Kerala with Tamil Nadu

Experience the cultural and natural diversity of South India on a 14-day private journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Explore the historic temples and coastal heritage of Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry, discover the magnificent Chola temples of Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, experience the spiritual atmosphere of Madurai, and continue into Kerala for the wildlife and spice plantations of Thekkady, the peaceful backwaters of Kumarakom and the historic charm of Kochi.

DAY 01 – CHENNAI ARRIVAL

Arrive at Chennai International Airport and meet our representative. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed sightseeing tour of Chennai, with the opportunity to visit Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and other highlights of the city. Overnight stay in Chennai.

DAY 02 – CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, the historic coastal town famous for its magnificent Pallava monuments. En route, visit Kanchipuram, one of Tamil Nadu’s important temple cities, if time permits. Continue to Mahabalipuram and check in to your hotel. Later, explore the Shore Temple and enjoy the coastal surroundings. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 03 – MAHABALIPURAM SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the UNESCO-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram. Visit the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna Mandapam, known for their impressive rock-cut architecture and Pallava heritage. The afternoon can be spent relaxing by the beach or exploring the local stone-carving workshops. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 04 – MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, a former French colonial settlement on India’s southeastern coast. On arrival, explore the French Quarter, the seaside promenade, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the old colonial streets. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

DAY 05 – PONDICHERRY – KUMBAKONAM

After breakfast, drive towards Kumbakonam, passing through the historic temple region of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, explore some of the town’s important temples, including the Sarangapani Temple and Kumbeswarar Temple. Kumbakonam is known for its remarkable collection of Chola-era temples and traditional South Indian architecture. Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.

DAY 06 – KUMBAKONAM & TEMPLE EXPLORATION

After breakfast, continue exploring the cultural and architectural heritage around Kumbakonam. Visit additional historic temples and, if time permits, experience the surrounding villages and traditional countryside. The day offers an opportunity to appreciate the religious traditions, architecture and local way of life of Tamil Nadu. Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.

DAY 07 – KUMBAKONAM – THANJAVUR

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, one of the great centres of Tamil cultural and architectural heritage. Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. You may also visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery. Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Thanjavur.

DAY 08 – THANJAVUR – MADURAI

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India and an important centre of Tamil culture. On arrival, check in to your hotel and later visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, subject to opening hours and local regulations. You may also visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. Overnight stay in Madurai.

DAY 09 – MADURAI – THEKKADY / PERIYAR

After breakfast, drive towards Thekkady, crossing from Tamil Nadu into Kerala through the scenic Western Ghats. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax amid the forested hills and spice-growing region. In the afternoon, you may visit a local spice plantation or enjoy an optional cultural performance. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

DAY 10 – THEKKADY / PERIYAR SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, explore the natural surroundings of Thekkady and Periyar. Depending on availability, enjoy an optional boating experience on Periyar Lake or another wildlife activity. You may also visit a spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, coffee and other crops grown in the region. Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Thekkady.

DAY 11 – THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM HOUSEBOAT

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom through the scenic landscapes of Kerala. On arrival, board a traditional Kerala houseboat and begin a relaxing cruise through the peaceful backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Enjoy the surrounding coconut palms, villages and waterways while experiencing one of Kerala’s most memorable travel experiences. Overnight on the houseboat with meals.

DAY 12 – KUMARAKOM – KOCHI

After breakfast, drive to Kochi, Kerala’s historic port city. On arrival, enjoy sightseeing in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, including the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, the historic waterfront and the old colonial streets. Continue to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kochi.

DAY 13 – KOCHI HERITAGE & LEISURE

After breakfast, continue exploring Kochi at a relaxed pace. Visit Mattancherry Palace, the historic Jewish Quarter and other cultural attractions, depending on opening hours. The remainder of the day is free for shopping, photography or relaxing in Fort Kochi. Overnight stay in Kochi.

DAY 14 – KOCHI DEPARTURE

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.