The diversity of South India

Today you begin your India adventure and fly individually to Chennai, where the next morning you will be greeted with: Namaste and a warm welcome to India! After landing, a staff member will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, where you can first relax and unwind from your journey.

Once one of the most important centers of the British Empire, Chennai is today a bustling metropolis where colonial heritage, South Indian traditions, and modern life blend into a striking contrast. The architectural spirit of the former colonial rulers is reflected in numerous buildings, such as St. George’s Fort or one of the many churches like St. Thomas Basilica. In contrast, the colorful Kapaleeshwara Temple with its 37-meter-high gopuram immerses visitors in Hindu religion. Marina Beach is a popular outing destination after work hours. The drive along the Coromandel Coast to Mahabalipuram offers wonderful views of the coastal landscape.

As one of the most important port cities in the 7th to 8th centuries, Mahabalipuram is home to some of the oldest temples that still stand today. In the morning, you will visit the town’s temple complexes, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Set in a picturesque location surrounded by sandy beaches and the sea, you can explore the main types of temples: coastal temples, monolithic temples, and even rock-cut cave temples. In the afternoon, you can enjoy sun, sand, and sea—or explore the town on your own.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Pondicherry has since developed into a tranquil and peaceful town. On the way, you will pass the famous planned city of Auroville, where alternative ways of living together are explored. The ashram of Sri Aurobindo, the father of integral yoga in the sense of a modern, forward-looking, and comprehensive development of consciousness, is another highlight of the day. The Mediterranean flair of the former French colonial town is particularly preserved in the French Quarter. The day can be concluded with a stroll along the seaside promenade.

The temple complex of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, along with the almost fully preserved Brihadishvara Temple, is one of the three great temples of the Chola dynasty and stands as an outstanding architectural example of its time. Kumbakonam remains one of the most sacred sites today, with numerous other Chola dynasty monuments, and every 12 years it attracts millions of pilgrims for the Mahamaham Festival. Not far away lies Thanjavur, the former capital of the Chola Empire from the 9th to 11th centuries.

Monumental and impressive, the Brihadishvara Temple in Tanjore (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), dedicated to the god Shiva, greets visitors with elephants offering their blessings. At 61 meters high, it ranks among India’s largest historical structures and impresses with its vast dimensions. Another highlight is a visit to the CSI Schwartz Memorial Church, built in 1779 in Tanjore by the German missionary Christian Friedrich Schwartz. The markets of Tanjore showcase a colorful array of goods and offer fascinating insights into local daily life.

As one of the oldest cities in South India with a history of over 2,000 years, Madurai is especially famous for the extensive and colorful Meenakshi Temple. The evening ceremony there is particularly impressive, where you are captivated by the endless stream of pilgrims, the ornate deity images, devotional Hindu music, and an impressive elephant procession.

Although today only the main hall, the dance hall, and the courtyard of the Thirumalai Nayakka Palace in Madurai have been preserved, it remains one of the most significant examples of South Indian palace architecture. Flowers are indispensable in the daily and, above all, ritual life of Hindus, and the colorful flower markets of Madurai leave lively impressions. The day’s journey takes you to Thekkady in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Kalaripayattu martial art is considered one of the oldest in India and even in the world. An evening demonstration reveals the impressive elegance and physical skill of the fighters.

A boat ride (depending on the water level) on Periyar Lake is a relaxing way to start the day in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The subsequent walk along the park’s boundaries (outside the park) also offers a refreshing break and is a wonderful nature experience. In the afternoon, a drive through Periyar’s spice hills is on the agenda, with seemingly endless tea, pepper, and cardamom plantations awaiting you. You will visit one of the spice plantations and learn more about the cultivation of the various spices. Can you recognize the spices by their fragrance?

Authentic, tranquil life in harmony with nature unfolds along the banks of the backwaters, best experienced on a houseboat. In Alleppey, you board directly and begin your tour through the fascinating waterways, meandering through an exotic labyrinth of palm-lined lagoons, rivers, and canals. Onboard the former rice boats, you’ll find everything needed for a comfortable journey: a bedroom with a cozy bed, a modern bathroom with shower, an airy lounge on deck, and a small onboard kitchen where local dishes are freshly prepared for you.

Sunrise on the Backwaters – enjoy the enchanting morning atmosphere on board. Fishermen come to the water to fish, and the villages along the banks awaken to bustling activity. After breakfast, you disembark, and your journey continues to Marari, where you will have lunch and soak in the atmosphere of one of India’s most beautiful beaches. In the late afternoon, you travel on to Kochi, the "Pearl of the Arabian Sea," as this culturally diverse port city is also called.

The Portuguese heritage is still alive in Kochi, but other influences are also easily recognizable. In the old town, you will visit, among others, Fort Kochi, the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the tomb of the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama in St. Francis Church. The famous Chinese fishing nets in the harbor seem like a scene from a long-past era. Full of scents and fascinating impressions, the colorful spice and antique markets captivate visitors. In the evening, the traditional Kathakali dance art awaits you – let the movements and colorful costumes of the dancers bring ancient stories from Indian mythology to life.

Coimbatore, known for its textile industry, is often called the “Manchester of the South.” The Marudhamalai Murugan Temple, situated on a hill just outside the city, offers a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape. It is said that the nearby spring possesses healing properties.

Through the breathtaking landscape of the Nilgiri Mountains, a historic gem makes its way to the former hill station of Ooty. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the oldest mountain railways and the only rack railway in India, famously known as the Coonoor Toy Train. Enjoy a scenic adventure with wonderful impressions of the slowly passing natural beauty.

The hill station Ooty was discovered by John Sullivan and, with its churches and stone houses amidst the romantic hilly landscape, seems as if it were transplanted directly from the Scottish Highlands. A gentle walk takes you through the surroundings of the hill station and the landscape, which is mainly characterized by tea and spice plantations. Afterwards, you certainly deserve a restful break—or you can use the afternoon for further exploration.

Mysore is famous for its sandalwood crafts, with figurines, incense sticks, and soaps being popular souvenirs. The Mysore Palace, home of the Maharaja, is considered one of the most beautiful in India, combining Hindu, Indo-Islamic, Rajput, and European architectural styles. During a stroll through the flower and spice markets, take in the diverse scents and be enchanted by the vibrant colors. The tour concludes at Chamundi Hill, offering a magnificent view over the entire city.

The Ranganathaswamy Temple in the nearby former capital Shrirangapattana is one of the most significant and largest in Karnataka. Shravanabelagola, on the other hand, is one of India’s most important Jain sanctuaries. The 18-meter-high statue of the Jain ascetic Bahubali is the focal point of the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony every 12 years, during which the colossal statue is bathed with milk, ghee, coconut milk, honey, yogurt, flowers, colored water, and gold coins. The sanctuary, located on Vindhyagiri Hill, can be reached via more than 600 steps. In Hassan, you will find your accommodation for the night.

The temple complexes of Belur and Halebid from the 12th century are adorned with expressive stone carvings, with thousands of intricately sculpted figures decorating the facades of the religious buildings. The delicate reliefs are among the most important examples of Hoysala architecture. The drive to Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, offers wonderful views of rural India.

The remains of the former royal city of Hampi are impressive. Although the historic site with its palace and temple complexes from the 14th century lies in ruins, one can quickly grasp the significance of the Vijayanagar Kingdom across the vast grounds. Today, the ruins still bear witness to the legendary wealth and splendor of the kingdom.

The village of Aihole, now lying peacefully, has a grand past, as it is considered the cradle of South Indian temple architecture. Even today, over a hundred small temples can be found here. The nearby former capital of the Chalukya kings, Pattadakal, also features magnificent examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture from the 7th and 8th centuries. Badami, too, was once the capital of the Chalukya kings between the 6th and 8th centuries AD. The temples on the shore of a large reservoir and those carved into the steep cliff behind still testify to its former importance.

Goa’s wonderful beaches warmly welcome you to relax, where you can spend the next few days enjoying a well-deserved break at one of the most beautiful beaches, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Plan your stay entirely according to your own wishes and enjoy the paradisiacal surroundings of sun, sand, and sea. (No vehicle available, no tour guide)

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