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South India Discovery - 11 days
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Highlights
Mahabalipuram - Admire the ancient rock-cut shrines and sculpted reliefs that showcase the artistry of the Pallava dynasty along this scenic stretch of the Coromandel Coast
Auroville - Discover an experimental community dedicated to human unity, where innovative architecture blends Indian and Western design amid tranquil green surroundings
Pondicherry - Experience the town’s French colonial charm, tree-lined boulevards, and lively promenade along the Bay of Bengal
Dharasuram - See the intricately carved Airavatheshwar Temple, dedicated to the divine white elephant of the gods and renowned for its detailed stone sculptures
Tanjore - Explore the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswara Temple, a monumental example of Chola architecture and craftsmanship dating back over a thousand years
Madurai - Visit the vibrant Meenakshi Temple complex, where soaring towers and bustling courtyards form the spiritual heart of this historic Tamil city
Periyar - Learn about Kerala’s spice cultivation on a guided plantation walk through fragrant cardamom, pepper, and clove gardens in the misty hills
Kumarakom - Unwind beside the tranquil backwaters of Vembanad Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional houseboats gliding across the still waters
Kochi - Stroll through Fort Kochi’s historic quarter to view colonial landmarks, spice markets, and the famous Chinese fishing nets along the shore
Madurai - Visit the vibrant Meenakshi Temple complex, where soaring towers and bustling courtyards form the spiritual heart of this historic Tamil city
Periyar - Learn about Kerala’s spice cultivation on a guided plantation walk through fragrant cardamom, pepper, and clove gardens in the misty hills
Kumarakom - Unwind beside the tranquil backwaters of Vembanad Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional houseboats gliding across the still waters
Kochi - Stroll through Fort Kochi’s historic quarter to view colonial landmarks, spice markets, and the famous Chinese fishing nets along the shore
11 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
25 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Starts
Ends
Chennai, India
India
Availability
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What's Included
Accommodation
10 nights 3-5 star hotels
Meals
10 breakfasts
Transport
All relevant land transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles with driver
Guide
Services of an English-speaking tour leader & all guided sightseeing as per the itinerary
Journey through southern India on this 11-day journey from Chennai to Kochi. Begin by exploring Mahabalipuram’s coastal temples before travelling through the former French enclave of Pondicherry and the temple city of Tanjore. Discover ancient artistry, colourful markets, and lively rituals in Madurai, then head to Periyar National Park to learn about spices and local wildlife. Relax along the tranquil Kerala backwaters in Kumarakom, and round off your adventure in Kochi, where colonial charm meets modern India.
day 1Chennai to Mahabalipuram
Chennai - Mahabalipuram. You'll fly into Chennai International Airport, and from here can make your own way to our start hotel in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram sits on a rocky outcrop between the beach and the lagoon, giving the town a striking coastal setting. Often described as an open-air museum, it is thought to have taken its name from the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who adopted the nickname Maha-Malla - meaning great wrestler - in honour of the Pallavas’ favoured sport. The first evening of your tour is at leisure.
OverNight
Mahabalipuram
day 2Mahabalipuram Beach Day
day 3Auroville & Pondicherry
day 4Pondicherry to Tanjore
day 5Tanjore to Madurai
day 6Madurai at Leisure
day 7Madurai to Periyar & Spice Plantation Visit
day 8Optional Safari & Kumarakom
day 9Kumarakom at Leisure
day 10Kumarakom to Kochi
day 11Kochi
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PRIVATE TOUR: Set off on a 12-day tour from Chennai to Kochi. Explore Chennai’s historic quarters before visiting the famed temples of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Continue to Pondicherry’s French-influenced streets, then journey through Chidambaram, Tanjore, Trichy and Madurai for impressive architecture and vibrant traditions. Move into the cool greenery of Periyar for wildlife viewing, then unwind on Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. Finish in Kochi, where heritage buildings, spice-scented markets and local arts offer a fitting end to the journey.
PRIVATE TOUR: Set off on a 12-day tour from Chennai to Kochi. Explore Chennai’s historic quarters before visiting the famed temples of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Continue to Pondicherry’s French-influenced streets, then journey through Chidambaram, Tanjore, Trichy and Madurai for impressive architecture and vibrant traditions. Move into the cool greenery of Periyar for wildlife viewing, then unwind on Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. Finish in Kochi, where heritage buildings, spice-scented markets and local arts offer a fitting end to the journey.
PRIVATE TOUR: Set off on a 12-day tour from Chennai to Kochi. Explore Chennai’s historic quarters before visiting the famed temples of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Continue to Pondicherry’s French-influenced streets, then journey through Chidambaram, Tanjore, Trichy and Madurai for impressive architecture and vibrant traditions. Move into the cool greenery of Periyar for wildlife viewing, then unwind on Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. Finish in Kochi, where heritage buildings, spice-scented markets and local arts offer a fitting end to the journey.
12 days
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