SOUTH INDIA TRAILS: BACKWATERS, CULTURE & COASTLINES
- 14 Days -
Journey through South India’s timeless charm — from Puducherry’s French Quarter and Tamil Nadu’s sacred temples to Kerala’s tranquil backwaters. Along the way, savor authentic cuisine and immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions.
Experience the enchanting essence of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where the delicate aroma of spices, the chime of temple bells, and a vibrant tapestry of ancient arts and crafts come to life. This journey takes you through picturesque hill stations, serene backwaters, and temple-studded towns, offering an immersive exploration of South India’s cultural and natural beauty—all while staying in some of the region’s finest hotels.
SOUTH INDIA TRAILS: BACKWATERS, CULTURE & COASTLINES

DURATION
14 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
Stay in the heart of Puducherry’s charming French Quarter.
Witness the mesmerizing night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.
Unwind with two serene nights in the Kerala backwaters.
Savor a diverse array of South Indian culinary delights.
Discover Tamil Nadu’s vibrant artistic and cultural heritage.

South India Trails: Backwaters, Culture & Coastlines
International flight.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some leisure time before embarking on an afternoon city tour, followed by free time at Marina Beach. In the evening, gather for a special welcome dinner.
Start the day with a guided walking tour of Mylapore, a historic town that predates Chennai by over 2,000 years. Then, travel to Puducherry (Pondicherry), pausing en route to explore the UNESCO-listed shore temples of Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay at a hotel set in the heart of the charming French Quarter.
Begin the morning with a visit to a rural village, organized by the Mohanam Cultural Centre. Observe artisans practicing traditional crafts such as stone carving, ceramics, and terracotta work. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through Puducherry, exploring the Aurobindo Ashram before strolling through the vibrant Tamil quarters. Conclude the day with an evening visit to the Ganesh temple, immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Hindu faith.
Experience the daily rituals at Chidambaram Temple, a sacred site of spiritual significance. Discover the intricate art of Kalamkari, where natural dyes bring detailed designs to life. Then, journey through the picturesque countryside to Kumbakonam for a two-night stay at the hotel. In the early evening, get creative with a hands-on pottery session and take part in an interactive culinary demonstration led by expert chefs.
Start the day with a sunrise visit to the vibrant local market, where the morning bustle brings the town to life. After breakfast, immerse yourself in the rich crafts and culture of Tamil Nadu. Watch master foundry men create exquisitely detailed bronze-cast statues and witness the intricate art of pattu silk weaving on traditional wooden handlooms. Visit the magnificent Darasuram Temple, famed for its delicate stone sculptures, and explore the historic Vedic School, which has been preserving ancient teachings for over 140 years. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to relax or explore at your own pace.
Journey to Chettinad, stopping en route to marvel at the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore, a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Continue to the Tanjore Palace, where you'll explore its fascinating art gallery and the historic Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to rare manuscripts and ancient texts. Upon arrival in Chettinad, check in for an overnight stay at your hotel. In the evening, indulge in a memorable culinary experience, savoring the region’s distinctive and aromatic cuisine.
Start the morning with a visit to the vibrant village market, where you can soak in the local atmosphere and enjoy a traditional cup of tea. Continue to explore some of Chettinad’s grand mansions, showcasing the region’s unique architectural heritage. Later, journey to Madurai and check in to your hotel. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing night ceremony at the illuminated Meenakshi Temple, including a visit to the famed Hall of a Thousand Pillars. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Journey to the picturesque hill country of Munnar for an overnight stay at the hotel. After a delightful lunch at a tea planter’s bungalow, visit the Suryanelli tea factory for a guided tour and tea tasting experience. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the lush tea plantations, taking in the serene landscapes and crisp mountain air.
Spend a relaxed morning at leisure before traveling to Kumarakom, a serene retreat set along the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. Check in for a two-night stay at the hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
Spend the day at leisure, taking in the serene beauty of the backwaters or choosing to explore local village life, where you can witness traditional crafts and daily activities along the waterways.
Start the day with a serene morning cruise aboard a traditional shikara (wooden boat) through the picturesque backwaters. Later, drive to Kochi (Cochin) and visit the historic Mattancherry Palace. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance. Enjoy a two-night stay at the hotel.
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Kochi, visiting the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the 16th-century St. Francis Church. Discover hidden gems of the city, including Jew Town and the dhobi wallah, where traditional washermen clean vast amounts of hotel linen. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at your hotel.
Transfer to Cochin international airport for your departure flight. Safe journey!
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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Grazie a Febi per aver reso indimenticabile il nostro viaggio. Oreste e amici da Cuneo. Oreste da Cuneo SUPERIORE AD OGNI NOSTRA ASPETTATIVA Non posso che ringraziare Febi per il viaggio che ci ha organizzato in India del Sud (Tamil Nadu e Kerala) Tutto è stato perfetto. Eravamo solo io e mia moglie ed avevamo a disposizione un auto nuova da sette posti con autista ed accompagnatore che parlava perfettamente italiano e che ci ha garantito un soggiorno senza problemi. Le visite, gli alberghi i ristoranti: tutto molto soddisfacente. Veramente un tour organizzato benissimo. Viaggiat0re_stanc0 Tamil Nadu e Kerala Il tour che io e il mio compagno sognavamo è stato preparato personalmente in contatto diretto con Febi Johnson della Indeor India Experience. Viaggio fotografico su misura. La competente disponibilità del responsabile ci ha permesso di scegliere l'itinerario con soste programmate di almeno due notti per le località di interesse visitate. 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Fabio pensionato India del Sud e kerala Uno dei viaggi più belli. Organizzazione perfetta, hotel bellissimi. Febi è attento e sempre disponibile, la guida molto competente e l'autista bravissimo. Lo consigliamo vivamente. Se torniamo in India, sarà senz' altro con Indeor IndiaExperience. Gegia Veneziani Tamil Nadu e Kerala Il viaggio è stato organizzato in modo soddisfacente. Consiglio questo tour operator per la disponibilità e la professionalità. Il rapporto qualità/prezzo è risultato ottimo. Sconsiglio la prenotazione dell' aereo con Aer India Dream677738 Tour India del Sud preparata su misura Il tour è stato preparato personalmente in contatto diretto con Febi Johnson della Indeor India Experience. Viaggio su misura. Tenuto conto del nostro gruppo di sei amici ultrasettantenni. La competente disponibilità del responsabile ci ha permesso di scegliere hotel di primaria categoria, di selezionare l'itinerario con soste programmate di almeno due notti per località di interesse. La guida parlante italiano molto disponibile a fare del suo meglio per trasmettere l'interesse per i luoghi visitati. Tamil Nadu e Kerala: Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Kumbakonam, Tanajore, Madurai, Thekkady, Houseboat ad Alleppey, e infine settimana di relax al Flamingo Marari. Ritorno in Italia da Kochin. Trattamento globale economicamente molto interessante. PasqualeVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more