Classic South India 12 Days Tour

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Chennai. Begin with a visit to Marina Beach, India’s longest urban beach, perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset. Continue to Fort St. George, the first British fort in India, featuring St. Mary’s Church and the Fort Museum with its colonial-era collections.

Next, visit the sacred Santhome Cathedral, believed to house the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. Explore the National Art Gallery, home to fascinating exhibits in archaeology, geology, and natural sciences. Later, head to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mylapore. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, one of India's ancient holy cities and famed for its silk sarees. Visit the 8th-century Kailasanatha Temple, a Pallava architectural gem adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes. Continue to Ekambareswarar Temple, known for its towering gopuram and a 3,000-year-old mango tree with branches yielding different varieties of mangoes. Later, drive to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town known for its UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

In the morning, take a guided tour of Mahabalipuram. Begin with the majestic Shore Temple, a seaside architectural wonder from the 7th century. Explore the famous Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved from a single stone. Admire the intricate carvings of the Varaha Cave and marvel at Arjuna’s Penance, one of the world’s largest bas-reliefs. Continue to the Shore Temple Complex, a tribute to Pallava craftsmanship and devotion. Later, drive to Pondicherry, a charming former French colony. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the spiritual and cultural gems of Pondicherry. Visit the unique international township of Auroville, followed by the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Stroll along the scenic Promenade Beach and explore the Pondicherry Museum. Don’t miss the beautiful Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the vibrant Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Today, drive towards Tanjore, stopping en route at the holy town of Chidambaram. Visit the awe-inspiring Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. This grand temple complex is an important pilgrimage site and a testament to the Chola dynasty’s devotion and architectural brilliance. Continue your journey to Tanjore, the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu". After check-in, visit the majestic Brihadeeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a massive 80-ton granite dome. Explore the Tanjore Palace and its Art Gallery, home to rare Chola bronzes and stone sculptures. Overnight stay in Tanjore.

After breakfast, drive to Madurai with a sightseeing stop in Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Visit the sacred island of Srirangam, home to the sprawling Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – a masterpiece of South Indian temple architecture. Admire its massive gopurams, including the tallest in India. Next, head to the iconic Rock Fort Temple, built on a 3.8-billion-year-old rock formation. After exploring these marvels, proceed to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Madurai.

In the morning, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple complex is one of the most sacred in South India, known for its towering gopurams and rich mythology. Later, embark on a scenic drive to Periyar, nestled in the lush Western Ghats. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Overnight stay in Periyar.

Today, we journey to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled alongside a picturesque lake. As South India's most celebrated wildlife reserve, Periyar offers a unique opportunity to explore nature at its finest. A serene boat ride on Periyar Lake provides the chance to spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild boar, monkeys, and even the elusive tiger and leopard. The sanctuary is also home to an impressive array of bird species. Later, enjoy a guided tour through a spice plantation to discover the aromatic world of Kerala's spices. Overnight stay in Periyar.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), famed for its tranquil backwaters and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, board your traditional houseboat for a serene cruise through the enchanting network of canals, lagoons, and paddy fields. Often called the ‘Venice of the East,’ Alleppey offers a soothing blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, making it a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

This morning, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin (Kochi), a coastal city steeped in rich maritime history. Known for its centuries-old trade links with the Middle East and Europe, Cochin boasts a unique blend of architectural styles and cultural influences. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Fort Kochi, showcasing the city’s colonial past. Explore the impressive Santa Cruz Basilica and the historic St. Francis Church – the oldest European church in India. Visit the centuries-old Jewish Synagogue, adorned with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, and browse the bustling spice market. Don’t miss the iconic Chinese fishing nets, introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance form known for its expressive storytelling and elaborate costumes. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural charm.