South India – Exotic World

Your Indian adventure begins today with a private flight to Chennai, where you'll be greeted with a warm welcome to India the following morning! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by a member of staff and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from your journey.

Once one of the most important centers of the British Empire, Chennai is now a metropolis of millions, where colonial heritage, South Indian traditions, and modern life create a vibrant mix. The architectural spirit of Chennai's former colonial rulers is reflected in numerous buildings, such as St. George's Fort or one of the many churches, like St. Thomas Basilica. The colorful Kapaleeshwara Temple, with its 37-meter-high gopuram, offers a glimpse into the Hindu religion. As one of the most important port cities in the 7th and 8th centuries, Mahabalipuram was home to some of the oldest temples still standing today. In the morning, you will visit the temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Picturesquely situated amidst sandy beaches and the sea, you can study the most important temple types: coastal temples, monolithic temples, and even cave temples were built here.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Pondicherry has since transformed into a tranquil and peaceful town. The renowned planned city of Auroville, where alternative ways of living are explored, lies along the way. The ashram of Sri Aurobindo, the father of integral yoga—a modern, future-oriented, and comprehensive approach to consciousness development—is another highlight of the day. The Mediterranean charm of this former French colonial town is particularly evident in the French Quarter. A stroll along the beach promenade is the perfect way to end the day.

One of South India's oldest temples is located in the small town of Darasuram. The Airavateswarar Temple impresses visitors with its extraordinary stonework. Monumental and impressive is the Brihadishvara Temple in Tanjore (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), dedicated to the god Shiva, where elephants bestow their blessings upon visitors. Standing 61 meters tall, it is one of India's largest historical structures and impresses with its expansive dimensions. The Chettinad region became famous in the 19th century for its thriving trade with all of Southeast Asia and still boasts a rich architectural and cultural heritage.

A day trip away, in Tiruchirappalli, the Srirangam Temple rises its golden roofs from a sea of ​​green palm trees, forming what is probably the largest temple complex in South India. Equally impressive is the Jambukeshwarar Temple with its extensive corridors and plazas, as well as the Rock Fort Temple, which stands as a landmark of the city atop a massive rocky hill. Those who climb the steps are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the city of Trichy. On the way back to Chettinad, you will stop in several villages and experience rural South India.

As one of the oldest cities in South India, with a history spanning over 2000 years, Madurai is best known for the sprawling and colorful Meenakshi Temple. The evening ceremony there is particularly impressive, captivating visitors with its endless stream of pilgrims, magnificent statues of deities, religious Hindu music, and a breathtaking elephant procession.

Although only the main hall, the dance hall, and the courtyard of the Thirumalai Nayakka Palace in Madurai remain today, it is one of the most important examples of South Indian palace architecture. Flowers are an integral part of everyday life and especially the ritual life of Hindus, and Madurai's colorful flower markets leave a lasting impression. Thekkady in the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is the destination for today's journey. A boat trip (depending on the water level) on Periyar Lake is a relaxing way to end the day in the Periyar Wildlife Reserve.

A morning hike along the borders of the national park (outside the park) offers a relaxing break and a wonderful nature experience. In the afternoon, a drive through the Spice Mountains of Periyar awaits, where seemingly endless tea, pepper, and cardamom plantations await you. You will visit one of the spice plantations and learn more about the cultivation of the various spices. Can you identify which spices are grown by their aroma? The Kalaripayattu martial art is considered one of the oldest in India and even the world. An evening demonstration reveals the impressive elegance and physical skill of the fighters.

Authentic, tranquil living in harmony with nature unfolds along the banks of the backwaters, the famous backwater rivers, and is best enjoyed on a houseboat. Boarding in Alleppey, you'll embark on your tour through this fascinating waterway landscape, an exotic labyrinth of palm-fringed lagoons, rivers, and canals. On board these former rice boats, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable journey: a bedroom with a comfortable bed, a modern bathroom with shower, an airy lounge on deck, and a small galley where traditional dishes are freshly prepared for you.

Sunrise in the backwaters – enjoy the enchanting morning atmosphere on board. Fishermen come to the water to fish, and the villages along the shores awaken to bustling activity. After breakfast, you disembark, and your journey continues to Kochi, the "Pearl of the Arabian Sea," as this port city, shaped by diverse cultures, is also known. Kochi's Portuguese heritage is still very much alive, but other influences are also readily apparent. In the old town, you will visit, among other sites, Fort Cochin, the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the tomb of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in St. Francis Church. The famous Chinese fishing nets in the harbor seem like relics from a bygone era. The colorful spice and antique markets are full of aromas and fascinating sights. In the evening, traditional Kathakali dance awaits you – let the dancers' movements and vibrant costumes bring ancient stories from Indian mythology to life.

Depending on your departure time, you will be picked up from your hotel today and taken to the airport, from where you will begin your flight home with many new impressions. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you back to India soon.