The Treasures of South India Tour - 9 Nights / 10 Days

1N Mahabalipuram 1N Pondicherry 1N Tanjore 1N Madurai 1N Periyar 2N Munnar 1N Allepey 1N Cochin

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

This beautifully crafted 10-day journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala offers travellers an immersive exploration of South India’s timeless culture, coastal beauty, spiritual heritage, and natural splendour.

Starting in the bustling gateway city of Chennai, the tour introduces you to the region’s British and Dravidian architectural influences before easing into the serene charm of Mahabalipuram, a coastal town known for its ancient rock-cut wonders and iconic Shore Temple.

From the Bay of Bengal, the journey moves toward Pondicherry, a seaside town that blends French elegance with Indian warmth. Visitors explore the spiritual aura of Auroville and the peaceful ambience of the Aurobindo Ashram while enjoying glimpses of vibrant local traditions through its temples and markets.

The route then leads to Tanjore, the cultural heartland of the Chola dynasty, where the majestic Brihadeeshwara Temple stands as a testament to engineering brilliance and architectural grandeur.

Unfolding further into Tamil Nadu’s spiritual fabric, the tour continues to Madurai, home to the magnificent Meenakshi Temple with its towering gopurams alive with divine sculptures. The city’s palaces, museums, and colourful bazaars offer an enriching glimpse into its living traditions.

From the spiritual plains, the landscape transforms as you head into the lush Western Ghats, arriving in Periyar. Here, spice gardens, aromatic plantations, and wildlife trails offer a refreshing contrast and allow you to witness the biodiversity of South India at close quarters.

Your journey then enters the romantic hill town of Munnar, spread across rolling tea estates and mist-draped mountains. Visitors enjoy exclusive plantation walks, tea factory explorations, and curated tasting sessions that bring alive the region’s colonial heritage and agricultural artistry.

The experience culminates with the serene backwaters of Alleppey. Floating through calm canals aboard a traditional houseboat, travellers witness village life, swaying palms, and tranquil waterscapes that Kerala is celebrated for.

Finally, the trip concludes in Cochin, a city shaped by centuries of global trade and layered cultural influences. From ancient synagogues and Indo-Portuguese palaces to Chinese fishing nets and classical dance performances, Cochin provides the perfect finale to this diverse and captivating South Indian odyssey.

Itinerary

Explore Chennai's colonial landmarks, Mahabalipuram's UNESCO monuments, Pondicherry’s French quarters, Chola-era temples in Tanjore, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Periyar’s spice gardens, Munnar tea estates, Alleppey backwaters, and multicultural Cochin with its synagogues, palaces, and performing arts.

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai / Travel to Mahabalipuram−

Upon arrival in Chennai, you will be warmly welcomed by our tour executive. Enjoy sightseeing covering St. George’s Fort, St. Thomas Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the vibrant markets of Mylapore.
After your visits, drive to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Visits / Travel to Pondicherry+

After breakfast, explore the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and the magnificent bas-relief of Arjuna’s Penance. Continue to Pondicherry, visiting Auroville en route, with views of the Matri Mandir, a meditation centre and an architectural marvel.

In Pondicherry, visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 3: Pondicherry to Tanjore+

Start early and then drive to Tanjore, stopping at the Chidambaram Temple dedicated to Shiva in the form of the cosmic dancer, Nataraja.

Proceed to Gangai Konda Cholapuram, a peaceful UNESCO site, and Dharasuram Temple showcasing Chola architecture.

Overnight in Tanjore.

Day 4: Tanjore to Madurai+

Today is the day of the Tanjore exploration. Start with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeshwara Temple, followed by Tanjore Palace with its museum and art gallery.

Later, drive to Madurai, the ancient temple city and visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple built by Pandya with its twelve towering gopurams.

Overnight in Madurai.

Day 5: Madurai Visits / Travel to Periyar+

Explore the Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, and colourful local markets. Travel to Periyar, known for its spice plantations. Visit a spice garden and enjoy a nature walk inside Periyar National Park.

Overnight in Periyar.

Day 6: Periyar to Munnar+

Drive to Munnar, a hill station famed for its tea plantations and panoramic views. Free time upon arrival.

Overnight in Munnar.

Day 7: Munnar+

Start your day early and enjoy a lovely breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy a guided tea plantation walk, interact with tea pluckers, visit a traditional tea factory, and conclude with an exclusive tea tasting session.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Munnar to Alleppey+

Drive to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat. Cruise through serene backwaters, witnessing rural life and lush landscapes.

Overnight on board.

Day 9: Alleppey to Cochin+

Disembark after breakfast and travel to Cochin on a houseboat. Enjoy the Fort Cochin and then start at Mattancherry.

Visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace with Ramayana murals, St. Francis Church, and Chinese fishing nets. Attend a Kathakali performance in the afternoon.

Overnight in Cochin.

Day 10: Departure from Cochin+

Transfer to Cochin airport as per your flight schedule and carry home the serenity of this southern state.

FAQs on The Treasures of South India Tour

What makes this itinerary ideal for first-time visitors to South India?

It blends heritage temples, colonial towns, hill stations, wildlife, and backwaters, giving travellers a complete introduction to Tamil Nadu and Kerala.