Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Locations: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar - Cochin - Goa - Mumbai
| Tour Highlights | |
| Chennai | Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral & Government Museum |
| Mahabalipuram | Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance & Five Rathas |
| Kanchipuram | Temples |
| Tanjore | Brihadeeshwara Temple |
| Trichy | Srirangam Temple & Rockfort |
| Madurai | Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple |
| Periyar | Wildlife Sanctuary, Boat Cruise Optional: Spice Plantation Tour |
| Cochin | Kathakali, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace (built by the Portuguese), Jew Town, Jewish Synagogue, Spice Market & Chinese Fishing Nets Optional: Boat Cruise |
| Goa | Beaches Optional: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi & Our Lady of the Rosary Church |
Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Arrive in Chennai. After a traditional 'Swagat' (welcome), our representative will assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Chennai (formerly Madras) is renowned for its cultural heritage and temple architecture. The region served as an important administrative, military and economic centre dating back to the 1st century. The Portuguese arrived in 1522 and established a port, followed by the Dutch in 1612. In 1639, the British East India Company established a fort and trading post, transforming Chennai into a major coastal trade centre.
Overnight Hotel - Chennai (B)
Day 02: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (70 km / approx. 2 hrs)
Today, enjoy a city tour of Chennai, visiting Fort St. George, the first bastion of British power in India, built in 1640 by the British East India Company. Within the fort, visit St. Mary's Church, built in 1680 and the oldest Protestant church in the East. The Fort Museum houses galleries displaying armoury, uniforms, coins, paintings and historical artefacts.
San Thome Cathedral, built in 1504, is believed to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is thought to have visited Chennai in 52 AD. The Government Museum showcases archaeological collections representing major South Indian dynasties, including Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya periods.
Later, drive to Mahabalipuram, a historic coastal town renowned for its rock-cut and monolithic temples. Built by the Pallava kings between the 7th and 8th centuries, these monuments represent the early stages of Dravidian architecture and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Hotel - Mahabalipuram (B)
Day 03: Mahabalipuram - Excursion to Kanchipuram (70 km / approx. 2 hrs)
Enjoy a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, visiting the iconic Shore Temple, designed to capture the first rays of the rising sun. Explore Arjuna's Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief, and the Five Rathas, monolithic temples carved in the form of chariots.
Later, proceed on an excursion to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India and an ancient centre of learning. Visit Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambaranatha Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple, and learn about the town’s rich legacy of temple architecture and silk weaving.
Overnight Hotel - Mahabalipuram (B)
Day 04: Mahabalipuram - Tanjore (300 km / approx. 6 hrs)
Drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur), known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu and a historic centre of art and culture. Visit the magnificent Brihadeeshwara Temple, built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifying the grandeur of Dravidian temple architecture.
Overnight Hotel - Tanjore (B)
Day 05: Tanjore - Madurai via Trichy (200 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, with a history spanning over 2,500 years.
En route Trichy, visit the grand Srirangam Temple, an island temple complex surrounded by the River Kaveri, followed by a visit to the iconic Rockfort, one of the oldest rock formations in the world.
Overnight Hotel - Madurai (B)
Day 06: Madurai - Periyar (136 km / approx. 3 hrs)
Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple, famed for its towering gopurams and the Hall of a Thousand Pillars.
Later, drive to Periyar, a scenic wildlife sanctuary set around a beautiful lake. Enjoy a boat cruise offering opportunities to spot elephants, birds and other wildlife.
Optional: Spice Plantation Tour
Overnight Hotel - Periyar (B)
Day 07: Periyar - Cochin (190 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar for wildlife viewing. After breakfast, drive to Cochin, a historic port city with rich maritime trade links.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight Hotel - Cochin (B)
Day 08: Cochin
Explore Cochin, visiting St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Jew Town, the historic Jewish Synagogue, spice market and iconic Chinese Fishing Nets.
Optional: Boat Cruise
Overnight Hotel - Cochin (B)
Day 09: Cochin - Goa (By Flight)
Fly to Goa, known for its rich history, colonial architecture and pristine beaches. Visit areas showcasing UNESCO-listed churches and the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
Overnight Hotel - Goa (B)
Day 10: Goa
Day at leisure or opt for a guided tour of Old Goa, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, temples, Dona Paula and Miramar Beach.
Overnight Hotel - Goa (B)
Day 11 & Day 12: Goa
Days at leisure to relax on the beaches or enjoy optional activities.
Overnight Hotel - Goa (B)
Day 13: Goa - Mumbai (By Flight)
Fly to Mumbai for your onward journey.
Tour Concludes. We thank you for your patronage and ensure a punctual transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward travel.
