14 Day Backwaters & Temples of Southern India Premium Small Group Tour

Welcome to Kochi, also known as Cochin! Situated in the coastal state of Kerala in southwest India, Kochi has served as a prominent port since 1341, when its harbour was formed by a flood, attracting traders from Arab, Chinese, and European origins. The city boasts a rich tapestry of cultural influences, evident in landmarks such as Fort Kochi, characterised by colonial-style bungalows and various places of worship. One of the iconic features of Kochi is its cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a traditional method of fishing that has endured for centuries.

Upon your arrival, a local representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel, conveniently situated in the heart of the city.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax and unwind in the comforts of your hotel or to venture out and explore the town at your leisure.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel this morning, we'll embark on a guided tour of Cochin. Our itinerary includes visits to the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue (please note it's closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays), and the Fort Cochin area. Later, we'll explore St. Francis Church (closed on Sundays during mass), renowned for holding the palm-leafed title deed presented by the Raja to the Portuguese in 1503. Don't miss the chance to witness the mesmerising beauty of Cochin's iconic Chinese fishing nets, a hallmark of this region and a testament to its rich Oriental influences. You can even try your hand at helping the fishermen haul in the day's catch at the Chinese fishing net.

After our tour, we'll return to the hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and unwind before we embark on a harbour cruise at sunset.

Note: visitors to the Jewish Synagogue are expected to dress modestly. Entry will be refused to men and women wearing short pants or shorts, as well as t-shirts or blouses. Additionally, bare shoulders and exposed midriffs are not permitted inside the synagogue.

After breakfast, we will drive to Alleppey, arriving around mid-morning. Enjoy an Inspiring Stay as you board your deluxe houseboat for an overnight journey through the backwaters of the beautiful region. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting backwaters. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to observe and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the local villagers. Glide through the picturesque backwaters on traditional rice boats, soaking in the exotic scenery of Kerala. As the sun sets, the boat will anchor for the evening, where you can savour a freshly prepared dinner onboard before settling in for a tranquil night's rest.

Note: the houseboat will anchor at dusk in a wide waterway for the night as the backwaters close to boat traffic at this time due to local fishing nets being cast into the backwaters. Your deluxe houseboat offers private facilities and air conditioning in each cabin. Air conditioning is only operational from 9pm to 7am.

Following breakfast overlooking the backwaters, we'll disembark the houseboat at Alleppey jetty and proceed with our journey by road to the breathtaking paradise of Kumarakom. Here, the Vembanad Lake reflects the azure sky, while the verdant countryside is adorned with stunning shades of green from mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel situated on the banks of the pristine Vembanad Lake, where the remainder of the day is yours to unwind and relax at your leisure.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll to explore the town or visit the local market to discover wonderful handicrafts.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking to the green forests of Periyar in the Thekkady region. Thekkady -The heart of God's own country! Thekkady is located about 4 km from Kumily in Idukki district. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations.

Later this afternoon witness a Kalaripayattu performance at a local theatre. It is believed to be perhaps the most ancient martial art forms & is derived from the words Kalari which means "place, threshing floor, or battlefield” and payattu which means to "exercise in arms, or practice. Following the performance we enjoy dinner of traditional Southern Indian cuisine  before retiring for the evening. 

This morning enjoy green walk (subject to weather conditions.) with a forest guide exploring the flora and fauna of this region. With many species of birds spotted here, the region is also an ornithologist's favourite.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a walking tour of a local plantation, offering a firsthand experience of spice cultivation, growth, and processing. Gain insight into the region's significant role in the global spice market, and don't miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Kumily spice market in Thekkady.

Today, bid farewell to those guests returning to Kochi as we continue our journey, arriving in Madurai late in the afternoon. Madurai, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, exudes energy and boasts a rich history. Dominating its skyline are the 14 vibrant gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities, this Dravidian-style temple stands as a prominent pilgrimage destination.

Upon our arrival, we settle into our luxurious five-star hotel, where we have ample time to unwind before embarking on an evening excursion to the remarkable Meenakshi Temple. The Meenakshi Temple complex is akin to a city within itself, recognized as one of India's largest and oldest. Over the centuries, it has expanded through the contributions of various dynasties and victorious monarchs, sprawling over an impressive 65,000 square metres.

Radiating its spiritual essence upon worshippers, the Meenakshi Temple holds the distinction of being Madurai's oldest shrine, with roots dating back over 2500 years. Situated on the southern bank of the River Vaigai, it is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, also known as Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. Revered as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, legend has it that this sacred site is where Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) solemnised their divine union. 

Following breakfast, embark on a local sightseeing excursion of Madurai. Known as a temple town and nestled along the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai boasts a venerable history dating back to ancient times, even preceding the Christian era. Serving as the imperial capital of the Pandyan Empire during the 14th century AD, Madurai held prominence as a center of Tamil learning, hosting the final Tamil Sangam (Academy) nearly two millennia ago.

This tour encompasses visits to several notable landmarks, including the majestic Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, the enlightening Gandhi Museum, and the impressive Vaigai Dam.

Following our tour, return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. 

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your hotel before we resume our journey towards Tanjore, with a stopover in Chettinad along the way. Situated in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad showcases the state's rich heritage, captivating artistry, and magnificent architecture. Renowned not only as a temple town but also for its iconic Chettinad Cuisine, it holds a special place in Tamil Nadu's cultural repertoire.

Your sightseeing adventure in Chettinad will include visits to the exquisite Chettinad Palace and the intriguing Chettinad Museum, followed by lunch at Visalam.

Afterward, we will continue our journey to Tanjore, where upon arrival, you will check into our luxurious five-star hotel, your home for the next two nights.

Embark on a morning sightseeing excursion of Tanjore, a city steeped in history and cultural splendour. Once the imperial capital of the Chola dynasty, which held sway over South India, parts of Sri Lanka, and the Maldives Islands for four centuries (900 – 1300 AD), Tanjore bears testimony to a glorious past.

Under the patronage of the Chola emperors, who were renowned for their support of art, architecture, music, and literature, the city flourished. Throughout their reign, numerous magnificent temples adorned the kingdom, with Tanjore serving as the epicentre of their architectural marvels.

The highlight of Tanjore is the awe-inspiring Brihadeeswara Temple, commissioned by King Rajaraja Chola in A.D 1010, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a day of exploration, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel to start your day before we set out on a morning drive to Pondicherry. Along the way, we will make stops to visit the remarkable Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temples.

Darasuram is renowned for its exquisite Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that offer a glimpse into its rich history. Join us as we explore this enchanting temple, immerse ourselves in the local culture, and uncover the hidden treasures of Darasuram.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple boasts the largest Shivlingam, the phallic form of Lord Shiva, in all of South India. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple features a four-metre-high lingam, encircled by two walls providing privacy for the Royal family during their prayers.

Upon arrival in Pondicherry late this afternoon, check in at the hotel for an Inspiring Stay unforgettable two-night stay in the heart of the "French Quarter".

Pondicherry, often referred to as 'The French Riviera of the East,' was once a French colony until its integration into India as a Union territory in 1954. The town continues to exude its distinctive French heritage through its colonial monuments, cuisine, language, customs, and traditions.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure, allowing you to stroll through the town and soak in its unique ambiance.

Indulge in a delightful buffet breakfast at the hotel to fuel your day ahead.

Embark on a guided morning walking tour of Pondicherry, exploring its charming streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. Wander through the French Quarter, admiring the well-preserved colonial buildings, colourful houses, and tree-lined boulevards. Visit landmarks like the French War Memorial, Aurobindo Ashram, and the seaside promenade, soaking in the town's unique blend of French and Indian influences. Following our visit we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. 

After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take the opportunity to further explore Pondicherry's bustling markets, relax on the beaches, or indulge in its eclectic culinary scene.

Begin your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a scenic drive to Chennai. 

En route, we'll visit the magnificent Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram. Situated on the Bay of Bengal shore, 58 kilometres south of Chennai, Mahabalipuram is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings. Once a bustling port city under the Pallava Empire, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a plethora of rock-cut monuments dating back to the 7th to 9th centuries AD.

Continue your journey to Chennai, where upon arrival, you'll check in at the hotel and unwind after your day of exploration.

Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight. 

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.