Southern Curries & Cultures
- Days
11 - Tour Code
SCAC10NPE - Tour Type
Private Journey -
Tour Price
From $ 1
Per person using double sharing - Best Time
Jul-Apr (Best) & May-Jun (Low) -
Meal Plan
10 B | 0 L | 9 D
Half Board (Bed & Breakfast Unless Specified) -
Destinations
Mahabalipuram (2) | Puducherry (2) | Thanjavur (2) | Chettinad (2) | Madurai (2)
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating culinary journey through South India, where ancient temple towns, stately mansions, and coastal enclaves reveal their unique flavours and heritage. Arrive in Chennai and drive to Mahabalipuram, exploring its stunning shore temples before enjoying an evening Tamil cuisine food walk followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Continue to Pondicherry, where French colonial charm meets Tamil traditions, and spend your afternoon on a food walk through its French and Tamil quarters, savouring café fare, Creole dishes, and South Indian delicacies. Drive onwards to Thanjavur, visiting the sacred Chidambaram and Darasuram temples en route, then explore local artisan and handicraft markets and taste traditional Tamil vegetarian feasts served on banana leaves. Journey through Trichy to Chettinad, famed for its opulent mansions, fiery pepper-rich cuisine, and architectural splendour. Discover the Chettinad Palace, antique markets, Karaikudi and Kanadukathan villages, and stately havelis, then enjoy an evening cooking session at your hotel followed by dinner, learning the secrets of Chettinad spices. Conclude in Madurai, the temple city, where you’ll explore its bustling markets, savour traditional snacks, jigarthanda, and Chettinad biryanis, and admire the towering Meenakshi Temple. Return to Chennai with unforgettable memories of South India’s diverse culinary heritage, timeless architecture, warm hospitality, and deeply rooted food traditions.
Highlights
Explore the stunning shore temples of Mahabalipuram, then enjoy an evening Tamil cuisine food walk followed by dinner at a local restaurant to experience authentic coastal flavours.
Discover the city’s French colonial charm and Tamil traditions, with an afternoon food walk through its French and Tamil quarters, savouring café fare, Creole dishes, and South Indian delicacies during your stay in Pondicherry.
Drive via Chidambaram and Darasuram temples, explore local artisan and handicraft markets, and taste traditional Tamil vegetarian meals served on banana leaves, reflecting ancient culinary customs in Thanjavur.
Discover Chettinad Palace, antique markets, Karaikudi and Kanadukathan villages, and grand havelis. In the evening, join a cooking session at your hotel followed by dinner, learning the region’s bold spice techniques.
Explore bustling markets, savour traditional snacks, Jigarthanda, and Chettinad biryanis, and admire the towering Meenakshi Temple, a testament to South India’s sacred art and devotion.
Day-by-day
Day 5
Travel to Thanjavur visiting Chidambaram & Darasuram Temples
This morning, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Thanjavur (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive), the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu…
Optional Experience AvailableDay 1
Welcome to Chennai (By International Flight)
On arrival at Chennai International Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, as you exit the arrival terminal building, you will be welcomed by India Tours & Travels executive holding a placard in your name to greet you. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to your hotel in Mahabalipuram (Approx 1.5 hrs. drive) and check-in.
Mahabalipuram, a historical gem on Tamil Nadu’s Coromandel Coast by the Bay of Bengal, is a captivating destination. Known for its serene ambiance and stunning beaches lined with casuarina trees, this town’s charm and scenic beauty make it a must-visit spot.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Mamlla Heritage or similar (3*), Ideal Beach or similar (4*), Intercontinental or similar (5*)
Meals: (No meals included)
Day 2
Shore temples & street food walk of Mahabalipuram
Today, after breakfast, set out to explore the architectural wonders of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments dating back to the Pallava dynasty. Visit the iconic Shore Temple, beautifully located by the Bay of Bengal, with its intricately carved shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, standing as a testament to early Dravidian temple architecture. Wander around the temple complex, soaking in its serene coastal setting and the intricate bas-reliefs that adorn its walls. In the evening, immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu as you embark on a Tamil cuisine food walk through Mahabalipuram’s local streets. Sample authentic regional dishes such as podi dosa, kuzhi paniyaram, sundal, idiyappam with coconut milk, and filter coffee, learning about their preparation and cultural significance from your local guide. Conclude your food walk with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, savouring classic Tamil flavours in a warm, rustic setting before returning to your hotel for the night.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Mamlla Heritage or similar (3*), Ideal Beach or similar (4*), Intercontinental or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant & dinner during the food walk)
Day 3
Travel to Pondicherry
This morning, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Pondicherry (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive), the quaint former French colony known for its charming streets, colonial architecture, and serene seaside ambience. En route, stop to visit Kanchipuram, one of India’s seven sacred Hindu pilgrimage cities, renowned as the “City of a Thousand Temples.” Explore Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a massive gopuram and ancient mango tree believed to be over 3,500 years old. Kanchipuram is also famous for its exquisite silk sarees, so you may take time to witness traditional weaving demonstrations in a local workshop. After your temple visits, continue your scenic drive through rural Tamil Nadu to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps enjoying a stroll along the quiet promenades or relaxing at your hotel. In the evening, unwind with dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the cultural richness and architectural grandeur experienced during your journey today.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Anandha Inn or similar (3*), The Windflower or similar (4*), Le Pondy Beach Resort or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 4
Pondicherry’s Sightseeing and street food walk
Today, after breakfast, set out to explore the serene coastal town of Pondicherry, a unique blend of French colonial heritage and Tamil traditions. Begin your day with a visit to the tranquil Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, where you can experience the peaceful ambience and learn about their philosophy of integral yoga and spiritual evolution. Continue to the vibrant Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, where devotees gather to seek blessings from the temple’s elephant and admire its colourful Dravidian architecture and intricate murals depicting stories of Ganesha. In the evening, immerse yourself in Pondicherry’s culinary diversity with a guided food walk through its French and Tamil quarters. Wander along leafy boulevards lined with mustard-yellow colonial buildings and traditional Tamil houses with inner courtyards as you sample a variety of local flavours. Taste delicacies such as prawn curry, Chettinad chicken, Tamil-style dosas, French baguette sandwiches, mille-feuille pastries, and freshly brewed South Indian filter coffee, while your guide shares stories of Pondicherry’s cultural fusion. Conclude your evening with dinner at a local restaurant or café, enjoying classic Franco-Tamil dishes in the relaxed ambience before returning to your hotel for the night.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Anandha Inn or similar (3*), The Windflower or similar (4*), Le Pondy Beach Resort or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant & dinner during the food walk)
Day 5
Travel to Thanjavur visiting Chidambaram & Darasuram Temples
This morning, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Thanjavur (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive), the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and a treasure trove of Chola heritage. En route, stop to visit the revered Chidambaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. Explore this magnificent temple complex, renowned for its Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings, golden roof of the sanctum, and its spiritual significance as one of the holiest Shiva temples where dance and devotion merge seamlessly. Continue your drive and stop at Darasuram to visit the exquisite Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Cholas in the 12th century. Admire its detailed stone sculptures, elegant mandapams, and musical steps that produce different notes when tapped, reflecting the architectural brilliance and artistic finesse of the Chola dynasty. After your temple visits, drive onwards to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure, relaxing after your culturally immersive journey. Conclude your day with a comforting dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Oriental Towers or similar (3*), Ideal River view or similar (4*), Svatma or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 6
Explore Thanjavur
Today, after breakfast, set out to explore the rich cultural heritage of Thanjavur, once the capital of the mighty Chola dynasty and an enduring centre of South Indian art, architecture, and music. Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. Marvel at its towering 216-foot vimana (temple tower), the massive monolithic Nandi statue guarding the sanctum, and the intricate frescoes and sculptures adorning the temple walls, reflecting the grandeur of Chola craftsmanship. Continue to the Thanjavur Palace complex, which houses the royal residence, Durbar Hall with its vibrant murals, the Saraswathi Mahal Library with ancient palm leaf manuscripts, and the Royal Art Gallery displaying impressive bronze statues and Chola artefacts. Later, stroll through the local artisan and handicraft markets, renowned for their traditional Thanjavur paintings, bronze idols, veena making workshops, and handmade crafts, offering a glimpse into the city’s artistic heritage and providing opportunities for unique souvenir shopping. Return to your hotel in the evening to unwind and conclude your day with a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Oriental Towers or similar (3*), Ideal River view or similar (4*), Svatma or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 7
Travel to Chettinadu visiting Trichy enroute
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Chettinadu (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive), a region famous for its grand mansions, rich culinary heritage, and unique cultural traditions of the Chettiar community. Enroute, stop to visit Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), an ancient city known for its impressive temples and historic landmarks. Visit the iconic Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, featuring intricately carved gopurams, pillared halls, and colourful mandapams bustling with devotees and priests. If time permits, drive up to the Rock Fort Temple, perched atop a massive rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the city below and the Kaveri river. After your temple visits, continue your scenic drive through rural Tamil Nadu towards Chettinad. Upon arrival, check in at your heritage hotel or Chettiar mansion, and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, relaxing amidst the quiet charm and timeless grandeur of this culturally rich region. You may choose to stroll through the village lanes lined with palatial mansions, observing the unique architecture and traditional life before enjoying dinner at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Chettinadu.
Chettinadu Mansion or similar (3*), The Bangla or similar (4*), Visalam or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 8
Chettinadu sightseeing followed by cooking class
Today, after breakfast, immerse yourself in the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Chettinad. Begin with a visit to the splendid Chettinad Palace, a grand mansion showcasing the opulence of the Chettiar community, with its intricate teak woodwork, Belgian glass chandeliers, vibrant Athangudi tiles, and expansive courtyards that narrate tales of their prosperous trading era. Continue to explore the fascinating antique market, browsing through collections of vintage furniture, brassware, ornate jewellery boxes, colonial artefacts, and traditional South Indian utensils, offering glimpses into the refined lifestyle of the Chettiars. Later, visit Karaikudi and Kanadukathan villages, strolling through quiet streets lined with stately havelis (mansions) featuring majestic pillared entrances, carved wooden doors, and European-influenced facades blending seamlessly with Tamil architectural traditions. Witness the grandeur and intricate details that make Chettinad’s built heritage truly unique. In the evening, return to your hotel for an engaging Chettinad cooking session, where you will learn to prepare signature dishes such as Chettinad chicken urry, kuzhi paniyaram, pepper rasam, and vella paniyaram, known for their robust spices and distinctive flavours. Conclude this enriching day with a delicious dinner featuring the dishes you prepared, savouring the authentic tastes of Chettinad cuisine before retiring for the night amidst the regal ambience of this culturally vibrant region.
Overnight stay in Chettinadu.
Chettinadu Mansion or similar (3*), The Bangla or similar (4*), Visalam or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 9
Travel to Madurai and relax
This morning, after breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Madurai (Approx. 02 to 03 hrs. drive), one of South India’s oldest and most vibrant cities, renowned for its ancient temples and rich Tamil culture. Enjoy the scenic drive through rural Tamil Nadu, passing lush paddy fields, quaint villages, and coconut groves along the way. Upon arrival in Madurai, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, relaxing after your journey or taking time to enjoy the hotel’s amenities. In the evening, unwind with a comforting dinner at the hotel, preparing for your immersive exploration of Madurai’s cultural and spiritual heritage the following day.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Germanus or similar (3*), Fortune Pandiyan or similar (4*), Heritage Madurai or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 10
Explore Madurai followed by Street food walk
Today, after breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a magnificent Dravidian temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar. Marvel at its towering gopurams adorned with thousands of colourful sculptures depicting deities, mythical creatures, and legends, and soak in the spiritual ambience as devotees perform rituals and prayers amidst ancient granite pillars and sacred sanctums. Continue to the elegant Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, a 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak, showcasing a beautiful fusion of Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles. Admire its grand pillars, expansive courtyard, intricate stucco work. In the evening, immerse yourself in the city’s rich culinary heritage with a guided food tour of Madurai. Wander through bustling streets and vibrant markets, tasting traditional dishes such as idiyappam with coconut milk, parotta with mutton curry, kari dosa, Jigarthanda, and piping hot filter coffee, while your guide shares stories about the history and flavours of each delicacy. Conclude your culinary exploration with dinner at a local restaurant, savouring the authentic tastes of Madurai before returning to your hotel for the night.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Germanus or similar (3*), Fortune Pandiyan or similar (4*), Heritage Madurai or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant & Dinner during the food walk)
Day 11
Flight to Chennai and final departure
By Flight: Departure Madurai at 1530 hrs. / Arrival Chennai at 1655 hrs. or similar.
This morning, check out from your hotel and transfer to Madurai Airport to board your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, you will be assisted and transferred to the international terminal to board your onward flight back home.
No Accommodation on this day.
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
What’s Included
10 nights hotel accommodation.
19 Meals as specified – 10 Breakfasts & 09 Dinners.
Sightseeing with an English-speaking local guide in Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Madurai only.
Air-conditioned chauffeur-driven private vehicle as per the strength.
Availability of Mineral water bottles, disposable face masks, hand sanitisers, and wet wipes in the vehicle throughout the tour.
Return airport transfers with meet and assist.
Food walks and Interactive cooking lessons as per the itinerary.
All Monument entrances and rides as per the itinerary.
Flight tickets for sector Madurai to Chennai in Economy class.
What’s not Included
Any International flights.
Visa fees, Travel Insurance, any medical tests, and quarantine (if needed).
Except 19 Meals as specified – 10 Breakfasts & 09 Dinners.
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages not stated in the itinerary.
Any optional tours, pre- or post-occupancy, early check-in, and late check-out.
Any additional transfers.
Personal Expenses, any sort of tips/gratuities.
Anything which is mentioned not mentioned in the “What’s Included section.”
Book & Travel With Confidence
24/7 Support:
Travel with confidence knowing that our dedicated support team is available around the clock while you are on the tour. Whether you need assistance during your journey or require help in unforeseen circumstances, we're here to ensure a seamless experience.
Flexible Booking Options
You're free to make changes to your travel plans at no additional cost up to 45 days before your tour’s departure.
Payment Flexibility
Secure your tour by making an initial payment of only 20% at the time of booking, with the remaining 80% of the balance due 45 days before departure.