Best of South India

Welcome to Chennai! Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can choose from the Optional excursions to explore some of the city’s highlights at a relaxed pace.

Overnight in Chennai

In the morning after breakfast start your day exploring the cultural and historical sites of Chennai. Begin with a visit to Fort St. George, the oldest British fort in India, and then head to the Government Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of South Indian artifacts and sculptures. Continue with a visit to Mylapore, one of Chennai's oldest neighborhoods, where you'll see the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

Overnight in Chennai

After breakfast, start your day with a drive to Kanchipuram, about 75 km from Chennai, taking roughly two hours. Known as the “City of a Thousand Temples,” Kanchipuram is a treasure trove of Dravidian architecture. Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with its towering gopuram and sprawling courtyard, followed by the Kailasanathar Temple, renowned for its intricate sandstone carvings. After a local lunch featuring Tamil cuisine, explore the Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, vibrant with devotees and rituals. Continue your journey to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town just 70 km away, about a 1.5-hour drive. Check into a beachside resort and spend the evening relaxing at Mahabalipuram Beach, where the sound of waves sets a serene mood, or browse local handicraft shops for stone carvings and souvenirs.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast, and if you wish, take a walk along the quiet beaches of Mahabalipuram. Afterward, you’ll drive to Pondicherry, the French colonial town on the eastern coast. Upon arrival, you can explore the French Quarter with its beautiful colonial buildings and tree-lined streets. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and relax by the Promenade Beach. In the evening, stroll through the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and enjoy a peaceful evening at one of the town’s charming cafés.

Overnight in Pondicherry

After breakfast, leave Pondicherry and head towards Chidambaram, which is about 2.5 hours away. Here, you’ll visit the famous Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form. This is a perfect example of Chola architecture and an important pilgrimage site. Continue your drive to Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, where you’ll arrive after another 3.5–4-hour drive. Relax at your hotel upon arrival and enjoy a free evening.

Overnight in Thanjavur

Today, you’ll explore the grandeur of Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. Marvel at the massive stone carvings and the intricate details that make this temple a masterpiece. You’ll also visit the Thanjavur Palace, which houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library, famous for its collection of ancient palm leaf manuscripts. If you're interested in art, take some time to view the Chola bronzes in the Art Gallery. Return to your hotel or in the evening, you may want to enjoy the local food or shop for traditional Thanjavur paintings.

Overnight in Thanjavur

After breakfast, this morning, you’ll leave for Madurai, stopping en route at Trichy (about 1.5 hours from Thanjavur). In Trichy, visit the Srirangam Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, and the Rock Fort Temple, which provides stunning views of the city. Continue your drive to Madurai (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. 

Overnight in Madurai

Start your day by visiting the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple in the morning light, known for its intricate carvings and vibrant gopurams (temple towers). Next, explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. If time permits, take a walk through the local markets, known for their handloom textiles and jasmine flowers. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure. You might also want to visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum or the Alagar Kovil temple if you're interested in exploring further.

Overnight in Madurai

Today, travel from Madurai to Thekkady, set in the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. On arrival, check into your hotel or resort and take time to relax amidst the beautiful hills. In the afternoon, you can go for an (Optional) spice plantation walk, where you’ll see cardamom, pepper, and other spices growing naturally in the region. Alternatively, you can enjoy a cultural performance such as Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu (Kerala martial arts).

Overnight in Thekkady

Start the day early with a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may spot elephants, wild boars, bison, and a variety of birds. The serene ride through the sanctuary offers the best chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax. You can choose an (Optional) elephant experience or an Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate yourself after the boat ride.

Overnight in Thekkady

After breakfast, leave Thekkady and drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board a traditional Kerala houseboat (Kettuvallam) and set off on a scenic cruise through the famous backwaters. Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine onboard as you glide past lush paddy fields, small villages, and coconut groves. This tranquil experience is one of the highlights of Kerala.

Overnight on Houseboat in Alleppey

In the morning after breakfast, disembark the houseboat and drive to Kochi.Upon arrival, begin your exploration of this vibrant coastal city. Visit Fort Kochi, where you can see the famous Chinese fishing nets and explore the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church, the site where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Kochi is also known for its art galleries and cafés, so take some time to enjoy the local culture.

Overnight in Kochi

Today after breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kochi International Airport for your departure, bringing an end to your unforgettable journey through South India.

Note: The above itinerary is created only based on breakfast, but other meals are left to the traveler’s preference.