Beautiful South - 14 days

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

2 peopleMinimum to book

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Chennai, India

Ends

Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India

Highlights

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Spot herds of elephants from an included boat ride on Lake Periyar

Kumarakom – Relax on the shores of Lake Vembanad and opt to visit the local bird sanctuary and the famous Kerala backwaters

Alleppey - Visit the Venice of the East

Historic Kochi - Explore the Parsi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, Fort Cochin, colourful boats and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront

Trichy - Discover the high up Rock Fort Temple

Tanjore – Tour the hotspots of the city and gaze admiringly at the towering Brihadishwara Temple

Chennai - Visit the gateway of South India

Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram - Walk around these temple towns

Pondicherry – Stroll along the beach in this French colonial city and visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Madurai – Explore the city and see the impressive rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan

Tanjore – Tour the hotspots of the city and gaze admiringly at the towering Brihadishwara Temple

Chennai - Visit the gateway of South India

Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram - Walk around these temple towns

Pondicherry – Stroll along the beach in this French colonial city and visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Madurai – Explore the city and see the impressive rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan

Itinerary

Venture into the ‘Beautiful South’ of India with this action-packed 14-day tour, starting in Chennai and winding through Madurai, Pondicherry, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kochi, and more. Experience colonial hill stations, a rice boat cruise on Kerala’s backwaters, and the spice-laden air of southern markets. Suited for travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation, the tour offers hotel comfort, transport, and meals. This trip’s signature highlight: the perfect blend of culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty—all wrapped into a memorable southern Indian adventure.

day 1 - Chennai

Once you arrive into Chennai you will be met and transferred to your hotel. An afternoon tour of the city includes a vist to St George Fort, built in 1653 and St Mary’s Church, the oldest British church in India.

OverNight:Chennai

day 2 - Pondicherry

Chennai - Pondicherry. En route to Pondicherry visit Kanchipuram, one of sacred cities in India and the seaside town of Mahabalipuram, famous for its shore temple. The city is also famous for handwoven silk. In Mahabalipuram, the huge rock-cut sculptures and mandapams (pillared pavilions) date from the 5th to 8th centuries.

Drive south to Pondicherry, a former French colony which exudes a Mediterranean aura - whitewashed residences, ornamental gardens and excellent French-Indian restaurants. Many travellers come to visit the popular Sri Aurobindo Ashram, whose spiritual tenets combine yoga and modern science.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Pondicherry

day 3 - Thanjavur

Pondicherry - Tanjore. Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry which includes Aurobindo Ashram, French Colony, Pondicherry Beach and the Sacred Heart Church before continuing south. Arrival at Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, Tanjore is an ancient fortified town, with a glorious history dating back more than 1500 years. Thanjavur was the ancient capital of the Chola kings whose origins date back to the beginning of Christianity.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Thanjavur

day 4 - Trichy

Tanjore - Trichy. Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of Tanjore before a short drive to Trichy. Our city tour includes the enormous Brihadishwara Temple. Built by Raja Raja in 1010, the World Heritage protected temple has a dome weighing an estimated 80 tonnes which was hauled into place along an earth ramp in a manner similar to that used for the Egyptian pyramids. Trichy has been ravaged by war through the centuries. A lasting legacy is the Rock Fort and its temples.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Trichy

days 5-6 - Madurai

Trichy - Madurai. Take a morning sightseeing tour of Trichy before the journey continues south to Madurai. An important centre for worship and commerce, Madurai has been around since the dawn of civilisation in southern India. A bustling city jam-packed with rickshawallas, pilgrims and traders and resembling a seemingly continuous bazaar crammed to the gunnels with shops, markets and lodgings for tourists and pilgrims, Madurai is yours this afternoon. Go immerse yourself. This evening, you’ll witness a religious ceremony at a local temple. On the morning of day 6, enjoy a sightseeing tour. Highlights include the Sri Meenakshi Temple built in 1560 and the city’s busy bazaars. The afternoon is then free for you to further explore the city.

Meals:2 Breakfast

OverNight:Madurai

day 7 - Periyar

Madurai - Periyar. Your journey continues to Periyar, south India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary which is home to sambar, wild boar, elephant, bison, antelope, langur and a small tiger population. You'll stay in Kumily, which is a pretty town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops which is close to the sanctuary.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kumily

day 8 - Periyar National Park

This morning spot herds of wild elephants and other wildlife on a Lake Periyar boat ride in the reserve, or visit the nearby spice plantation. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kumily

days 9-10 - Kumarakom

Periyar- Kumarakom. Continue to Kumarakom. Perched sleepily amongst a tangle of lush tropical waterways known as the Keralan backwaters, Kumarakom is technically an island on Lake Vembanad. An ideal place to relax and be at one with natural surroundings, you’ll enjoy two nights here. Check out the wonderful bird sanctuary.

Meals:2 Breakfast

OverNight:Kumarakom

day 11 - Kerala Backwaters - Allapuzha

This morning, you’ll board a traditional Keralan rice boat for a journey through the backwaters in and around Allapuzha (Alleppey). The boat will cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes and cruise along peaceful canals where copra and cashews are loaded onto local boats. The on-board cook will prepare locally-inspired food. Relax, read and catch some sun as the boat plies it’s route.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Rice Boat

day 12 - Kochi

Backwaters - Kochi. Disembarking at Allapuzha, enjoy a short drive to Kochi (Cochin). The city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. One can see winding streets with mosques, a 16th century Jewish synagogue and Jewish community with ancient roots and 500 year old Portuguese cottages! Enjoy the remains of the day your way.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kochi

day 13 - Kochi

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour, including a walking tour of Fort Cochin. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps watch famous Keralan dancers perform. Arrive early so you don’t miss the artists applying their awesome make-up.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kochi

day 14 - Kochi

Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport.

If you'd like to extend your stay, we offer a variety of hotels, short stays and add-ons for you to choose from. Please read our best places to visit or best things to see each month for suggested places to visit on your holiday. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.

For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our travel guide.

Meals:1 Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

12 nights 3-4 star hotels and 1 night rice boat

Meals

Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner

Transport

An airport arrival transfer day 1 and a departure transfer day 14All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern Chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles

Guide

Services of a licensed English speaking tour guide at all included sites

Others

Touring and excursions as per itineraryPeriyar - Boating on lake OR visit to a spice plantationKeralan backwaters - Rice boat cruise (overnight)

Entrance

Entrance fees for all included sightseeing

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 85+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 812 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Prompt reply to my questions which was helpful.

1 day ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Beautiful South - 14 days that you might like.

India Tiger Safari

4.7(118 reviews)

For those who dream of seeing the world’s most majestic predator in its natural element, the India Tiger Safari is an unrivaled 16-day wildlife tour crafted with seniors in mind. Starting in New Delhi and spanning the renowned Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh national parks, this guided small group journey offers an extraordinary chance to encounter endangered Bengal tigers up close. With 15 game drives included, your odds of spotting these elusive cats are second to none. The adventure is further enriched by opportunities to observe a diverse cast of wildlife—both predator and prey—set against the backdrop of India’s lush forests and grasslands. What sets this tour apart is the sheer depth of its safari experience: by visiting three of the nation’s premier tiger reserves, you maximize your chances of unforgettable sightings. Accommodation, transport, meals, and expert naturalist guidance are all included, promising a comfortable and immersive journey through the wild heart of India.

16 days

Journeys: Discover India

5.0(12 reviews)

India’s vibrant soul is yours to discover on the "Journeys: Discover India" tour, a 15-day exploration from New Delhi to Varanasi and Jaipur to Agra. Immerse yourself in the majesty of the Taj Mahal, unravel spiritual traditions along the Ganges, and witness rural life in Rajasthan. Visit bustling markets, savor Lucknow’s renowned cuisine, and connect with locals through unique cultural initiatives. The USP? This small group tour package offers in-depth cultural immersion and exclusive experiences—such as a youth-led tour through Delhi—unlocking a side of India few travelers ever see.

15 days

Northern India: Riverside Safaris, Ancient Fortresses & The Taj Mahal

5.0(8 reviews)

Northern India comes alive in vivid color on this 15-day journey from New Delhi to Mumbai, blending riverside safaris, ancient fortresses, and iconic sights like the Taj Mahal. Designed for travelers seeking cultural depth and adventure, this tour weaves through Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and more, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Cycle through historic cities, hike across timeless landscapes, and discover the wildlife of Ranthambore National Park. The energetic atmosphere of Delhi’s bazaars, the majesty of Mughal architecture, and the peaceful rhythms of local villages create lasting memories. The unique selling point is the trip’s dynamic blend of traditional culture and active exploration, making it ideal for those who want to see India from every angle. Accommodation, transport, and meals are seamlessly included for a worry-free, immersive adventure.

15 days

South India Revealed

South India Revealed invites you to step off the beaten path and into the heart of India’s most enchanting southern landscapes. Over 16 days, discover the sun-drenched beaches of Goa, the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, and the unique cultures of cities like Trivandrum and Hampi. Journey by local transport through coconut groves and fishing villages, savor spicy curries, and relax in laid-back towns. The highlight? An overnight homestay in a Keralan island village, offering rare insight into daily life. This easy-paced, active and outdoor tour stands out for its blend of natural beauty, local interaction, and the freedom to truly unwind—making it a perfect getaway for those looking to explore South India beyond the guidebooks.

16 days

Essential India

5.0(8 reviews)

India’s timeless beauty comes alive on "Essential India," a 15-day art and architecture tour starting and ending in New Delhi. Explore Alipura, Jaipur, Tordi Sagar, Varanasi, and more, experiencing everything from the intricate designs of Rajasthan’s saris to the mesmerizing symmetry of the Taj Mahal. Float along the Ganges in Varanasi, discover lesser-known stepwells and temples, and enjoy a mix of included activities and free time for personal exploration. This small group tour is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced introduction to India’s cultural tapestry. The USP is the journey’s photographic richness and immersive encounters, capturing the essence of both urban and rural India.

15 days

Southern India

Southern India’s vibrant tapestry unfolds over 15 days on this cultural tour through Kerala and Tamil Nadu. From the French-influenced streets of Puducherry to the bustling markets of Kochi and the spiritual heart of Madurai, you’ll experience a region brimming with lush landscapes and warm hospitality. Meander through fishing villages, visit tribal homes, and even join a local pilgrimage. Highlights include the Maharaja’s Palace in Mysore and wildlife sanctuaries set amidst rolling green hills. This guided trip is especially appealing for those who appreciate a relaxed pace and authentic local encounters; its USP is the immersive access to both cultural and natural wonders, making it a standout journey for travelers eager to go beyond the usual tourist circuit.

15 days

Highlights of North India

Taj Mahal, Delhi, Rajasthan, Rishikesh, and Haridwar—this North India tour package brings together the region’s most iconic experiences and hidden cultural treasures. Immerse yourself in the romantic allure of the Taj Mahal, savor Delhi’s dynamic city life, and step back in time amidst Rajasthan’s regal forts and palaces. Explore Jhansi’s storied strongholds and Khajuraho’s intricately carved temples—masterpieces dedicated to deities such as Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and the Jain tirthankaras, many recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Further enriching this journey, the itinerary leads you to the spiritual heart of India: Haridwar, a sacred city where centuries-old rituals unfold on the banks of the Ganges, and Rishikesh, famous for its yoga retreats, meditation ashrams, and a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. Tailored for seniors and families, this tour’s welcoming pace ensures comfort and accessibility, allowing everyone to delve deeply into the region’s cultural and religious heritage. The unique selling point is its seamless integration of spiritual exploration, architectural marvels, and opportunities for both relaxation and adventure—making it a truly comprehensive North Indian experience.

12 days

Keep Exploring India

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights