South India Heritage & Backwaters Trails

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day guided tour of Chennai. Visit the famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, and Ramakrishna Math. Explore Fort St. George (the oldest fort in Chennai), the National Art Gallery, and St. Mary's Church. Continue your tour with visits to Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Birla Planetarium, Kalakshetra Foundation, and the Theosophical Society Adyar. You will also see the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and Legislative Assembly, and enjoy time at the famous Marina Beach (one of the longest urban beaches 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 Mahabalipuram. En route, visit Kanchipuram, known as the “City of a Thousand Temples” and one of the seven sacred Hindu cities in India. During your visit to Kanchipuram, explore the famous Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, which houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu. After completing your sightseeing in Kanchipuram, continue your drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. Visit Thirukadalmallai Temple, Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, the ancient cave temples, Krishna's Butterball, and the India Seashell Museum. Also enjoy time at Mahabalipuram Beach, known for its scenic views of the Shore Temple and surfing activities. After completing your sightseeing in Mahabalipuram, continue your drive to Kumbakonam. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kumbakonam, a town renowned for its numerous temples and mathas (monasteries), with around 188 Hindu temples. Visit the magnificent Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After completing your visit in Kumbakonam, drive to Thanjavur. Here, explore the Schwartz Church, Sivaganga Park, Brihadeeswarar Temple, and the historic Thanjavur Maratha Palace. After finishing your sightseeing in Thanjavur, continue your drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Madurai. En route, visit the Chettinad region, known for its grand heritage mansions. Explore the Chettinad Palace (also known as the Chettinad Maharaja’s Palace) and the Kundrakudi Murugan Temple. You will also visit Alagar Koyil (Alagar Malai Temple) before proceeding to Madurai. Upon arrival in Madurai, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an 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 the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple, the majestic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. Continue your sightseeing with visits to Adi Chokkanathar Temple, Subramaniya Swamy Temple, and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. You will also explore Samanar Hills (also known as Samanar Malai or Amanarmalai) at Keelakuilkudi. In the evening, experience the traditional prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Thekkady (Periyar). Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, covering approximately 777 sq. km (300 sq. miles) and designated as a Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. Later, proceed for a half-day tour of Periyar. Enjoy activities such as bamboo rafting and border hiking, which are unique programs offered in the sanctuary. You may also opt for an elephant safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Kumarakom, known as the “Town of Backwaters.” Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. After some time to refresh, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kumarakom. Visit the scenic Vembanad Lake, the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, the tranquil Kumarakom Backwaters, and the 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 Alappuzha (Alleppey) to enjoy a memorable backwater houseboat experience. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked houseboat for an overnight stay. Cruise through the serene backwaters and lagoons of Alappuzha, enjoying the scenic beauty of palm-fringed canals and village life along the shores. Lunch and dinner will be served on board the houseboat. In the evening, you may take a short walk around the local streets (subject to the houseboat’s docking location and schedule).

Overnight at Houseboat.

After breakfast on the houseboat, check out and drive to Kochi (Cochin). Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. After some time to refresh, proceed for a guided tour of Cochin. Visit Fort Kochi, the Dutch Palace, the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, Indo-Portuguese Museum, and enjoy a stroll along Marine Drive. In the evening, experience a traditional Kathakali Dance Show, one of India’s most famous classical dances, known for its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup and masks, and expressive storytelling.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to airport to board your flight for your onward journey or return home.