Arrival in Chennai

Chennai (Madras) - Welcome to India! Upon arriving at Chennai International Airport, a representative will greet you and assist with your hotel transfer. The remainder of the day is yours to relax after your journey or explore the city at your leisure.
Overnight stay in Chennai

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Dinner, Assistance on arrival

Chennai Sightseeing

Chennai District - After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Chennai.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica - Start with Santhome Basilica, a stunning white Gothic-style church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.

Marina Beach - Proceed to Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest beaches, perfect for a leisurely stroll and experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Lord Shiva) - Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a lively temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its impressive Dravidian architecture and towering gopuram.

Chennai District - Later, enjoy a scenic drive past Chennai’s colonial buildings and landmarks before returning to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Chennai

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: Santhome Basilica, Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (150 km / 4–5 hrs)

Mahabalipuram - After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures.

Shore Temple - Visit the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, admired for its stunning architecture and seaside location.

Arjuna’s Penance - Explore Arjuna’s Penance, a giant open-air rock carving depicting stories from Hindu mythology.

Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas) - And the Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples each carved in the shape of a chariot, showcasing early Dravidian style.

Pondicherry - After sightseeing, continue to Pondicherry, a charming coastal town known for its French colonial heritage, tree-lined boulevards, and relaxed atmosphere. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Pondicherry

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas

Pondicherry Sightseeing

Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, known for its teachings on yoga and meditation. Stop by some of the town’s historic churches, showcasing beautiful European architecture.

Puducherry Beach - End the day at Pondicherry Beach, relaxing by the sea and enjoying the calm coastal atmosphere. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Pondicherry

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: French Quarter, Aurobindo Ashram

Pondicherry – Darasuram – Tanjore/Kumbakonam (170 km / 4 hrs)

Dharasuram - After breakfast, drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur). On the way, visit Darasuram, famous for its remarkable Chola temple architecture.

Airavatesvara Temple - Explore the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 12th century by the Chola kings. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is admired for its intricate stone carvings, beautifully sculpted pillars, and detailed artwork, reflecting the peak of Chola craftsmanship.

Tanjore Sightseeing

Brihadeeswara Temple - Begin with the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. Built in the 11th century, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is famous for its massive tower, intricate carvings, and impressive scale.

Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery - Next, visit the Tanjore Palace, a historic complex with elegant courtyards and halls. Inside, explore the Art Gallery, which houses a remarkable collection of bronze idols, sculptures, traditional paintings, and royal artifacts. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Tanjore

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tanjore Palace

Tanjore/Kumbakonam – Trichy – Chettinad (160 km / 4–5 hrs)

Chettinad - Continue your journey to Chettinad, a region celebrated for its palatial mansions, unique cuisine, and local crafts. Explore a tile-making factory and a cotton weaving center, followed by a guided village walk to experience the local lifestyle. In the evening, check into a traditional Chettinad mansion for an authentic stay.

Overnight stay in Chettinad
Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide
Highlights: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rockfort Temple, Chettinad crafts & village life

Chettinad – Madurai (90 km / 2 hrs)

Gandhi Memorial Museum - After breakfast, drive to Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, begin a city tour starting with the Gandhi Museum, housed in a 17th-century palace and offering a detailed insight into India’s freedom struggle and the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Madurai - Visit the Tirumalai Nayakar Palace, a 17th-century structure blending Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles, known for its grand arches, tall pillars, and spacious courtyards.

Madurai - Experience the bustling old city on a rickshaw ride, passing through narrow streets, local markets, and colorful sights.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple - Conclude the day with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, famous for its towering gopurams covered in colorful sculptures and lively evening rituals. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Madurai

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: Gandhi Museum, Tirumalai Nayakar Palace, Meenakshi Amman Temple

Madurai – Thekkady (140 km / 3–4 hrs)

Madurai - Start the day with a visit to Madurai’s vibrant flower market, where stalls overflow with fresh jasmine, roses, and marigolds, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere.

Periyar - Afterward, drive to Thekkady, stopping along the way to explore a grape plantation and see how local farmers grow and harvest grapes in this fertile region.

Visit a traditional brick-making site to learn about the age-old process of handcrafting bricks, an important part of rural life.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Arrive in Thekkady, the gateway to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its lush forests, spice plantations, and rich wildlife. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Thekkady

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: Vibrant flower market, Grape plantation, Traditional brick-making site

Thekkady Sightseeing

Periyar Lake - After breakfast, explore the natural beauty and cultural charm of Thekkady. Begin with a boat safari on Periyar Lake, cruising through the scenic lake inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spotting wildlife in their natural habitat

The Spice Farm - Plantation for Spices & Herbs - Next, visit a spice plantation to learn about Kerala’s world-famous spices, including cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.

Thekkady - In the evening, you may opt for additional activities such as watching a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, a traditional form of combat from Kerala.

Overnight stay in Thekkady

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: Boat safari on Periyar Lake, Spice plantation tour

Thekkady – Kumarakom (125 km / 4 hrs)

Kumarakom - Arrive in Kumarakom and check into your resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the lakeside and soaking in the serene backwater surroundings.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: Sacred Heart Church, Tea plantations

Kumarakom – Houseboat Experience

Kumarakom – Cochin (55 km / 1.5 hrs)

Fort Kochi - After breakfast, drive to Cochin (Kochi), a historic city with colonial charm. Begin your tour at Fort Kochi, strolling through streets lined with old colonial buildings, quaint cafés, and vibrant art galleries.

Chinese Fishing Nets - Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, iconic cantilevered nets along the waterfront that symbolize Cochin’s maritime heritage.

Jew Town - Explore the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town, a 16th-century synagogue known for its beautiful interiors and antique artifacts.

Mattancherry Palace - Conclude with a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, which showcases Kerala murals, royal artifacts, and the history of the Kochi kingdom. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Cochin

Inclusions: Accommodation, Private transport, Breakfast & Dinner, Entrance fees, Professional tour guide

Highlights: Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace

Cochin Departure

Cochin International Airport - After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey.

Inclusions: Private transport, Breakfast

End of Services

• Two bottles of mineral water per person per day
• Full-day houseboat excursion with traditional Kerala lunch
• Local assistance throughout the tour
• All transfers and transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation as per the program on double-sharing basis
• Lunch
• Entrance fees to monuments and activities listed in the itinerary
• Government-approved, Spanish-speaking professional Indian Tour Leader as per the program
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All government taxes, road tolls, and local fees

• International flights, visa fees, and travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities (recommended)
• Personal expenses

Embark on an enriching 14-day expedition across South India, exploring the wonders of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Uncover the rich history of ancient temples, majestic palaces, and lively culture in cities like Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Trichy, Chettinad, and Madurai. Delight in the wildlife at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, unwind on a Kumarakom houseboat, and conclude your adventure in Cochin, renowned for its colonial allure and picturesque backwaters. This tour seamlessly combines heritage, culture, nature, and tranquility, offering an unforgettable South Indian experience.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.