Tour Description

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South India Highlights Tour – 18 Days

Discover the cultural richness, ancient temples, colonial heritage and natural beauty of South India on this 18-day private tour from Chennai to Kochi. This carefully designed journey combines the historic temples and heritage towns of Tamil Nadu with the scenic landscapes, tea plantations and tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

Beginning in Chennai, travel through Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Pondicherry, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy and Madurai before continuing into Kerala to explore Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Kochi.

The journey features some of South India’s most impressive cultural attractions, including ancient Dravidian temples, UNESCO-listed monuments, historic towns and traditional villages. In Kerala, experience the lush tea-growing landscapes of Munnar, the spice plantations and wildlife of Thekkady, a relaxing overnight cruise through the famous backwaters of Alleppey, and the historic streets and cultural traditions of Kochi.

This private South India tour is ideal for travellers looking to experience India’s architecture, spirituality, history, local culture and natural beauty at a comfortable pace, with private transportation and accommodation throughout the journey.

18-Day Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN CHENNAI

Arrive at Chennai International Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

After check-in and some time to relax, begin a half-day sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Santhome Cathedral, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort Museum and the National Art Gallery.

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and an important gateway to South India, offering a fascinating combination of colonial heritage, Hindu traditions and modern city life.

Overnight in Chennai.

DAY 02: CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast, drive towards Mahabalipuram, with a stop in Kanchipuram, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important temple cities.

Visit the historic Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple, both fine examples of traditional Dravidian architecture. Kanchipuram is also famous for its centuries-old silk-weaving tradition.

Continue to Mahabalipuram, a historic coastal town once associated with the Pallava dynasty.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 03: MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram.

Visit the magnificent Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance, together with other rock-cut monuments and sculptures dating from the Pallava period.

Mahabalipuram is particularly renowned for its remarkable stone-carving tradition, and you will have time to explore the local area and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 04: MAHABALIPURAM – TIRUVANNAMALAI

After breakfast, drive to Tiruvannamalai, an important pilgrimage and spiritual centre in Tamil Nadu.

Visit the magnificent Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India and an important centre of Shaivism. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and lies at the foot of sacred Arunachala Hill.

Later, visit the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram, an important spiritual centre associated with the renowned Indian sage Ramana Maharshi.

Overnight in Tiruvannamalai.

DAY 05: TIRUVANNAMALAI – PONDICHERRY

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry (Puducherry), the former French colonial settlement on India’s southeastern coast.

After checking into the hotel, explore the charming French Quarter with its colonial architecture, tree-lined streets and colourful buildings.

Enjoy an evening walk along the waterfront and explore some of Pondicherry’s local markets and cafés.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

DAY 06: PONDICHERRY

After breakfast, continue exploring Pondicherry.

Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, an important spiritual centre, followed by Auroville, an international community founded on the principles of human unity.

Later, explore the historic French Quarter and visit landmarks such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Notre Dame des Anges.

Enjoy some free time to experience Pondicherry at your own pace.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

DAY 07: PONDICHERRY – KUMBAKONAM – THANJAVUR

After breakfast, drive towards Thanjavur, travelling through the historic Chola region of Tamil Nadu.

En route, visit Chidambaram and the magnificent Nataraja Temple, an important centre of Shaivism and one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant temples.

Continue towards Kumbakonam, visiting important Chola temples such as Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram’s Airavatesvara Temple, depending on time.

Continue to Thanjavur and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

DAY 08: THANJAVUR

After breakfast, explore the historic city of Thanjavur.

Visit the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, one of the finest examples of Chola architecture and part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples.

Later, visit Thanjavur Royal Palace and explore the local markets and traditional arts of the region.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

DAY 09: THANJAVUR – TRICHY – MADURAI

After breakfast, drive towards Madurai, with a sightseeing stop in Trichy (Tiruchirappalli).

Visit the spectacular Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of India’s most important Vaishnavite temples, followed by the historic Rock Fort Temple.

Continue to Madurai and check into your hotel.

In the evening, you may explore the area around the famous Meenakshi Temple.

Overnight in Madurai.

DAY 10: MADURAI

After breakfast, explore Madurai, one of South India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and an important centre of Tamil culture.

Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its enormous temple complex, colourful gopurams and intricate sculptures.

Continue to Thirumalai Nayak Palace, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the traditional flower and vegetable markets.

In the evening, enjoy a walk through the lively streets and bazaars of the old city.

Overnight in Madurai.

DAY 11: MADURAI – MUNNAR

After breakfast, leave Tamil Nadu and drive towards Munnar, a beautiful hill station in Kerala.

The journey takes you through the scenic Western Ghats, with increasingly lush landscapes as you approach Kerala.

On arrival in Munnar, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Munnar.

DAY 12: MUNNAR

After breakfast, explore the beautiful surroundings of Munnar.

Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and development of tea cultivation in the region. Continue through the surrounding tea plantations and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment.

Overnight in Munnar.

DAY 13: MUNNAR – THEKKADY

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, passing through the picturesque landscapes of Kerala’s spice-growing region.

On arrival, visit a spice plantation where you can learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and other spices.

Later, enjoy some free time to explore the local market or relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Thekkady.

DAY 14: THEKKADY

Start the day with a boat ride on Periyar Lake, surrounded by the forests of Periyar National Park.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer and numerous species of birds.

Later, enjoy a short nature walk or another optional local experience. An elephant experience or Ayurvedic treatment can also be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability.

Overnight in Thekkady.

DAY 15: THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT

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

Board a traditional Kerala houseboat and cruise through a peaceful network of canals, lagoons and waterways, passing paddy fields, coconut palms and traditional villages.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience a slower side of Kerala.

Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat.

DAY 16: ALLEPPEY – KOCHI

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and continue to Kochi (Cochin).

On arrival, check into your hotel and begin exploring this historic port city.

Visit Fort Kochi, the famous Chinese fishing nets and St. Francis Church, one of India’s oldest European-built churches.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala cultural performance, subject to availability.

Overnight in Kochi.

DAY 17: KOCHI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, continue your sightseeing of Kochi.

Visit the historic Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and the Jewish Synagogue in the old Jewish Quarter. Explore the heritage streets of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi and enjoy some time for shopping and local exploration.

The evening is free to relax or enjoy Kochi’s waterfront.

Overnight in Kochi.

DAY 18: KOCHI – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your departure transfer.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.

End of the South India Highlights Tour.