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South India Temples and Backwater

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Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Explore South India’s cultural treasures and tranquil waterways on this journey from Tamil Nadu’s iconic temple towns to Kerala’s lush landscapes. Begin in Chennai and travel through historic cities like Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and Madurai, admiring towering temple gopurams and ancient architecture. Discover French colonial charm in Pondicherry and the regal mansions of Chettinad. Cross into Kerala for wildlife encounters, spice gardens, houseboat cruising, and sun-drenched beach time at Marari. The tour concludes with a cultural immersion in the heritage port city of Cochin. Every day offers a rich mix of history, spirituality, nature, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Admire UNESCO-listed temples of Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and Darasuram
  • Experience authentic Tamil culture in Chettinad’s heritage mansions
  • Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional Keralan houseboat
  • Encounter wildlife and spice plantations in Thekkady's Periyar Sanctuary
  • Relax on palm-fringed Marari Beach and explore colonial Cochin

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 43.5%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 40.2%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 51.6%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 48.0%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 54.3%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 51.4%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 56.7%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

• Assistance on arrival at Chennai airport and transfer to hotel
• Rest of the day free to relax after your journey
• Overnight at hotel in Chennai

Day 2: Chennai City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church – colonial stronghold of British India
• Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple – ancient Shiva shrine with Dravidian architecture
• Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple – one of Chennai’s most popular Hindu temples
• Visit Government Museum – houses ancient bronze sculptures and paintings
• Visit San Thome Cathedral – a significant pilgrimage site built by Portuguese
• Drive past Marina Beach – longest urban beach in India
• Overnight at hotel in Chennai

Day 3: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (160 km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Pondicherry via sightseeing in Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram
• Visit Kailasanathar Temple – one of the oldest Dravidian-style stone temples
• Visit Ekambareswarar Temple – large temple complex with ancient mango tree
• Visit Varadharaja and Vaikunta Perumal Temples – dedicated to Lord Vishnu
• Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple – sacred to the goddess Parvati
• Visit Five Rathas – monolithic chariot-shaped shrines in Mahabalipuram
• Visit Krishna’s Butterball – large balancing rock on a hillside
• Visit Shore Temple – coastal temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Visit Arjuna’s Penance – massive rock relief with mythological carvings
• Arrive Pondicherry and check-in
• Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry

Day 4: Pondicherry City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Auroville and Matrimandir – a spiritual township and meditation center
• Visit Pondicherry Museum – exhibits South Indian bronzes and archaeological finds
• Explore French Quarter – colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and cafes
• Drive past Raj Nivas, French Consulate, and colonial-era churches
• Enjoy sunset or beachside relaxation at Promenade Beach
• Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry

Day 5: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur (220 km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Thanjavur with enroute temple visits
• Visit Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram – dedicated to the cosmic dance of Shiva
• Visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram – grand temple of Chola dynasty
• Visit Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple – temple built like a stone chariot
• Arrive Thanjavur and check-in
• Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur

Day 6: Thanjavur Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple – towering Chola-era temple and UNESCO site
• Visit Vijayanagar Fort and Nayak Palace – royal residence and historical complex
• Visit Thanjavur Art Gallery – sculptures, paintings, and ancient artifacts
• Visit Saraswati Mahal Library – rare manuscripts and palm-leaf books
• Optional visit to local village for rural experience
• Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur

Day 7: Thanjavur – Trichy – Chettinad (145 km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Chettinad with enroute sightseeing in Trichy
• Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – vast temple complex on Srirangam island
• Visit Rock Fort Temple – perched on a billion-year-old rock outcrop
• Visit Jambukeswarar Temple – a major Shiva temple representing water element
• Continue drive to Chettinad, check-in at heritage hotel
• Overnight at hotel in Chettinad

Day 8: Chettinad – Madurai (90 km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Chettinad Mansions – lavish 19th-century homes with imported decor
• Drive to Madurai, check-in at hotel
• Overnight at hotel in Madurai

Day 9: Madurai - Thekkady (160kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple – architectural marvel with vibrant gopurams
• Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace – Indo-Saracenic royal palace
• Visit Alagar Koil and Murugan Temples on surrounding hilltops
• Drive to Thekkady via scenic Ramakkalmedu – known for strong winds and statues
• Visit Kuravan & Kurathi twin-statues enroute
• Check-in at hotel in Thekkady
• Overnight at hotel in Thekkady

Day 10: Thekkady Activities

• Breakfast at hotel
• Boat safari in Periyar Lake to view wildlife and forest scenery
• Visit spice plantation – learn about cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and more
• Optional shopping for local spices at the village market
• Overnight at hotel in Thekkady

Day 11: Thekkady - Alleppey (140kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Alleppey and board a private houseboat
• Cruise through the tranquil backwaters, canals, and paddy fields
• Observe life along the banks, traditional homes, and lush surroundings
• Enjoy onboard freshly prepared Kerala meals
• Sunset views from the deck of the houseboat
• Overnight stay and meals on houseboat

Day 12: Alleppey - Marari (20kms)

• Breakfast onboard
• Disembark from houseboat and transfer to Marari
• Check-in at beach resort and rest of the day at leisure
• Overnight at hotel in Marari

Day 13: Marari Beach Day at Leisure

• Breakfast at hotel
• Free day to enjoy the beach, swim, relax, or opt for Ayurvedic spa treatments
• Overnight at hotel in Marari (no transport included)

Day 14: Marari Beach Day at Leisure

• Breakfast at hotel
• Full day free to enjoy beach and resort amenities
• Overnight at hotel in Marari (no transport included)

Day 15: Marari – Cochin Departure (75 km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Cochin, meet local guide for city tour
• Visit Fort Kochi – colonial buildings and Chinese fishing nets
• Visit St. Francis Church – burial site of Vasco da Gama
• Visit Mattancherry Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue
• Walk through Jew Town’s antique shops and spice stores
• Transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward flight

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation 5 Star Hotels Chennai x 2 nights: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai/ Hilton Chennai Pondicherry x 2 nights: Palais De Mahe/ La Villa Thanjore x 2 nights: Svatma Chettinad x 1 night: Visalam Cgh Earth Madurai x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Thekkady x 2 nights: Spice Village/ Hills & Hues Alleppey x 1 night: Luxury Houseboat (Full Time AC) Marari x 3 nights: Xandari Pearl/ Marari Beach Resort

How many person will be in the group ?

There could be upto 10 people in the group.

Does this tour include airport pick ?

Yes, you can arrive on any flight and private airport transfer will be provided.

How do travelers meet the group ?

On first day of sightseeing all group member will assemble in hotel lobby and there will be first introduction with group member.

What category of hotel accommodation will be provided ?

4star below mention or similar hotels accommodation is included in the tour. Hotels used or similar for 10 nights accommodation Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation Chennai x 2 night 4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan Pondicherry x 2 night 4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa Thnjore x 2 night 4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort Chettinad x 1 night 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion Madurai x 1 night 4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel Thekkady x 2 night 4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County Alleppey x 1 night 4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats) Mararikulam x 3 nights 4* - Abad Turtle Beach Resort/ Marari Sands Beach Resort

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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