Best of South India Tour

·13 Days, 5 Destinations·Starts from Chennai
Best of South India Tour 1
Best of South India Tour 2
Best of South India Tour 3
Best of South India Tour 4
Best of South India Tour 1
Free Cancellation
Full refund up to 30 days before the tour
Early Booking Advantage
Only 25% prepayment until 30 days before departure

Duration

13 days

Max Group Size

10

Departure Type

Guaranteed

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

easy

Operated In

EnglishFrenchGermanSpanishItalian

Age Requirement

1 - 85 Ages

About this tour

Experience the timeless charm of South India on this captivating 13-day journey from Chennai to Kochi. Discover magnificent temples, colonial heritage, golden beaches, and vibrant cultural treasures as you explore Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, and Kochi. Admire UNESCO-listed monuments, stroll through French-inspired streets, witness sacred rituals, and uncover centuries of history and architecture. Enjoy thrilling wildlife encounters in Periyar, serene backwater cruises through Kumarakom and Alleppey, and an unforgettable overnight houseboat experience. Complete your adventure with the enchanting sights of Fort Kochi and a mesmerizing Kathakali performance, creating memories that perfectly blend culture, nature, spirituality, and relaxation.

ExplorerMuseumWalking TourShoppingReligiousHistoricalFamilyAdventureIn-depth CulturalSightseeing

Route

Starts from

Chennai

Ends in

Kerala

Tour route map

What makes this tour special

Explore South India’s iconic temples, heritage cities, and cultural landmarks across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Discover UNESCO monuments, ancient architecture, and fascinating historical treasures in Mahabalipuram and Thanjavur. Experience Puducherry’s charming French Quarter, colonial heritage, seaside promenades, and spiritual attractions. Witness vibrant traditions, sacred ceremonies, and renowned temple architecture in historic Madurai city. Enjoy thrilling wildlife experiences, elephant encounters, bamboo rafting, and scenic landscapes at Periyar. Cruise Kerala’s tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, ending with enchanting Kochi experiences.

Itinerary

On the day of arrival at Chennai airport, our Holidays At representative will assist you at the airport and later transfer to your pre-booked hotel for night stay. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at the hotel, later proceed for full day guided tour to Chennai, visit Kapaleeshwar Temple, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Ramakrishna Temple, Fort St.George (the oldest fort in Chennai), National Art Gallery, St.Mary’s Church, Anna Zoological Park, Birla Planetarium and Kalakshetra and Theosophical Society. Also visit houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu and the famous Marina Beach (the second largest in the world) and Elliots Beach. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and drive to Puducherry, via en-route visit to Mahabalipuram, visit the Thirukadalmallai, Shore Temple, Pancha Pandava Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Caves, Krishna’s Butterball and India Seashell Museum. Also explore the Mahabalipuram Beach with surfing & Shore Temple views. After finish your sightseeing tour at Mahabalipuram, later continue drive to Puducherry. Upon arrival at Puducherry check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later proceed for sightseeing tour to Puducherry, visit Auroville town, Aurobindo Ashram, Government Museum, The Sacred Heart Basilica, French War memorial, Mahe de Labourdonnais St and Pondy Bazaar. Also visit Memorial House, Manakula Vinayagar Temple and Vedapureeswarar Temple. Evening enoy the heritage walk in the French colonies, will spot the beautiful yellow & white walls, European styles streets and a walk along the sea. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival at Thanjavur check-in to your hotel for night stay. After refresh yourself, later proceed for sightseeing tour to Thanjavur, visit the Schwartz Memorial & Church, Sivaganga Garden, Lord Murugan Temple, Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur Maratha Palace. After finish your sightseeing tour at Thanjavur, later free for shopping or drive back to your hotel for night stay. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and drive to Madurai, via en-route visit to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), visit Rock Fort Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple, Arulmigu Uchi Pillaiyar Temple and Sri Rangam Temple. After finish your sightseeing tour at Trichy, later continue drive to Madurai. Upon arrival at Madurai check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later proceed for full day guided tour to Madurai, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Adhi Chokkanathar, Subramaniya Suwami Temple and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. Also visit Chokkanathar Temple and Samanar Hills also known as Samanar Malai or Amanarmalai at Keelakuilkudi. After finish your guided tour to Madurai, later experience the evening prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and drive to Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India's which covers 777 Sq. Kms (300 Sq. miles) for a Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival at Periyar check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay. In the evening, enjoy a walk around Estate or free for own activities. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later proceed for full day sightseeing tour to Periyar visit Bamboo Rafting & Border Hiking are a unique program available in Periyar, Also enjoy the Elephant safari at Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Kumily and Mangala Devi Temple. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast and check out from hotel later drive to Kumarakom “Town of Backwaters”. Upon arrival at Kumarakom check-in to the hotel for night stay. Later visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (4 Pm - Closed) and Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and proceed for backwater to enjoy the houseboat journey. Upon arrival at Alleppey check-in to your pre-booked houseboat for night stay. Later proceed for backwaters & lagoons on Alappuzha, Enjoy your lunch and dinner at houseboat. Evening walk around the local street of Alappuzha. 

Overnight at Houseboat.

Today morning after breakfast at houseboat, later check out and drive to Cochin. Upon arrival at Cochin check-in to your pre-booked hotel for night stay. After refresh yourself, later proceed for guided tour to Cochin, visit Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Net, Indo Portuguese Museum and Marine Drive. In the evening time enjoy the kathakali dance show, one of India's most famous classical dances with lavish costumes, exotic makeup & masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. 

Overnight at Hotel.

Today morning after breakfast at hotel, later check out and transfer to Kochi airport to board the flight for your next destination / Home.

Trip includes

Included

Accommodation at good 3 Star hotels based on Double / Twin Sharing basis


• 2 Nights in Chennai

• 2 Nights in Puducherry

• 1 Night in Thanjavur

• 2 Nights in Madurai

• 2 Nights in Periyar

• 1 Night in Kumarakom

• 1 Night in Alleppey

• 1 Night in Kochi


Check In : 1400 Hrs / Check Out : 1200 Hrs

Early check in and late Check out are subject to availability.

HotelResort

• Local English speaking guide at Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai and Kochi.

(Other languages guides are available on additional charges)

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English French German Spanish Italian

• 12 Breakfast at Hotel.

• 1 Lunch at House Boat.

• 1 Dinner at House Boat.

Vegan Jain Kosher Vegetarian Halal Meat

Transportation Details

All sightseeing and airport transfers for this tour will be arranged in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles to ensure a pleasant travel experience.


Vehicle Categories:

• 1–2 guests: Air-conditioned medium cars such as Toyota Etios, Swift Dzire, or similar.

• 3–4 guests: Air-conditioned large cars such as Toyota Innova or similar.

­• 5–10 guests: Air-conditioned mini-vans such as Tempo Traveller or similar.­ 


Additional Information:­ 

• All vehicles will be driven by experienced, Local English-speaking drivers.­ 

• Our drivers are well-trained, familiar with local routes, and committed to providing a safe and comfortable journey.

• Vehicle allocation will be based on the group size to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for all travelers.

Coach / BusMini-coachLocal TransportCar

• 12 Nights accommodation based on double / twin sharing basis.

• Assistance during arrival and departure by Holidays At.

• All sightseeing including airport transfers by an AC vehicle.

• Daily breakfast at Hotel.

• Local English speaking guide at Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai and Kochi.

(Other languages guides are available on additional charges)

• Visit to the famous ancient temples of Thanjavur and Trichy.

• Enjoy a boat ride at Preiyar Lake.

• One mineral water bottle per person per day.

• All currently applicable taxes including GST.

Excluded

• Every traveler is required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Due to the varying nature, availability, and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential and necessary part of every journey. We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain comprehensive travel insurance to ensure protection and compensation for any cancellations or trip interruptions with any cause, as well as for other unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies and travel disruptions.

• Visas Fee (if applicable).

• Monument entry fees.

• The package does not include the cost of visas and SDF charges, if applicable.

• Tips (always optional, but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information pack you’ll receive after booking).

• Beverages other than drinking water & any costs of a personal nature.

• International/Internal flights to/from the start/finish of the trip.

Availability

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Make this journey exclusively yours

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Protected

Travel withing your own bubble.

Professional

Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.

Privacy

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

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