Visit the classical sites of South India starting with a warm welcome in the bustling city of Chennai. Explore Fort St. George, and the neighbourhood of Mylapore, drive past Marina Beach and then depart for Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South India. Stroll through the colourful local market, visit the Meenakshi Temple, and wander about the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace before heading onward to Tanjore to admire the fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort in Trichy en route. Take some time in the former French colony of Pondicherry, travel to Mahabalipuram to see the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance and the Five Rathas, and then fly to Cochin where you’ll watch a cultural Kathakali dance performance. Take a backwater cruise on a houseboat and admire rural villages and countryside life before ending your tour back in Cochin with a tour of the city and some time free at your leisure.
This trip is designed to showcase what is possible. Contact us to customize this trip just for you.
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Tour Highlights
The above is simply a list of highlights and does not represent all of what you will (and can) see on this trip.
Tailor-Made Private Trip
This itinerary is privately guided and crafted to give you an idea of what is possible. We can tailor this trip and it's inclusions and accommodation to meet your requirements, budget, and interests.
This trip does not operate from July to September as the Ranthambore National Park is closed.
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Upon arrival in Chennai, you will be met by your representative in the arrivals area holding a name-board. After a warm welcome & brief introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Stay one night in Chennai.
Take a half-day guided tour of Chennai, including the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore. St. Thomas Church, Marina Beach, Fort St. George and more, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Madurai. On arrival, meet for transportation to the hotel and evening at your leisure.
Visit the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Temple in the morning, and then stop at the elegant Thirumalai Nayaka Palace before having some time free for independent activities if you wish. In the evening, revisit the Sri Meenakshi Temple to attend the night a ceremony, a highlight of South India.
Drive to Tanjore, stopping en route in Trichy for guided tours of the Rock Fort and rock-cut temples. On your arrival in Tanjore, the capital of a Great Chola Empire, you will check-in for your one night stay.
Visit the 10th century Brihadeeshwara Temple, the Tamil University Museum, the Art Gallery, and an historic library boasting palm leaf and paper manuscripts. Later, you’ll drive to the city of Pondicherry where you’ll check-in and have the evening free at your leisure.
Take a half-day to explore Pondicherry, including the intriguing Sri Aurobindo Ashram and then travel onward to Mahabalipuram where you’ll check-in to your hotel for two nights.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your full day guided tour. Highlights include the iconic Shore Temple, the relief carving of Arunja’s Penance, and the monument complex of the Five Rathas, all carved by single pieces of rock. Return to your hotel for the afternoon free for independent activities.
Travel to Chennai and take your flight to the city of Cochin where you’ll be met for transportation to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, watch a Kathakali cultural dance performance.
Drive to Alleppey where you’ll embark on your houseboat for a 1 night cruise through backwaters of this venerable paradise of Kerala. Pass by rice fields and rural villages and see local life play out along the banks before anchoring for the night on board.
Disembark the houseboat in the morning and return to Cochin where you’ll enjoy a tour of the city. Highlights include Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, the bustling harbour area, quaint backstreets, and more.
Meet at your hotel and transfer to the airport to board your departure flight.
Day 3: Take a guided tour of the Sri Meenakshi Temple, and see the evening procession.
Day 9: Take a houseboat cruise through the backwaters.
This itinerary has been tried & tested and can be booked as-is. However, should you wish to customize your tour, you may contact us here.
TREASURES OF NORTH INDIA
THE MALABAR COAST OF SOUTH INDIA
INDIA'S GOLDEN TRIANGLE