13-Nights Southern India: Temples & Traditions - Luxury Small Group Journeys

Alicudi

Alicudi is a remote island in the Aeolian archipelago north of Sicily, Italy. The island was formed 150,000 years ago when Montagnola volcano erupted. It was evident the island first populated in 17th century BC when fragments of Roman artifacts were discovered. The island was once named Ericusa deriving from the Erica plant that grows on the island’s slopes. Present-day Alicudi is abundant in agriculture and fishing. Visitors can hike Alicudi’s summit, Monte Filo dell’Arpa, journey to the church of San Bartolo, the patron saint of the island and take a relaxing stroll through the grapevines and fields of olive trees.

Thanjavur

Also known as Thanjai or Tanjore, this city is considered as the "granary and rice bowl" of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This city was once an ancient capital of the Chola Kingdom between the 10th and 14th centuries. It's best known for the magnificent landmark of Brahadeeswara Temple (Big Temple). Today, Thanjavur is an agricultural town with a mix of religious beliefs.  

Pondicherry (Puducherry)

French colonial architecture has a strong presence in Pondicherry (Puducherry), in South India, creating a unique mix of French and Indian influence on the city's sites and even language, though the exotic and unpredictable flair of India is very much present. Known for its cuisine, fine hotels and nearby yoga/meditation ashrams, Pondicherry draws visitors of many backgrounds. Stroll along the coast at the city's popular four beaches, one of which features a promenade, or indulge in ayurvedic massage treatments at the Prana Ayurvedic Massage center. Visit the Thirukaameeswarar Temple is in nearby Villianur, dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva and Kokilambigai; it is rumored the temple may be over 1,000 years old.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom, a small cluster of islands on the backwaters of Vembanad is a popular bird sanctuary and a tourist destination in Kerala, India. The village is abundant in history, rice fields and coconut trees. Visitors can rent and dine onboard a boathouse while cruising through Vembanad Lake, birdwatch at the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, or munch on local delicacies that emphasizes on exotic spices.

Madurai

A great capital that once traded with the Roman Empire, Madurai sits at the banks of the river Vaigai. It is known as one of the oldest cities in the world that is locally inhabited. Madurai is famous of its temples built by the Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings like the Shree Meenakshi Sudreshwara Temple, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Ghandi Memorial Museum.

Chennai

Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is the capital of the great state Tamil Nadu and is one of four metropolitan cities in India. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted. Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, rich in historical treasures, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces. Chennai is also host to some cultural theatres that showcase various India traditional dances and plays on a regular basis. Chennai is also the center of the film industry in South India.