Mumbai to the Malabar : A Luxury Tour to South India
12 days / 11 nights
Starting from USD 3181 / person
Day 1 – Arrival in Mumai
Arrival at Mumbai International Airport. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and acclimate. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 2 – Mumbai: Sightseeing
Morning : After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry, where hundreds of washermen work daily using traditional methods. Continue to the nearby Mahalaxmi Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess of wealth, offering insight into local devotion and vibrant spiritual life.
Afternoon : Next, take a boat ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves, located on an island in Mumbai Harbour. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut caves house impressive sculptures and shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 5th–8th centuries.
Late afternoon, return by boat and admire the iconic Gateway of India, a ceremonial arch built during the British Raj. Later, enjoy a panoramic drive past the Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), one of the most stunning railway stations in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Day 3 – Mumbai / Chennai (by flight) / Mahabalipuram (50km – approx. 1 hrs)
After breakfast, transfert to Mumbai airport to catch your flight to Chennai. On arrival check drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Bay of Bengal.
Afternoon: Discover the famous Five Rathas, monolithic temples each carved from a single stone, Arjuna’s Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, and the stunning Shore Temple, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 4 – Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (100 km – approx. 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast, scenic drive to Pondicherry, the former French colony with Mediterranean charm.
Afternoon: Explore Auroville, the international township founded by the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, with a visit to the Matrimandir, a futuristic golden meditation dome.
Evening: Stroll through the French Quarter, admire colonial villas and churches such as Notre-Dame des Anges, and relax by the seafront promenade.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 5 – Pondicherry / Chidambaram / Gangaikondacholapuram / Kumbakonam (180 km – approx. 5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Chidambaram, home to the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva performing the cosmic dance. The temple’s architecture features intricate sculptures and symbolic representations of Hindu cosmology.
Continue to Gangaikondacholapuram, a lesser-known but equally magnificent Chola-era temple with grand bronze sculptures and a massive Shiva lingam.
Arrive in Kumbakonam, a sacred town famous for its concentration of ancient temples, including Adi Kumbeswarar, Sarangapani, and the beautiful Ramaswamy Temple with vivid Ramayana frescoes.
Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 6 – Kumbakonam / Darasuram / Tanjore (40 km – approx. 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast, short drive to Darasuram to visit the exquisite Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate carvings and chariot-shaped sanctum.
Proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), former Chola capital and cultural center.
Afternoon: Visit the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, built in the 11th century and featuring one of the world’s tallest temple towers. Explore the Royal Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library with its rare manuscripts, and the Art Gallery with bronze Chola sculptures.
Overnight stay in Tanjore.
Day 7 – Tanjore / Chettinad (Karaikudi) (100 km – approx. 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast, journey to Chettinad, known for its grand merchant mansions, antique markets, and rich cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit a typical Chettinad mansion, showcasing Burmese teak, Italian tiles, and European chandeliers. Tour an Athangudi tile workshop, and explore local markets or temples like Karpagavinayagar Temple in Pillayarpatti.
Overnight stay in Karaikudi.
Day 8 – Chettinad / Madurai (90 km – approx. 2 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, often called the “Athens of the East.”
Afternoon: Explore the architectural masterpiece, the Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Admire its 14 towering gopurams covered in thousands of colorful sculptures. Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636, blending Dravidian and Islamic styles with grand courtyards and domes.
Evening: Attend the evening aarti ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, an atmospheric and spiritual experience with music, chants, and rituals.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 9 – Madurai / Munnar (Western Ghats) (160 km – approx. 5 hrs)
After breakfast, scenic drive into the Western Ghats to reach Munnar, a former British hill station nestled in rolling hills carpeted with tea plantations.
Afternoon: Visit the Tea Museum to understand the history and process of tea making, followed by a stroll through a working plantation.
Enjoy panoramic views of the misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and exotic flora.
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 9 – Munnar
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the natural beauty of Munnar.
Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, with sweeping grasslands and views from the Anamudi Peak (South India’s highest).
Continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point, surrounded by lush landscapes.
Optional visit to Top Station for panoramic views of Tamil Nadu’s plains.
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 10 – Munnar / Alleppey – Backwaters Houseboat (140 km – approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, descend to the Kerala plains to Alleppey (Alappuzha), known as the “Venice of the East.”
Midday: Embark on a private houseboat cruise, gliding through Kerala’s backwaters – a tranquil network of canals, rivers, and lagoons fringed by coconut palms and rice paddies.
Experience local life on the water as villagers wave from the banks and fishermen cast their nets.
Enjoy traditional Kerala meals on board.
Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Day 11 – Alleppey / Cochin (Fort Kochi) (45 km – approx. 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to Cochin, the historic port city on the Malabar Coast.
Afternoon: Explore Fort Kochi, with its blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architecture. Visit the St. Francis Church (where Vasco da Gama was first buried), Santa Cruz Basilica, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront.
Visit the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), known for its murals and royal artifacts.
Evening: Attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, featuring elaborate costumes and expressive gestures.
Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 12 – Cochin – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight or journey back home with beautiful memories of South India’s temples, nature, and coastal charm.
End of Services
Your hotels or similar :
- Mumbai : Taj Mahal Palace & Towers*****
- Mahabalipuram – Radisson Blu Temple Bay
- Pondichéry – Palais de Mahé (Heritage luxury)
- Kumbhakonam – Mantra Kodoom (Heritage luxury)
- Tanjore – Svatma*****
- Chettinad – Chidambara Palace (Heritage luxury)
- Madurai – Heritage Madurai*****
- Munnar – Elephant Passage*****
- Alleppey – Luxury private House Boat
- Cochin – Burton Boat Yard (Luxury Heritage)
Price Includes :
- Private vehicle adapted to the number of travelers: spacious, air-conditioned, and suitable for transporting all luggage comfortably.
- English-speaking driver (basic level), including all his meals, accommodations, and salary.
- Accommodation in double or twin-sharing rooms, with breakfast and all applicable taxes included.
- Daily breakfast + full board on the houseboat in Alleppey.
- All monument and park entrance fees
- Spice plantation visit, tea museum, and cultural show tickets
- Houseboat cruise with private staff and all meals included
- Airport transfers in Chennai and Cochin
- Driver’s expenses, tolls, fuel, and taxes
Price Does Not Include :
- International and domestic airfare
- Visa fees and processing
- Lunches and dinners (except houseboat)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, etc.)
- Tips for guides and driver
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional activities (Ayurveda treatments, performances, yoga, etc.)
- Camera/video fees at certain monuments