The Spice Route - Southern India

On your arrival at Chennai, the fourth largest city of India, a representative from Indian Experience will sail you ahead to your journey deep into the state of Tamil Nadu- a land of temples, festivals, and celebration of the arts. Drive along the palm strewn Coromandel Coast to Mahabalipuram, the coastal town city of cave temples and sculptured rock panels.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising  7th- and 8th-century monuments - the town city of Mahabalipuram. The Shore Temple is a rock carved temple with Shrines of God Shiva and God Vishnu, built of a huge rock and carried to the shore of Coromandel coast. The Arjuna's Penance or The Descent of Ganga, an enormous rock-cut relief, devoted to the epic that how the river Ganga landed on earth. 
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

In the morning, drive along the coastline with views of the azure Bay of Bengal and lush paddy fields for Pondicherry- “The Europe Of India”. Brimming with unspoiled beaches, heritage buildings, churches and a colonial ambience, this French Colony has a plethora of 
Tamil and French cultural and architectural vibrancy.
In the evening, Watch the sun melting in the sea while walking along the Promenade Beach,  making the horizon look like the meeting of two worlds.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Kick start your day with a guided tour of the city decked with the French & Tamil Quarters, the bougainvillaea-lined bungalows, tucked away lanes, French bakeries and quaint cafes. Visit Aurobindo Ashram- associated with Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, a spiritual retreat. Drive to Auroville- “ An International Utopian Community”- Matrimandir is a brilliant golden dome surrounded by green lawns, where visitors can meditate and introspect in silent concentration.
In the evening, cafes are the perfect spot where you can relish the world’s best seafood and pasta gulp a few beers as you watch the majestic Bay of Bengal striking the waves against mossy rocks.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry

Set off this morning to Swamimalai en route to Chidambaram, a small town in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, on the northern bank of the river Cauvery. Visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple of the town, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Natraja which is the dancing form of Lord Shiva.
Drive ahead to Swamimalai- a small town in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu.
For the next two days, The Indeco Hotel will be your abode, where you can experience living in an authentic traditional village of Tamil Nadu.
The evening is at leisure in this eco- village resort.
Overnight stay in Swamimalai

Begin your day with a visit to the Airavatesvara temple, bestowed with the UNESCO World Heritage tag, in Darasuram. The mighty Temple witnesses the remarkable achievements of the Chola Kings, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is brimming with rich heritage and surprising artistic splendours.
In the evening, spend some leisure time in the resort- walk in a breezy garden, feed the deers and peacocks, check out their in-house museum, Else Surrender to unabashed relaxation with a very special spa treatment by the pool.
Overnight stay in Swamimalai

After Breakfast, Continue your journey to Chettinad to discover the palatial 19th century traditional palaces and mansions, with wide courtyards and spacious rooms embellished with marble and teak, which will help you to understand the simple, yet classy life of the wealthy Chettiar community.
Witness the opulence & elegance of a bygone Chettinadu Mansion, Your home for the next two days.
Overnight stay in Chettinadu Mansion.

Day at leisure. 
One can go for a Bullock Cart ride or grab a bicycle to enter the artful roads of the village.
Interact with native people, capture some beautiful faces and locations in your camera.
Relax with a Herbal toning massage or lay back in a reclining chair with a good book by the pool of the resort.

Relish Chettinad’s sumptuous cuisine that uses local spices generously. Start with authentic Chettinad seafood or the vegetarian counterpart murukku (a deep-fried round crunchy snack made with rice flour) and homemade coconut ice cream.
Overnight stay in Chettinadu Mansion.

Drive ahead to the city that is the epicentre of classical Tamil literature - Madurai, one of the oldest Tamil cities. Also, it is the most sacred pilgrim town of South India. The world-renowned Meenakshi - Sundareswara Temple nestled in the heart of Madurai, built in 1636 in Indo-Saracenic style by the most famous king of the Nayak dynasty.  Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sundareswarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, is enshrined in this twin temple. 
Explore a century old market and immerse yourself in the vibrancy and colours.
Overnight Stay in Madurai

After Breakfast, go for your journey ahead to Kerala - “The God’s Own Country”. The first town in Kerala will be Periyar, the town sitting on the river Periyar and surrounded by lush green evergreen forest.
In the evening go for a leisurely walk on the market road of Periyar, decked with aromatic spices, handcrafted items like rosewood and sandalwood sculptures. Else, sit in a cafe, pick a book, order a filter coffee with a splendid view of the Periyar lake.
Overnight stay in Periyar.

Kerala has been an important spice city in the country for centuries. After Breakfast, Embark on a refreshing and scintillating Nature Walk in the Spice Gardens of Periyar. This guided tour will give you an opportunity to delve deep into the aroma of various spices and herbal plants. Some of the major spices produced at these spice plantations are Black Pepper, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cloves, Chilies, Coriander and Cashew Nuts. 
On returning to your hotel the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
You can treat your mind, body and soul with a very special Ayurvedic spa treatment in your hotel resort.
Overnight stay in Periyar.

Set off this morning to the delightful town of Alleppey - “ The Venice of the East”. The journey itself is beautiful. Drive through the stunning panoramas of the sprawling tea estates.
Your abode for tonight would be Deshadan Backwater Resort circumscribed by lush greenery and calm water bodies. Built with a lagoon surrounded by backwaters, overlooking the evergreen groves of coconut trees and parallel to the Vembanad lake – the longest freshwater lake in India.
In the Evening Board a traditional houseboat for a private cruise along Lake Vembanad before entering the enchanting backwaters. Cruise along the narrow canals laced by the infinite greenery imparted by the lines of palm trees, watch the gentle and soothing greenery of paddy fields and observe rural lifestyles at a relaxed pace.
Overnight stay in Alleppey.

Open your eyes with the songs of the birds.
Have a lie-in, relax by the lake or by the pool on this leisurely day.
Indulge your senses with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage with Herbs and scents.  
Satiate your palate with exotic flavours of the coast and delectable global cuisines and don’t forget to tickle your taste buds with semiya payasam.
Overnight stay in Alleppey.

After breakfast, drive to Kochi -  renowned as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush lowland forests to Kochi, an important port for the spice trade. Sightseeing includes the Church of St. Francis - a landmark edifice built by the Portuguese, where the body of late legendary explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Next would be The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, which has a quaint charm of its own. Built in typical Portuguese and Malabar architecture, the palace was gifted to the Raja of Kochi by the Portuguese. Visit Jew town, once the abode of several jews, is a tiny antique market packed with ancient things. 
Overnight stay in Kochi.

Transfer to Cochin International Airport and check in for your onward flight.