After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore Kodambakkam, a historic locality of Chennai with a lively film industry dating back to the early 1950s. Kodambakkam inspired the term “Kollywood,” a colloquial name for the South Indian Tamil-language film industry. As we walk, we’ll learn about the abundance of traditional film studios that once lined these streets. We’ll spot some that have been transformed into hospitals or malls, and glimpse others that barely remain, crumbling vestiges of a golden era. We’ll delve into the rich legacy of the late A.V. Meiyappan, a pioneer of Tamil-language cinema and the eponymous founder of the illustrious AVM Studios. We’ll have a chance to go behind the scenes, exploring an active movie set and, if we’re lucky, checking out a recording and dance studio. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoy some downtime, explore the city at your own pace, or check out the popular Marina beach as it springs to life at dusk. Alternatively, meander the localities of Mylapore and Royapettah for a window into the architecture and history of various communities that settled here: Brahmin, Muslim, as well as European—or visit Georgetown to gain a better understanding of the city’s colonial history. Tonight, we’ll dine with a seasoned South Indian film veteran who has a wealth of tales from his time working in this ever-evolving industry.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive about three and a half hours to Pondicherry, a port town and former French colony. Over lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll chat with a local film enthusiast and kick back to watch a few iconic clips from popular Tamil movies shot in Pondicherry. In the evening, we’ll explore some of the historic film sites scattered throughout the city: the French and Muslim quarters, a street lined with centuries-old Hindu Tamil houses, the local flower market, and the town’s rocky promenade and pier. As the sun sets, we’ll head back to the hotel for a sumptuous spread of fresh, locally sourced delicacies, plucked directly from the Bay of Bengal, combined in a delicious fusion of French and South Indian cuisines.

This morning we’ll head to a local cultural center in Pondicherry. Led by an expert in Indian cinematic dance, we’ll partake in a workshop that combines bhangra, contemporary dance, hip-hop, and jazz—typefied in many Bollywood and Kollywood films. After a fun, energizing, and interactive session, we’ll break for lunch at a local restaurant. (Before we leave Pondicherry, if we’re lucky, we may have the chance to meet an artist who’s been hand-painting movie posters for over a decade, and pore over his album of old posters, most of which are now designed and printed digitally.) Later in the afternoon, we’ll drive to Thanjavur (about a four-and-a-half-hour journey), home to some of the most prominent arts and crafts in South India. After checking in at our hotel, we’ll enjoy a leisurely dinner and turn in early to rest up from a busy day.

We’ll kick off the day with a visit to the home of an expert in Bharatanatyam, a form of classical Indian dance that originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu. Through conversation and dance, we’ll discover the nuances that define this narrative classical art form. We’ll trace the emergence and importance of Bharatanatyam in South Indian cinematic culture, learning about the actors and musicians who introduced it to commercial cinema. After lunch, take some time to explore the city at your own pace. Thanjavur is renowned for its traditional arts and magnificent temples dating back to the 11th century, so consider visiting the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, perusing ancient manuscripts in the Saraswathi Mahal Library, or strolling through one of the city’s many markets. We’ll regroup back at the hotel for dinner, where we’ll discuss tomorrow’s adventures.

We’ll set out this morning for the charming village of Kanadukathan. After checking into our hotel, we’ll take part in a culinary demonstration that will stun the senses. Dish by dish, we’ll begin to glimpse some of the secrets of traditional Chettinad cuisine—typically characterized by an elaborate spread of dishes, the use of sun-dried meats, and spices of local and foreign origins. At the end of the demonstration, we’ll have the distinct and delicious honor of sampling the epicurean stars of the show. After we’ve digested, we’ll set out on a cycling tour of Kanadukathan. While the village is known for its palatial, now-abandoned mansions that once belonged to Chettinad merchants, it’s also where A.V. Meiyappan’s story began. Alongside a local film enthusiast, we’ll trace the legacy of AVM back to the mogul’s birth.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to Madurai, considered the womb of Tamil civilization. Over lunch, we’ll chat with several members of a prominent actor’s fan club who will guide us through the inner workings of such organizations—such as performing auspicious actor-related rituals and hosting celebratory processions on an actor’s birthday. At the end of the day, we’ll explore several old theaters—some of them abandoned, others still in use. Screening mostly classics (both contemporary and old), these spaces are more than mere theaters. From old halls to makeshift tents, these are spaces for communal engagement, often made possible by minimal means, where the audience is bound by its ubiquitous love for cinema. We’ll spend tonight yet again admiring the city’s stars—this time the ones in the sky—as we enjoy a traditional meal outside.

After an early breakfast, we’ll weave our way through vibrant heaps of blossoms at Madurai’s flower market. Immersed in aromas of jasmine and rose, we’ll explore the rows of fragrant flowers and learn about their religious and commercial importance. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore Madurai at leisure, taking in the towering Meenakshi Temple and the exquisite, 16th-century Dravidian-Islamic architecture. In the company of a local expert, we’ll wander the city streets, sample mouthwatering local snacks, and enjoy lunch at a traditional South Indian restaurant. After our farewell feast, it’s time to say our parting words, let the credits roll, and head to the airport—or join us on a flight to Delhi if you wish to stick around for our optional, three-day extension.

This morning, we’ll journey to the magnificent Mughal city of Agra. We’ll settle in and enjoy some downtime before heading to the iconic gardens of Taj Mahal at sunset. Originally the viewing gardens for the Taj, the Mehtab Bagh offers an unparalleled view of the stunning structure from across the river. We’ll wander the lush gardens, perfectly aligned with the Taj, and learn about the Persian charbagh concept, which offers a different perspective on this timeless mausoleum.

We’ll witness the sublime beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the early morning rays fall on the monument’s faded white marble walls. Later in the morning, we’ll set out for Rajasthan to learn about the culinary traditions of its capital city, Jaipur, stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri. Dotted with 16th-century ruins, this city was once the well-fortified capital of Emperor Akbar and stands as a renowned relic of Mughal heritage. Once we arrive in Jaipur, we’ll unwind at the home of a local Rajasthani family, exchanging stories as we learn how to cook a few of the delicacies of this state’s spectacular cuisine. After our hard work, we’ll enjoy a lavish dinner together. We’ll also have the opportunity to catch a film at Raj Mandir, the oldest cinema in Jaipur, where screenings still begin with the raising of a velvet curtain.

We’ll begin the day feeling as though we’re traveling back in time, visiting some of Jaipur’s historic landmarks. We’ll explore the exquisite sandstone and marble halls of Amber Fort before digging into a traditional Rajasthani quick-meal for lunch. Wandering the old city, we’ll take in stunning views of the dizzying, pink sandstone Hawa Mahal, and wind our way through the sprawling complex of the City Palace. We’ll spend our final night together unwinding in the gardens of an 18th-century observatory, measuring minutes in shadows and reflecting on our adventures together.

After a week and a half of adventures—both on-screen and off—it’s time to say goodbye and head to the airport. If you'd like to extend your time in the area, your guides would be more than happy to recommend places to stay and things to do on your own. Until the next adventure!