Espial Temples

The journey begins with a flight from your home country to Bangalore.

Upon arrival in Bangalore in the early morning, guests relax and refresh at the Movenpick Hotel before setting off in the afternoon for Mysore. En route, they stop at Srirangapatna, a historic island fortress that was once home to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, featuring temples, palaces, and a mosque. This includes a guided historical tour of Srirangapatna, highlighting Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and a traditional South Indian lunch at a local eatery. The day concludes with a visit to a local artisan’s workshop to learn about traditional crafts, such as silk weaving or sandalwood carving, before arriving at the Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel in Mysore for a two-night stay.

The day begins with visits to Sri Chamundeswari Temple, the monolithic Nandi Bull, the grand Mysore Palace, and the bustling Devraja Market. In the afternoon, the group travels to Somnathpur Temple to appreciate its renowned Hoysala craftsmanship, and in the evening, they participate in a sound and light show at the Mysore Palace. Unique experiences of the day include a cooking class that reveals Mysore’s culinary secrets, a night market exploration for local crafts and street food, and a private yoga session in a serene garden setting.

After a morning drive to Ooty, travelers enjoy lunch at the Taj Savoy before embarking on the famous Toy Train to Coonoor, a scenic ride through lush tea plantations and verdant hills. Overnight accommodations are at the Taj Gateway Hotel. Unique activities for the day include a tea-tasting session at a local tea factory and, if available, a visit to a local flower show that displays exotic flora.

In the morning, the group sets out on a drive to Cochin, where they settle in for a two-night stay at the Old Harbour. Unique experiences here involve exploring the local spice market to learn about the history of the spice trade and visiting a local artisan specializing in traditional Kathakali masks.

The day starts with sightseeing at the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Jewish Synagogue. In the evening, travelers attend a Kathakali dance performance, arriving early to witness the intricate makeup application. Additional activities include a cooking class focusing on traditional Kerala cuisine and a visit to a local fishing village to learn about coastal fishing practices.

After a morning drive to Alleppey, guests embark on a houseboat cruise through the enchanting backwaters aboard a traditional Kettuvallam. The night is spent on an air-conditioned houseboat. Unique experiences include an onboard cooking demonstration with fresh, local ingredients and birdwatching as the boat glides through scenic backwaters.

Following a scenic cruise, guests disembark at Philipkutty’s Backwater Farm for a delicious lunch and then drive to Periyar to check in at Spice Village. Unique experiences include a spice plantation tour, where travelers learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and vanilla, and an evening of traditional dance performances by local artists..

The day starts with a guided jungle walk led by an experienced naturalist, who shares insights into local wildlife and unique flora. The afternoon is at leisure, with options to enjoy Spice Village amenities or attend a yoga session. The day’s unique experiences include a cooking class focusing on local tribal cuisine, offering a distinct culinary perspective.

After a morning drive to Madurai, guests enjoy some free time exploring local markets. In the evening, they visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the vibrant “going to bed ceremony” of Lord Shiva, a colorful procession that is unique to the temple. Accommodations are at the Taj Gateway Hotel. Highlights of the day include a photography session at Meenakshi Temple with a local expert and a dinner of traditional South Indian specialties.

The journey continues with a morning drive to Chettinadu, where travelers take a bullock cart ride through a local village and visit a grand Chettinad Palace. Overnight accommodations are at Visalam. Unique experiences include a cooking class focused on the famous Chettinad cuisine and a cultural performance showcasing traditional Chettinad music and dance.

In the morning, the group drives to Trichy to visit Srirangam and the Rock Fort Temple, and then continues to Tanjore, where they check in at Ideal River View Resort. The day’s unique experiences include an exploration of Tanjore’s art scene, with local artisans demonstrating Tanjore painting techniques.

The morning is dedicated to exploring the Brihadeeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a leisurely afternoon with opportunities to explore local shops. Unique activities include attending a temple cooking class focused on prasadam (offerings) and an evening classical music concert in Tanjore.

After a morning drive to Pondicherry, travelers explore the charming French Quarter and visit the spiritual community of Auroville. Overnight accommodations are at Maison De Perumal. Unique experiences for the day include a cycling tour through the French colonial streets and a French cooking class that explores the fusion of Indian and French culinary traditions.

The journey continues with a morning drive to Mahabalipuram, where travelers visit the Shore Temples and Arjuna’s Penance. Upon arrival in Chennai, the group tours Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church before spending the night at Trident Hotel. Unique experiences include a culinary tour to explore local seafood dishes.

Travelers conclude their journey with a flight back to their home country.