South India Tour
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Periyar - Alleppey - Cochin
Overview
Experience the magnificent sweep of South India on this comprehensive 15-day tour. Journey through ancient Dravidian temple towns, French colonial Pondicherry, Chola kingdom capitals, spice-laden wildlife sanctuaries, legendary Kerala backwaters, and the vibrant port city of Cochin.
Top Stops on This Journey
Popular destinations you'll explore across this 15-day itinerary
Chennai
Why you'll love it
Tanjore
Why you'll love it
Cochin
Why you'll love it
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Chennai
Arrival at Chennai airport, meet and assist by our representative, proceed to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
- Airport welcome
- Hotel check-in
Chennai
After breakfast leave for a city tour of Madras visiting the Museum to see the Art and Bronze Gallery (Closed on Fridays and Public holidays). Drive through the Flower and Fruit market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral, and Snake Park. Overnight stay at the hotel.
- Art & Bronze Gallery
- Marina Beach
- Santhome Cathedral
- Snake Park
Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (138 Kms / 2½ hrs)
After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram on the way visiting Kanchipuram — an ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as the city of 1,000 Temples. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also renowned for its silks. On arrival at Mahabalipuram, check-in at hotel.
- Kanchipuram silk city
- Ekambaswara & Kailasanatha temples
- Mahabalipuram check-in
Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, visit Mahabalipuram, popular for the Seven Pagodas. On the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock-hewn temples which are prime examples of Dravidian-style architecture. Overnight at hotel.
- Seven Pagodas
- Shore temples (UNESCO)
- Dravidian rock architecture
Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (106 Kms / 1½ hrs)
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry, this erstwhile French colony on the east coast of South India. Visit Auroville — a unique experiment in international living where people of all nationalities live together in harmony. Overnight stay at hotel.
- Pondicherry French quarter
- Auroville international township
Pondicherry – Tanjore (196 Kms / 5 hrs)
After breakfast, head towards Tanjore via Chidambaram. On arrival, check-in at hotel. In the afternoon visit Tanjore, once the capital of Chola Kings, featuring the Brahadeswara Temple (the "Big Temple"). Overnight at hotel.
- Chidambaram en route
- Brahadeswara Temple
- Chola capital heritage
Tanjore – Trichy (60 Kms / 1½ hrs)
After breakfast drive to Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) on the banks of the Kaveri River. Visit the famous Rock Fort and its temple at a height of over 23 metres. Also visit Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple. Overnight stay at hotel.
- Rock Fort Temple
- Srirangam temple complex
- Jambukeshwar Temple
Trichy – Madurai (60 Kms / 1½ hrs)
After breakfast drive to Madurai. Check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
- Drive to Madurai
- Hotel check-in
Madurai
After breakfast proceed for a city tour with a visit to Sri Meenakshi Temple. Also visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Museum, and Thiruparangundram. (Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed in the inner sanctum). Overnight in Madurai.
- Sri Meenakshi Temple
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
- Gandhi Museum
Madurai – Periyar (160 Kms / 3–4 hrs)
In the morning head to Periyar. On arrival transfer to hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on the lake to view wildlife — elephants, tiger, sambar, barking deer, lion-tailed macaque and rich birdlife on a government-run boat ride. Overnight in Periyar.
- Periyar Wildlife boat ride
- Elephants & wildlife spotting
Periyar
After breakfast, spice plantations tour. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
- Spice plantation tour
- Afternoon leisure
Periyar – Alleppey (90 Kms / 02 hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Alleppey. Check in to houseboat by noon for cruising through the legendary backwaters of Kerala. Witness the full range of village life and mind-boggling sceneries — overnight in houseboat.
- Kerala backwaters cruise
- Houseboat overnight
- Village life
Alleppey – Cochin (53 Kms / 01 hr)
After breakfast in the houseboat, disembark at Alleppey and leave for Cochin. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
- Disembark houseboat
- Drive to Cochin
Cochin
After breakfast, city tour of Cochin. Visit the natural harbour, Jewish Synagogue, Portuguese churches, Mattancherry Palace, and watch the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight at hotel.
- Jewish Synagogue
- Mattancherry Palace
- Chinese Fishing Nets
Cochin – Departure
After breakfast, on time transfer to airport to embark on flight for onward destination.
- Breakfast
- Airport departure transfer
What's Included
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing (14 nights)
- Daily breakfast; all meals on houseboat
- Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
- Local English-speaking guide at each place (or accompanying guide for groups of 6+)
- All applicable taxes
Not Included
- Personal expenses (telephone, laundry, alcohol)
- International airfare, visa, travel insurance
- Airport tax
- Extra meals other than specified
- Camera/video fees
- Monument entrance fees
- Tips & porterage
Starting from
AUD $2,580
per person
Free personalised itinerary planning