XCLU03 Grand Tour of Southern India

Touching down in Bengaluru this morning, we’ll transfer to our hotel. There’ll be time to rest and freshen up before a welcome meeting this afternoon over coffee, tea and cookies.

Bengaluru is one of India’s most progressive cities, so it’s a great place to dip a first, tentative toe into the noise, pace and colour of urban India. After seeing Bull Temple, named after a massive statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s sacred bull, and sublime Tipu Palace which the Sultan called Rash-e-Jannat meaning ‘the abode of happiness and the envy of heaven’, we visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple this afternoon. Sri Ranganathaswamy is breathtaking in size and serene spirituality, and we’ll spend time wandering round its temples, towers and shrines before driving on to Mysuru.

Excursions & visits:

Bengaluru city tour (morning) Guided visit to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Complex (afternoon)

After an early breakfast there’s a sensory start to the day as we pick our way through the fruit, flower, spice, sari and sandalwood stalls in Devarajan market. Afterwards we’ll head to Chamundi Hills and magnificent Mysore Palace, one of the largest and most extravagant in India, and Jaganmohan Art Palace, a treasure trove of Indian art. This afternoon we’ll visit Chennakesava Temple, a masterpiece of 13th-century carvings unsurpassed in detail and artistry.

Excursions & visits:

Visit to Devarajan market, Mysore Palace and Jaganmohan Art Palace (morning) Guided tour of Chennakesava Temple (afternoon)

After the clamour of the city we head south today bound for Ooty, known fondly as the Queen of Hill Stations. It’s three hours on the road but the scenery will be breathtaking as we wind round twists, turns and tea plantations into the cool, green Nilgiri Hills. The drive takes us through Bandipur National Park and Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary so keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready for wildlife including elephant, deer and peacocks along the way.

This morning we’ll ride one of the most iconic mountain railways in India: the Ooty Toy Train. These little locomotives with their smart blue and cream livery have become an institution in Southern India, and the ride through the hills, jungles and stations is like a journey through time. Stepping off the train in Coonoor, there’s time (weather permitting) to watch tea being plucked at a local tea plantation. Later this afternoon we’ll return to Ooty for guided sightseeing and a visit to the Botanical Gardens to breathe in the cool shade and fragrance in its abundant trees, shrubs, ferns and herbs.

Excursions & visits:

Ooty Toy Train ride and Coonoor Tea Plantation visit (morning) Ooty sightseeing and visit to Botanical Gardens (afternoon)

After breakfast we drive to Coimbatore and board a more modern Indian train, this one taking us south and east to the coastal city of Kochi. On arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Kochi is an intriguing mix of ancient mosques and synagogues and European colonial architecture, a legacy left by centuries of traders and explorers. This morning’s tour reveals Fort Cochin, the oldest part of the city, as well as St Francis Church and the giant, spider-like Chinese fishing nets on the city’s north shore. Later, we’ve arranged an Anglo-Indian cookery class, followed by lunch with a local family and tonight there’s a cultural feast of a different kind as we sit down to a performance of Kathakali, a centuries-old art form where dancers in elaborate make-up and costumes act out myths and spiritual stories.

Excursions & visits:

Kochi city tour (morning) Anglo-Indian cookery class and lunch with a local family (afternoon) Cultural evening with Kathakali show (evening)

We’ll slow the pace today, first visiting Paradesi Synagogue - the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations - and then driving to Alappuzha to board a traditional coir houseboat. After lunch on board, we’ll settle down for a lazy afternoon sailing the labyrinthine canals and waterways that thread through coconut groves, rice fields, and palm-tree lined forests, before watching the sunset and spending a memorable night on board.

Excursions & visits:

Visit Paradesi Synagogue (morning) Backwaters cruise (afternoon)

You might want to rise early to watch the sun rise over the paddy fields and tranquil waterways, a sight little changed in centuries. After breakfast on board, we’ll drive up to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills, where there’s a free afternoon before we venture out for tonight’s excitement: a Kalaripayattu performance at a local stadium. Considered one of the oldest martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu evolved in Kerala and aims for ultimate co-ordination between mind and body.

Excursions & visits:

Kalaripayattu performance (evening)

This morning you can choose to rise early if you wish, and join an optional visit and nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the finest in India, which lists elephant, bison, wild boar and tigers among its illustrious residents. Returning to join the rest of the group in time for breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out later to learn more about Periyar and its role in the spice trade with an included visit to Periyar Spice Garden, followed by a relaxing lake cruise.

Excursions & visits:

Visit to Periyar Spice Garden (morning) Periyar lake cruise (water level dependent) (afternoon)

We’re on the road to Madurai today, arriving early afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure ahead of tonight’s evening excursion to witness the ‘Going to bed ceremony’ at Sri Meenakshi Temple, an extraordinary procession with bells, drums, smoke and chanting as the image of Shiva is put to bed at the end of each day. Please note: Witnessing the ceremony is subject to numbers on the day as the temple doors close promptly at 9pm.

Excursions & visits:

‘Going to bed ceremony’ in Sri Meenakshi Temple (evening)

A morning drive takes us through the twisting streets of Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India. Returning to Sri Meenakshi Temple, we’ll note the ornate carvings, shrines and towering gopurams (monumental gateways) - a fitting backdrop to the continuous ceremonies and devotions that go on throughout the day. We’ll then head to Thirumali Palace which, though crumbling and faded in places, is built on a scale that will take your breath away. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Keeladi Heritage Museum, where excavations dating back to the 3rd century BC reveal the lives and culture of the ancient Tamil Nadu people.

Excursions & visits:

Madurai sightseeing including Sri Meenakshi Temple and Thirumali Palace (morning) Visit to Keeladi Heritage Museum (afternoon)

We’re driving north today bound for Thanjavur, cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and a mecca for art, religion and architecture in Southern India. All this culture culminates in Brihadeeswara, a giant 11th-century temple whose stepped and sculpted profile means its shadow never touches the ground. The cultural theme continues this evening on a visit to Kumbakonam - count the religious sites in this renowned temple town.

Excursions & visits:

Visit to Brihadeeswara Temple (morning) Visit to Kumbakonam temple town (evening)

We’ll set off on a scenic drive to Puducherry, one of the most charming and scenic cities in Southern India. The afternoon is free so you can explore at your own pace. A trip to the market is the perfect opportunity to buy souvenirs like saris, silks, leather goods and jewellery.

A blend of colonial architecture interspersed with old Hindu temples, Puducherry is a city where Frenchmen and Tamilians lived side by side for almost 300 years. Our first stop this morning will be the Heritage French Quarter, where we’ll take a leisurely walk down the quiet streets lined with bougainvillea-draped townhouses. To add to the fun, we’ll also take a rickshaw ride, giving you a chance to experience its vibrant energy and charm. Later we’ll visit the spiritual community Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which has grown over the last century from a small group of 12 disciples into a large and diverse community of about 2,000 members seeking a decent, healthy and spiritual life. Auroville is another local international community dedicated to peace, sustainability and 'divine consciousness', which you can visit this afternoon on an optional trip.

Excursions & visits:

City tour of Puducherry including a cycle rickshaw ride and Sri Aurobindo Ashram (morning)

We continue north to Mamallapuram, a world-renowned coastal area showcasing some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring temples in the world. On arrival, a sightseeing tour unveils UNESCO World Heritage-listed buildings and carvings including the giant relief Arjuna’s Penance, considered one of India’s greatest artworks, and the twin-towered Shore Temple which overlooks the Bay of Bengal.

Excursions & visits:

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mamallapuram (afternoon)

Our final day is at leisure, allowing you time to revisit some of your favourite Mamallapuram sites or just soak up Southern India’s magic and charm for one last day.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Bengaluru. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.