinese tiles, see Kerala's most important temple and visit St Francis Church, which was erected by the Portuguese in 16th century. At the entrance of Kochi harbour you can see cantilevered fishing nets imported from China by traders; this evidence of centuries old trading links between regions. This evening enjoy an authentic south Indian theatre performance.

Day 14

KOCHI

Today, personalize your travel experience with a selection of Design Your Day® adventures.

Meet a local cook and food consultant, Nimmy, who shares her Syrian-Christian heritage through home-cooked food.

Tour the city with a local expert, who shares the heritage and history of the Malabar Coast through its temples, mosques, palaces and museums.

A day in the backwaters. Cycle to a market to taste local fruits and delicacies, cruise leisurely down palm-lined canals, lunch on typical Keralan fare with a local family and witness the impressive craftsmanship of local boat builders.

Return to Kerala in time for a farewell seafood dinner.

Day 15

DEPART KOCHI

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.