South India with Mumbai

- Arrival in Chennai. - Welcome with a flower garland and Mauli. Arrival in Chennai, the largest city in South India, welcome with a flower garland and Mauli on arrival at Chennai airport. MAULI The red thread or Kalava symbolizes longevity and protection against enemies. This is why it is also called "thread of Raksha". Many attributes are associatedwithMauli, it is known as the protective shield that keeps evil/negativeenergies and problems from the world at bay. The Mauli is also tied to receive the blessings of the deity worshiped during the puja (prayer) or havan (sacred fire) ceremony. "“The modern city of Chennai grewout of a small fishing village called Madraspatnam, when the East IndiaCompany chose the location for a new colony in 1639. It is the fourth largestmetropolis in India. Chennai is an important center for Carnatic music and hosts many cultural events. The city has a vibrant theater scene and is an important center for Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form. Meet the Sentiers Du Monde representative and your guide who will accompany you during the tour. Transfer to the hotel and installation (rooms will be available from 2:00 p.m.) Night at the hotel.

- Chennai visit - En route, stop at Kanchipuram temple, where you visit Kamakshi Amman. - Directions to Mahabalipuram. Breakfast at the hotel. Later, youwill take a tour of Chennai, whichwill include the following visits: Santhome Cathedral Church - the Roman Catholic church is said to house the remains of Saint Thomas the Apostle; Fort St George - built in 1640, the first bastion of British power in India, which today houses the State Legislative Assembly and Secretariat offices; StMary's Church - built in 1678-80, it was the first English church in Chennai, and is the oldest surviving British church in India. You then visit Marina beach. En route, stop at Kanchipuramtemple, where you visit Kamakshi Amman, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Ekambareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the largest temples in the city Lunch in the local restaurant. Then continue your road towards Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram, described as an "open-airmuseum", is located on the CoromandelCoast, facing the Bay of Bengal. It is an elegant place to observe what a well-established seaport was during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. The beauty of the place is not only due to the architecture, but also the vast casuarina trees, the silver sand beach and the classical craftsmanship that surrounds it, all forming a collective splendor. Any visitor who goes to Mahabalipuram remains intoxicated by its grandeur. Transfer to the hotel, installation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.  

- Optional: Visit to a fishing village. - The visit ofMahabalipuram. - Depart for Pondicherry. Optional: Visit to the fishing village:- Visit a fishing village, where you can interact with the inhabitants and discover their daily life. Your guide will also help you to understand the locals where, every morning, you can see the fishermen bringing back their day's prize to sell at auction, as is the custom. It's a real spectacle and an experience in itself. Breakfast at the hotel. Next, youwill take the sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram, site of many ancient sculptural wonders. It was the port city of the Pallavas, who mastered the art of building without using bricks or mortar, by carving exquisite sculptures into the rock. The best examples of their art are the five monolith chariots, which are the pride of Mahabalipuram. The different panels on the walls depict scenes from Hindu mythology and Panchtantra fables. The ruins of Mahabalipuramdate fromthe 7th century and include a cave temple, a shore temple, monolithic rathas (rock -carved temple chariots), and bas-reliefs (among the most beautiful in the world). This is the ideal place to buy statues with intricate shapes and skillfully carved. Later, drive to Pondicherry. Situated on the CoromandelCoast, approximately 160kmsouth of Chennai, is the Union Territory of Puducherry. This restored and attractive former French colony exudes aMediterranean aurawith its chic streets, elegant houses and ornamental gardens.A small, quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has immersed itself in Tamil culture. Apart from its charming atmosphere, what attracts most travelers to Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its extension, Auroville, 10 km outside the town. Transfer to the hotel, installation and lunch. Optional: Play pétanque in the white city:- Pétanque, practiced in Pondicherry for five centuries, is one of the vestiges of French India. Bocce players are omnipresent in the nooks and crannies of White Town. Pétanque, an age-old game of French India, is still popular in Pondicherry. Playedwith heavy metal balls, it is verywidespread in this city. It was the French who introduced it here. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Optional: 1 hour Yoga session - Optional: the Pondicherry cycling tour. - The tourist visit to Pondicherry. - Optional: Traditional Kolam class in Pondicherry Optional: 1 hour Yoga session Yoga is an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice but became popular as a way to promote physical and mental well-being. Breakfast at hotel. Optional: the Pondicherry cycling tour: - This guided cycle tour allows you to discover the different districts of Pondicherry. This is a two-hour excursion through the different neighborhoods of this city marked by French colonial influences. Explore the French, Muslim and Tamil quarters of Pondicherry in the early hours of the morning. You will depart on a tour of Pondicherry which will include a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which is not the quiet retreat you might expect. On the contrary, Aurobindo is a vibrant center of life in a modern urban environment and its handmade paper factory is just one of the ashram's successful business ventures. You visit the French Quarter. Later, you visit Auroville and the Pondicherry Museum. Return to the hotel and dinner. The rest of the day is free. Optional: Traditional Kolam class in Pondicherry: South India is known for its lush landscapes and remarkable attractions, but the best way to enter this picturesque region is through its artisanal traditions. During this unique and informative lesson, you will discover the art of Kolam, rice powder painted designs that Indian women draw in front of their homes. Children and adults are welcome in this family workshop which provides an overview of local cultures. 1. A fun and informative workshop on traditional Kolam drawing. 2. Discover the history of one of South India's oldest art forms. 3. Learn about India's thriving craft traditions in this hands-on lesson. 4. At the end of the session, youwill be able to create your own Kolam drawing. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Depart for Tanjore. - The visit of Tanjore. Breakfast at hotel. Departure by road towards Tanjore. Tanjore is a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its many temples include the 11th -century Brihadeeswarar Temple, a vast complex dating from the Chola dynasty with frescoed interiors. The Thanjavur's Maratha Palace houses the centuries-old Saraswathi Mahal Library, which contains palm leaf manuscripts, and the Thanjavur Art Gallery, which displays bronze statues. Transfer to the hotel, installation and Lunch. In the afternoon, you visit the famous granite stone Brihadeeswara temple, built by RajaRajaChola I, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 14-story (216 feet) Vimana and exquisite workmanship make for a mesmerizing sight. The Nandi bull, located in front of the shrine and weighing 20 tonnes, is carved froma single stone. Also visit Sarabhoji Maharajas Fort, Rajagopal Arsenal Tower, Sadar Mahal, Bell Tower, Saraswathi Mahal Library and Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Visiting the Dying Art of Veena Making: Made from exquisite jackfruit wood, Thanjaur has earned a reputation for its distinguished tradition of Veenamaking. Over generations, local families have honed their skills in making these revered instruments, ensuring that artistic skill is preserved and passed on to future artisans. While the number of master craftsmen has become very small to just a few families, witnessing theirmeticulous craftsmanship remains a precious pleasure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Depart for Madurai and enroute, you visit Trichy. - Tuk Tuk ride and witness in the evening aarti at the temple. Breakfast at hotel. Departure by road to Madurai. En route, youwill visit Trichy and in particular the Rock Fort temple, which stands on an 84 m high rock in the center of the city. In the 18th century, the British fought and defeated the French at Trichy for possession of the fort. Cave sanctuaries and temples are built on the rock - look for the Hall of a Thousand Pillars and the Shiva Sanctuary. Next stop is the enormous Ranganathswamy temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple comprises a series of fortified courtyards with 21 towers, the tallest of which reaches 72 meters. Continue your journey towards Madurai. Madurai is one of the largest temple towns of South India and the famous Meenakshi Temple is its symbol. Situated on the banks of the Vaigai River, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage inherited from the great Tamil era, more than 2,500 years old. The city is often nicknamed the City of Jasmine, the Sleepless City, the Athens of the East and the City of Festivals. Transfer to the hotel, installation and lunch. Tuk tuk ride from your hotel to Meenakshi temple and evening aarti at the temple. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Visit of Madurai. - Optional: Once upon a time in Madurai OR - Optional: Lively markets of Madurai (walking tour) Breakfast at hotel. Then visit the great Meenakshi temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. The current temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and then built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. The temple has four entrances and covers an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has a height of 45 to 50 meters. Later, visit Tirumala Nayak Palace - an elegant Indo-Saracenic style building, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches. Also visit Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock Temple. Mary's Cathedral, also known as Church of Our Lady of Dolors, is one of the most popular churches in Madurai. Return to the hotel and lunch. Optional: Once upon a time in Madurai Join us on a walk through the ancient city of Madurai and discover its stories, those of capricious kings and imposing monuments, of fantastic gods and extraordinary mortals, some dating back a millennium and others a millennium more recent. OR Option: Madurai Lively Markets (Walking Tour): - Explore the bustling markets of Madurai, wander the city's narrow lanes, neighborhoods that still reflect the essence of a bygone era, get to know its heritage and discover its rustic charm. Explore the colorful and bustling markets of Madurai, this walk will not only allow you to live a shopper's dream but also learn about the vibrant city, its most famous streets and experience its lively streets. Strong points 1. Discover the famous streetmarkets of Maduraiwhich display an endless variety of items including delicate metal handicrafts, antique coins as well as common use items such as spices, fruits , vegetables, fabrics, textiles, jewelry and even basic necessities. 2. Dress up with a stunning collection of jewelry, metal art, colorful and gem-studded shoes that are essential to any outfit. 3. Capture the hues of the blue city, its beautiful houses, its bustling markets in your lens while exploring the variety and spectacular collection of local art on a shopping tour. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Depart for Periyar. - Enroute, you visit the Jain caves. - In the afternoon, take a boat ride around Periyar Lake. - Optional: Kalaripayattu - the martial art Breakfast at hotel. Then you take the road to Periyar. En route you visit the Jain caves. Also known as Samanar Malai, the Tamil word Malai meaning hills, it boasts ancient caves with sculptures dating back to the 1st century AD. SamanarHill has many important sculptures and ancient inscriptions giving an insight into the history and Jain religion that flourished here in ancient times. Continue on to Periyar – a plantation town on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-permanent leaf, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Due to the density of the forest, it is unlikely to see elephants and especially tigers. Transfer to the hotel, installation and lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat ride around the splendid artificial Periyar Lake. This is an amazing way to experience the Periyar Sanctuary. There are an estimated 700 elephants roaming these forests. Most of the population is generally concentrated on the banks of Lake Periyar and comes to frolic in the water. The boat ride also off ers excellent opportunities to observe the other species of flora and fauna of the sanctuary. Optional: Kalaripayattu - the martial art Considered one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu was developed in Kerala. Considered the pride of Kerala, it is recognized and respected throughout the world. The training begins with an oil massage of the whole body until it becomes agile and supple. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Depart by road to Allepey. - Enroute, visit a spice plantation. - Transfer to the pier to board your private Houseboat. Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by road to Allepey en route, visit a spice plantation. The Portuguese and Jews fromCochin traveled there as traders, transforming the region's natural resources into wealth. Pepper and cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, nutmeg, mace and anise covered the Periyar hills from the 14th century onwards, as Cochin be came the natural harbour, the loading port for a hungry world' spices. Later the region came under the Kingdomof Travancore, with many of its plantations, orchards and hunting lodges dating from this era. The rule of the British Crown over the Indian subcontinent also left its mark on the Cardamom Hills. On arrival, transfer to the jetty to board your private houseboat (Kettuvallam is ahouseboat widely used in the Indian state of Kerala. These have a thatched roof covered with wooden hulls). One of the mostmemorable experiences for travelers to India is the opportunityto take aboat trip on the backwaters of Kerala. Sandwiched between the sea and the hills, this maze of glittering waterways stretches from southern Cochin to Kollam. The views change from narrow canals and dense vegetation to large lakes with open vistas and bright green paddy fields, giving you a glimpse of Kerala's rural lifestyles that are otherwise hidden fromthe outside world. Lunch, dinner and overnight on houseboat.

- Optional: Visit to the foot of the city of Alleppey, meet the inhabitants and discover their daily life. - Disembark from the barge (Kettuvallam) and depart by road towards Munnar Breakfast at the houseboat (Kettuvallam) Optional: Visit to the city of Alleppey Visit the foothills of Alleppey town,meet the locals and learn about their daily lives. Your guide will also help you understand the locals. It's a real spectacle and an experience in itself. Disembark from the barge and depart by road towards Munnar. Surrounded by some of the most productive tea plantations in the world, Munnar sits amidst a breathtaking landscape marked by hills, lakes, streams andwaterfalls. One of the most pristine tree resorts in India, the town is surrounded by hundreds of acre s of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. On arrival, transfer to the hotel, installation and lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Optional: 1 hour Yoga session - The short hike in the tea plantation. - Visitors then go to the factory to understand how the tea is processed. Optional: 1 hour Yoga session Yoga is an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice but became popular as a way to promote physical and mental well-being. Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will do the short hike in the tea plantation (approximately 3 hours). With a tea plantation trek you will walk through the hills on roads and trails through forests and past spices and then of course through the tea plantations. Lunch in the local restaurant. Then you visit Echo Point. situated at an altitude of 600 feet and a distance of around 15 kilometers fromMunnar, Echo Point is situated on the banks of a picturesque lake and misty hills coveredwith lush green trees. As its name suggests, this place is well known for its exciting illustration of the echo phenomenon. As you scream, it's fun to hear your voice echo around the attraction. Located in Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, approximately 2 km fromMunnar. The KDHP Museum displays a variety of antiquities, the most famous being the funerary urn discovered near the Periakanal estate, dating back to the 2nd century AD. A 30-minute documentary report produced by the museum will take you on a historical tour of the place. Visitors then go to the factory to understandhowthe tea is processed. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Depart for Cochin. - You will enjoy a cooking demonstration with dinner with a local family. Breakfast at the hotel. Departure towards Cochin. Cochin is a city in the coastal state of Kerala, southwest India. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood hollowed out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and Europeanmerchants. Sites reflecting these influencesinclude Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and various places of worship. Chinese cantilevered fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been used for centuries. Transfer to the hotel, installation and dinner. Later in the evening, you will enjoy a cooking demonstration with Dinner with a Local Family. Return to the hotel. Night at the hotel.

- Optional: 1 hour Yoga session - Optional: Visit to the village of Kumbalangi - Depart for the Fort Cochin region. - Visit of Cochin - Tonight enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Optional: 1 hour Yoga session Yoga is an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice but became popular as a way to promote physical and mental well-being. Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning. Optional: Visit to the village of Kumbalangi The quiet village of Kumbalangi is famous for village tourism. As youwould expect, this village offers tourists an ideal village life experience. During your day trip, you'll enjoy backwater cruises, meet villagers and visit farms. You will also enjoy magnificent views of fishing, grog fishing and coconut fiber manufacturing. Kerala style lunch and evening snacks with tea will ensure the experience is complete. Departure for the Fort Cochin region. Lunch in the local restaurant. The tour of Cochinwhich includes a visit to the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), presenting astonishing murals depicting scenes from the legends of the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranics; The Jewish Synagogue (closed Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays) which is magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, built in 1568; Terminus of the port of Cochin where Chinese fishing nets offer a marvelous spectacle; and St. Francis Church, the oldest church built by Europeans in India and where Vasco da Gama was buried. Tonight, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a traditional dance form representing the Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to represent various characters from the different epics. This dance f eatures many facial expressions and rapid but articulate body movements. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Transfer to Cochin airport in time to take the flight to Mumbai. - In the evening, you will enjoy a street food walking tour in Mumbai. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cochin airport in time to catch the flight to Mumbai. Mumbai is India's largest port, its commercial and industrial hub, as well as the fashion capital and the heart of Bollywood (India's thriving film industry). Mumbai is an endlessly fascinating, if intimidating at first, hive of activity. A veritable melting pot of cultures from all parts of the country, Mumbai embodies a bit of all the diverse Indian traditions rolled into one. On arrival at Mumbai airport, meet the Sentiers Du Monde representative and transfer to the hotel. Lunch at the hotel. In the evening, you will enjoy a street food tour in Mumbai. Discover Mumbai (Bombay) through its cuisine on this evening walking tour. Your local expert guide shares the diverse culinary delights prepared at the bustling city's modest street stalls, which aren't easy to select without an insider's know-how. During your tour, you'll taste some of Mumbai's favorite snacks, desserts and drinks and learn about key elements of Indian cuisine. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

- Visit to the Elephanta caves. - Visit the city of Mumbai. Breakfast at the hotel. Next, a ferry ride across the port from India Gate takes you to the World Heritage-listed Elephanta Caves (closed Monday), located 9 kmfromMumbai. The rock-cut temple complex covers an areaof 60,000 square feet (5,600 m2) consisting of a main chamber, 2 side chambers, courtyards and subsidiary shrines. The site of thesemagnificent caves contains magnificent reliefs, sculptures and a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Śiva. The caves are carved into solid rock. The temple complex is said to be the abode of Shiva. Lunch in the local restaurant. Later, you proceed to the city tour of Mumbaiwhich includes a visit to the India Gate – a large ceremonial arch built to commemorate the visit of KingGeorge V; Mani Bhavan – amuseumdedicatedto the father of our nationMahatma Gandhi, at the place where he resided for 15years; theMarine promenade; the Prince ofWalesMuseum, considered one of the best museums in the country; The Hanging Gardens and Victoria Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), which is one of the largest buildings in the city with its elaborate Italian Gothic design. Walk past Marine Drive and visit Juhu Chowpatty. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be transferred to Mumbai Airport in time to catch your connecting flight to your next destination. ***END OF TOUR***