East to West Coast: Southern India Tour by G Adventures

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Mamallapuram, India

Ends

Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India

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Emmanuel

Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!

2 days ago

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Mamallapuram, India

Ends

Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India

Highlights

Explore Mamallapuram’s Shore Temples and bustling local markets.

Marvel at Thanjavur’s Brihadeshwara Temple and learn the art of bronze casting.

Experience Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and wander the Thousand Pillared Hall.

Stroll through spice plantations and cruise the lake in Thekkady.

Drift through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters on a traditional boat

Itinerary

Southern India is a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and calm — and this journey takes you straight into its heart. Wander the sculpted temples of Mamallapuram, stand in awe at Thanjavur’s towering Brihadeshwara Temple, and lose yourself in Madurai’s vibrant Meenakshi complex. Between temple visits, you’ll taste spices where they’re grown, float through Kerala’s famous backwaters, and discover daily life in bustling markets and quiet villages. It’s history, nature, and culture rolled into one unforgettable adventure.

day 1 - Māmallapuram

Arrive at anytime. Join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting this evening, followed by an orientation walk of Mamallapuram.

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Orientation Walk of Mamallapuram

day 2 - Māmallapuram

An early morning is dedicated to a tour of the Shore Temple, an iconic complex of temples and shrines known to the be one of the oldest stone temples in India, and best viewed at sunrise. After an incredible walking tour, take the remainder of the Day for your own exploration of Mamallapuram. Most use this time to enjoy a visit to the beach or a yoga class.

Included Activity:Sunrise Shore Temple Visit

day 3 - Māmallapuram/Thanjavur

Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai. Then transfer to a train to arrive in the afternoon to Thanjavur, a town renowned globally for its bronze metal sculptures. After settling in, visit the 200+ foot tall Brihadeeswarar Temple and a walk around the markets.

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 60 km, Train Duration : 6.0 hr Distance : 320 km

Included Activities:Brihadeeswara Temple, Bronze Casting Workshops

day 4 - Thanjavur/Madurai

This morning, drive to Kanadukathan, known as the land of Chettiars, the collection of over 75 villages. Here we will visit the traditional houses of Chettinad, famous for their spaciousness, opulence and intricate tiles. Afterwards, continue on to Madurai, considered the home of goddess Parvati in her form of Meenakshi - the fish eyed goddess.

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 93 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 95 km

Included Activity:Chettinad Traditional House Visit

day 5 - Madurai

Explore the best of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with tours of Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Meenakashi Temple. The afternoon leaves you with time to venture on your own before we hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city.

Included Activities:Thirumalai Nayak Palace Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Cycle-Rickshaw Tour Duration : 2.0 hr, Meenakshi Temple Visit Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

day 6 - Madurai/Thekkady

Drive to Thekkady this morning. Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills. Enjoy the rest of the Day to explore Thekkady how you wish maybe on a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.

Meal:Dinner

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr

Included Activity:Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr

Optional Activities:Ayurvedic Massage , Periyar Lake Boat Ride

day 7 - Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters

Travel down to Allepey and catch a private boat for the short ride to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
For this homestay, you will only need to take a small overnight bag. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.5 hr Distance : 145 km, Boat Duration : 0.25 hr

Included Activity:Kerala Backwaters Homestay Duration : 24.0 hr

day 8 - Kerala Backwaters/Kochi

Spend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your G Adventures-supported project TWE, a coop run by local women, for lunch. Head out for an orientation walk after arrival in Kochi, then enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Transport:Boat Duration : 1.5 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr

Included Activities:Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr, Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr, Kathakali Dance Duration : 2.0 hr