The magic of South India
From the living temples of Tamil Nadu to the tropical waters of Kerala
Travel with us from the great temple cities of Tamil Nadu across the mountains of the Western Ghats into the tropical landscapes of Kerala.
Along the way, we will encounter living spiritual traditions, walk among tea plantations, discover the world of Indian spices, explore the forests and waters of Periyar, spend a night aboard a houseboat and rest beside the Arabian Sea.
This is South India in all its colour, depth and diversity.
Watch our journey
See the places, meet the people, feel the atmosphere. Our documentary film was created along the route in June 2026 as we prepared this journey. It introduces the temples, landscapes, people and atmosphere that we experienced ourselves and that we will discover together in January 2027.
Gallery
Journey highlights
Where temples are still alive
Tamil Nadu is home to some of India’s most extraordinary sacred architecture. These are not silent monuments of the past, but living places filled with pilgrims, flowers, music, incense and daily ritual.
Carved in stone, facing the sea
On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram preserves temples, monolithic shrines and rock carvings created under the Pallava rulers more than a thousand years ago. Here, ancient stone and the ocean become part of the same landscape.
A different vision of India
Auroville is an international township founded by the Mother (Mirra Alfassa) in 1968 as an experiment in human unity, inspired by Sri Aurobindo’s vision. We then continue to Puducherry, which remained under French rule until its transfer to India in 1954.
Into the Western Ghats
Leaving the temple cities behind, we climb from the plains of Tamil Nadu into the green mountains of Kerala. The climate cools, the landscape opens and tea gardens begin to cover the hillsides.
Walk among the tea gardens
In Munnar, endless lines of tea bushes follow the contours of the mountains. We will explore this remarkable landscape on foot and discover how tea travels from the fresh green leaf to the finished drink.
Follow the scent of spices
Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and other tropical plants have shaped Kerala’s cuisine, traditional medicine and international trade for centuries. In the spice-growing region around Thekkady, we will see how these plants grow and learn about their place in Ayurveda and everyday life.
Into the wild
A day in the Periyar landscape takes us beyond roads and cities. We will walk through tropical forest and cross the quiet waters on bamboo rafts. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the forest itself is the experience.
When stories begin to dance
Elaborate costumes, expressive gestures, powerful percussion and stories rooted in Indian mythology. An evening performance of Kathakali introduces us to one of Kerala’s most distinctive classical traditions, while Kalaripayattu represents Kerala’s traditional martial arts heritage.
Surrender to a slower rhythm
For one day and night, our houseboat becomes our home. We will travel through Kerala’s backwaters, passing rice fields, coconut palms, villages and everyday life along the water. Meals will be prepared aboard as the landscape slowly unfolds around us.
Between the cliffs and the sea
After temples, mountains and forests, Varkala gives us time to pause. Walk along the cliffs, rest beside the Arabian Sea, swim when conditions permit and watch the sun disappear beyond the horizon.
Where many worlds met
Our journey ends in Kochi, a historic port shaped by centuries of encounters between Indian, Arab, Jewish, Chinese and European cultures. Old trading quarters, places of worship, colonial architecture and Kerala’s famous fishing nets tell the story of a city open to the sea.
Begin the day with yoga
Morning yoga practice for beginners is planned for every day of our journey.
Suitable space for practising will be available at almost all of our accommodation locations. Depending on the daily programme, weather and local conditions, we may practise in a hotel hall or garden, on a terrace or beach, or in another suitable outdoor space. The practice will offer a calm and refreshing beginning to the day before breakfast and the day’s journey or sightseeing programme. Participation is welcome but not compulsory. The practice will be adapted to the needs and abilities of the group, so previous yoga experience is not required.
Itinerary
Sixteen nights from the Coromandel Coast to the Arabian Sea. The programme below reflects the journey as planned at the time of publication; details may be adjusted to local conditions.
Day 1Sunday 10 JanuaryArrival in Chennai
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, we will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to the hotel. Depending on flight times, the programme may include a first introduction to the city and its seafront.
Overnight: Chennai
Day 2Monday 11 JanuaryChennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
We travel to Kanchipuram, one of Tamil Nadu’s historic temple cities and a renowned centre of traditional silk weaving. We plan to visit selected temples, including Ekambareswarar, Kailasanathar and Vaikunta Perumal, before continuing to the coast and Mahabalipuram.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Day 3Tuesday 12 JanuaryMahabalipuram
A full day devoted to Mahabalipuram’s rock-cut and structural monuments. We will visit the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and other important works associated with the Pallava period. The afternoon also offers time beside the Bay of Bengal.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Day 4Wednesday 13 JanuaryMahabalipuram – Auroville – Puducherry
We travel south along the coast to Auroville, the international township founded with a vision of human unity. The precise visit will depend on current access and advance reservations. We then continue to Puducherry and visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Overnight: Puducherry
Day 5Thursday 14 JanuaryPuducherry – Thanjavur
Today we travel inland to Thanjavur, a historic centre of Chola culture, temple architecture, bronze casting, painting and classical music. The principal highlight is the magnificent Brihadishvara Temple, one of the Great Living Chola Temples.
Overnight: Thanjavur
Day 6Friday 15 JanuaryThanjavur – Tiruchirappalli
A shorter journey takes us to Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy. We will explore the great temple complex of Srirangam and visit the Rockfort area, with its hilltop temple and views across the city and surrounding landscape.
Overnight: Tiruchirappalli
Day 7Saturday 16 JanuaryTiruchirappalli – Madurai
We continue to Madurai, one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major centre of Tamil culture. The programme includes the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and, subject to the temple schedule, an evening ceremony within the temple complex.
Overnight: Madurai
Day 8Sunday 17 JanuaryMadurai – Munnar
Leaving Tamil Nadu, we climb into the Western Ghats and enter Kerala. On arrival in Munnar, we check into our hotel. Depending on journey time and local opening hours, we will visit a tea museum or tea processing centre.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 9Monday 18 JanuaryWalking through the tea country
Today is devoted to the mountain landscape around Munnar. We will walk through tea-growing country, enjoy views across the hills and learn about the journey of tea from the fresh leaf through processing to the final drink. The exact route will be selected according to local conditions and the abilities of the group.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 10Tuesday 19 JanuaryMunnar – Thekkady
We travel through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, the gateway to the Periyar landscape. During the day, we will discover the plants behind Kerala’s celebrated spices and learn about their importance in local cuisine, traditional trade and Ayurveda.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 11Wednesday 20 JanuaryPeriyar forest and bamboo rafting
An active day in the Periyar landscape combines walking with bamboo rafting. The programme may be adjusted according to weather, forest regulations and operational conditions. Wildlife may be encountered, but sightings cannot be promised. In the evening, we attend Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 12Thursday 21 JanuaryThekkady – Alappuzha – Houseboat
We descend from the hills to Alappuzha, where we board our houseboat. The afternoon is spent cruising through Kerala’s backwaters. Lunch, refreshments and dinner are served aboard as we pass rice fields, palm-lined canals and waterside settlements.
Overnight: Houseboat
Day 13Friday 22 JanuaryBackwaters – Varkala
After breakfast aboard, our houseboat journey comes to an end. We meet our driver again and continue south to Varkala on the Arabian Sea. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Overnight: Varkala
Day 14Saturday 23 JanuaryVarkala
A full day for rest and relaxation by the sea. You may spend the day on the beach, walk along the clifftop, explore the surroundings or simply enjoy a slower rhythm after the preceding days of travel.
Overnight: Varkala
Day 15Sunday 24 JanuaryVarkala – Kochi
The morning remains free in Varkala. Later, we travel north along the Kerala coast to Kochi.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 16Monday 25 JanuaryHistoric Kochi
We explore the historic quarters of Kochi, including Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. The programme introduces the city’s layered maritime history, colonial architecture, religious diversity, spice trading heritage and traditional fishing nets.
Overnight: Kochi
DepartureTuesday 26 JanuaryTransfer to Kochi International Airport
Transfer from the hotel to Kochi International Airport for the return journey. End of the programme.
Is this journey for you?
A cultural and nature-based journey with a varied programme and several longer road transfers. Most sightseeing is not physically demanding.
January is one of the most pleasant seasons for South India. The coast stays warm, while mornings and evenings in the Western Ghats can be considerably cooler.
- You are comfortable walking in warm weather and climbing temple steps.
- You can spend several hours on the road on some days.
- You are reasonably fit for the walking days in Munnar and Periyar, which are adapted to the weather and the group.
How we travel
From Chennai to Kochi we travel in one private coach, with a driver who stays with us from the first temple city to the coast.
Private transport
A private air-conditioned coach reserved for our group, with the same driver from Chennai to Kochi. Luggage travels with us.
Accommodation
15 nights in three- and four-star hotels and one night aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat. Double or twin rooms; a few single rooms are available for a supplement.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the land programme, cooked fresh on board during the backwater night. Expect traditional South Indian cuisine; we ask about dietary needs when you register.
International travel
Flights are not included. Fly from Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb or Ljubljana to Chennai and home from Kochi; we suggest connections and an arrival window, so check with us before booking a ticket.
Prepared from personal experience
This journey has not been assembled only from online descriptions or a standard catalogue itinerary. In June 2026, we travelled through South India to explore the route personally, document the principal locations and understand how the individual parts of the journey fit together.
Our aim is to offer more than a rapid succession of famous sights. We want participants to experience the spiritual traditions, cultural depth, natural diversity and living atmosphere of South India.
Price to be announced
The final price of the journey will be announced shortly. International flights are not included in the tour price and are purchased individually by each participant.
The price includes
- Shared airport transfers in Chennai and Kochi within the designated arrival and departure times
- All transport according to the itinerary in a private air-conditioned coach
- 15 nights in selected hotels
- One night aboard a Kerala houseboat
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the land programme
- Bottled drinking water in our coach
- Local guides during selected visits
- Entrance fees for monuments and attractions included in the final itinerary
- Tea and spice experiences included in the final programme
- Periyar forest programme and bamboo rafting
- Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances
- Services of the tour leader
- Local organisation and assistance in India
The price does not include
- International or domestic flights
- Indian visa
- Travel insurance
- Additional drinks as per your order
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities outside the published programme
- Camera and photography fees charged separately at certain monuments
- Tips for the driver, local guides and hotel staff
- Individual airport transfers outside the designated times
- Costs arising from flight changes, weather, road closures or other circumstances outside the organiser’s control
How to join the journey
Tell us you are interested.
Complete the short form below. It is free and does not oblige you to book.
Receive the booking documents.
We send the confirmed price, services, payment schedule, a draft tour contract and the terms and conditions.
Confirm your place.
Sign the contract, return it and pay the reservation deposit shown on the invoice.
Arrange flights and documents.
We recommend flight connections and guide you through the visa and travel preparations.
Meet the group in India.
Coordinated transfers welcome arrivals within the agreed time window.
Good to know
- The itinerary reflects the programme planned at the time of publication. Opening hours, ceremonies, weather and road conditions may require adjustments.
- The organiser and local partners may change the order or details of the programme for the safety and comfort of the group. Any replacement keeps the character of the journey wherever possible.
- The full tour contract, booking conditions, cancellation terms and other legally required information are provided before registration.
Thank you, we have your enquiry.
We will get back to you personally, usually within two working days, with the full information and the next steps.
