Overview
Embark on a 14-day women-exclusive tour that celebrates the spirit, stories, and traditions of South Indian womanhood. From the temple-sculpted coast of Mahabalipuram to the spice-filled hills of Periyar and the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey, this journey blends cultural immersion, wellness, and meaningful connection. Explore heritage towns like Kumbakonam, Chettinad, and Madurai, meet inspiring local women artisans, apply traditional Mehandi, drape your own saree, and experience South India through the lens of its women. Along the way, enjoy Ayurvedic massages, food safaris, and unforgettable encounters with local traditions. This isn’t just travel—it’s a sisterhood journey into the elegance, resilience, and rhythm of South India. Perfect for women seeking purposeful exploration, shared stories, and a deeper cultural connection.
Detailed Itineary
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Day 1 : Arrive Chennai - Mahabalipuram (2 hours)
On your arrival at Chennai Airport, you will be welcomed by our tour executive and transferred to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast facing the Bay of Bengal. Check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
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Day 2 : Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. Begin by visiting one of the oldest temples in South India, dating back to the early 8th century AD—a fine example of early Dravidian temple architecture. Continue to the Five Rathas, where each of the five monuments resembles a chariot and is carved in a unique style; they were discovered under sand dunes just 200 years ago. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief depicting vivid Hindu mythology. The massive whale-back shaped rock features figures of gods, demigods, animals, and birds, symbolizing the act of creation. Nearby, explore Ganesh Ratha, a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and Krishna’s Butter Ball, a giant boulder that intriguingly balances on a slope. Don’t miss the Mandapas, among the earliest rock-cut temples scattered across the main hill. Afternoon at leisure—treat yourself to a traditional Ayurvedic massage, stroll along the beach, or shop for handcrafted textiles and souvenirs. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
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Day 3 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (2.5 hours)
After your leisurely breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, a charming town with a deep-rooted French colonial heritage. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Then proceed to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center, and marvel at the stunning French Quarter with its colonial-style architecture. Later in the evening, walk through the local markets or enjoy the sunset along the serene beach. Experience Pondicherry’s unique blend of Indian and French cultures, combined with fragrant incense, perfumes, and handmade candles from the Ashram, makes for great gifts. The town also features excellent bookstores and boutiques. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
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Day 4 : Pondicherry - Kumbakonam (4.5 hours) - Tanjore (45mins)
Wake up early for a cycle tour of Pondicherry, from 7 to 9 AM, passing through the Muslim quarters, local markets like Gourbet Market, and historical areas while learning about local culture and daily life. After having your breakfast, drive to Kumbakonam with en route visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, renowned for their Chola temple architecture. In Darasuram, visit a traditional silk weaving unit, typically run from homes near the temples. In Kumbakonam, observe artisans crafting exquisite bronze statues, a specialty of this region. Continue to Tanjore and visit the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, another UNESCO-listed marvel, known for its massive granite structures and detailed carvings. Overnight stay in Tanjore.
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Day 5 : Tanjore - Trichy (1.5 hours) - Chettinadu (2hrs)
After breakfast, drive through the lush rice fields of Tamil Nadu to Trichy. Visit Amma Mandapam, located by the Cauvery River, with stunning views of the Rock Fort Temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, two of the most revered shrines in Tamil Nadu. Experience Mehandi (Henna) art, a cooling and traditional body decoration. Later, head to Chettinadu, stopping en route at a vibrant village temple where offerings are made in the form of terracotta animals like horses and elephants. Arrive at Kannudakathan, home to the Chettiar community, known for their international trade and palatial mansions built with Burmese teak, Italian marble, and British steel. Learn about the “AACHI”, the matriarch who managed household finances. The region is celebrated for its wood carving, handmade tiles, silk sarees, and flavorful Chettinadu cuisine. Overnight stay in Chettinadu.
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Day 6 : Chettinadu
After your breakfast, get ready to explore local markets, temples, and heritage crafts. Visit Athangudi to see handmade tiles, and Karaikudi for wood carving and the weaving of Kandangi sarees. Stroll the peaceful streets of Kanadukathan and meet the friendly locals. Enjoy a bullock cart ride, a nostalgic experience through the tranquil village lanes. Overnight stay in Chettinadu.
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Day 7 : Chettinadu - Madurai (2 hours)
After your breakfast drive to Madurai, famously known as “The City That Never Sleeps.” Upon arrival, visit the Gandhi Museum, then check in at your hotel. Prepare for a gastronomic journey with the Madurai Food Safari—a guided evening tour from 6 to 9 PM across various eateries, street food stalls, and iconic restaurants. Enjoy authentic local dishes while traveling by different transport like rickshaw, auto, or bus where each ride takes you to a new and tasty experience. Overnight stay in Madurai.
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Day 8 : Madurai
Start early with Vanakkam Madurai, a private walking tour (6 AM to 8 AM) that immerses you in the city’s daily rhythm. Learn about traditional practices, social roles, street vendors, and markets through an interactive experience. After having your breakfast, head to local shop to try on and purchase a saree, with assistance for draping and accessories. This will be one of the most memorable cultural highlights of your tour. Wind up your day with a visit to the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, where Goddess Meenakshi is worshiped. After-lunch, explore doll-making and handloom weaving units in Vilachery near Madurai famous for its artisan communities. Overnight stay in Madurai.
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Day 9 : Madurai - Periyar (4 hours)
After your breakfast in Madurai, drive to Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country.” Arrive at Periyar, a hill region famed for its spice plantations. Enjoy a guided tour of a local spice garden, learning about pepper, cardamom, vanilla, and their uses in traditional medicine and cuisine. In the evening, attend a tribal dance or a Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration, a traditional combat form of Kerala. Overnight stay in Periyar.
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Day 10 : Periyar - Alleppey (5hrs)
After your breakfast descend to the lush backwaters of Alleppey, where canals, coconut groves, and green paddy fields dominate the landscape. Check in at your luxury backwater resort and enjoy optional Ayurvedic massage and yoga for relaxation. Overnight stay in Alleppey.
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Day 11 : Alleppey
After your breakfast, enjoy your day by indulging in spa treatments or relax by the water. In the late afternoon, take a motorboat ride to experience a stunning sunset over the serene backwaters. Overnight stay in Alleppey.
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Day 12 : Alleppey - Cochin (2 hours)
After your breakfast, en route to Cochin, visit a local school, coir-making units, a matchstick factory, church, tea shop, and fish farms. After lunch, arrive in Cochin and check in at your hotel. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance—an ancient art form featuring dramatic makeup and elaborate storytelling drawn from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Watch the makeup application process, enjoy a pre-show introduction, and then the 90-minute performance. Overnight stay in Cochin.
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Day 13 : Cochin
After your breakfast get ready for your Fort Cochin tour which includes both walking and auto rickshaw rides. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (1568 AD), featuring ancient Old Testament scrolls and Chinese hand-painted tiles. Explore the Dutch Palace and witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets, still operated the traditional way. Spend your afternoon at leisure shopping for antiques or enjoying a facial or massage. In the evening, relish a special seafood dinner, celebrating the culinary richness of the coast. Overnight stay in Cochin.
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Day 14 : Cochin departure
On day 14 there are no planned activities. Spend the day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward to another destination in India. We can arrange extension tours to the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan, Mumbai, or other parts of India to continue your incredible South Indian experience.