South India Heritage and Backwaters Explorer

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Chennai
1 stop
1
Welcome to India! Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, our representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your journey or to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Chennai Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Dinner, Assistance on arrival
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Chennai Sightseeing
5 stops
2
After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Chennai.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Begin with Santhome Basilica, a beautiful white Gothic-style church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
4
Continue to Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world, ideal for a relaxing stroll and experiencing the lively atmosphere of the city.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
5
Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a vibrant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its striking Dravidian architecture and tall gopuram.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
6
Later, enjoy a scenic drive past Chennai’s colonial buildings and landmarks before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Santhome Basilica, Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (150 km / 4–5 hrs)
5 stops
7
After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
8
Visit the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, admired for its stunning architecture and seaside location.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
9
Explore Arjuna’s Penance, a giant open-air rock carving that depicts stories from Hindu mythology.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
And the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples each carved in the shape of a chariot, showcasing early Dravidian style.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
11
After sightseeing, continue to Pondicherry, a charming coastal town known for its French colonial heritage, tree-lined boulevards, and relaxed atmosphere. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Pondicherry Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Pondicherry Sightseeing
3 stops
12
After breakfast, explore the unique charm of Pondicherry. Begin with the French Quarter, walking along tree-lined streets filled with colorful colonial villas, quaint cafés, and boutique shops that reflect the town’s French heritage
1 hour • Admission ticket included
13
Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, known for its teachings on yoga and meditation. Stop by some of the town’s historic churches, showcasing beautiful European architecture.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
14
End the day at Pondicherry Beach, relaxing by the sea and enjoying the calm coastal atmosphere. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight stay in Pondicherry Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: French Quarter, Aurobindo Ashram
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Pondicherry – Darasuram – Tanjore/Kumbakonam (170 km / 4 hrs)
3 stops
15
After breakfast, drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur). On the way, visit Darasuram, famous for its remarkable Chola temple architecture.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
16
Explore the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 12th century by the Chola kings. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is admired for its intricate stone carvings, beautifully sculpted pillars, and detailed artwork, reflecting the peak of Chola craftsmanship.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
17
After sightseeing, continue to Tanjore/Kumbakonam and check into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Tanjore/Kumbakonam Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Darasuram, Airavatesvara Temple
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Tanjore Sightseeing
3 stops
18
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Tanjore, a city renowned for its rich history, magnificent temples, and classical art.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
19
Begin with the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. Built in the 11th century, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is famous for its massive tower, intricate carvings, and impressive scale.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
20
Next, visit the Tanjore Palace, a historic complex with elegant courtyards and halls. Inside, explore the Art Gallery, which houses a remarkable collection of bronze idols, sculptures, traditional paintings, and royal artifacts. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight stay in Tanjore Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tanjore Palace
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Tanjore/Kumbakonam – Trichy – Chettinad (160 km / 4–5 hrs)
3 stops
21
After breakfast, drive to Chettinad with stops in Trichy to explore its famous temples. Visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and known for its grand gopurams, detailed sculptures, and vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
22
Next, explore the Rockfort Temple, a historic temple complex perched atop a massive rock, offering panoramic views of the city and the Cauvery River.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
23
Continue your journey to Chettinad, a region celebrated for its palatial mansions, unique cuisine, and local crafts. Explore a tile-making factory and a cotton weaving center, followed by a guided village walk to experience the local lifestyle. In the evening, check into a traditional Chettinad mansion for an authentic stay. Overnight stay in Chettinad Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rockfort Temple, Chettinad crafts & village life
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Chettinad – Madurai (90 km / 2 hrs)
4 stops
24
Gandhi Memorial Museum
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, begin a city tour starting with the Gandhi Museum, housed in a 17th-century palace and offering a detailed insight into India’s freedom struggle and the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
25
Visit the Tirumalai Nayakar Palace, a 17th-century structure blending Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles, known for its grand arches, tall pillars, and spacious courtyards.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
26
Experience the bustling old city on a rickshaw ride, passing through narrow streets, local markets, and colorful sights.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
27
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Conclude the day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, famous for its towering gopurams covered in colorful sculptures and lively evening rituals. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight stay in Madurai Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Gandhi Museum, Tirumalai Nayakar Palace, Meenakshi Amman Temple
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Madurai – Thekkady (140 km / 3–4 hrs)
3 stops
28
Start the day with a visit to Madurai’s vibrant flower market, where stalls overflow with fresh jasmine, roses, and marigolds, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
29
Afterward, drive to Thekkady, stopping along the way to explore a grape plantation and see how local farmers grow and harvest grapes in this fertile region. Visit a traditional brick-making site to learn about the age-old process of handcrafting bricks, an important part of rural life.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
30
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Arrive in Thekkady, the gateway to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its lush forests, spice plantations, and rich wildlife. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight stay in Thekkady Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Vibrant flower market, Grape plantation, Traditional brick-making site
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 10
Thekkady Sightseeing
3 stops
31
After breakfast, explore the natural beauty and cultural charm of Thekkady. Begin with a boat safari on Periyar Lake, cruising through the scenic lake inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spotting wildlife in their natural habitat
2 hours • Admission ticket included
32
Next, visit a spice plantation to learn about Kerala’s world-famous spices, including cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
33
Thekkady
In the evening, you may opt for additional activities such as watching a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, a traditional form of combat from Kerala. Overnight stay in Thekkady Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Boat safari on Periyar Lake, Spice plantation tour
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Thekkady – Kumarakom (125 km / 4 hrs)
3 stops
34
After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a tranquil village on the backwaters of Kerala. En route, stop at the Sacred Heart Church, a beautiful old church known for its calm atmosphere and elegant architecture.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
35
Continue to visit tea plantations, enjoying scenic views of rolling green tea gardens and learning about the process of tea cultivation.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
36
Arrive in Kumarakom and check into your resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the lakeside and soaking in the serene backwater surroundings. Overnight stay in Kumarakom Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Sacred Heart Church, Tea plantations
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Kumarakom – Houseboat Experience
1 stop
37
After breakfast, embark on a private houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala. Drift along palm-lined canals, pass traditional villages, and enjoy scenic views of lush paddy fields. Meals will be served onboard, allowing you to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Optional activities such as an Ayurvedic massage can also be arranged for a truly rejuvenating experience. Overnight Stay: Onboard the Houseboat Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Houseboat cruise
12 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 13
Kumarakom – Cochin (55 km / 1.5 hrs)
4 stops
38
After breakfast, drive to Cochin (Kochi), a historic city with colonial charm. Begin your tour at Fort Kochi, strolling through streets lined with old colonial buildings, quaint cafés, and vibrant art galleries.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
39
Chinese Fishing Nets
Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, iconic cantilevered nets along the waterfront that symbolize Cochin’s maritime heritage.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
40
Jew Town
Explore the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town, a 16th-century synagogue known for its beautiful interiors and antique artifacts.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
41
Mattancherry Palace
Conclude with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, which showcases Kerala murals, royal artifacts, and the history of the Kochi kingdom. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight stay in Cochin Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide Highlights: Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 14
Cochin Departure
1 stop
42
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey. Inclusions: Private transport, Breakfast End of Services
1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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