SOUTH INDIA ODYSSEY: TEMPLES, BACKWATERS & COASTAL SPLENDOUR
- 14 Days -
Embark on a journey through South India’s vibrant heritage, from colonial Chennai and temple towns to the lush wilderness of Thekkady and serene Alleppey backwaters. End at Kanyakumari, where golden beaches and converging oceans create a stunning finale.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes, rich heritage, and cultural gems of South India. From the colonial charm of Chennai and Pondicherry to the historic temples of Trichy and Madurai, this adventure takes you through a fascinating blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Explore the lush wilderness of Thekkady, cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey, and unwind on the golden beaches of Kovalam. Conclude your journey at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari, where the oceans meet in a breathtaking spectacle.
SOUTH INDIA ODYSSEY: TEMPLES, BACKWATERS & COASTAL SPLENDOUR

DURATION
14 Days

START CITY
Chennai

END CITY
Thiruvananthapuram

TOUR TYPE
Private, Group, Theme tours

LANGUAGE
English, Italian, German ...

FITNESS LEVEL
Moderate

IDEAL SEASON
All year round

IDEAL SIZE
02, 04, 06, 08 ...

MEAL PLAN
Based on personal choices

ACCOMODATION
3 to 5 Star hotels, Boutique

TRANSPORTATION
Private vehicle on disposal

SUPPORT
24 x 7
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
Explore historic landmarks, including St. Thomas Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Fort St. George. Drive past the scenic Marina Beach.
Visit the iconic 7th-century Shore Temple and impressive rock-cut temples.
Discover the French colonial charm, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the Pondicherry Museum.
Chidambaram & Thanjavur
Relax on Kovalam Beach and visit Kanyakumari’s Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.

South India Odyssey: Temples, Backwaters & Coastal Splendor
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your journey begins in Chennai, the country’s cultural hub and fourth-largest city. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Then, meet your fellow travelers and tour leader for an introduction to the trip, followed by a chance to enjoy authentic South Indian flavors together.
After meal, set out to explore St. Thomas Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Fort St. George. Drive past Marina Beach, where the natural sandy shoreline, spacious promenade, and lush gardens create a picturesque setting for visitors.
This morning, drive to Mahabalipuram, a historic seaside city renowned for its 7th-century Shore Temple, stunning beach, and some of the world’s most exquisite rock-cut temples. Located along the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was a thriving seaport as early as the 1st century AD. Explore the Shore Temple, standing resilient against the sea’s waves, and visit the Seven Rathas, remarkable monolithic structures and intricate animal carvings that showcase the earliest examples of Dravidian architecture.
Later, continue your journey to Pondicherry (now Puducherry), meaning "new settlement," a city that beautifully blends French colonial charm with South Indian heritage.
After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, beginning with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother spent much of their lives in spiritual practice. Next, explore the Pondicherry Museum, home to a fascinating collection of artifacts reflecting the region’s rich history.
As you stroll through the city, notice the remnants of French colonial influence—the tricolour flag fluttering over the French Consulate, the grand Hotel de Ville (Town Hall), and local police donning red kepis and belts. However, Pondicherry remains unmistakably Indian, with its bustling bazaars, auto-rickshaws, lively streets, and traditional Hindu temples, blending the best of both worlds.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Thanjavur. En route, visit Chidambaram, home to the renowned Nataraja Temple, a magnificent temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form.
Arrive in Thanjavur (Tanjore) in the afternoon and check into your hotel, ready to explore the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Thanjavur is a paradise for art lovers, especially those fascinated by temple architecture and the grandeur of the Chola dynasty, which left a remarkable legacy in art and architecture. The city's highlights include the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, an architectural marvel of the Chola era, along with the Royal Palace, Art Gallery, and the Saraswati Mahal Library, each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chettinad, the land of the Nattukottai Chettiars, renowned for its grand fortress-like mansions and intricately designed temples. This region is home to heritage residences, built over years with stunning courtyards, halls, and corridors adorned with Burmese teak, Italian marble, and exquisite artwork.
Check into your heritage home, immersing yourself in the timeless charm of Chettinad. Later, enjoy an optional bullock cart ride through the village, explore the historic temples, and visit the magnificent Chettinad Palace.
In the evening, drive to Madurai for an overnight stay.
In the morning, drive to Madurai and embark on a city tour of this historic city, once the ancient capital of the Pandya Kings, nestled along the Vaigai River.
Visit the iconic Meenakshi Temple, renowned for its towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and rare sculptures. Explore other major attractions, including the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, a grand 17th-century palace, the Gandhi Museum, which chronicles India’s independence movement, the Koodal Azhagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a temple complex featuring a sacred tank used for grand float festivals.
After a buffet breakfast, set off for Thekkady, home to one of the world’s most captivating wildlife reserves. Experience a scenic boat ride on the Periyar River, where you may spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 777 sq km, boasts 360 sq km of dense evergreen forest, offering a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
In the evening, enjoy cultural performances specially arranged in your honour.
This morning, visit a tea factory and spice plantation, where you can witness the production process and purchase high-quality spices.
Spend the rest of the day indulging in exciting activities such as trekking, bamboo rafting, an elephant ride, and cultural performances, including the mesmerizing Kathakali dance and traditional martial arts demonstrations.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, head to Alleppey to embark on your houseboat. Sail through the serene Vembanad Lake and its tranquil waterways. Enjoy lunch and evening tea on board as you take in the sights of a traditional Kuttanad village along the lake’s shores. Savor a delightful dinner on board and spend the night in the houseboat.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and head to Kovalam. En route, visit Trivandrum and explore the renowned Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, and the Museum Complex, which includes the Napier Museum, Sree Chitra Art Gallery, and Zoological Park. Continue your journey to Kovalam for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, set out for Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. En route, visit the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace. Upon arrival, explore the iconic Vivekananda Memorial Rock and the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue. Spend some time soaking in the beauty of the beach before returning to Kovalam for an overnight stay.
In the morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some serene moments at Kovalam Beach. Before lunchtime, check out from the hotel and head to the airport, carrying wonderful memories of God's Own Country.
After dinner, you will be transferred to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) Airport for your departure flight, with a short stay at the airport hotel before your journey. Fly home safely! See you again.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- English-speaking driver as guide or separate tour guide as applicable.
- Private transfers as specified in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary.
- Meal plan according to mutual agreement, Full board in houseboat
- Local expert team assistance.
The Cost Excludes
- Travel & health insurance.
- Visa application charges.
- Camera fees.
- Beverages other than drinking water and any personal expenses.
- Ayurveda body massage charges
Express contact
If you’re interested, be sure to ask us about the optional extensions available for this itinerary!
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