Temple Architecture & Living Traditions of South India

Welcome to South India. Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, a BlingoTrips representative will escort you to your luxurious city hotel. Take the afternoon to acclimatize, perhaps enjoying a stroll through the hotel's tropical gardens or sipping a cup of traditional South Indian filter coffee.

Take a short, scenic drive down the East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram. This ancient port city is famed for its UNESCO-listed 7th-century Pallava dynasty monuments. Explore the astonishing Arjuna’s Penance rock relief, the monolithic Pancha Rathas, and the iconic Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Retreat to your heritage beachfront resort for the evening.

Continue your journey south, stopping at the former French colony of Pondicherry. Stroll through the charming White Town, characterized by mustard-yellow colonial villas, bougainvillea-draped walls, and chic cafes. After a French-inspired lunch, drive inland towards Thanjavur, the historic capital of the mighty Chola Empire, and check into your boutique heritage hotel.

Dedicate the morning to the awe-inspiring Brihadeeswarar Temple. Over 1,000 years old, this granite masterpiece represents the zenith of Chola architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Thanjavur Maratha Palace and its exceptional art gallery, housing world-renowned Chola bronze sculptures, before observing local artisans crafting classical Tanjore paintings.

Drive into the arid, fascinating region of Chettinad, home to a prosperous 19th-century mercantile community. Check into a meticulously restored Chettiar mansion, featuring teak pillars, Belgian glass, and Athangudi tiles. Spend the afternoon taking a guided walk through the village, marveling at the sheer scale of the decaying, yet magnificent, palatial homes.

Chettinad cuisine is legendary for its complex spice blends and robust flavors. Today, you will participate in a private, hands-on culinary masterclass culminating in a traditional banana-leaf feast. Later, visit the vibrant local antique markets in Karaikudi and observe the fascinating, manual process of making local Athangudi floor tiles.

Drive to Madurai, a city that has traded in spices and textiles for over 2,500 years. After settling into your garden retreat, venture out at dusk. Experience the vibrant energy of the city on a guided tuk-tuk ride, winding through chaotic, colorful bazaars and sampling renowned local street food delicacies.

Spend the day exploring the labyrinthine Meenakshi Amman Temple complex, a city within a city, adorned with thousands of brightly painted stucco figures. Return to the temple late in the evening to witness the evocative "Going to Bed" ceremony, where the bronze idol of Lord Shiva is carried in a palanquin to the shrine of Goddess Meenakshi.

Embark on a beautifully scenic overland journey, leaving the plains of Tamil Nadu and climbing through the verdant, spice-scented Western Ghats. Cross the state border into Kerala, descending towards the Arabian Sea. Arrive in the historic port town of Fort Kochi and check into your colonial-era boutique hotel.

Discover the multicultural history of Fort Kochi on a guided walking tour. Photograph the iconic cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets, explore the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town, and admire the murals at the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry). In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali performance, witnessing the elaborate makeup and expressive storytelling.

Your final full day in India is left at leisure. Meander through the atmospheric art cafes and antique warehouses of Mattancherry, picking up final souvenirs. Alternatively, indulge in a deeply relaxing, authentic Ayurvedic massage at your hotel. Conclude your journey with an exquisite coastal seafood dinner overlooking the harbor.

Enjoy a final, unhurried breakfast featuring South Indian specialties. Depending on your flight schedule, a BlingoTrips chauffeur will transfer you to Cochin International Airport for your journey home, carrying with you the profound architectural and culinary memories of the South.