South India Highlights

What do your dreams of India look like? Are you walking through bustling cities lined with textile shops and street vendors? Do you hear traditional Indian music while colorful dancers perform in front of you? Do you smell spicy curry as you walk past family-run restaurants? Perhaps you're stepping into an ancient temple and you feel your head bobbling around as you look around in awe. Whether your dreams of India involve architecture, nature, culture, or all of the above, this 12-night adventure through Tamil Nadu is a dream come true.  Explore the coastal cities of Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, and Kochi, then head inland for stays in Madurai, Karaikudi, and Tanjore. One of your days will be spent exploring the lush greenery of the tranquil Kerala Backwaters, and you will stay overnight on a traditional houseboat! With an English-speaking guide accompanying you at all times, this Indian adventure will be stress-free, enriching, and flat-out fun. Your journey will begin on the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, where you will enjoy included city tours and museum visits. Hop a quick flight to Madurai, where you'll experience the colorful Meenakshi Temple! Next, you will be driven to Karaikudi, where you will visit the stunning Chettinadu mansion and enjoy lunch at a local home. Switch gears and head to Tanjore, with visits to Trichy and Rock Fort along the way! Take photos in front of the breathtaking Brihadeshwara Temple and immerse yourself in its ancient history. Venture to Puducherry and enjoy a thrilling sightseeing tour of Auroville, Sri Aurobindo, and more. You'll also take an evening walk through the local village! Stare out the window as you take a scenic drive to Mahabalipuram, home of Shore Temple and other fascinating structures. Finally, you'll reach Kochi, where you will watch a dazzling Kathakali dance performance at a local theater. You'll also visit Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, and much more. From Kochi, you will embark on an overnight boat tour through the Kerala Backwaters!