South IndiaColorful temples and green mangrove forests

Your journey continues to Mahabalipuram, where you can take a tour of the city's most beautiful sights. For example, there are 14 cave temples, nine monolithic rathas, three stone temples, and four relief sculptures to see, all built in the Dravidian style in the 7th and 8th centuries. Most of them are dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva.

Other attractions include the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arjuna's Penance, the Five Rathas, and various mandapams. The sculptures depict deities, animals, Hindu fables, and scenes from everyday life. Take advantage of the afternoon to relax on the beach and reflect on your first impressions.

Today, a small highlight awaits you with a visit to Brihadeshwara Temple, the most important Dravidian temple in South India. Passing through rice fields and small temples, your route takes you to Trichy, located on one of the mightiest rivers in South India, the Kaveri. Fantastic views open up from the rock fortress "Rock Fort." A visit to the temple city of Srirangam, which covers 2.5 square kilometers and is one of the largest temple complexes in India with 21 towers, is spectacular. On the way, you will enjoy a typical South Indian "banana leaf" meal in Chettinad, whose cuisine is world-renowned.

The next day, you will continue on to Madurai, home to the largest temple complex in southern India: the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace and the Meenakshi Temple. Not only are the shrines, halls, and sculptures impressive, but so is the colorful hustle and bustle of the famous temple city. In the evening, you will experience a religious ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, which is only open to a few visitors.

The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure. You can choose between a day trip to a thriving market town that has existed since the 2nd century BC and has always been considered the center of power for many dynasties and the seat of divinity. Or you can embark on a gourmet tour: visit a number of restaurants serving traditional Madurai food and immerse yourself in South Indian cuisine.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Periyar National Park. Periyar National Park is home to elephants, sambar deer, monkeys, and tigers. The area was declared a tiger reserve back in 1978, and species conservation is a major issue here. Upon arrival, enjoy a pleasant walk through the enchanting forests. The trails lead through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with swampy grasslands. Accompanied by a trained tribal guide, you will hike along the breathtaking nature trail.

Early in the morning, you will take a boat trip through the jungle. With a little luck, you will have the opportunity to see elephants, monkeys, tigers, bison, and various species of birds and butterflies. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel for a delicious breakfast.

On your way to Kochi, you will stop in Alleppey, where you can enjoy a traditional lunch on a typical houseboat and get to know life in the backwaters of Kerala.

Kochi is the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala. Visit the Dutch Palace, which is decorated with some of the most beautiful murals in India. Discover St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried, and Santa Cruz Church with its pastel-colored interior and carved wooden panels.

Later in the evening, enjoy a performance of Kathakali, the pantomime dance drama. It is a combination of facial expressions and body movements that convey the thoughts and feelings of the character. Kathakali is a predominantly male art form, in which even female characters are played by male performers.

Today you will be driven to Kozhikode. On the way, you will visit Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. Thrissur is built around a hill on which the famous Vadakkumnathan Temple is located. The city is known as the cultural capital of Kerala and is considered the center of a number of festivals, such as the annual Thrissur Pooram and the Pulikali Festival. Thrissur Pooram is the most colorful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala.

After many eventful days, you will now travel to Bekal, one of the most beautiful beaches in India. On the way, you will visit the Sree Muthappan Temple in Parassini Kadavu, which is dedicated to Sree Muthappan, the god of the poor.

Bekal Beach in northern Kerala is not easy to reach, but those who make the effort are rewarded with fringed beaches, pristine coconut plantations, peaceful inland waters, lush spice gardens on the hillside, and a relaxed pace of life. Bekal is also home to the unique Theyyam, or dance of the oracle, where ordinary mortals transform into gods at night and dance to the hypnotic beat of drums. Enjoy your days at the beach and reflect on the many exciting impressions of the past few days.