India’s Southern Wonders – 10 nights

Overview

Experience the cultural and spiritual treasures of South India on this 11-day journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, exploring magnificent temples, colonial heritage, French-inspired towns, UNESCO-listed monuments, spice plantations, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant local markets. From the historic streets of Chennai and the ancient wonders of Mahabalipuram to the serene beauty of Pondicherry, the grand temples of Thanjavur and Madurai, the spice-scented hills of Periyar, and the enchanting backwaters and colonial charm of Cochin, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Discover South India’s rich heritage through iconic temples, historic forts, colonial landmarks, and UNESCO-listed monuments across Tamil Nadu.
  • Explore the ancient rock-cut wonders and Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty.
  • Experience the unique French ambience of Pondicherry, including Auroville, the Aurobindo Ashram, and charming seaside promenades.
  • Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple and the grand Brihadisvara Temple, masterpieces of South Indian temple architecture.
  • Enjoy Kerala’s natural beauty with a spice plantation tour in Periyar, a scenic backwater cruise, and the colonial attractions of Kochi.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Meet upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Breakfast at hotel. (Room from 12 noon, but we shall try to get room asap)

Am: Chennai City: Visiting, the fort St. George and St. Marry’s church-built by the British east india company in 1653 ad.  A church within the fort was consecrated in 1680. The high court, built in the Indo Saracenic style. Also visit Kapaleeshwarar temple.

Pm: Free at Leisure or Explore Local Market and Local shopping Mall.

After breakfast drive Chennai/Pondicherry (160kms/04hrs), Visit Mahabalipuram En-Route.

Mahabalipuram: Also known as the seven pagodas, Mahabalipuram is a pleasant seaside resort, 85 kms from madras. today the principal attraction of the place to the tourist lies in the wonderful monolithic monuments and stone sculptures of the ancient Pallava. today, the earliest of these remarkable monuments are to be seen, all cut out of rocks. the important monuments to be seen are the Pandavas five Ratha’s, the bas-relief on huge rock popularly known as arjuna’s penance, the mahisasura mandapam, the Krishna mandapam and the shore temple.

Continue drive to Pondicherry. on arrival check in at hotel.

Pm: City tour of Pondicherry visiting Aurobindo Ashram + French Houses + Mahatma Gandhi statue at promenade beach street and thereafter visit to Auroville Ashram complex & watch short movie about Auroville society and its concept carried on by Auroville volunteers.  If time permits visit Matrimandir globe for world peace from outside.

Evening free time in Pondicherry. its French colony with white quarters (areas where French used to stay) and looks exactly like some small French village.

BBreakfast at hotel. Drive to Pondicherry/Tanjore (165 kms/3 hrs). Visiting Chidambaram – the Shiva temple enroute.

Chidambaram: this famous pilgrim center is known for its Nataraja (Siva as the cosmic dancer) temple. the lord here is worshipped as akasha lingam. the temple’s gopurams, carved with 108 classical postures of Nataraja and the thousand-pillared hall are worth seeing. traditionally, Chidambaram has been a leading center of Tamil scholarship.

Kumbakonam: enroute visit Adhikumhaswera temple at Kumbakonam, built on a legendry spot where Lord Shiva shattered the pot and divine nectar filled he huge Mahamaham tank. A unique feature here is the depiction of 27 stars and 12 Zodiac sign carved on a large block of stone o Navaratri Mandapa.

Continue drive to Tanjore & on arrival check in at hotel.

Pm: Tanjore (Thanjavur): Tanjore was the capital of Chola empire from the 10th to 14th century a.d. built in 1003 a.d. by king raja raja. The Brihadishvara temple is considered the grandest and finest in india. The majestic tower of the temple rises 216 ft. high over the city. The temple is capped by a monolithic cupola formed by a single granite block weighing 80 tons. This enormous stone is said to have been positioned by moving it along an inclined plane which commenced in a village 6 km. away – a technique adopted by the pyramid – builders of ancient Egypt.

Also visit the Royal palace and Rajaraja Museum and art gallery. Evening Free at leisure and can visit local traditional Tamil bazaar.

Breakfast at hotel. Later drive Tanjore/Madurai (210 kms/05 Hrs), visiting Trichy en-route.

Trichy: this town had been the southern sea of power for centuries. many French & English battles were fought here for power & finally Robert Clive brought victory to the English in 18th century. the rock fort has played an important role in these events and battels.

Srirangam: This is a picturesque island ringed by the river Cauvery and its tributary kollidam, 5 km north of Trichy. Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple here is one of the largest Vaishnavi temples in south india. with 21 magnificent towers, the temple is surrounded by seven walls which hold the city itself.

Continue drive to Madurai. on arrival check in at hotel.

Pm: Meenakshi Temple: This is an exquisite example of temples built by the Pandiyan rulers. there are as many as 11 majestic towers with the main entrance from the East. there are two shrines, one dedicated to Sundareswaran and the other to his consort Meenakshi. The hall in front of the Sundareswaran shrine is known as kampathadi mandapam. The different manifestations of lord Shiva are depicted on the pillars of this hall.

The hall of thousand pillars is the most interesting feature. This remarkable structure was built in the 16th century. The pillars here have a repeated motif of the stylized dragon. There are musical pillars in one of the outer enclosures. Each pillar sounds a different note when struck.

Inside, a pillared portico surrounds he sacred golden lotus tank. According to a legend, this tank was once used to judge the merits of Tamil literary works. Manuscripts of great worth would float on its discerning waters, while those lacking in merit would sink. The temple art gallery is interesting.

After breakfast drive Madurai/Periyar (160 kms, 4 hrs 30 min). On arrival check in at hotel.

Periyar, Spice capital of India with best organically produced spices. Enjoy the plantation tour and in the evening walk thru a mile long very neat and small shops bazaar selling all kind of spices and herbs. You shall just not be able to resist your temptation to handpick the best of spices and herbs, probably among the cheapest and one of the best in the world.

PM: Spice plantation tour Visit is a 1½ hrs program. Kerala history is closely linked with its

commerce, which in turn was wholly dependent until recent times on its spice trade. Pepper still remains the king of Kerala spices. Over 12 varieties of spices including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, and clove etc is cultivated. Visit of spice plantations definitely be an exciting program for everyone.

You may like to enjoy OPTIONAL boat cruise in lake Periyar by paying directly USD 20 PP Extra.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to cochin (160 kms / 04 hrs). enroute backwater cruise for 02 hours

Backwater cruise: The motor-launch cruise on the enchanting backwaters through the coconut groves and quite lagoons is an exciting tour driving thru narrow canals and their daily chores of life.

On arrival check in at hotel.

OPTIONAL – USD 8 PP with car, Evening witness Kathakali dance performance- Elements of the art of Kathakali are believed to have been gradually developed in Kerala from early as the 2nd century. Kathakali as an individual style of dance-drama emerged as a ‘people’s theatre’ from the traditional dances of the past. Kathakali as we now see it therefore dates back to about the time that Shakespeare was writing his plays. The performances given in Malabar at that time by troupes of actors were formed by and enjoyed the patronage of the local Rajahs and other noblemen.  Kathakali has passed through many stages of improvement in make-up and costume, dance forms and acting techniques. Be there 45 mins before the show to see how artists put painstaking make up for hours and take pictures with them

After breakfast,

Am: Cochin: visit to the Cochin Harbour terminus and fort cochin area – St. Francis church, Chinese fishing nets. Dutch Palace– This palace in Mattancherry was built by the Portuguese, and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555. Though built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the “Dutch Palace”, as the Dutch renovated it during their brief reign here. Glory of the palace lies in the murals which are in the best traditions of Hindu temple art.

Pm: Free for shopping in Lullu mall and Mg Road with our vehicle

Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to airport to connect flight to Chennai. Meet on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Day free for shopping (no vehicle)

Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to airport to connect flight to back home

Package Pricing & Accommodation Options

Choose the perfect stay for your journey! From luxury 5-star hotels to comfortable 3-star options, we offer accommodations that suit every budget and preference. Enjoy quality service, great amenities, and a memorable stay!

REGIONS 3 STAR HOTELS 4 STAR HOTELS
CHENNAI S Hotel The Residency
PONDICHERRY Annamalai Shenbagha
TANJORE Star Residency Sangam
MADURAI Star Residency Poppys
PERIYAR Jungle Park Abad Green Forest
COCHIN Dunes Abad Atrium
PRICE (Per Person) As from Rs 41,000* As from Rs 46,000*

What’s Included

  • 10 NIGHTS accommodation sharing twin/ double bed room-bed and breakfast basis.
  • All tour & sightseeing by private air conditioner private vehicle. Vehicle with the services of a driver + fuel + interstate taxes + toll and parking.
  • Local stationed English-speaking city guide during sightseeing.
  • Spice plantation tour in Periyar.
  • Backwater cruise in allepey.
  • All present government taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Insurance of any kind.
  • Monument Entrances.
  • Any air fare (Domestic & International).
  • Indian Visa
  • Personal Expenses.
  • Anything not mentioned or “optional” or “own account” in the itinerary.
  • Tipping.

General Conditions

  • Price is per person and based on two pax sharing room.
  • Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Duration:
10 nights / 11 days

Travel Period:
Until 31 Mar 2027

As From

Rs 38,100

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