A journey woven with spice, stories, and sacred stone — a curated blend of vivid landscapes, layered cultures, and quiet, unforgettable moments. Two vastly different neighbours, but also with many parallels – maybe nowhere else is the South Asian mantra of ‘same-same, but different’ more apparent than here.
It begins in South India, where ancient temples, palm-fringed backwaters, and spice-scented markets offer a rhythmic contrast to modern India’s buzz.
One of the tour’s most enchanting stops is Pondicherry, a coastal town where India meets France with graceful charm. Once a French colonial enclave, “Pondy” still exudes a Mediterranean air — its leafy boulevards lined with pastel facades, wrought-iron balconies, and quiet cafés serving croissants and masala chai. Wander through the White Town, where colonial architecture and Tamil heritage coexist in elegant harmony. Visit the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a centre of spiritual thought, or simply stroll the seaside promenade at dusk, when the town slows to a dreamy pace.
From here, the journey leads to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram, where stone temples hewn from rock rise from the earth, carved with gods, elephants, and mythical beasts. Then onward Kochi and Kerala’s lush backwaters for a night aboard a traditional kettuvallom houseboat, floating past rice paddies and coconut groves. In Periyar National Park, wildlife safaris by boat reveal a landscape pulsing with life — elephants, birds, and the quiet rustle of the forest.
Across the Palk Strait, offers its own magic: the cool highlands of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya with their misty tea plantations, the golden beaches of the tropical coast, and the ancient rock citadel of Sigiriya and ancient capital, Polonnaruwa, where Buddhist art and architecture speak of a deep spiritual heritage. In Dambulla, cave temples adorned with murals and statues glimmer in candlelight… a tranquil escape from the bustling modern world.
This is not just a tour — it’s a story unfolding in every scent, sound, and sunrise. A journey of contrasts, connections, and cultural immersion.
This boutique small group tour departs in February 2026 – contact TE Tours at Club Travel Tygervalley, 021 914 2265 or [email protected] | www.smallgrouptours.co.za
