Day 01: Arrive in Chennai

Arrive at Chennai International Airport. Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Relax after your journey and prepare for the cultural exploration ahead.
Overnight in Chennai.

Day 02: Chennai → Kanchipuram → Mahabalipuram (143 km approx.)

Drive to Mahabalipuram with a stop at Kanchipuram, one of India’s seven sacred cities. Known for its temples and handwoven silk, Kanchipuram was once the capital of the Chola Dynasty and a major center of Tamil learning.
Continue to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.

Day 03: Explore Mahabalipuram

Enjoy a full guided tour of Mamallapuram’s ancient Pallava architecture, including:

The famous Shore Temple

– Arjuna’s Penance
– Five Rathas
– Rock-cut caves & monoliths

This UNESCO site offers spectacular coastal views and history intertwined with mythology.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 04: Mahabalipuram → Tiruvannamalai → Pondicherry (278 km approx.)

Drive to Pondicherry, stopping at Tiruvannamalai, home to the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple, Veerupaksha Cave, and Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram—a major spiritual site.
Continue to Pondicherry for stay.

Day 05: Pondicherry Sightseeing

Experience the charm of Pondicherry, a blend of French colonial elegance and Indian tradition. Visit:

– Aurobindo Ashram
– Auroville
– Promenade Beach
– Botanical Garden
– Pondicherry Museum

Spend the evening exploring quaint cafés and seaside streets.
Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 06: Pondicherry → Chidambaram → Kumbakonam → Thanjavur (153 km approx.)

Drive to Thanjavur with stops at:

– Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
– Adi Kumbheswarar Temple
– Nageswara Swami Temple
– Someswarar Temple

Arrive in Thanjavur, land of classical arts and the Chola Empire.
Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 07: Thanjavur → Trichy → Madurai (176 km approx.)

Visit the iconic Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple (1000+ years old), a masterpiece of Chola architecture.
Continue to Trichy, visit Srirangam Temple or Rockfort Temple, then proceed to Madurai.
Overnight in Madurai.

Day 08: Explore Madurai

Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s cultural capital, is home to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its towering gopurams. Visit:

– Meenakshi Temple
– Tirumalai Nayak Palace

Evening optional: Night temple ceremony experience.
Overnight in Madurai.

Day 09: Madurai → Periyar (160 km approx.)

Drive through scenic hill landscapes to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady).

Enjoy:
– Boat safari on Lake Periyar
– Possible sightings of elephants, deer & birds
– Spice Plantation Tour

Overnight in Periyar.

Day 10: Periyar → Alleppey Houseboat (155 km approx.)

Travel to Alleppey and board your private Kerala Houseboat (Kettuvallam).
Cruise through:

– Emerald paddy fields
– Coconut-lined canals
– Traditional villages
– Vembanad Lake

All meals served on the houseboat.
Overnight on the backwaters.

Day 11: Alleppey → Cochin (53 km approx.)

Disembark from the houseboat and travel to Cochin for sightseeing:

– Jewish Synagogue
– Dutch Palace
– St. Francis Church
– Chinese Fishing Nets
– Spice Market Walk

In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali Dance performance.
Overnight in Cochin.

Day 12: Departure from Cochin

Transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.
Your South India Tour concludes with beautiful memories of culture, cuisine, spirituality & nature.

Food & Experiences to Enjoy on Your South India Tour

Must-Try South Indian Dishes

Masala Dosa, Medu Vada, Idli, Uttapam
Chettinad Chicken
Kerala Sadya (served on banana leaf)
Prawn Curry & Fish Pollichathu
Filter Coffee
Kerala Appam & Stew
Pongal, Banana Chips, Halwa

Unique Experiences

✔ Temple rituals & aarti ceremonies
✔ Backwater cruise in a houseboat
✔ French cafés in Pondicherry
✔ Spice plantation walks
✔ Wildlife safari in Periyar
✔ Traditional Kathakali cultural show

Best Time for South India Tour

October to March – Pleasant weather & ideal for sightseeing
Monsoon (July–September) – Green landscapes & Ayurveda season

FAQ – South India Tour

1. How many days are ideal for a South India Tour?
10–14 days is perfect to cover Tamil Nadu + Kerala comfortably.

2. Is this itinerary suitable for families and senior travelers?
Yes, it’s a calm, comfortable journey with cultural experiences and beautiful nature not physically demanding.

3. What is the best season to visit?
October to March offers the best weather for travel.

4. Are the temples in Tamil Nadu open to all tourists?
Yes, most temples allow non-Hindu visitors into the outer complex; some sanctum areas may have restrictions.

5. Is vegetarian food available easily?
Absolutely, South India is vegetarian-friendly with plenty of vegan options too.

6. Are houseboats in Alleppey safe?
Yes, they are well maintained, operated by trained staff, and perfect for couples, families, and groups.