Duration : 16 Days / 15 Nights
Destinations : Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Puducherry → Thanjavur → Tiruchirappalli → Madurai → Rameswaram → Kanyakumari → Kovalam → Varkala → Alleppey → Thekkady → Munnar → Kochi
Tour Highlights
- Discover the best of South India on an affordable 16-day holiday covering Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient Dravidian temples, and historic colonial towns.
- Explore the magnificent Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram and the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur.
- Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Madurai, Rameswaram, and Kanyakumari.
- Witness the spectacular sunrise or sunset at India’s southernmost tip in Kanyakumari.
- Relax on the golden beaches of Kovalam and the dramatic cliffs of Varkala.
- Cruise through Kerala’s peaceful backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat in Alleppey.
- Discover fragrant spice plantations and wildlife-rich forests in Thekkady.
- Enjoy the cool climate, rolling tea estates, and panoramic viewpoints of Munnar.
- Explore the colonial heritage, waterfront promenades, and vibrant spice markets of Kochi.
- Travel comfortably with budget-friendly accommodations, private transportation, and experienced local assistance.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chennai
Arrive at Chennai International Airport and meet your tour representative. Transfer to your hotel and relax. If time permits, visit Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple before enjoying a leisurely evening.
Overnight: Chennai
Day 2: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Puducherry
Drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram. Explore the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna’s Butter Ball. Continue to Puducherry and enjoy a walk through the charming French Quarter.
Overnight: Puducherry
Day 3: Puducherry – Thanjavur
After breakfast, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Promenade Beach before driving to Thanjavur. Explore the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple and the historic Royal Palace.
Overnight: Thanjavur
Day 4: Thanjavur – Tiruchirappalli – Madurai
Visit the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and the Rock Fort Temple in Tiruchirappalli. Continue to Madurai and check into your hotel.
Overnight: Madurai
Day 5: Madurai Sightseeing
Explore the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and vibrant local markets. Witness the evening temple ceremony.
Overnight: Madurai
Day 6: Madurai – Rameswaram
Drive to the sacred island of Rameswaram via the spectacular Pamban Bridge. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Theertham, and other important pilgrimage sites.
Overnight: Rameswaram
Day 7: Rameswaram – Kanyakumari
Travel to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of mainland India. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Gandhi Memorial, and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Overnight: Kanyakumari
Day 8: Kanyakumari – Kovalam
Watch the sunrise before driving to Kovalam. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Lighthouse Beach or enjoying optional water activities.
Overnight: Kovalam
Day 9: Kovalam – Varkala
Travel along Kerala’s beautiful coastline to Varkala. Explore the dramatic cliffside promenade, Janardhana Swamy Temple, and pristine beaches.
Overnight: Varkala
Day 10: Varkala – Alleppey
Drive to Alleppey and board a traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through the tranquil backwaters, passing villages, coconut groves, and lush paddy fields while enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine.
Overnight: Houseboat in Alleppey
Day 11: Alleppey – Thekkady
After breakfast, continue to Thekkady. Visit a spice plantation and spend the evening at leisure or attend an optional Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 12: Thekkady – Munnar
Drive through scenic mountain roads to Munnar, stopping at waterfalls and spice gardens along the way. Check in and relax amid the cool hill station atmosphere.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 13: Munnar Sightseeing
Visit Eravikulam National Park (subject to seasonal opening), the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and panoramic tea plantations.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 14: Munnar – Kochi
Drive to Kochi and explore Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, and the historic Jewish Quarter.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 15: Kochi Leisure & Sightseeing
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Kochi at your own pace. Visit local markets, Marine Drive, museums, or choose an optional Ayurvedic massage or harbor cruise. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 16: Departure from Kochi
After breakfast, transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of South India’s temples, beaches, hill stations, wildlife, and serene backwaters.