Spiritual South India Heritage Tour with Backwaters

Begin your spiritual journey in the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, embark on a half-day city tour. Visit the majestic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the historic San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Take a leisurely stroll along Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. In the evening, enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, drive to Auroville, an experimental township and spiritual community near Puducherry, dedicated to the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. En route, visit Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. Explore the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and the Descent of the Ganges —a massive open-air rock relief. Continue to Auroville and check in to your guesthouse. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the serene atmosphere of this unique community. Overnight stay in Auroville.

Start your day with a visit to the Matrimandir, the spiritual and architectural centerpiece of Auroville. The golden globe structure is a place for silent meditation and introspection. Pre-book a session to meditate inside the inner chamber if available. Afterward, explore the lush Auroville Botanical Gardens or take part in one of the various workshops and activities offered in the community. In the afternoon, take a short drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its charming colonial architecture. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a center of spiritual practice and yoga, and explore the quaint French Quarter with its tree-lined streets, vibrant cafes, and boutique shops. Return to Auroville for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, journey to the sacred town of Thiruvannamalai, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the deity is worshipped as Arunachala, the holy fire. The temple is located at the base of the sacred Arunachala Hill, believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva himself. For those interested, an optional Girivalam (circumambulation) of the hill can be undertaken, a revered practice among devotees. In the evening, visit the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram, where the renowned sage Sri Ramana Maharshi spent most of his life. Meditate in the peaceful surroundings or participate in the evening prayers. Overnight stay in Thiruvannamalai.

After breakfast, depart for Thanjavur, the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty and a hub of South Indian art and culture. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest architectural achievements in India. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its massive towering vimana (temple tower) and exquisite Chola frescoes. Explore the Thanjavur Royal Palace, which houses the Art Gallery with its impressive collection of Chola bronzes and the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performance. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad, a region renowned for its unique culture, cuisine, and architecture. Check in to a heritage hotel, typically a beautifully restored Chettiar mansion. Spend the afternoon exploring the Chettinad Palace, with its intricate woodwork, grand courtyards, and antique collections. Visit some of the many Chettinad temples, known for their striking gopurams (towering gateways) and detailed carvings. Don’t miss out on tasting the famous Chettinad cuisine, known for its rich flavors and use of aromatic spices. Try local specialties such as chicken Chettinad, spiced biryani, and tangy curries. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through a traditional Chettinad village. Overnight stay in Chettinad.

After breakfast, travel to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major cultural and religious center in South India. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (a form of Shiva). The temple is an architectural marvel with its towering gopurams, elaborate carvings, and vibrant sculptures. Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a grand 17th-century palace with a blend of Dravidian and Rajput architectural styles. In the evening, witness the Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, a spiritual experience filled with devotional music and rituals. Overnight stay in Madurai.

After breakfast, leave Madurai and drive to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and a gateway to Kerala’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, where you can spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and various bird species as they come to the water’s edge. After the cruise, visit a local spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cloves. In the evening, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, a therapeutic practice deeply rooted in Kerala’s tradition. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, depart for Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. The drive offers stunning views of tea plantations, misty mountains, and winding roads. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Take a walk through the surrounding tea gardens or relax and enjoy the cool climate. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Today, explore the scenic beauty of Munnar. Start with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park offers panoramic views of the rolling hills covered in lush green tea plantations. Next, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production in Munnar. In the afternoon, head to Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride on the serene lake. Continue to Echo Point, known for its natural echo phenomenon, and Kundala Lake, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. In the evening, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, depart for Alleppey, known for its tranquil backwaters and houseboat cruises. Upon arrival, check in to your houseboat and embark on a journey through the serene backwaters, passing by lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and small villages. Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board, featuring traditional Kerala cuisine. The houseboat will anchor in the evening, allowing you to soak in the peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.

Spend the day cruising through the backwaters at a leisurely pace. Your houseboat will take you through narrow canals and waterways, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. You can visit nearby villages, temples, and coir factories or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the backwaters and drive to Kochi, the final stop on your spiritual journey. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the day exploring Kochi’s cultural heritage. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, and Jew Town with its historic Paradesi Synagogue . If time permits, do some last-minute shopping or relax at a café. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on your journey through South India’s spiritual and cultural landscapes. Overnight stay in Kochi.

Today you will be transferred to Kochi International Airport for your departure flight. Carry with you the memories of South India’s rich heritage, spiritual depth, and natural beauty. Safe travels!