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Call us: (910) 742-5324
Embark on a transformative journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich history of South India with Sisterhood Travels, where empowerment, connection, and adventure await at every turn. In the cosmopolitan yet culturally steeped city of Chennai, you’ll begin a memorable expedition alongside like-minded women. Our carefully curated itinerary promises not just a tour, but a heartwarming experience starting with an informal gathering to bond with your new Sisters—setting the stage for the lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories you’ll create together.
As you explore the architectural marvels and scenic beauty from Chennai to Kochi, each day unfolds with unique opportunities to step out of your comfort zone. Witness the blend of colonial heritage and local traditions in the bustling lanes of Georgetown, marvel at the ancient artistic expressions in Mahabalipuram, and immerse yourself in the spiritual tranquility of Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry. Sisterhood Travels ensures that each destination enriches your journey, complemented by experiences designed to foster personal growth and collective empowerment as well as meaningful cultural exchanges with the wonderful people of South India.
Traveling with Sisterhood Travels means more than just visiting new places. It’s about building a community, sharing insights, and supporting each other. Whether you’re savoring the sunset at Marina Beach, learning the intricacies of Tamil art in Thanjavur, or engaging in a meditative experience at the Matrimandir in Auroville, every moment is an invitation to connect deeply with both local cultures and your fellow travelers. Join us for this extraordinary adventure through South India, where every step is an opportunity to make meaningful connections and cherish the empowering journey with your Sisters.
Today, you’ll arrive in Chennai, India where your driver will transport you to our hotel to meet your new Sisters. Chennai, formerly Madras, plays a unique role as keeper of South Indian artistic, religious, and culinary traditions. Recent years have introduced a new layer of cosmopolitan glamour and modernity, but the best of Chennai remains its old soul. This evening, join your Group Leader for an informal get together. (No meals included today)
Hotel: The Raintree, St. Mary’s Road
After breakfast, we’ll meet our Tour Director for a briefing before we take a walking tour and discover colonial-era Madras through the buildings left behind by the British Raj. Then, we’ll zigzag our way through the bustling lanes of vibrant Georgetown with our guide pointing out the fresh produce, famed mulberry silk, local everyday commodities, and colorful market stalls, pausing along the way to taste handpicked street-food treats. We’ll finish the day at Marina Beach at sunset before our Welcome Dinner. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: The Raintree, St. Mary’s Road
Today, we’ll travel south to the UNESCO-listed town of Mahabalipuram where we’ll visit Bhagiratha’s Penance, a bas-relief sculpted over enormous rocks depicting animals, gods, and saints. Then, we’ll stop at the Shore Temple, the site of remarkable seaside monuments including the 7th-century open-air Tamil art museum. After our included lunch at a local seaside restaurant, we’ll head to Puducherry. Once we arrive, we’ll check into our hotel and this afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to wander with your Sisters through the 18th-century French Quarter, full of colonial-era mansions, tree-lined bicycle routes, parks, cafes, and boutiques. This evening, enjoy your free time dining in a local restaurant with your Sisters. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Hotel: Palais De Mahe – CGH Earth
Today, we’ll explore Puducherry, or “Pondy”, on foot, beginning in the French Quarter with its wide, shady streets, colonial-era architecture, and soft pastel colors. We’ll pause at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, an influential spiritual community founded in 1926, before spending our afternoon at leisure. This evening, we’ll visit the local market, where greengrocers, fisherfolk, and fruit vendors display their wares and where our local chef-guide will teach us how to pick the best produce for Indian cuisine. Back at the hotel, we’ll join the kitchen staff in preparing our dinner which, as per tradition, is served in the kitchen for us. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Palais De Mahe – CGH Earth
Today, we’ll travel to the nearby community of Auroville. This experimental New Age township, founded in 1968, attracts devotees from over 45 nations who come to follow the teachings of philosopher and long-time resident, Sri Aurobindo. Particular impressive is the Matrimandir, which is a huge golden globe used as a meditation center. Later, we’ll visit Mohanam Cultural Centre, which plays host to various events and festivals throughout the year and works to preserve the rich cultural heritage of south India. The rest of the day is yours to independently explore or relax with your Sisters. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Palais De Mahe – CGH Earth
This morning, we’ll drive south to Thanjavur, once the capital of the Chola empire. This historic city is home to the magnificent temple of Brihadishvara, commissioned in the 11th century by King Rajaraja I. Many other temples and shrines were added over hundreds of years, making this one of the most important and visited historical sites in India today. On our way, we’ll stop in Chidambaram to visit the vibrant Nataraja Temple, famed for its bronze dancing Shiva and host to daily Brahmin rituals. Later, we’ll arrive in Thanjavur and settle into our hotel before we head to dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Svatma Hotel
We’ll spend some time today admiring the spectacular Brihadishvara Temple. Later, we’ll stroll through the 14th-century Tanjore Palace built for Maratha royalty and bursting with captivating art, royal artifacts, and many intriguing curiosities. You’ll have the opportunity to meet artisans who craft the melodious veena, a musical instrument carved from a single piece of jackwood. Afterwards, be mesmerized as you watch master painters at work perfecting the classical Thanjavur style, and bronze sculptors whose techniques have changed little since the Chola period. This evening is yours to dine and explore independently with your Sisters. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Svatma Hotel
Today, we’ll journey to the Chettinad region, home to a prosperous business community and renowned local cuisine. You’ll ride like a local, taking a bull cart to a lunch of subtle, aromatic local flavors. Next, we’ll visit a tile factory to marvel at the colorful materials, and a weaving center to admire soft cotton sarees and to meet the women who work there, before continuing to Madurai, an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River. This evening, we’ll enjoy a sundowner on the magnificent Moon Deck overlooking Madurai, followed by dinner together. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Madurai
Today, we’ll first discover spectacular handcrafted wares on the potter’s trail. Watch dexterous villagers hand-fashion mud dolls. Then, try your hand at this traditional skill as they teach you how it’s done. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a soothing soak in the nearby lotus pool. For lunch, we’ll tantalize our taste buds on a food tour of Madurai, sampling regional delights while gaining insight into the city’s lively culinary scene from a local expert. This evening, we’ll travel like locals by tuk-tuk to a Hindu prayer ceremony – or aarti – at the dazzling 12th-century Meenakshi Temple. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Madurai
This morning, we’ll continue our journey by traveling to Munnar. We’ll stop and visit the amazing Chengulam Dam before reaching our accommodations where we’ll have wonderful views of this beautiful area. This evening is yours to dine independently with your Sisters. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Hotel: Fragrant Nature Resort
Discover a world of tea today as we witness the complete process from leaf plucking and processing to packaging and pouring. We’ll visit the tea gardens, taste various grades at the Lockhart Tea Factory, and you’ll try your hand at this traditional art as you make your own brew. Next, we’ll head to the nearby village for more insights into this region’s rustic way of life. Witness cattle grazing in the meadows and admire houses set amidst the plantation hills. This evening, we’ll enjoy lively and insightful conversations over high tea with the tea planter’s family. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Hotel: Fragrant Nature Resort
This morning, we’ll drive through the countryside, passing rubber tree groves and into spice-filled air, to Kochi. After lunch together at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours to explore with your Sisters. Kochi has been drawing travelers and traders to its serene shores for over 600 years. The region hosts a 450-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, colonial-era houses and relics of the British Raj. It’s also a center of Keralan arts and a standout place to see kathakali (classical Indian dance) and Kalari (an Indian martial art). This evening, we’ll motor around the harbor and soak up the sunset before heading to a local restaurant for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Hotel: Brunton Boatyard
Our early start this morning will allow us to see fisherfolk set off to cast their nets, and peek into the massive seafood auction to witness fervent haggling over prized catches. Later, we’ll ride the local ferry to see more lively markets, ahead of a more tranquil temple visit. After breakfast, we’ll visit one of the oldest synagogues in India, admire the wonderful murals of Mattancherry Palace and visit St. Francis Church. We’ll spend the afternoon at leisure before enjoying an authentic performance of kathakali, a tradition that combines classical dance, theatre, opera, and pantomime. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Brunton Boatyard
Today, we’ll explore the Kerala backwaters, beginning with a stroll through a village set amidst lush paddy fields. Then, we’ll travel by cycle-rickshaws to a market abrim with delicacies, before taking a leisurely cruise down palm-lined canals to lunch with a local family. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Hotel: Brunton Boatyard
After a leisurely morning, we’ll enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch prepared by women of the Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, which provides women from rural areas an alternative source of income by honing their hospitality and culinary skills. Learn about the local cuisine and socio-economic fabric of the region as you get to know the women, all while taking in live entertainment. This evening, we’ll gather together for our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Hotel: Brunton Boatyard
Our journey around South India comes to an end today, but not without cherished memories of our new friendships. You’ll be transported to the Kochi airport for your return flights home. (Breakfast)
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
This is a moderately paced itinerary that involves some longer days and more activities. Expect some early hotel departures, and limited time for day time rest and rejuvenation as the itineraries are designed to ensure that you see as much as possible in these wonderful destinations. This may include longer coach journeys and guests should be able to join a walking tour lasting 1-2 hours with stops possibly over uneven terrain. Guests should have reasonable health and mobility and be comfortable with standing for longer periods of time with no difficulty.
