13-Nights South India: Temples and Backwaters - Small Group Journeys from $10,495

Abercrombie & Kent

OFFER ID 1652153

Southern India beckons you with charming towns where silk is still woven by hand, timeless temples of intricately carved stone and bustling markets filled with local people and exotic produce. Discover the history, culture and cuisine of this lush region, exploring extraordinary spice villages and tropical coastal cities, witnessing an indigenous dance performance, and meeting with locals and royals alike.

13 nights from $10,495 per person

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Chennai, India

A city remarkable as a center of Indian classical music and song, Chennai is rich in cultural heritage, with historic landmarks that span the centuries and culinary traditions to thrill the palate. Arrive in this often-overlooked gem of a destination and settle into your hotel.

The Leela Palace Chennai

Meals:

2 Chennai – City of Myths & Legends

After a morning on your own, tour the city of Chennai, visiting the artifact-rich Government Museum; Fort St. George, first bastion of the British East India Company in southern India; and Gothic Santhome Cathedral, named after St. Thomas the Apostle, whose tomb is said to lie beneath the basilica. Later, walk through Mylapore, a bustling neighborhood that pre-dates the city by at least 2,000 years, where residents have kept alive many of Chennai's traditions and arts. Stroll with your guide who shares stories of local life, of gods and demons, of ancient customs and symbolisms, and of Mylapore and Madras - some amusing and some baffling. This evening, gather for cocktails at the hotel followed by a welcome dinner.

The Leela Palace Chennai

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3 Kanchipuram – Secrets of the Silk Weavers
Rise early for a day excursion to Kanchipuram for visits to seventh-century Kailasanatha Temple as well as the 16th-century Ekambareswarar Temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring a different side of Kanchipuram, visiting a weaver's village renowned for silk saris, delicate and delightful garments sought out by people from across the south. Later return to Chennai with the rest of the evening at leisure.
The Leela Palace Chennai

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4 Mahabalipuram – Magnificent Shore Temples

Journey to Pondicherry, stopping en route at the intricate Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram, a stunning collection of rock temples and carvings designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from AD 630 to 668, they include such carvings as Bhagiratha's Penance, a bas-relief sculpted over enormous rocks that depicts animals, gods and saints, all watching the holy Ganges River flow from the Himalayas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before proceeding to Pondicherry, where you settle into your hotel and have dinner.

Palais De Mahe

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5 Pondicherry – Communities Devoted to Spiritual Insight

French colonists once called it their “Riviera of the East,” such was the natural beauty of Pondicherry’s location on the Bay of Bengal. A trading port dating back to Roman times, the city is lively and filled with multicultural appeal. Drive to Auroville to visit its unique community working toward realizing the dream of human unity through diversity. Learn how this internationally endorsed, ongoing experiment in the transformation of consciousness was founded and enjoy insider access opportunities with community members who help you gain a deeper understanding of their approach to living. This afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community dwelling in Pondicherry, and stroll the city's French Quarter.

Palais De Mahe

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6 Swamimalai and Kumbakonam – Bronze Artisans at Work

Today, set out for Kumbakonam, diverting for various explorations along the way. Sit down to lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to Swamimalai, where you witness the casting of bronze statues at a local factory. Discover this age-old art and learn about local families who have been practicing this artisan trade for centuries. Afterward, continue to Kumbakonam, where you settle into your hotel and, later, join your fellow guests for dinner.

Mantra Koodam

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7 Thanjavur/Chettinad – Historic Temple & Palace

Located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is a center for the ethnic Tamil people and the site of intricately detailed temples, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sits. Visit the grandly carved Sri Brihadeshwara Temple, built in the 10th century by the Chola king Raja Raja Cholan and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then proceed to explore storied Thanjavur Maratha Palace. Break for lunch before driving to Chettinad. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later this evening enjoy a mouth-watering cooking demonstration led by a chef on site.

Visalam

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8 Chettinad – A Visit to a Private Home

Experience the diverse highlights of Chettinad, a city with teak temple architecture and spice-laden cuisine that show the influences of Burma and other nearby Asian countries. Stop at a handmade tile-making factory, visiting local villages and markets, and being welcomed into a private home for snacks along the way.

Visalam

Meals:

9 Madurai – Journey to a Spice Plantation
Rise early and journey to Madurai. Upon arrival, make a brief visit to the famous Shri Meenakshi Temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then continue to Periyar, where you check in to your cottage nestled on a spice plantation.
Spice Village

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10 Periyar – Fragrant Scents of Favorite Spices

After breakfast, visit the plantation with a naturalist, taking in the delicious scents of the cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and other plants growing around you, and learning firsthand why Periyar is renowned for its spices. After lunch, proceed to Kumarakom, where you check in to your amazing resort, and perhaps enjoy a cooling dip in your villa's private pool. Cap off the day with a thirst-quenching cocktail.

Kumarakom Lake Resort

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11 Kumarakom – Rural Life in Kerala's Backwaters

If a lush and languid lakeside setting scented with flowers and echoing with exotic birdsong sounds like paradise to you, Kumarakom checks all the boxes. Get an up-close look at daily life in Kumarakom, learning about the culture, traditions and livelihoods of the people who populate this region. Board private tuk-tuks for a fun ride to the embarkation point of a boat cruise that takes you along the gentle backwaters of a nearby river, and explore local villages. Learn about the residents' traditional crafts and agricultural practices such as toddy tapping, climbing coconut trees, weaving coconut leaves and fishing. Also discover how India's Responsible Tourism initiative seeks to minimize negative economic, environmental and social impacts of overtourism. Then, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

Bike to Nearby Villages for an up-close look at life as the locals live it.
Kayak the Tranquil Waters of your resort, paddling past lush flora and keeping an eye out for wildlife as you go.
Relax and Rejuvinate With a Massage at your resort's amazing Ayurveda spa.

Later, enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Kumarakom Lake Resort

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12 Kumarakom – A Relaxing Day Cruise by Houseboat

After a morning at leisure, step aboard a houseboat for a leisurely cruise on Vembanad Lake, enjoying a traditional Kerala lunch on board, and viewing exotic birdlife along the way. This afternoon, disembark at Alleppey and drive to Kochi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. This evening, gather with fellow guests for cocktails and a farewell dinner on site.

Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin

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13 Kochi – Meet the Royal Family

Kochi is a major port city in the Indian state of Kerala and does justice to its nickname, “The Queen of the Arabian Sea.” A sunny haven for beach lovers, it is also noted for its rich history and culture. Today, become the honored guest of the Cochin Royal Family. One of the four major royal dynasties of Kerala, the Cochin Royal Family played a significant role in shaping Kerala's history, past and present. Begin by discovering the origins of the family, and the rise and fall in their fortunes under European rule, before their eventual union with India. Look at their role in developing Kochi and their contributions in the field of art, language, education and medicine. Then, sit down to tea with present-day members of the family for an incomparable moment of insider access, A&K style. After lunch, set out on a city tour of Kochi, visiting the Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Net, St. Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace, to get a feel for the diverse cultures that are part of life here. Tonight, attend a Kathakali dance show, and go behind the scenes to see how the dancers' lavish makeup, costumes and exotic masks are prepared.

Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin

Meals:

14 Depart Kochi
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

Meals:

Featured Destinations

Chettinad

Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi (Cochin) is the great, old Keralan spice city. It consists of mainland Ernakulam, islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Mattancheri on the southern peninsula and Vypeen Island north of Cochin. Because of the area’s dense tropical forests, extensive ridges and ravines, it has been sheltered from invaders and the rest of India. This encouraged Keralites to welcome maritime contact, and therefore influence from the outside world. In Cochin there is still a small community of descendants from Jewish settlers who fled Palestine 2,000 years ago. When the Portuguese arrived here some 500 years ago, they were surprised to find Christianity already established along this coast. People from far-off lands have been coming to Kerala since ancient times in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Such long contact with people from overseas has resulted in the blending of various cultures and has given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook.

Excursions

Cochin: Highlights - 7.5 hours

9AM- 10:30AM
Disembark the ship drive for 45 minutes to Tripunithura and visit the Hill Palace which was the official residence of the Cochin Royal family built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and in surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park. A fully fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first ever heritage Museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside are 19^th century paintings, murals sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the royal family.

Cooking demonstration and lunch can be arranged at a local home ( on direct payment basis)

2PM- 4PM

In the afternoon, before returning to the ship which is towards the Silk Route trading post of Fort Cochin, these days a `Heritage Zone’. Beginning with the Chinese and Arabs in the 13^th century, the Portuguese arrived in 1500 A.D. followed by the domination of the Dutch and British. See St. Francis Church originally built in 1510 and the first to reflect European influenced tradition. Portuguese hero Vasco Da Gama died on the site and was buried in the cemetery.

At Matancherry, there’s the Dutch Palace built in 1557 by the Portuguese as a gift for the Maharaja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. The Palace houses royal costumes, palanquins, furniture and weapons but its striking feature is a series of murals painted on wooden walls. Later, stop by the Pardesi synagogue, at the heart of what is locally called Jew town. (Closed for a visit on Fridays and Saturday)

4PM - 4:30PM Thereafter return to the pier.

Added Value:

Great introduction to Cochin city.
The Tour covers the main highlights of the city i.e Depart the Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace and later Jew Street (or Spice Street) in Jew Town.

- Tour Duration: 7 hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
- Physical activity level : Moderate
- Wheelchair Accessible : No

Closing dates : Fridays - Dutch Palace in Mattancherry and Fridays & Saturdays – Jewish Synagogue.

Inclusions:

- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
- All the entrance fees and camera fees.
- Credit card and bank charges.
- All the prevailing taxes.

Kumarakom

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Kanchipuram

Chennai

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

01/10/2026 - 01/23/2026

from $10,495 per person

10/10/2026 - 10/23/2026

from $10,495 per person

11/07/2026 - 11/20/2026

from $10,495 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $10,495 per person

Length

13 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Luxury

Remarks

Prices are per person, double occupancy and include internal air where applicable. Holiday surcharge may apply. Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1652153

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