• Reception at the airport by our representative (usually overnight), installation and overnight at the hotel.

Stroll on Mahabalipuram beach, then continue to Pondicherry, a French colony until 1954, which has now become a small town in Tamil Nadu. Transfer to the hotel, free evening for, for example, a walk by the sea.

• Day in Pondicherry to admire the architecture and charm of the former French colony, with its tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and upscale boutiques. Visit of the famous churches and the museum on French culture in colonial times. Then drive to Auroville where you will see the famous temple dedicated to meditation: the Matrimandir. It consists of a huge golden sphere 36 meters in diameter. Its construction, undertaken in 1972, without any construction machinery, is certainly the one that required the most labor (Aurovillian and Indian). Return to Pondicherry with the visit of the markets and the discovery of the city on foot. Meal in a good little restaurant located by the sea. Overnight at the hotel.

• Departure for Thanjavur. On the way, visit the Hindu temple of Chidambaram dedicated to the god Shiva. You will admire many sculptures from the Chola period, a very old dynasty from South India. On the way, stop at Gangaikondacholapuram to visit the masterpiece of the Chola dynasty: the Brihadisvara temple (12th century) known for its large statue of “Nandi” and its exceptional architectural quality. Then drive to Chidambra, a medium-sized town known throughout India for its shrine of Natarāja, the “cosmic dancer”, one of the most famous representations of the god Shiva performing his “blessed dance”. Continue to Thanjavur and transfer to the hotel.

• Drive to Madurai, the second most important city and the cultural capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, known to house many temples and to be a sacred city and a Mecca of Hindu pilgrimage. Visit of the famous Hindu temple Meenakshi, dedicated to Shiva and his wife the goddess Pârvatî. This temple is known to be one of the masterpieces of Dravidian architecture and one of the most important working temples in India. Then visit the Gandhi Museum and the Nayaks Palace (dating from 1636). This palace was largely destroyed and all that remains is the courtyard and its portico, the imposing 12-meter-high pillars, the theater and numerous statues. The whole is well worth a visit. In the evening, walk to the market where you can buy your souvenirs. Return to the hotel.

• Continue to make an excursion to Rameshwaram and visit one of the most famous temple of Shiva. Return to Madurai and overnight at the hotel.

Heading towards Coonoor, a less touristy but very beautiful region, you have the magnificent view. Transfer to the Kurumba village resort hotel, well located, close to nature.