INDIA VEGAN TOUR

Vanakkam! Welcome to Chennai, the colorful gateway to your South India Vegan Tour. Once just a handful of sleepy fishing villages along the Coromandel Coast, Chennai has grown into a vibrant metropolis where ancient temples, colonial architecture, and modern skyscrapers coexist in a fascinating mix.

The city’s history stretches back over two millennia, with the Portuguese, Dutch, and British leaving their marks along the way. Stroll the streets and you’ll feel the echoes of the past—from the place where St. Thomas, one of Jesus’s disciples, is said to have preached, to the colonial-era buildings that whisper stories of trade and empire.

But Chennai isn’t just about history. It’s a city that celebrates culture and tradition in every corner. Men still wear the flowing lungi, women gracefully drape the sari, and religion continues to shape daily life for Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. As Tamil Nadu’s economic and cultural hub, Chennai is also the birthplace of the influential Dravidian movement, giving visitors a glimpse into the politics and passions that shaped the region.

After our orientation meeting, we’ll hit the streets to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city. From bustling markets to serene temples, Chennai offers a first taste of South India’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and welcoming spirit—an unforgettable start to your vegan journey!

Highlights of the Day:

• Detailed Orientation Meeting where you will get to know your fellow travelers and adventure leaders better as we discuss the adventure ahead and have our Introduction to South India’s History, Cultures, and Diversity Presentation.
• Traditional Tamil Lunch (specially veganized just for us).
• Explore a couple of Chennai’s more off-the-beaten-path landmarks that are pivotal reflections in the region’s history.
• Meet up with local vegans for a delicious vegan dinner of the fusion classics of Chennai – all specially veganized just for us.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Pondicherry’s charm isn’t just French—it’s a melting pot of cultures, shaped over centuries by locals, Indian settlers, and communities from across the globe. Today, we dive into the heart of this unique town, starting our morning with yoga and a wholesome breakfast to energize for the day ahead.

Next, we head to the vibrant local markets, where colors, aromas, and bustling energy surround us. Here, we begin our cultural culinary adventure, learning to cook a full-course authentic South Indian vegan meal. From picking fresh ingredients to mastering traditional cooking techniques, this hands-on experience is both fun and delicious.

After lunch, we return to our villas for some relaxation and free time, recharging for an unforgettable evening. As the sun sets, we venture off-the-beaten-track into the countryside to witness the fascinating yet endangered art of South Indian village street theater. Guided by our friend Srini and his troupe, we experience this centuries-old tradition—part storytelling, part community ritual—that’s rarely seen by outsiders.

As the moon rises over the countryside, we join Srini, his family, and the troupe for a traditional home-cooked vegan dinner, celebrating the flavors, stories, and cultural heritage of rural South India.

Highlights of the Day:

• Traditional Yoga Lesson – learning and practicing yoga in its birthplace, India
• Explore the local fruit, veggies, and spices market and learn about the different ingredients commonly used in South Indian dishes.
• South Indian dishes cooking class where we’ll learn to make a delicious vegan banana leaf meal.
• Join a grassroots street theater troupe and witness firsthand the great work they do in getting the word out on important social and health issues to rural villages in South India through the, unfortunately, fading art of village street theater.
• Guests of our friends at their home for a traditional South Indian vegan dinner.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We begin the day with a refreshing yoga session, preparing body and mind for another day of cultural immersion. Today, we’ll be guests of a nearby vegan community, located just outside the city, that has established a remarkable environmental rehabilitation and eco-solutions project. Here, we’ll learn about their sustainable initiatives, lend a hand in their work, and enjoy a delicious vegan lunch in the forest, surrounded by nature and the soothing sounds of the South Indian countryside.

Returning to Pondicherry in the afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander through the quaint streets, browse local shops for souvenirs, or unwind in one of the town’s charming cafés, soaking in the peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere.

Savor every moment of Pondicherry today—tomorrow, we leave the town behind to explore the picturesque countryside villages of South India, diving deeper into rural life, culture, and culinary traditions over the next four days.

Highlights of the Day:

• Traditional Yoga Lesson – learning and practicing yoga in its birthplace, India.
• Guests of a forest rehabilitation center and vegan community eco-solutions project.
• Join members of the conservation program for a picnic vegan lunch in the restored forest.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, and Lunch.

Today, we leave the historic charm of Pondicherry behind and journey deep into the rural heart of South India, where paddy fields, farms, and ancient temples paint a picture of timeless Tamil Nadu. Traveling off-the-beaten-track along the Coromandel Coast, our first stop is an ancient Dravidian temple, where we’ll explore its stunning architectural features—the soaring gopurams, intricately carved pillars, majestic mandapams, and serene temple tanks.

Continuing further south and then inland, we arrive at our home for the next two days: a beautifully renovated landlord’s bungalow surrounded by the rhythm of village life. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in local customs, culture, and cuisine, gaining an intimate understanding of everyday life in rural South India.

Our afternoon highlights include a traditional banana leaf lunch, where we’ll learn about the rituals and techniques behind this classic South Indian meal. As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll unwind with refreshing drinks and enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the countryside.

Highlights of the Day: 

• Traditional Yoga Lesson – learning and practicing yoga in its birthplace, India.
• Introduction program to the Hindu temples in South India. Learn about their unique design which is quite distinct from the Hindu temples of the North. Heavily set in symbolism, elaborate carvings, massive walls, temple tanks, and often colorful highlights seen in their stunning and epic gopurams (pyramid-like structures over temple main gates), and interior designs. South Indian temples are truly remarkable in both their history and their conception.
• Cultural Culinary Experience – Introduction to Eating Etiquette of South India where we’ll learn how to properly eat a banana leaf meal following local eating customs and etiquette.
• Dhotis & Dosas – learn about the unique dhoti attire and culture of Tamil Nadu including how to properly wear and tie it; and part 1 of the 2 part dosa-making lesson.
• Join our friend as we explore the local village streets and are introduced to the different communities that have called this area their home for generations. Different architectural styles and home designs, different shrines and places of worship – the village is not only home to one or two faiths, but three religions, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian.
• Guests of a local community temple for their closing evening aarti (Hindu) ceremony.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and “Dinner &Drinks”.

Kaalai Vanakkam! (Good morning in Tamil) After a traditional South Indian breakfast overlooking the village and lush farms, we set out on “traditional” bicycles to explore the serene countryside of rural Tamil Nadu. Pedaling past emerald rice paddies, quaint potter’s villages, local farms, and Ayyanar deity temples unique to Tamil culture, we immerse ourselves in the daily rhythms and traditions of village life.

By early afternoon, we pause our ride to enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family, savoring fresh, seasonal delicacies and learning the stories behind their cuisine. Returning to our bungalow, the culinary adventure continues with a hands-on cooking session, where we master South India’s staple rice-based dishes—from crispy dosa to fluffy idly and savory uttapam.

As the sun dips over the paddies, we visit one of the region’s most sacred temples to witness an auspicious aarti, experiencing the devotion and ritual firsthand. The day concludes back in the village with a colorful evening of Tamil folk music and dance, accompanied by refreshing drinks and a delicious dinner under the stars, celebrating the flavors, culture, and traditions of rural South India.

Highlights of the Day: 

• Biking into the surrounding countryside villages, paddy fields, and farms. (If not comfortable with bikes, we have an open vehicle).
• Guests of a local family for a home-cooked lunch at their home.
• Cultural Culinary Experience – part 2 of our Idly, Dosa & Uttapam Cooking Class.
• Visit Chidambaram’s sacred centuries-old Nataraja Temple.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.

We start the day early, leaving the plains and farmlands behind as we travel inland through Tamil Nadu to the legendary region of Chettinad, home of the prosperous Chettiar merchant community. Renowned for their wealth, business acumen, and influence across South and Southeast Asia, the Chettiars played a vital role in trade, finance, and cultural exchange from the Chola Empire to British colonial times.

Chettinad’s rich heritage is reflected in its ornate temples and palatial mansions, featuring grand halls, pillared courtyards, sweeping verandahs, and intricate tile work. As we approach our village home for the next two days, these stunning mansions appear like jewels among the countryside, offering a glimpse into the region’s opulent past.

Along the way, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, marveling at its towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and sacred atmosphere.

In the evening, we’ll settle in and dive into Chettinad’s legendary cuisine—rich, flavorful, and slightly spicy—enjoying a traditional vegan introduction to the region’s culinary delights while reflecting on the day’s cultural and historical discoveries!

Highlights of the Day: 

• Traditional Tamil breakfast feast specially veganized for us.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brihadeeswarar Temple and learn about the rich history of this larger-than-life temple and the kingdom that built it.
• 2 days staying in luxury rooms at delightfully restored over the century-old Chettinad Mansion that rings of a bygone era.
• Explore the grand halls, courtyards, and secret passages of this lovely historical mansion, learning about the rich culture, history, and home planning of the Chettiars.
• Cultural Culinary Experience – a traditional Chettinad Dinner made especially vegan for us.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.

We begin the day with the aroma of freshly made South Indian breakfast treats—appam, idiyappam, and paniyaram. During our morning cooking demonstration, we’ll learn the techniques behind these beloved dishes—and, of course, taste them fresh from the pan!

After breakfast, we set out into the Chettinad countryside for a day of off-the-beaten-track exploration. Hiking through picturesque villages, ancient ruins, lush forest, and farm fields, we discover a fascinating Jain cave, a formidable fort, and centuries-old temples, immersing ourselves in the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Midday brings a picnic lunch just outside a small village, surrounded by historic ruins and timeless landscapes, a perfect moment to soak in the atmosphere of rural South India.

Returning in the late afternoon, there’s time to relax and refresh—perhaps with a swim in the pool—before gathering for a delicious dinner of Chettinad specialties, rich in flavor and a touch of spice, completing another unforgettable day in this culturally and historically vibrant region!

Highlights of the Day: 

• Learn to make South India breakfast treats (appam, idiyappam, and paniyaram).
• Visit Thirumayam Fort whose history dates back to the late 1600s.
• Hike to Vijayalaya Choleswaram Temple, and enjoy great views of the surrounding countryside.
• Delicious Chettinad style picnic lunch at the ancient ruins of the Kadambanayanar Temple.
• Visit the 2nd-century Jain monastery and temple cave os Sittanavasal (“abode of the great saints”, or sittannavayil).
• Special vegan Chettinad dinner and drinks in one of the grand halls of the mansion.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.

Today, our adventure takes us up into the breathtaking Nilgiri Hills, part of the Western Ghats, where the terrain changes dramatically and the cool mountain air greets us. Known as the “Blue Mountains”—from the Tamil words Neelam (blue) and Giri (mountain)—the Nilgiri earned its name either from the delicate blue flowers dotting its slopes or the mystical blue mist that hovers over its peaks and valleys.

As we ascend, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—from playful monkeys to grazing deer and elusive bison. The Nilgiri’s forested hills, tea plantations, and indigenous tribal villages offer a glimpse into a rich and diverse ecosystem, home to hundreds of bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, and fish species.

Arriving in Coonoor, we check into a charming 19th-century bungalow, complete with high ceilings, wood floors, and a cozy fireplace, perfect for the cool mountain climate. After settling in, we gather around the fireplace with a local friend for fresh hot tea and toddies, getting an introduction to Coonoor’s history and the indigenous tribes that have called the Nilgiri home for centuries.

Highlights of the Day: 

• Scenic road trip as we journey up into the Nilgiri, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world!
• Stay at a charming 19th-century Scottish-style bungalow.
• Introduction to the Nilgiri, and the different ethnic communities that have called the Blue MOuntains their home for centuries.
• Put together supplies for a special education program in the community.
• Special candlelight dinner, in the theme of Connoor’s history, we’ll enjoy a fusion of South Indian and European-influenced dishes.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.

With the cool mountain breezes sweeping past our tree-lined bungalow, we start the day with a hearty breakfast before meeting a longtime local resident who will introduce us to the people, culture, traditions, and way of life of the Nilgiri Hills.

Afterward, we set out on foot into the hills, valleys, and ravines of Coonoor’s stunning countryside. Our hike offers a deep dive into the lives of the tea plantation workers and local farmers, with opportunities to observe their daily routines amidst the lush, rolling hills. Keep an eye out for the Nilgiri’s famous wild bison, who roam freely among the tea-covered slopes, adding an adventurous twist to our trek.

Along the way, we’ll visit a local community education program, delivering supplies we’ve gathered and participating in fun, meaningful activities with the students and teachers—a true connection to the heart of Nilgiri life.

As the sun sets over the misty mountain peaks, we return to our bungalow to gather around the fire for a flavorful dinner of local fusion dishes, celebrating the day’s adventure, community encounters, and the serene beauty of the Nilgiris!

Highlights of the Day:

• Hike into the hillside plantations, forests, and village with our friend who will introduce us to life in the Nilgiri from a local’s point of view.
• Guests of a local community education program where we’ll participate in their activities.
• Join a local family at their home in the tea plantation housing projects for a special vegan lunch specially prepared for us.
• Guests of a local tribal village and join them in a tree-planting project.
• Special candlelight dinner. Enjoy local drinks, snacks, and a delicious dinner of traditional delicacies, including a vegan BBQ – Coonoor style.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.

After a fusion breakfast of local vegan favorites, we set out by van and on foot into the Blue Mountains, immersing ourselves in the lives of the indigenous people who settled the Nilgiri long before the British arrived. The tribes here, including the Toda, have called these mountains home for thousands of years, with traditions and stories passed down through countless generations. Around 28% of the Nilgiri populationbelongs to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, offering a unique glimpse into the rich cultural fabric of the region.

Later, we bid farewell to the misty Nilgiri peaks and meet our jeeps to descend into the plains and wilds of Mudumalai, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This protected area, encompassing over 321 square kilometers, is home to dense forests, rolling grasslands, and an incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and countless bird species.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at our forest bungalow, our home for the next two days, located on the edge of Mudumalai National Park. Surrounded by jungle sounds and the vibrant wilderness, this marks the start of an unforgettable eco-adventure deep in South India’s tropical forests!

Highlights of the Day: 

• Scenic drives into the rolling hills and mountain peaks of the Nilgiri.
• Guests of a small Toda village and learn about their unique way of life, traditions, and customs.
• Traditional local lunch at the Toda village, all veganized especially for us.
• Traditional Toda folk dances.
• Jeep Safari into the plains and the wilds of Mudumalai National Park.
• Catch the sunset over the forest from the “hide” (viewpoint) and hear the chores of creatures that come to life at night.
• Campfire discussion and introduction to the national park complete with drinks and local snacks, followed by a vegan feast for dinner.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.

Today, we explore the lush and diverse wilderness of Mudumalai National Park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, where tropical deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and dry thorn forests create a haven for wildlife. This protected reserve, spanning three states, is home to over 55 species of mammals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, bears, wild dogs, and blackbucks, as well as 227–320 bird species, amphibians, reptiles, and countless smaller creatures.

We set out on a safari through the national park and surrounding forests, spotting wildlife in their natural habitats while learning about the ecology and biodiversity of South India. Later, we visit an animal rescue sanctuary, gaining insight into their crucial work protecting wildlife and promoting animal welfare in the region.

As the day winds down, we reflect on 12 unforgettable days of adventure, from the Coromandel Coast and Pondicherry to rural villages, Chettinad, Chola temples, tribal settlements, and the Blue Mountains. As night falls, we gather around a campfire for our final evening together, enjoying refreshing drinks, snacks, and a delicious vegan feast, celebrating the culture, cuisine, and wildlife of South India one last time.

Highlights of the Day: 

• Morning jeep safari on the back roads of Mudumalai National Park.
• Guests of important animal rescue, sanctuary, and animal welfare organization that is on the frontline of preventing cruelty towards animals – both domestic and wildlife, and are the main voice for animals in the area.
• Join a local naturalist and head out on jeeps into the wilds of Mudumalai and Bandipur National Park on safari – be on the lookout for elephants!
• Festive farewell dinner around the campfire under the shadow of the Blue Mountains on our last evening in South India together.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks.

For early risers, start the day with a peaceful walk to the lookout near our bungalows, taking in the breathtaking Nilgiri mountain views one last time. After a hearty breakfast, we say goodbye to Masinagudiand embark on a scenic journey across the Nilgiri Hills, passing through protected forests, rolling tea plantations, and charming villages.

Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a local family’s home, enjoying a final taste of authentic South Indian vegan cuisine before heading to Coimbatore to catch our flight back to Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast.

Our adventure concludes with arrival in Chennai around 7:00 pm, leaving you with memories of ancient temples, vibrant villages, lush plantations, tribal cultures, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable vegan culinary experiences. Mikka nandri! Thank you for traveling with Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages, and for joining us on this immersive journey through South India!

Highlights of the Day: 

• Catch the sunrise over the forest for a few glimpses of the jungle’s wildlife.
• Guests of a local family at their home for a delicious home-cooked vegan lunch.
• Flight back to Chennai.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch.