South India Temple & Kerala Tour – 18 Days

South India Temple & Kerala Tour – 18 Days

Discover the cultural, spiritual and natural beauty of South India on this carefully designed 18-day private tour from Chennai to Kochi. The journey combines magnificent South Indian temples, UNESCO-listed heritage sites, colonial architecture, colourful markets, hill stations, tea plantations and the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

Beginning in Chennai, the tour takes you to the historic temples of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, followed by the French-influenced streets and coastal charm of Pondicherry. Continue through Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, home to some of Tamil Nadu’s finest Chola temples, before travelling to Trichy and Madurai, where you will discover some of the region’s most important religious and architectural landmarks.

The journey then enters Kerala, travelling through the beautiful hill country of Munnar, famous for its tea plantations and scenic landscapes. Continue to Thekkady, known for its forests and wildlife, before travelling to Alleppey, where you will spend a memorable night aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat and experience the peaceful backwaters.

The tour concludes in Kochi, one of Kerala’s most historic cities, where you can explore its colonial heritage, Chinese fishing nets, churches, markets and traditional Kathakali performance.

This is a private and flexible tour, allowing you to experience South India at a comfortable pace with private transportation, carefully selected accommodation and assistance throughout the journey.

Highlights

• Explore the historic city of Chennai
• Visit the magnificent temples of Kanchipuram
• Discover the UNESCO-listed Mahabalipuram monuments
• Experience the French colonial heritage of Pondicherry
• Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur
• Explore Trichy and Madurai
• Discover the colourful Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Enjoy the scenic tea plantations of Munnar
• Experience the forests and natural beauty of Thekkady
• Spend a night on a traditional Kerala houseboat in Alleppey
• Explore the historic port city of Kochi
• Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance
• Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chennai – Chennai City Tour

Arrive at Chennai International Airport, where you will be met and assisted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some time to relax, begin your sightseeing tour of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and an important centre of South Indian culture.

Visit Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the San Thome Basilica. You may also enjoy a drive along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in India.

Overnight in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. En route, visit Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India and an important centre of Hindu temple architecture.

Visit some of the city’s magnificent temples, including the Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple, before continuing to Mahabalipuram.

On arrival, check in at your hotel and relax.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram, renowned for their remarkable Pallava-era rock-cut architecture.

Visit the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, the Five Rathas and the famous rock formations known as Krishna’s Butter Ball.

The afternoon is free to relax or explore the coastal town at your own pace.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 4: Mahabalipuram – Tiruvannamalai

After breakfast, drive to Tiruvannamalai, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important pilgrimage centres and a sacred destination associated with Lord Shiva.

On arrival, visit the impressive Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Depending on your interests and time, you may also visit the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram.

Overnight in Tiruvannamalai.

Day 5: Tiruvannamalai – Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, a former French colonial settlement on the Bay of Bengal.

On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later, explore the atmospheric French Quarter, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the colourful streets around the old colonial district.

Enjoy some free time in the evening.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 6: Pondicherry Sightseeing

After breakfast, continue exploring Pondicherry. Walk through the charming French Quarter with its colonial buildings, quiet streets and colourful houses.

Visit Auroville and the Matrimandir viewpoint, subject to visiting arrangements. You may also enjoy some free time along the promenade or explore the local cafés, markets and boutiques.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 7: Pondicherry – Kumbakonam – Thanjavur

After breakfast, drive towards Thanjavur, with a visit to Kumbakonam en route.

Kumbakonam is famous for its numerous historic temples and is an important centre of South Indian Hindu culture. Continue to Thanjavur and check in at your hotel.

Depending on arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the city in the evening.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 8: Thanjavur Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Thanjavur, one of the most important cultural centres of Tamil Nadu.

Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chola architecture. Also visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and the Saraswathi Mahal Library, subject to opening arrangements.

The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the local markets.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 9: Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. En route, visit Tiruchirappalli (Trichy).

Visit the impressive Rockfort Temple complex and, subject to time, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of India’s largest functioning temple complexes.

Continue to Madurai and check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Madurai.

Day 10: Madurai Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore the historic city of Madurai, one of South India’s most important cultural and religious centres.

Visit the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its towering gopurams, detailed sculptures and richly decorated halls. Continue to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Memorial Museum.

In the evening, you may have the opportunity to experience the traditional temple ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple, subject to temple timings and local arrangements.

Overnight in Madurai.

Day 11: Madurai – Munnar

After breakfast, drive through the scenic countryside towards Munnar, a beautiful hill station in Kerala surrounded by tea plantations and mist-covered mountains.

The journey takes you from the plains of Tamil Nadu into the Western Ghats. On arrival in Munnar, check in at your hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 12: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar.

Visit the scenic tea plantations, viewpoints and surrounding hills. Depending on local conditions and opening arrangements, you may also visit the Tea Museum and Mattupetty Dam.

Enjoy the cool mountain climate and spectacular landscapes before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 13: Munnar – Thekkady

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, located in the scenic Western Ghats.

Thekkady is famous for the Periyar region, forests, spice plantations and abundant wildlife. On arrival, check in at your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the local spice shops and surroundings.

Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 14: Thekkady Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a day exploring Thekkady and the surrounding area.

Depending on availability and local conditions, you may enjoy a Periyar Lake boat cruise or another nature-based experience inside the Periyar region. You can also visit a local spice plantation to learn about Kerala’s famous spices.

The evening is free to relax at the hotel.

Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 15: Thekkady – Alleppey – Kerala Houseboat

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters.

Board your traditional Kerala houseboat and begin a relaxing cruise through the network of canals, lagoons and waterways surrounded by coconut palms and village landscapes.

Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of rural Kerala.

Overnight on a Kerala houseboat.

Day 16: Alleppey – Kochi

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kochi (Cochin), one of Kerala’s most historic cities.

On arrival, check in at your hotel. Later, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, including the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and the atmospheric colonial streets.

Overnight in Kochi.

Day 17: Kochi Sightseeing

After breakfast, continue your sightseeing of Kochi.

Explore the historic Mattancherry area and visit the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue, subject to opening days and timings. Spend some time exploring the local markets and historic streets.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, subject to availability.

Overnight in Kochi.

Day 18: Kochi – Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time, you will have some free time to relax or do some last-minute shopping.

Later, transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your memorable South India Temple & Kerala Tour.

Tour ends with departure from Kochi.