Kerala Backwaters & Tamil Nadu Trails
Duration
13 days
Max Group Size
10
Departure Type
Guaranteed
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
easy
Operated In
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
Age Requirement
1 - 85 Ages
About this tour
Experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of South India on this 13-day journey across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Begin in Chennai, exploring temples, colonial landmarks, and Marina Beach, then visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO sites before heading to the French-influenced charm of Puducherry. Continue to Thanjavur and Madurai to admire magnificent temples, palaces, and historical sites. Travel through Trichy and onward to Periyar/Thekkady for wildlife safaris, bamboo rafting, and serene backwaters in Kumarakom. Conclude with a houseboat cruise in Alleppey and sightseeing in Kochi, including Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, and a Kathakali performance, before departing from Kochi, blending culture, history, and nature.
Route
Starts from
Chennai
Ends in
Cochin International Airport
Pickup Location
Chennai
Dropoff Location
Cochin International Airport
What makes this tour special
Itinerary
On arrival at Chennai Airport, our G Experiences representative will assist you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities at your own pace.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day guided tour of Chennai. Visit Kapaleeshwarar 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, Kalakshetra, and Theosophical Society. You will also see the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, as well as the famous Marina Beach (the second largest urban beach in the world) and Elliot’s Beach. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Puducherry, with a stop en route at Mahabalipuram. Explore the famous monuments, including Thirukadalmallai, Shore Temple, Pancha Pandava Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, the Caves, Krishna’s Butterball, and the India Seashell Museum. You can also enjoy the Mahabalipuram Beach, with its surfing opportunities and scenic views of the Shore Temple. After completing your sightseeing in Mahabalipuram, continue the drive to Puducherry. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Puducherry. Visit Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, Government Museum, Sacred Heart Basilica, French War Memorial, Mahé de Labourdonnais Street, and Pondy Bazaar. You will also see Memorial House, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and Vedapureeswarar Temple. In the evening, enjoy a heritage walk in the French Quarter, where you can admire the beautiful yellow and white walls, European-style streets, and take a stroll along the seaside.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and refresh yourself. Later, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Thanjavur. Visit Schwartz Memorial & Church, Sivaganga Garden, Lord Murugan Temple, Brihadeeswara Temple, and Thanjavur Maratha Palace. After completing your sightseeing, you can enjoy some shopping or return to the hotel for leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Madurai, with a stop en route at Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Visit the Rock Fort Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple, Arulmigu Uchi Pillaiyar Temple, and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. After completing the sightseeing in Trichy, continue the drive to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day guided tour of Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Adhi Chokkanathar Temple, Subramaniya Swami Temple, and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. You will also visit Chokkanathar Temple and Samanar Hills (also known as Samanar Malai) at Keelakuilkudi. In the evening, experience the prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Periyar. Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, covering 777 sq. km (300 sq. miles) as a tiger reserve. Upon arrival at Periyar, check in to your pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. In the evening, enjoy a walk around the estate or spend time at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Periyar. Enjoy bamboo rafting and border hiking, unique experiences offered in Periyar. Also, take an elephant safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and visit Kumily and Mangala Devi Temple.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Kumarakom, the “Town of Backwaters.” Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. After refreshing yourself, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kumarakom. Visit Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, and Bay Island Driftwood Museum. Enjoy a boat ride to Pathiramanal Island. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Alleppey to enjoy a backwater houseboat journey. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked houseboat for your overnight stay. Cruise through the backwaters and lagoons of Alappuzha, enjoying lunch and dinner on board. In the evening, take a stroll along the local streets of Alappuzha.
Overnight at Houseboat.
After breakfast on the houseboat, check out and drive to Kochi. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. After refreshing yourself, proceed for a guided tour of Kochi. Visit Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Indo-Portuguese Museum, and Marine Drive. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, one of India’s most famous classical dances. The performance features lavish costumes, elaborate makeup, and expressive movements, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Kochi Airport to board your flight for your onward journey or return 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.
• Local English speaking guide at Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai and Kochi.
(Other than English guide subject to availability at additional cost)
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
MeatTransportation 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.
• 12 Nights accommodation based on double / twin sharing basis.
• Assistance during arrival and departure by G Experiences.
• All transfers including airport transfers by an AC vehicle.
• Daily breakfast at Hotel.
• Local English speaking guide at Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai and Kochi.
(Other than English guide subject to availability at additional cost)
• 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.
Why book with TravelShop Booking
Cancellation Policy
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