Bespoke
South India Travel
India is a land of contrasts. The food, language, clothing and the very essence of culture varies every hundred kilometres you travel.
Wherever you want to go in India and whatever you wish to experience in this mystic land, we can create a tailormade travel experience for you. It doesn’t matter whether you want to join a motorbike tour in the Himalayas, journey through the classic golden triangle, buy fabrics in the streets of Mumbai, explore the ancient sculptures of Ajanta & Ellora Caves and the majestic temples of the South, or something unique and authentic, we can make it happen.
Speak to us today on 0800 TAKEME2 to plan your India travel. Have a look at this sample itinerary for a taste of what we can create for you.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1
Chennai, India
- Arrival at Chennai International Airport.
- Private Transfer to your Hotel.
- Check-in and relax. Enjoy the hotel amenities.
Meal Plan: None
Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels
Day 2
Chennai
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- A light day for you to get acclimatised to the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Visit to Valluvar Kottam, a monument to the ancient Tamil langage poet Thiruvalluvar, which has the Kural Manimandapam, where all the 1,330 couplets from all 133 chapters of the Kural literature are inscribed on bas-relief.
- Make a visit to Koyambedu vegetable and flower market complex, which is one of Asia’s largest markets.
- A typical snack lunch at a South Indian vegetarian restaurant.
- A light stroll through one of the many shopping malls in the city, which will give you a good insight into middle class India.
- Take a stroll at the world’s 2nd longest beach, the Chennai Marina Beach in the early evening, before retiring to your hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels
Day 3
Chennai
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Chennai City Tour:
- Chennai, formerly called as Madras, is a mixture of old and new, Indian and British. We first visit St. Andrew’s, the Scottish Church known as the Kirk, right in the middle of the city. Built in 1821, it is known for its exquisite architecture.
- We then visit the bustling neighbourhood of Mylapore, famous for its Hindu temples with many restaurants and shops in the surrounding streets.
- We head to Santhome Cathedral Basilica. This beautiful structure was built by Portuguese in 1523 over the tomb of St. Thomas the apostle.
- Finally, we take a walking tour of Mint Street, one of the oldest and busiest streets in Chennai. The best place to watch the action is at one of the intersections!
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels
Day 4
Chennai – Mahabalipuram
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Check out
- We first visit Kalakshetra, a centre for artistic endeavour. Founded in 1936 by the vibrant visionary Rukmini Devi Arundale, the Institution stands testimony to her dream of creating a space where the essence of Indian thought would find expression through artistic education.
- On the way to coastal historic town of Mahabalipuram, we visit DakshinaChitra, an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India.
- We reach our seaside Resort and check in. You can relax, sipping a beverage of your choice at the hotel restaurant, overlooking the sea. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
Day 5
Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Half Day Guided Tour of Mahabalipuram:
- You will take a walking tour with our experienced guide, through the collection of beautiful monolithic sculptures and temples created by the mighty Pallava dynasty around the 7th Century AD.
- You can then have an authentic seafood in one of the popular local restaurants (own expense)
- We then head to the former French Colomy of Pondicherry.
- Check in at our Resort and enjoy the amenities.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Dune Eco Village and Spa
Day 6
Pondicherry
- Breakfast at the accommodation
- Guided Tour of Pondicherry:
- You will be escorted by our local guide through both the Indian and Frech Quarters of the city. The French culture is very prominent, because many French people are still living here. You can even have your lunch at one of the popular French Patisseries like Baker Street.
- We visit Auroville, an aspirational township built with the vision of people from all over the world living in peace and harmony. Central to the town is the massive structure of Matrimandir, a place dedicated to silent meditation.
- We then spend the evening by the beautiful promenade, enjoying the sea breeze. Have your dinner at one of the seaside restaurants (own expense) before heading back to the resort.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Dune Eco Village and Spa
Day 7
Pondicherry – Thanjavur
- Breakfast at the accommodation
- Check out. We transfer you today to the historic city of Thanjavur aka Tanjore, the most important city of the ancient Chola Empire.
- Check in at our heritage hotel and refresh.
- We then go on a guided tour of Thanjavur Big Temple, which was built over 1,050 years ago by the great Emperor Raja Raja Cholan. It is an architectural marvel, sweeping you off your feet with its engineering deeds, beautiful architecture and breath-taking sculptures.
- Dinner at the hotel at the first-floor restaurant overlooking the street. You will be able to enjoy the food, while feasting on the action in the street below you.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Tanjore Hi
Day 8
Thanjavur – Kadiapatti Village
- Breakfast at the accommodation
- An exciting experience awaits you today! We journey through the rural South India to the village of Kadiapatti, in the heart of rich trading Chettiar region called Chettinad. You will stay at Chidambara Vilas.
- Chidambara Vilas recreates an authentic experience of the luxurious Chettinad lifestyles of the last century, through a heritage Chettiar palace that preserves 108 years of history. From sights and sounds, culture and tradition to architecture, furniture and the world famous Chettinad cuisine, get transported to a world from a century away.
- You will enjoy the famous Chettinad lunch, served on fresh banana leaves. Take a guided tour of the property and indulge in activities such Kolam, garland making and marudhani (herbal South Indian henna with simple designs).
- Take a stroll through the village and interact with locals. We then have our cooking demonstration, followed by a sumptuous dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Chidambara Vilas – A Luxury Heritage Resort
Day 9
Kadiapatti -Madurai
- An authentic South Indian Breakfast at the accommodation
- We proceed to our next destination – Madurai, the temple city of the South. This was an important city and the capital of ancient Pandiya kings.
- On the way, we stop to explore Thirumayam Fort, which was built by King Sethupathy Vijaya Ragunatha Thevar of Ramanathapuram in 1687 A.D.
- On arrival in Madurai, check in at your hotel. Relax and refresh, before we take you on a driving tour of the city streets. You will see trade and commerce in full swing at all times of the day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Heritage Hotel Madurai
Day 10
Madurai
- Breakfast at the accommodation
- We go on a guided tour of the famous Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. It was built as early as the 12th Century AD. Many portions of the temple were destroyed by the invading army of Malik Kafur. It was then rebuilt by the kings of Nayaka dynasty.
- We will see other highlights of Madurai through the day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Heritage Hotel Madurai
Day 11
Madurai Departure
- Breakfast at the accommodation
- Transfer to Madurai Airport.
- Fly to your next destination.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
EXTENSION OPTION: You can extend the trip proceeding to the southern tip of India Kanyakumari, then heading into the neighbouring state of Kerala. Continue to the Kovalam in the West Coast, Venice of the East Alapuzha (Allappey) and the port city of Kochi. Travel back through Tamil Nadu state to the hill station Coonoor, which is famous for its ‘toy train’ to Ooty. Then pass through the protected forest reserve of Mudumalai, entering into the state of Karnataka. Stay overnight at the Jungle Lodge Kabini and finish the trip in the cosmopolitan city of Bangalore.
Want to join us on this experience?
We are excited to be offering these wonderful tours. Pop your contact details in below and we will be in touch to plan an exclusive tailor-made trip to India for you.
