Simply South India: Heritage, Landscapes and Beach

16 Days from $4,090 USD / person

Embark on a 16-day odyssey to explore the cultural and natural treasures of Southern India, where history, art, and serenity blend harmoniously. Start your journey in Chennai, paying homage to Gandhi Memorial and reveling in the grace of Kala Kshetra Dance School. Unwind at the breathtaking Marina Beach before venturing to the ancient town of Mamallapuram.

Next, admire the French elegance of Pondicherry’s colonial buildings and find solace at the serene Aurobindo Ashram. More history awaits you at Kumbakonam. While here, you will get to visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple and the lovely Panchanatheesvarar Temple in Thanjavur.

Immerse yourself in Chettinad’s opulence with grand Chettinad Palaces and antique shops. Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and Gandhi Museum, before retiring to rejuvenate at one of our hand-picked hotels. Cruise the serene backwaters of Kerala, experiencing life aboard a houseboat. Conclude your journey in Cochin, revisiting historic landmarks and experiencing the vibrant Kochi-Muziris Biennale (every December).

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

This itinerary will be customized for you. Please reach out and our experts will work with you to create a journey so unique, it could only be yours.

Ideal For

Beaches

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Wine & Food

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 1

Chennai
Highlights: Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra Dance School, Marina Beach

1 – 3

Mamallapuram
Highlights: Shore Temples, Arjuna's Penance Monument, Pancha Pandava Rathas Monument, Krishna's Butterball Rock

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort

3 – 4

Pondicherry
Highlights: French Town, Colonial Buildings, Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville

Les Hibiscus
Palais De Mahe

4 – 5

Kumbakonam
Highlights: Chola Temples, Old City of Tamil Nadu, Hindu Festivals

Mantra Koodam
Mantra Koodam

5 – 7

Chettinad
Highlights: Chettinadu Palace, Mansions, Antique Shops

The Bangala
Visalam

7 – 8

Madurai
Highlights: Meenakshi Temple, Gandhi Museum, Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai

8 – 10

Munnar
Highlights: Matupetty Dam, Tea Plantations, Soft Trekking, Kannan Devan Tea Museum

The Tall Trees
Spice Tree Munnar

10 – 12

Cochin
Highlights: Fort Kochi Harbor, Matancherry & Pardesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Eighth Bastion
Malabar House

12 – 13

Backwaters of Kerala
Highlights: Lagoons & Lake, Houseboat Cruise, Village Life & Local Culture

Lakes And Lagoons
Spice Coast Cruise

13 – 16

Mararikulam
Highlights: Pristine Beach, Village Life

Amritara A Beach Symphony
Marari Beach Resort

16 – 16

Cochin
Highlights: Fort Kochi Harbor, Matancherry & Pardesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 1

Chennai

Chennai is the gateway to South India, yet the actual city is only about 350 years old, beginning as a small fishing village before it expanded into India’s first major English settlement of Madras under British colonial rule. Today it boasts a booming automobile industry, and is a major center for music and the arts, with several specialist festivals held here each year. The Marina is considered the second longest urban beach. Despite its coastal setting, Chennai is considered the world’s hottest city.

Day 1 – 3

2 Nights

Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram was once a bustling seaport that provided shelter to illustrious travelers like Ptolemy and Periplus in the first century! Today, the city’s claim to fame lies in its ancient Pallava heritage, evident in Mamallapuram’s exquisite collection of temples, caves, rathas (chariots) and monuments. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shore Temples of Mamallapuram find mention in ancient documents such as Marco Polo’s travelogues from the 14th century. Coupled with its unspoiled sunny beaches, casuarina trees and local handicrafts sold on the streets, Mamallapuram is not to be missed!

Included activities

Highlights of Mamallapuram

Unearth several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tour the stunning two-towered 8th century Shore Temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the typical architectural style of the Pallava dynasty, who ruled South India for three centuries. With the temple’s oceanic backdrop, this is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Explore Arjuna’s Penance, a gigantic 7th century relief carving, depicting the legend of the holy River Ganges,or the Anantasayana Panel, which shows a reclining Vishnu, and Varaha Cave. Head to the Pancha Pandava Rathas (Five Rathas or chariots). These 7th century architectural monuments were hidden under sand until 200 years ago and are intricately carved out of a single large rock. Observe the mysteriously balancing rock of Krishna’s Butterball. Unwind with a leisurely amble along the town’s sandy shores.

Hotel options

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay – Opt 1

Room Chalet Garden View

Meals Breakfast

Style Beach Resort

InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort – Opt 2

Room Resort Classic

Meals Breakfast

Style Beach Resort

Day 3 – 4

1 Night

Pondicherry

Pondicherry offers a slice of France in South India! Once a sleepy fishing village, the trading town was a French settlement since the 17th century until the Indian Independence. Today, the city bears several traces of its French colonial influence, from the lovely Promenade and street signs on narrow cobbled lanes, to the colonial buildings of the Old Town and French schools. Discover the famous spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram on the rue de la Marine, established by the eponymous Indian philosopher along with his collaborator Mirra Alfassa. Just a few km out of town lies the ‘experimental township’ of Auroville, which was designed to promote harmony and shelter people from anywhere in the world!

Included activities

Highlights of Pondicherry

Revel in the fusion Indo-French culture of this quaint French town, best explored by foot. Amble leisurely through cobbled streets to discover stunning boutique shops brimming with handmade, contemporary crafts, and a proud café culture, tucked within grand colonial and Tamilian buildings. In the Tamilian side of town, you can visit the living Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Wander through the famous Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community that follow the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, and the resting place of The Mother, Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual collaborator. Venture to the town’s outskirts and visit Auroville, a universal community that is heavily involved in sustainable and alternative living projects. Kindly note that Auroville is closed every Sunday afternoon.

Day Trip to Chidambaram & Gangaikondacholapuram

Enjoy temple tours and historical ruins! Discover some of the most beautiful temples of South India enroute Thanjavur .Visit Chidambaram Thillai Nataraja Temple, which was built by the Chola dynasty to honour the Hindu god Shiva in the form of Nataraja – the Lord of Dance. Travel to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the city of the Chola who allegedly conquered River Gange, and was once the beautiful capital of this powerful kingdom. Explore the magnificent three storey high Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, which is surrounded by a massive fort-like wall and affords plenty of amazing photo opportunities. Footwear is not permitted within the temple.

Hotel options

Les Hibiscus – Opt 1

Room Standard Rooms

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Palais De Mahe – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 4 – 5

1 Night

Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam: Temple town Kumbakonam is one of the oldest towns in Tamilnadu and is famous for its Mahamaham festival celebrated once in 12 years and is the temple city of South India. It is famous for brass vessels, cultivation of Betel leaves and the superb Chola temples nearby.

Included activities

Highlights of Thanjavur

Delight in the traditions and talents of Thanjavur, beginning with the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadeeswarar Temple, a thousand year old temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva and home to India’s largest lingam (a phallic symbol of fertility). Venture onwards to another temple in Shiva’s honour, the Panchanatheesvarar Temple. Kindly note that footwear is not permitted within the temples. Visit the home of an artisan within his community and watch how he handcrafts the incredible brass sculptures that the city is famous for. Learn how the intricate and foiled famous Tanjore paintings are crafted.

Hotel options

Mantra Koodam – Opt 1

Room Mantra Koodam

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Mantra Koodam – Opt 2

Room Mantra Illam

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Day 5 – 7

2 Nights

Chettinad

Chettinad is renowned across India for its unique spectacular combination of flavorful cuisine, yet few venture to this sleepy, tranquil village. In its former glory days, Chettinad was a booming community of decadence. The Nagarathar (Nattukottai Chettiar), a group of successful merchants, built their palaces and mansions here about one hundred years ago. Today, most of these majestic ancestral homes are crumbling away with their rubies intact, yet the lavish spirit lives on within the vivid culture, and artisanal traditions of textiles and woodcraft. If you are seeking an authentic experience in India, this is truly the hidden gem.

Included activities

Highlights of Chettinad

Discover the traditions of South India. Explore the crumbling mansions – replete with rubies – of former Chettinad traders and visit ones of these traditional homes to learn more about daily life and the customs and rituals that are such an important part of Tamil heritage. Spend time at the Kamban Mani Mandapam, where the famous poet Mahakavi Chakravarthy Kamban spent several hours writing poetry each day. Visit the library and art gallery at Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Mani Mandapam, which was built to honour another revered poet – Shri Kannadhasan. Travel onwards to the famous tile factory in Athangudi, where your guide will explain how the renowned handmade terracotta tiles of Chettinad are crafted and readied. You can also visit a unique handloom workshop, which preserve the uniquely Chettinadu check-patterned sari fabric.

Hotel options

The Bangala – Opt 1

Room Heritage Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Guest house

Visalam – Opt 2

Room Chettinad Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 7 – 8

1 Night

Madurai

Madurai, the city of incense and chiming cymbals, is one of the oldest in India! Dubbed the “Athens of the East’, the historical city was reputedly visited by learned men from Rome and Greece, including Megasthenes in the 3rd century BC! Cozily nestled amidst the towering mountains, this is an energetic city of contrasts where Hindu Gods and a growing IT industry go hand in hand. Discover the famous labyrinthe-like Meenakshi Temple, one of the greatest examples of Dravidian architecture that millions flock to every year. Apart from its international sports championships, and beautiful jasmine blooms, Madurai is well known for its numerous festivals, including the Rath Yatra, where a holy chariot is pulled across the city by hundreds of devotees!

Included activities

Highlights of Madurai

Discover the the magic of Madurai! Begin your full day tour at the heart of the ancient yet bustling city, where the awe-inspiring thousand pillared Meenakshi Amman Temple stands tall. Continue onwards to the grand Koodal Alagar Temple – a stellar example of 17th century architecture dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Located nearby is the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal that once served as the royal residence of the famous Nayaka dynasty. Madurai’s busy flower and vegetable markets provide rich insight into everyday life of Tamilians. Afterwards, direct your steps towards the Gandhi Museum, which was established after famous leader of Indian Independence, Mahatma Gandhi, was assassinated. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy. Mobile phones and photography not allowed inside Meenakshi temple)

Hotel options

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai – Opt 2

Room Premium Room Garden View

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 8 – 10

2 Nights

Munnar

Munnar offers a haven of peace and tranquility within the verdant hills of Kerala. The town lies at the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly mountain streams, about 5200 ft above sea level. The picturesque potential of the lofty Western Ghats first came into prominence as one of the favored summer resorts of British colonialists. Verdant tea plantations, rolling valleys and the veil of mist that hangs about the area, offer a mystical experience far from the maddening crowds. Enjoy trekking through the nature trails or just laze about at a picturesque spot under the wispy clouds.

Included activities

Tea Delights of Lockhart

Explore the Lockhart Tea Museum situated at Devikulam, a scenic hill station and national park on the outskirts of Munnar in southern India. Drive along meandering country roads flanked by lush tea plantations and wooded hills. In a while you will reach the expansive Lockhart Estate established in the late 1800s as one of High Range’s earliest tea plantations. Accompanied by an in-house expert, tour the working tea factory, following the staff in action at every stage. Learn about orthodox tea, and its entire production process from tea leaf picking to your teacup. Understand the various health benefits of tea and its many uses. Visit the tea museum to know more about the history of tea in the region. Discover a collection of vintage equipment related to tea manufacture, and browse old photographs that trace the evolution of the town itself. Visit the adjoining nursery and garden where you can observe life behind the scenes. Finally, enjoy a tea tasting session while appreciating the fantastic scenery around! (Half Day; Duration: 1 hr; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy, tea tasting possible during Nov -Mar)

Munnar History Tour

Take a trip down memory lane as you gain insight into Munnar’s history. As you walk through its winding streets, learn about the princely states that used to rule the region, colonial influences, the planting of teas, and the advent of tourism. At Top Station, soak in panoramic vistas of the tea estate surroundings and unique flora of the forested hills. See the remains of the ropeway that was used for the transportation of tea chests. Set out for the Headwords Dam built across the Mattupetty river, which powers the first established hydroelectric project in Kerala. Visit the well-preserved, century-old church with stained glass features and gothic-style architecture as well as Lodge Heather. Finally, stopping at the World War memorial at the town entrance, learn about how the end of the war was celebrated with bonfires across the hills of Munnar. (Duration: 2 hrs ; Private Activity & Transfer; Pick-up & Drop-off at hotel in Munnar; Fitness level: Moderate).

Hotel options

The Tall Trees – Opt 1

Room Cinnamon Cottage

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Spice Tree Munnar – Opt 2

Room Classic Room With Jacuzzi

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Day 10 – 12

2 Nights

Cochin

Kochi, formerly Cochin, is considered the Queen of the Arabian Sea as it was one of the first European settlements in India, due its ideal positioning for trading. Kochi has always been at the heart of the Indian spice trade.The Portuguese first colonised Kochi in the 16th century, before the city was conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century and the British in the 19th century. The city’s architecture has been shaped by its colonial rulers, yet today it remains a vibrant and busy commercial center with a multicultural atmosphere and a cosmopolitan heart. As well as showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance and martial art forms throughout the year, Cochin plays host to several annual celebrations, including the Cochin Carnival every December, and the colorful contemporary art festival, Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Included activities

Highlights of Cochin (Half Day)

Cochin is an engaging city to explore, from the absorbing views of Fort Kochi harbor with its huge Chinese fishing nets, to ancient mosques, Portuguese architecture, and the crumbling remnants of the British Raj. Explore Mattancherry, where you can observe murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace and Cemetery. Indulge your senses browsing traditional spice and antique markets. Encounter the fascinating 400 year old, fully-functioning Parsi Synagogue in the Jewish quarter. Visit the original grave of Vasco da Gama in St. Francis Church, used before his remains were returned to Portugal. Discover Hill Palace, the state’s largest archaeological museum, which is located in the regal and artistic suburbs of Tripunithura. (Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that the Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays, the Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday afternoons and Saturdays and the Hill Palace Musuem is closed on Mondays.Dutch Palace has 14 steep stairs).

Personalized Cooking Experience at Neema’s Kitchen

Learn the techniques of cooking a meal typical to Kerala on this immersive tour. Get picked up from your hotel and drive to the residence of a local chef. Kerala cuisine is distinguished by its use of fresh seafood and staples such as coconut and rice. Don your apron and familiarize yourself with the many steps that go into making each dish. Glean interesting tidbits about the role of food in the local culture as you work with fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as tapioca and ginger. Learn about the importance of spices such as black pepper, cloves and cinnamon in Kerala cuisine. At the end of the session, sit down at the table for a leisurely lunch featuring the flavorful creations you learned to make. Get dropped off at your hotel, with the recipes of all the dishes you learned to prepare. (Duration: half day; Time: 1030 /1530 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: lunch or dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance Fitness level: easy; Best time to travel: Oct-Mar)

Hotel options

Eighth Bastion – Opt 1

Room Bastion Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Malabar House – Opt 2

Room Deluxe

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 12 – 13

1 Night

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala’s famous backwaters are a labyrinthine network of tree-fringed lagoons, idyllic lakes, and river systems, running parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast. Quaint towns and charming villages dot the banks of these interconnected canals. This unique ecosystem is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The heart of Kerala’s backwaters is the vast Vembanad lake and the intimate Ashtamudi lake. The region is replete with inviting and serene homestays, resorts, and houseboats offering diverse experiences that provide a glimpse of life on these waterways. Cruising down the tranquil backwaters aboard traditional kettuvallams or houseboats is a quintessential Kerala experience, especially enhanced by local seafood and meat preparations and complemented by the region’s iconic palm wine. For a window into the state’s culture, visit the region during the colorful annual boat races which feature up to a 100 rowers rowing in unison in 100-feet long snake boats.

Included activities

Overnight Houseboat Experience

Cruise Kerala’s backwaters and stay overnight in a traditional kettuvallam, a boat made from coconut rope and wooden planks. This unique and exotic barge experience provides all the comforts of a hotel, with furnished bedrooms, a modern shower and toilet room, a living area and a shaded balcony for relaxing on as you enjoy uninterrupted views of rural Kerala. There is also a kitchen where the boat’s crew will rustle you up deliciously fresh meals and snacks, served traditionally on banana leaves. The skipper (captain), might moor up and take you to visit a backwater village, where you can meet local people and observe ancestral homes and places of worship. After a relaxing day, drop anchor and rest your head to the gentle sounds of the swishing lake waters.

Hotel options

Lakes And Lagoons – Opt 1

Room A/C Deluxe One Room

Meals Full Board

Style Houseboat

Spice Coast Cruise – Opt 2

Room One Cabin House Boat

Meals Full Board

Style Houseboat

Day 13 – 16

3 Nights

Mararikulam

Mararikulam located a short drive from the town of Alleppey, epitomizes the tropical dream with its pristine white sands and crystal clear waters. Named after the small, sleepy hamlet of Mararikulam that lies nearby, this still-undiscovered beach is slowly finding its rightful place in the limelight. Rated as one of the world’s best hammock beaches by National Geographic, this beach is perfect for basking in the sun without a care in the world. Wake up to the sight of fishing boats head out to sea in search of the day’s catch. Known for its beautiful sunsets, the beach comes alive in the evening as locals come to enjoy the lovely sights. Enjoy the tranquility of the swaying palms and the soothing sound of the waves crashing when you spend a few days at one of the pretty resorts that dot the area.

Hotel options

Amritara A Beach Symphony – Opt 1

Room Garden View Villa

Meals Breakfast

Style Beach Resort

Marari Beach Resort – Opt 2

Room Garden Villa

Meals Breakfast

Style Beach Resort

Day 16 – 16

Cochin

Kochi, formerly Cochin, is considered the Queen of the Arabian Sea as it was one of the first European settlements in India, due its ideal positioning for trading. Kochi has always been at the heart of the Indian spice trade.The Portuguese first colonised Kochi in the 16th century, before the city was conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century and the British in the 19th century. The city’s architecture has been shaped by its colonial rulers, yet today it remains a vibrant and busy commercial center with a multicultural atmosphere and a cosmopolitan heart. As well as showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance and martial art forms throughout the year, Cochin plays host to several annual celebrations, including the Cochin Carnival every December, and the colorful contemporary art festival, Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

What Our Guests Say

February 2025

This trip was my gift to my wife for her birthday. I had traveled to India numerous times for business and wanted her to see this interesting and beautiful land. This was our 7th trip with Enchanting and I knew they would put together a journey that would explore the most important sights in the time which we allowed. We spent 2 weeks in the North of India and 2 weeks in the South. I was hesitant to do some much traveling by car but India has really improved their highways and the car trips where enjoyable. Our drivers were excellent. They knew the lay of the land and how to navigate the hectic Indian traffic. I am a retired international airline pilot and I will tell you that the hotels we stayed in are some of the finest in the world.

Everett Beasley

January 2025

This was our 14th trip with Enchanting. Each trip is always very well coordinated with never any worries about transportation, reservations or tickets etc…. The guides are always very knowledgable, helpful and kind. The drivers are always very prompt and courteous. The trip coordinators are in constant contact for any needs or concerns throughout the journey. I always answer the survey after our trips and know that Enchanting takes the answers very seriously. Thanks to the staff at Enchanting for many happy memories!

Julie Goodwin

November 2023

I have been using Enchanting Travels from their very beginning and I will continue to use them in the future. Although I use them mainly for India, they did arrange a very nice trip to Vienna when I went there to attend a wedding. They are reliable, efficient, trustworthy and knowledgeable and just plain excellent.

Marianne Oort-Lissy

October 2019

A level of service that was second to none. We have no hesitation in recommending Enchanting Travels!

Jeremy Lewis

June 2019

I would definitely use Enchanting travel again. By planning your holiday well before you go. It is worth spending time doing this, and listen to the advice you are given You can relax during your holiday.

Erica McDonagh

December 2019

Kamesh, who was the airport greeter, did an excellent job getting both us and our son from the airport to and into the hotel and situated for the trip. ALSO I don’t know if Prathima or Shivangi were responsible, but one or both of them arranged for us to get tickets to a dance performance Dec 16 at the Yagnaraman centre for performing arts at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Trust — I was delighted. We wanted to see dance and had been unable to find information on this. Very grateful that we were able to attend. Let me also emphasize how excellent both Prathima and Shivangi were. Prathima with amazing patience and knowledge planned the trip. She was totally responsive — but also resolutely and gently made sure her experience guided our plan. And Shivangi was always there, fixing what needed to be fixed on occasion and always providing a friendly and encouraging voice. I felt we learned a lot about history, about Tamil culture and about Hinduism (that last especially on this and the next part of the trip and from our guides). Auroville is something else again and fascinating in its own different way.

Carole Uhlander

Simply South India: Heritage, Landscapes and Beach

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

Ideal For

Sample Itinerary

Thank You for Inquiring

Thank You for Inquiring

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 1

Day 1 – 3

Day 3 – 4

Day 4 – 5

Day 5 – 7

Day 7 – 8

Day 8 – 10

Day 10 – 12

Day 12 – 13

Day 13 – 16

Day 16 – 16

Chennai

Mamallapuram

Pondicherry

Kumbakonam

Chettinad

Madurai

Munnar

Cochin

Backwaters of Kerala

Mararikulam

Cochin

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

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