Enchanting South India: A 15-Day Cultural & Scenic Journey

Day 01: Arrival in Chennai – Gateway to South India

• Upon your arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be warmly greeted and assisted by our company's Tour Manager.
• Transfer to your pre-booked hotel and freshen up.
• Embark on a captivating sightseeing tour of Chennai:
  • Visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
  • Explore Saint George Fort, a historic landmark now housing the state government secretariat.
  • Discover the serene Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Thomas.
  • Marvel at the Dravidian architecture of Kapaleeswarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple.
• The evening is free for leisure, allowing you to relax or explore the local surroundings.
• Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 02: Chennai – Kanchipuram (Temple City) – Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage) (Approx. 58 kms / 2-3 hrs drive)

• After a delicious breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Mahabalipuram.
• En route, visit Kanchipuram, renowned as the "City of a Thousand Temples."
  • Explore prominent temples such as Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
• Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram and check into your beach resort upon arrival.
• In the early evening, meet your guide for an insightful tour of Mahabalipuram:
  • Witness the iconic Shore Temple, a stunning structural temple complex.
  • Explore the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), monolithic rock-cut temples.
  • Admire Arjuna's Penance, a massive open-air rock relief.
  • See the various ancient rock-hewn temples showcasing Dravidian era architecture.
• Enjoy a relaxing evening. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 03: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (French Colonial Charm) (Approx. 132 kms / 3-4 hrs drive)

• Enjoy breakfast, check out, and proceed to Pondicherry (Puducherry), a charming town with a rich French colonial heritage.
• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• Later, embark on a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry:
  • Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community.
  • Explore the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing historical artifacts.
  • See the Bharathidasan Memorial Museum.
  • Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, known for its Gothic architecture.
• The evening is yours to explore the French Quarter or relax.
• Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 04: Pondicherry – Chidambaram (Nataraja Temple) – Tanjore (Thanjavur - Chola Dynasty Capital) (Approx. 203 kms / 4-5 hrs drive)

• After breakfast, check out and drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur).
• En route, visit the famous Chidambaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja (Shiva as the cosmic dancer).
• Upon arrival in Tanjore, check into your hotel.
• Rest of the day is at leisure or you can begin your exploration of this historic city.

Day 05: Tanjore (Cultural Heartland) – Trichy (Tiruchirappalli - Rock Fort City) (Approx. 50 kms / 1-2 hrs drive)

• Enjoy a leisurely morning. Later in the day, embark on a sightseeing tour of Tanjore, the ancient capital of the Chola kings:
  • Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of Chola temple architecture.
  • Explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace complex, which features expansive corridors, spacious halls, observation towers, and an arsenal.
• In the evening, after your Tanjore exploration, check out and drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy).
• Upon arrival in Trichy, transfer to your hotel.
• Later, meet your guide for a sightseeing tour of Trichy:
  • Visit the iconic Rock Fort Temple, perched dramatically on a massive rock outcrop overlooking the city.
  • Explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes in India, located on an island in the Cauvery River.
  • Visit the Jambukeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Evening free for individual activities. Overnight stay in Trichy.

Day 06: Trichy – Madurai (Temple City of South India) (Approx. 165 kms / 3-4 hrs drive)

• After breakfast, check out and drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• Later in the day, take a sightseeing tour of Madurai:
  • Visit the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel with its towering gopurams (gateway towers).
  • Explore the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, known for its grand Indo-Saracenic architecture.
• Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 07: Madurai – Munnar (Lush Hill Station) (Approx. 150 kms / 5-6 hrs drive)

• Enjoy breakfast and then proceed to Munnar, a breathtaking hill station nestled in the Western Ghats.
• The scenic drive will take you through lush green cardamom, coffee, and tea plantations.
• Upon arrival in Munnar, transfer to your hotel.
• The rest of the day is free for you to relax amidst the serene surroundings or take a walk through the local markets to purchase fresh tea and coffee.
• Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 08: Munnar – Exploring Nature's Paradise

• After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Munnar:
  • Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Indian Ibex). You might also spot deer, monkeys, and various bird species.
  • Explore Top Station for panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  • Visit Mattupetty Dam, known for its beautiful lake and boating opportunities.
  • Wander through sprawling tea estates and enjoy the stunning vistas from Kanan Devan Hills.
• Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 09: Munnar – Thekkady (Periyar National Park - Wildlife Adventure) (Approx. 110 kms / 4 hrs drive)

• After breakfast, proceed to Periyar (Thekkady), home to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve.
• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• Enjoy some free time to relax until your afternoon jungle safari by boat on Periyar Lake (typically from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM).
  • This boat safari offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, bison, and various bird species. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a tiger.
• After the safari, you can visit the local spice market to experience the aroma and variety of spices grown in the region.
• Overnight stay in Periyar.

Day 10: Periyar – Kumarakom (Serene Backwaters) (Approx. 70 kms / 1-2 hrs drive)

• Post breakfast, check out and drive to Kumarakom, a picturesque village nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, in the heart of Kerala's backwaters.
• Upon arrival, transfer to your lake-facing hotel, offering unrestricted views of the expansive Vembanad Lake.
• This is a very relaxing destination. You can visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a short walk away, known for its migratory and local birdlife.
• In the evening, you can opt for a serene sunset cruise on the lake (optional activity).
• Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Day 11: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Alappuzha - Houseboat Experience) (By Kettuvallam – Traditional Houseboat)

• Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at your hotel.
• At approximately 12:00 PM, board a traditional Keralan houseboat (Kettuvallam) directly from your hotel jetty.
• Embark on an enchanting overnight journey to Alleppey (Alappuzha), cruising through the tranquil Vembanad Lake and the intricate network of palm-fringed narrow canals.
  • Witness the vast expanse of paddy fields, quaint hamlets, and typical Kerala villages. Keep an eye out for the famous snake boats.
• Our deluxe houseboats are well-equipped with a sitting area, dining area, sun deck (perfect for enjoying sunsets and fishing), comfortable bedrooms with double/twin beds, attached English toilets, and running hot/cold water.
• Savor authentic Kerala cuisine prepared onboard, offering a true taste of the region.
• Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey – Kovalam (Pristine Beaches) (Approx. 175 kms / 5-6 hrs drive)

• Enjoy a final hour of cruising in the morning, followed by an authentic Keralan breakfast onboard.
• Arrive at Alleppey Jetty, where you will be assisted with your disembarkation.
• Drive to Kovalam, a renowned beach destination. En route, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) city:
  • Visit the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (entry restrictions may apply for non-Hindus to the inner sanctum).
  • Explore the Napier Museum and the Sree Chitra Art Gallery.
• Continue your drive to Kovalam and check into your beach resort upon arrival.
• The evening is free to relax by the beach or explore the local area.
• Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 13: Kovalam – Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin - Southernmost Tip) – Kovalam (Approx. 85 kms / 3 hrs one way)

• After breakfast, embark on an exciting morning excursion to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), the southernmost tip of mainland India.
• Upon arrival in Kanyakumari:
  • Visit the Kumari Amman Temple, dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari.
  • See the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, accessible by ferry.
  • Witness the spectacular confluence of three seas: the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea.
• Later, drive back to Kovalam.
• Relax and enjoy the evening. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 14: Kovalam – Cochin (Kochi - Queen of the Arabian Sea) (Approx. 200 kms / 5-6 hrs drive)

• Enjoy breakfast, check out from your resort, and drive to Cochin (Kochi), a vibrant city with a rich history of trade and cultural exchange.
• Upon arrival in Cochin, transfer to your hotel.
• The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
• In the evening, immerse yourself in Keralan culture by enjoying a captivating Kathakali dance performance.
• Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 15: Cochin Sightseeing – Departure from Cochin

• After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Cochin:
  • Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), known for its murals.
  • Explore the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth.
  • Witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Cochin beach, a testament to centuries of trade relations.
• After the sightseeing tour, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to board your flight for your onward destination, filled with cherished memories of your South India tour.

Tour Cost:

Note: Prices are indicative and subject to change. Please confirm the current pricing and inclusions. Star ratings are approximate.

This comprehensive 15-day South India tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, natural beauty, and relaxation. From ancient temples and colonial towns to serene backwaters, lush plantations, and vibrant coastal cities, experience the best of what South India has to offer. Contact us to customize this itinerary or to book your unforgettable journey!