SOUTH INDIA DISCOVERY: TEMPLES, SPICE HILLS & BACKWATERS
- 13 Days -
Explore Tamil Nadu’s ancient temples, vibrant cities, and sacred sites before crossing into Kerala for wildlife encounters, serene backwaters, and a cultural finale in charming Fort Kochi.
This tour will take you through some of the most captivating destinations in India’s southernmost states. We begin in Tamil Nadu, exploring the enchanting temple towns, including Mamallapuram, renowned for its stunning shore temples and intricate bas-reliefs. After an overnight stay in the French-inspired city of Pondicherry, we journey to Thanjavur to admire the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeshwara Temple and experience the vibrant energy of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple.
Crossing the Western Ghats into Kerala, we embrace nature at Periyar, where a peaceful boat ride on Lake Periyar awaits. Our adventure continues with a magical night on Kerala’s backwaters, drifting along in a traditional rice boat beneath the stars. The journey concludes in Colonial Fort Kochi, where history and culture blend seamlessly in this charming coastal town.
SOUTH INDIA DISCOVERY: TEMPLES, SPICE HILLS & BACKWATERS
DURATION
13 Days
START CITY
Chennai
END CITY
Kochi
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
Mamallapuram – Explore the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple and intricate rock carvings.
Pondicherry – Stroll through the charming colonial streets of this former French enclave.
Thanjavur – Discover the magnificent Brihadeeshwara Temple, a Chola-era architectural masterpiece.
Madurai – Visit the vibrant Meenakshi Temple, famous for its towering, colorful gopurams.
Periyar National Park – Experience a guided nature walk and a visit to a spice plantation.
South India Discovery: Temples, Spice Hills & Backwaters
Upon arrival in Chennai, you'll be greeted and transferred to the Ideal Beach Resort in Mamallapuram (or a similar property) for a two-night stay. Spend the day unwinding on the beach, taking in the serene coastal views, and settling into your surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner, offering a taste of local flavors and an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.
Begin the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Mamallapuram, exploring the remarkable Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the intricate rock carvings and bas-reliefs inspired by the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. For those interested, an optional city tour of Chennai can be arranged at an additional cost.
Drive south along the scenic East Coast Highway to the former French colony of Pondicherry, a journey of approximately three hours. Upon arrival, set out on a walking tour to explore the city's charming colonial architecture, statues, and historic churches. Spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Pondicherry.
Travel inland to Kumbakonam on a scenic five-hour drive, stopping en route at Darasuram to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Airavateshwara Temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and Dravidian architecture. Upon arrival in Kumbakonam, check into a comfortable hotel for a two-night stay.
Spend the day exploring the historic city of Thanjavur, beginning with a visit to the magnificent Brihadeeshwara Temple complex. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its towering 62-meter-high vimana, the tallest of its kind in India, and its exquisite Chola-era architecture. Later, savor a traditional Tamil thali lunch, a flavourful assortment of regional dishes served on a banana leaf.
Travel to the vibrant city of Madurai, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours. Upon arrival, visit the breathtaking Meenakshi Temple complex, renowned for its towering, intricately carved and vividly painted gopurams (gateway towers). Explore the temple’s lively courtyards and witness the daily rituals that bring this sacred site to life. Stroll through the bustling bazaars surrounding the temple before retiring for the night at a comfortable hotel.
In the morning, cross state borders into Kerala and journey to Periyar National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, check into a comfortable hotel for a two-night stay, with time to relax and soak in the serene surroundings.
This morning, embark on a guided walk through Periyar Nature Reserve alongside tribal trackers, keeping an eye out for wildlife in its natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit a local spice plantation to gain insight into the cultivation and processing of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper.
Today, we descend through the scenic Western Ghats towards Kumarakom, a tranquil village nestled along the shores of Lake Vembanad. After a four-hour drive, we arrive for an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the serene lakeside atmosphere.
In the late morning, embark on a traditional rice boat for an overnight cruise along Lake Vembanad and the scenic backwaters—a region renowned for its diverse wildlife, including rare birds and animals, as well as its verdant paddy fields, famously known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala.’ This unique area is among the few in the world where farming takes place below sea level.
After breakfast, depart for Cochin, a journey of approximately two hours. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. In the evening, enjoy a scenic sunset cruise on Cochin Harbour.
Spend the morning exploring the historic sights of Fort Cochin, wandering through its charming colonial streets. Visit the Dutch Palace, adorned with murals depicting the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church, the oldest in India. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing art of Kathakali, a traditional dance drama known for its elaborate costumes and expressive makeup.
Your adventure wraps up today. If you're looking to extend your stay in India, please let us know in advance to arrange extra accommodation or necessary transfers. Safe travels!
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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