3-Week Luxury Private Tour of South India: wildlife, nature, villages, backwaters and culinary delights

Day 1: Arrival and Chennai City Tour

Chennai, India on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Flying Elephant

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast featuring traditional South Indian dishes with a modern twist, at this boutique hotel in Chennai.
INR1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning Dravidian-style Hindu temple in Mylapore, vibrant with history and architecture.
INR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dakshin

Relish authentic South Indian cuisine in a sophisticated setting in Chennai, focusing on regional delicacies from Tamil Nadu.
INR2000, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along Marina Beach

Take a relaxing stroll on one of the longest urban beaches in the world, enjoying local life and sea views.
INR0, 1h

4:00pm

Check-in at Taj Coromandel Hotel

Settle into this first-class boutique hotel offering luxury and comfort in the heart of Chennai.
INR20000, n/a

7:30pm

Dinner at Southern Spice

Savour exquisite traditional meals from various South Indian communities in a stylish atmosphere at the Taj Coromandel.
INR3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mahabalipuram Heritage Tour

Mahabalipuram, India on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Taj Coromandel with freshly prepared South Indian staples.
INR1500, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Mahabalipuram

Travel about 1.5 hours south along the scenic coast to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram.
INR3000, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Shore Temple and Rock-cut Monuments

Visit the famous Shore Temple and intricate rock-cut sculptures dating back to the Pallava era.
INR500, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonrakers

Dine with ocean views enjoying fresh seafood and Indian cuisine at this boutique beachfront restaurant.
INR2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pancha Rathas

Discover the unique monolithic rock-cut temples shaped like chariots, showcasing ancient craftsmanship.
INR300, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay

Relax at this luxurious boutique resort offering serene views and exceptional amenities near Mahabalipuram beach.
INR18000, n/a

7:00pm

Dinner at the Resort's restaurant

Enjoy South Indian and international dishes prepared with local ingredients in an elegant setting.
INR3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pondicherry Culture & Cuisine

Pondicherry, India on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast featuring fresh fruit and traditional South Indian fare.
INR1500, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Pondicherry

Travel about one hour south to the charming French colonial town of Pondicherry.
INR1500, 1h

10:00am

Explore French Quarter

Wander through serene streets with colonial architecture, boutique shops and vibrant cafes.
INR0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Villa Shanti

Savour contemporary Indian cuisine with French influences in a relaxed, stylish setting.
INR2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Auroville

Explore this experimental township focused on sustainable living and community, about 15 minutes drive away.
INR0, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in at Palais de Mahe

Enjoy boutique luxury with heritage charm right in the heart of Pondicherry's French Quarter.
INR17000, n/a

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Dupleix

Dine on French and local Tamil Nadu cuisine in an intimate colonial-era mansion.
INR3500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Tanjore Art and Culture

Tanjore, India on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy freshly prepared croissants and local filter coffee at your boutique hotel in Pondicherry.
INR1500, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Tanjore

Travel approximately 3 hours west to Tanjore famous for its grand temples and artistic heritage.
INR3500, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sangam Hotel

Taste delicious and authentic Tamil vegetarian meals served in a traditional setting in Tanjore.
INR1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a majestic Chola dynasty temple known for its colossal size and intricate carvings.
INR300, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at Svatma Hotel

Experience boutique luxury that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Tanjore, with beautiful decor and personalised service.
INR18000, n/a

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Dine on traditional Tamil cuisine with organic ingredients prepared using family recipes.
INR3000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Madurai Temples & Culture

Madurai, India on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome South Indian breakfast within the boutique setting of Svatma Hotel.
INR1500, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Madurai

Travel about 3 hours south to the vibrant city of Madurai, famous for its temples and cultural heritage.
INR3500, 3h

11:30am

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Discover one of India’s most iconic temples known for its towering gopurams and intricate sculptures.
INR0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Murugan Idli Shop

Enjoy a casual meal of soft idlis and spicy chutneys, a local favourite in Madurai.
INR500, 45m

3:00pm

Explore local markets

Wander through bustling bazaars selling textiles, spices, and handicrafts unique to Tamil Nadu.
INR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Heritage Madurai

Relax in boutique luxury with traditional decor and excellent amenities focused on comfort and culture.
INR16000, n/a

7:30pm

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Dinner with a view, enjoying local dishes crafted with fresh ingredients in an elegant hilltop resort.
INR3500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Thekkady, India on May 26, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a packed breakfast as you prepare for the journey to a wildlife sanctuary.
INR1000, 30m

7:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Travel about 4 hours southwest into Kerala’s scenic hill country to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
INR4000, 4h

11:30am

Check-in at Spice Village

Experience eco-luxury and nature-inspired boutique living surrounded by spice plantations.
INR20000, n/a

12:30pm

Lunch at Spice Village

Enjoy Kerala cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients including spices you can smell and see growing nearby.
INR3000, 1h

3:00pm

Periyar Boat Safari

Take a regulated boat tour on Periyar Lake for excellent wildlife spotting including elephants, birds and potentially tigers.
INR1000, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at the Resort

Enjoy the resort’s amenities or a nature walk in the spice plantations near your accommodation.
INR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Spice Village

Sample traditional Kerala dishes served family-style for an authentic dining experience.
INR3500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Munnar Tea and Nature

Munnar, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Spice Village

Indulge in a healthy breakfast with fresh fruits and local specialties to start the day.
INR1500, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Munnar

Travel 3 hours into the verdant hills famous for sprawling tea plantations and cool mountain air.
INR3000, 3h

11:00am

Check-in at Windermere Estate

Stay in a heritage plantation bungalow offering boutique charm, tranquil surroundings and luxury amenities.
INR22000, n/a

12:30pm

Lunch at the Estate

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine with spectacular views of tea gardens and valleys.
INR3000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about the history and processing of tea in Kerala at this fascinating museum open 9am – 5:30pm.
INR200, 1h

4:00pm

Tea Plantation Walk

Take a guided nature walk through tea plantations and nearby forested hills to spot wildlife and local flora.
INR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Sample regional Kerala dishes and fresh fish in a popular local spot in Munnar.
INR2000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Allepey Backwaters

Alleppey, India on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Estate

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast surrounded by plantation scenery before departure.
INR1500, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Alleppey

Travel 4 hours to the famed backwaters of Kerala, known for tranquil canals and lush surroundings.
INR3500, 4h

1:00pm

Check-in at a Boutique Houseboat

Board a luxury houseboat for a unique overnight stay cruising the scenic backwaters in style.
INR25000, n/a

1:30pm

Lunch on Board

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine served on the houseboat while gliding over the canals.
Included in stay, 1h

3:00pm

Backwater Cruise

Relax on your houseboat exploring peaceful lagoons, seeing village life, birds and beautiful landscapes.
Included, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a sumptuous multi-course meal made fresh from local ingredients as the sun sets over the backwaters.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cochin Heritage & Cuisine

Kochi, India on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Houseboat

Begin the day with breakfast served onboard as you finish your backwater journey towards Kochi.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Kochi

A short 1 - 1.5 hour transfer to the historic port city of Kochi, gateway to the Malabar Coast.
INR1000, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Brunton Boatyard

Stay in a refurbished heritage hotel offering luxury and superb views of the harbour.
INR22000, n/a

12:30pm

Lunch at Dal Roti

Enjoy hearty Indian and Mughlai food with excellent breads in this popular Kochi restaurant.
INR2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Fort Kochi & Jewish Synagogue

Explore colonial architecture, street art, and the historic synagogue in one of Kerala’s most unique towns.
INR100, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Chinese Fishing Nets

Witness the iconic fishing nets in operation during sunset, a memorable photographic moment.
INR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Dine in a stunning waterside setting sampling fresh seafood and Kerala delicacies.
INR4000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure

Kochi, India on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final sumptuous breakfast at Brunton Boatyard before your departure.
INR1500, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Airport

Private transfer to Kochi International Airport for flight connections or return journey.
INR2000, 1h
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