South India Heritage Trail: Tamil Nadu & Kerala Explorer
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
Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey across South and West India, beginning in Mumbai, where you explore the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, and iconic landmarks. Fly to Chennai to experience its rich cultural heritage, visiting ancient temples, Fort St. George, Marina Beach, and vibrant local attractions. Journey through Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, marveling at centuries-old temples, Shore Temple, and Pancha Pandava Rathas, before heading to Kumbakonam and Thanjavur to witness majestic temples, palaces, and historical monuments. Continue to Trichy, Chettinad, and Madurai, exploring temples, palaces, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and the Meenakshi Temple’s evening prayer ceremony. Experience the wildlife and scenic beauty of Periyar/Thekkady with bamboo rafting, elephant safaris, and forest walks. Conclude with a serene Alleppey houseboat cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, followed by Cochin sightseeing, including Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, and a captivating Kathakali dance performance. This tour combines culture, history, wildlife, and scenic landscapes for an immersive Indian experience.
Route
Starts from
Mumbai
Ends in
Cochin International Airport
Pickup Location
Mumbai
Dropoff Location
Cochin International Airport
What makes this tour special
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, our representative will greet and assist you. You will then be transferred to your pre-booked hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day guided tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves (closed on Mondays), Gandhi Memorial, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens, Jain Temples, Kamla Nehru Garden, and Juhu Chowpatty. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Mumbai Airport to board your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, our representative will assist you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day guided tour of 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, Kalakshetra, and Theosophical Society. Also explore the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, as well as the famous Marina Beach (the second largest urban beach in the world) and Elliots Beach. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Mahabalipuram, with an en-route visit to Kanchipuram, the city of 1,000 temples and one of the seven sacred Hindu cities in India. Explore Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Ulagalanda Perumal Temple, which houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu. After completing your visit to Kanchipuram, continue the drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. Visit Thirukadalmallai, Shore Temple, Pancha Pandava Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, the Caves, Krishna’s Butterball, and the India Seashell Museum. Also explore Mahabalipuram Beach, enjoying the views of the Shore Temple and opportunities for surfing. After completing the sightseeing tour, continue the drive to Kumbakonam. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kumbakonam, famous for its temples and mathas (monasteries), with around 188 Hindu temples. Visit Shri Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. After completing the tour of Kumbakonam, drive to Thanjavur and explore Schwartz Memorial & Church, Sivaganga Garden, Lord Murugan Temple, Brihadeeswara Temple, and Thanjavur Maratha Palace. After sightseeing in Thanjavur, continue the drive to Trichy. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Madurai, with an en-route visit to Chettinad. Explore Chettinad Maharaja's Palace and Lord Ganesha Temple at Kundrakudi. Also visit Alagar Malai Temple before reaching Madurai. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, proceed for a guided tour of Madurai, visiting Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. End the day by experiencing the evening prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, covering 777 sq. km (300 sq. miles) and is a designated Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. 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 activities available in Periyar. Also experience an elephant safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Alleppey to enjoy a houseboat journey through the backwaters. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked houseboat. Cruise through the backwaters and lagoons of Alappuzha, enjoying lunch and dinner on board. In the evening, take a walk around the local streets of Alappuzha.
Overnight at Houseboat.
After breakfast on the houseboat, check out and drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, proceed for a guided tour of Cochin, visiting 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, featuring lavish costumes, elaborate makeup, and expressive gestures.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Cochin Airport to board your flight to your next destination or home.
Trip includes
Included
Accommodation at good 3 Star hotels based on Double / Twin Sharing basis
• 2 Nights in Mumbai
• 2 Nights in Chennai
• 1 Night in Mahabalipuram
• 1 Night in Kumbakonam
• 1 Night in Trichy
• 1 Night in Madurai
• 2 Nights in Periyar
• 1 Night in Alleppey
• 1 Night in Cochin
Check In : 1400 Hrs / Check Out : 1200 Hrs
Early check in and late Check out are subject to availability.
• Local English speaking guide at Mumbai, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai and Cochin.
(Other languages guides are available on additional charges)
Guiding Method
Fully guided
English
French
German
Spanish
Italian• 12 Breakfast at Hotels
• 1 Dinner at Houseboat
• 1 Breakfast at Houseboat
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.
• Daily breakfast at hotel.
• All sightseeing including airport transfers by an AC vehicle.
• Local English speaking guide at Mumbai, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai and Cochin.
(Other languages guides are available on additional charges)
• Enjoy a boat ride at Preiyar Lake.
• One mineral water bottle per person per day.
• All currently applicable taxes including GST.
Excluded
• Flights from Mumbai to Chennai
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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Cancellation Policy
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