::: Saffron Travels - The Treasures Of Southern India :::

A Suggested Itinerary

Treasures Of Southern India

14 Days & 12 Nights

The delicate scent of spices, the sound of temple bells, exotic flora and fauna, and idyllic sandy beaches all characterise Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This journey travels through hill stations, tropical backwaters and temple-laden towns while staying in some of the region's very best hotels.

MAHABALIPURAM • PUDUCHERRY

WoW Experiences

You will explore the historic city and the ancient streets of Mylapore. Your travels then take you south to Puducherry, stopping to admire the UNESCO-listed Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram before immersing yourself in the charming French Quarter and local craft villages. Continuing through the scenic countryside, you will reach Kumbakonam to witness traditional handloom weaving and intricate bronze casting.

The itinerary delves deep into Tamil culture with visits to the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore and a culinary immersion in Chettinad. A major highlight follows in Madurai, where you will experience a mystical night ceremony at the illuminated Meenakshi Temple. Transitioning into the lush landscapes of Kerala, you will explore the tea plantations of Munnar and enjoy a serene two-night retreat at a luxury resort in Kumarakom.

The adventure concludes in Kochi, featuring a backwater boat cruise, a traditional Kathakali dance performance, and a tour of the city’s eclectic Jewish and colonial heritage. This comprehensive tour offers a perfect blend of architectural wonders, rural traditions, and natural beauty before your final departure.

DAY - 1
FLY TO CHENNAI : Fly from London (regional connections available) to Chennai (Madras), via Dubai with Emirates. (N)

DAY - 2
CHENNAI :
On arrival transfer to the Hotel for 1 night (early check in available). Time at leisure before an afternoon tour of the city followed by free time at Marina beach. (B)

DAY - 3
Mahabalipuram • Puducherry :
Morning walking tour of Mylapore, a town that predates Chennai by 2,000 years. Continue to Puducherry (Pondicherry), visiting the world heritage-listed shore temples at Mahabalipuram en route. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel located in the heart of the French quarter. (B)

DAY - 4
PUDUCHERRY :
This morning visit a local rural village, organised by Mohanam Cultural Centre. Watch the villagers involved in traditional crafts such as stone carving, ceramics and terracotta work. Afternoon guided walk through Puducherry, the location for the award-winning film Life of Pi. (B)

DAYS - 5
KUMBAKONAM :
Drive through scenic countryside to Kumbakonam for 2 nights at Hotel. (B, D)

DAYS - 6
KUMBAKONAM :
Morning visit to the handloom weavers in Darasuram, the Darasuram temple and a bronze casting workshop. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

DAYS - 7
CHETTINAD :
En route to Chettinad, visit the Brihadeeswarar temple and its beautiful frescoes. Later, visit the art gallery and fascinating Saraswathi Mahal library at Tanjore Palace. On arrival in Chettinad enjoy an evening culinary experience followed by a traditional dinner. Overnight stay at Hotel. (B, L, D)

DAYS - 8
MADURAI :
This morning explore the village market. Travel to Madurai. Evening visit to the illuminated Meenakshi temple and Hall of a Thousand Pillars for the night ceremony. Overnight stay at the Hotel. (B)

DAYS - 9
MUNNAR :
Travel to the hill country around Munnar for an overnight stay at Hotel. (B, D)

DAYS - 10
KUMARAKOM :
Morning guided walk through a working tea plantation at Kannan Devan Tea Museum (or similar). Travel to Kumarakom for 2 nights at the Hotel, set within gardens and with panoramic views of Lake Vembanad. (B, D)

DAYS - 11
KUMARAKOM :
Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surrounds. (B, D)

DAYS - 12
KOCHI :
This morning, cruise aboard a shikara (wooden boat) through the backwaters before driving to Kochi (Cochin). Evening traditional Kathakali dance performance. Stay 2 nights at Hotel. (B)

DAYS - 13
KOCHI :
Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi's highlights including Mattancherry Palace, the Chinese fishing nets and the 16th-century St. Francis Church. Then explore hidden Kochi including Jew Town, which showcases a number of dying arts such as exquisite French lace embroidery. Continue to dhobi wallah, a wash-house where a sea of white hotel sheets and clothing are slathered on the washing stones. Finish with a stop at Kochi's foremost art gallery-cum-cafe, Kashi. Afternoon at leisure to further explore the labyrinthine streets and their array of local markets. (B)

DAYS - 14
FLY TO LONDON VIA DUBAI :
Fly to London via Dubai with Emirates. (B)

1. Indulge in advance planning for the trip, for early booking of transportation and accommodation.
2. Create a checklist for things to pack.
3. Carry comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for long walking distances.
4. Get assured about health conditions, considering the various high altitudes of the Char Dham.
5. Stay updated with the weather conditions.
6. Get knowledge about the local traditions and customs.
7. Be mindful of the environment and avoid dropping litters anywhere.
8. Carry enough cash, medicines (if any), and other essential items.
9. Take note of emergency contents in case of any unplanned situations.
10. Take note of emergency contents in case of any unplanned situations.Avoid putting stress on health with an over-stuffed itinerary. Make sure to have enough time to cover the pilgrim sites comfortably.

1. PLANE
2. TRAIN
3. PERSONAL VEHICLE
4. CAB
5. BUS
6. HELICOPTER

DELHI

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	21	24	30	36	39	39	35	33	34	33	28	23
B	7	10	15	21	25	28	27	26	24	19	13	8
C	19	15	15	8	17	53	220	257	126	24	5	8

UDAIPUR

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	24	26	31	36	38	35	30	28	30	32	29	25
B	9	11	17	22	25	24	23	22	21	19	14	10
C	4	2	8	4	12	89	244	248	136	13	14	2

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	21	24	30	36	39	39	35	33	34	33	28	23
B	7	10	15	21	25	28	27	26	24	19	13	8
C	19	15	15	8	17	53	220	257	126	24	5	8

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	24	26	31	36	38	35	30	28	30	32	29	25
B	9	11	17	22	25	24	23	22	21	19	14	10
C	4	2	8	4	12	89	244	248	136	13	14	2

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	21	24	30	36	39	39	35	33	34	33	28	23
B	7	10	15	21	25	28	27	26	24	19	13	8
C	19	15	15	8	17	53	220	257	126	24	5	8

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	24	26	31	36	38	35	30	28	30	32	29	25
B	9	11	17	22	25	24	23	22	21	19	14	10
C	4	2	8	4	12	89	244	248	136	13	14	2

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	21	24	30	36	39	39	35	33	34	33	28	23
B	7	10	15	21	25	28	27	26	24	19	13	8
C	19	15	15	8	17	53	220	257	126	24	5	8

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	24	26	31	36	38	35	30	28	30	32	29	25
B	9	11	17	22	25	24	23	22	21	19	14	10
C	4	2	8	4	12	89	244	248	136	13	14	2