Number of Days: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Itinerary: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin
| Tour Highlights | |
| Chennai | Fort St. George, Fort Museum, Santhome Cathedral & Kapaleeshwarar Temple |
| Mahabalipuram | Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance & Five Rathas |
| Kanchipuram | Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambaranatha Temple & Kamakshi Amman Temple |
| Tanjore | Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Trichy | Srirangam Temple & Rockfort Temple |
| Madurai | Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple |
| Periyar | Spice Plantation Experience & Wildlife Viewing |
| Kumarakom & Alleppey | Kerala Backwaters & Traditional Houseboat Cruise |
| Cochin | Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Spice Market & Kathakali Performance |
Day 01: Arrive in Chennai
On arrival in Chennai, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted with transfer to your hotel. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one of South India’s most culturally vibrant cities, shaped by centuries of Dravidian traditions and colonial influence.
Begin your city exploration with Fort St. George, established in 1644 and home to St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in India. Visit the Fort Museum displaying artefacts from the British period. Continue to Santhome Cathedral, traditionally believed to house the relics of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Later, explore the National Art Gallery, among India’s oldest museums, followed by a visit to the revered Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, a classic example of Dravidian temple architecture.
Overnight at the Hotel – Chennai
Day 02: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
Drive to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and an important centre of ancient learning. The city is also world-famous for its handwoven silk sarees.
Visit the magnificent Kailasanatha Temple, built in the 8th century by the Pallavas, renowned for its intricate sandstone carvings. Continue to Ekambaranatha Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota temples, symbolising the element of Earth.
Before proceeding to Mahabalipuram, stop at the Kamakshi Amman Temple, a prominent Shakti shrine. Arrive in Mahabalipuram by evening.
Overnight at the Hotel – Mahabalipuram
Day 03: Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its rock-cut temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty between the 7th and 8th centuries.
Visit the iconic Shore Temple, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, followed by Arjuna’s Penance, one of the largest open-air bas-reliefs in the world. Explore the Panch Rathas, monolithic shrines carved from single granite rocks, each dedicated to characters from the Mahabharata.
Overnight at the Hotel – Mahabalipuram
Day 04: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry via Auroville
Drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Auroville, an international township founded in 1968. Visit the Matrimandir, the spiritual centre of Auroville (external viewing as per visiting hours).
Continue to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its tranquil atmosphere and colonial architecture. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and explore the charming French Quarter.
Overnight at the Hotel – Pondicherry
Day 05: Pondicherry – Tanjore
Proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), a historic city that flourished under the Chola dynasty and remains a centre of classical art, music, and craftsmanship.
Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola I. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a towering example of Chola architecture and engineering excellence.
Overnight at the Hotel – Tanjore
Day 06: Tanjore – Madurai via Trichy
Drive towards Madurai, stopping en route at Trichy.
Visit the vast Srirangam Temple, one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world, enclosed by seven concentric walls. Continue to the Rockfort Temple, situated atop an ancient rock formation considered among the oldest on Earth.
Proceed to Madurai, a city with a continuous cultural history of over two millennia.
Overnight at the Hotel – Madurai
Day 07: Madurai
Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple, famed for its towering gopurams and exquisitely sculpted halls. The temple complex is a living example of Dravidian architectural brilliance.
Overnight at the Hotel – Madurai
Day 08: Madurai – Periyar
Drive to Periyar (Thekkady), home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and rich biodiversity.
In the evening, enjoy a guided Spice Plantation Tour, offering insight into Kerala’s aromatic spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
Overnight at the Hotel – Periyar
Day 09: Periyar – Kumarakom
After breakfast, proceed to Kumarakom, a serene backwater destination located on the shores of Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala.
The region is known for its network of canals, lush paddy fields, and rich birdlife, making it a tranquil retreat.
Overnight at the Hotel – Kumarakom
Day 10: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat Experience)
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to several resident and migratory bird species.
Later, board a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat) and cruise through the scenic backwaters towards Alleppey, observing village life along the canals.
Overnight on the Houseboat
Day 11: Alleppey – Cochin
Disembark at Alleppey and drive to Cochin (Kochi), a historic port city influenced by Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British traders.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city’s vibrant waterfronts and markets.
Overnight at the Hotel – Cochin
Day 12: Cochin
Visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), adorned with hand-painted Chinese tiles. Explore the nearby spice markets and see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets.
Visit the Dutch Palace, noted for its exquisite murals, and enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala’s classical storytelling tradition.
Overnight at the Hotel – Cochin
Day 13: Depart Cochin
Transfer for your onward journey.
Our Tour Concludes: Thank you for choosing our services. We look forward to welcoming you again.
