Discover Southern India on this 9-day tour travelling from Chennai to Kochi, taking in some exquisite UNESCO listed temples in the state of Tamil Nadu. Visit the picturesque former hill station of Munnar and its tea plantations before ending in the idyllic coastal town of Kochi, full of history and fantastic flavours.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Chennai
Sunday. Welcome to South India! On arrival in Chennai you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore the city at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
Overnight: Chennai
Mahabalipuram sightseeing
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry. This morning we depart Chennai and travel south to the French colonial city of Pondicherry. French rule lasted here until 1954 and the influence is still clear in the city's architecture.
En-route we will visit Mahabalipuram, the beautiful 7th century Shore Temple, so-named because of its location on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. We continue to the magnificent bas-relief carving, Arjuna's Penance and the incredible Five Ratha's. This UNESCO-listed site is made up of five different temples, all carved individually from separate rocks. The temples lay hidden under sand until the British rediscovered them 200 years ago. We continue on to Pondicehrry where we will spend the next two nights.
Overnight: Pondicherry | Breakfast
Pondicherry
Pondicherry. Today we explore the highlights of Pondicherry including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram spiritual community and Pondicherry Beach, with it's beautiful golden sand and lapping waves. Finally, we explore the striking Sacred Heart Basilica, a famous Christian pilgrimage site. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight: Pondicherry | Breakfast
Temples & Tanjore
Pondicherry - Tanjore. After breakfast we head away from the coastal Pondicherry to an important centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture - Tanjore (Thanjavur). We discover the ancient, fortified town of Tanjore, with a guided tour exploring the glorious history dating back more than 1,500 years. Take in the enormous Brihadishwara Temple. This temple is over 1000 years old and the dome on top is thought to have been hauled up in a similar way to the construction of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Overnight: Tanjore | Breakfast
Chettinad
Tanjore - Chettinad. Today we travel to Chettinad which is renowned across India for its unique and spectacular combination of flavourful cuisine, yet few venture to this sleepy, tranquil village. Explore the crumbling Chettinad Palace and the famous tile factory in Athangudi, where your guide will explain how the renowned handmade terracotta tiles of Chettinad are crafted and readied.
Overnight: Chettinad | Breakfast, Dinner
Madurai sightseeing & Evening Aarti Ceremony
Chettinad – Madurai. Departing Chettinad we continue onwards to Madurai, where we enjoy a half day guided tour taking in the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. This grand palace is known for the giant circular pillars in its courtyard and dates back to the 17th century. We continue to the famous rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan. According to a famous Hindu legend, this is where Murugan slayed the demon Surapadman. Finally, we join an Aarti prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. The ceremony involves the lighting of candles and songs being sung in praise of the gods.
Overnight: Madurai | Breakfast
Munnar Tea Plantations
Madurai - Munnar. Leave Madurai today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar, surrounded by sprawling tea plantations. We take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation and visit a local market, before the rest of the day is free to relax as you please. You may wish to visit the nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in the stunning surrounds.
Overnight: Munnar | Breakfast
Free day in Kochi
Munnar - Kochi. Today we continue on to Kochi, our final destination in South India. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is free to explore the city at your own leisure. This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and make up and they always put on a fantastic show.
Overnight: Kochi | Breakfast
Kochi
Monday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
Breakfast
PREFER A PRIVATE TOUR OR TO EXTEND YOUR STAY?
• This tour can be arranged exclusively for you and your family or friends on a private basis, by paying a private tour supplement. Please contact us for details.
• Extend your stay in this vibrant country, view our selection of add-ons and short stays.
• For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our dedicated travel guide.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Residency, Chennai
The Residency is a smart and modern hotel with a good choice of restaurants and bars. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and modern in decor. The fitness centre although small, has a good array of fitness machines.
Hotel GRT Grand, Chennai
In the heart of Chennai, the GRT Grand is a luxurious hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms feature some fantastic comforts including jetted baths, free Wi-Fi internet and state of the art LCD TVs. The hotel also boasts 3 delicious restaurants and an on site full service spa and indoor pool. Well located close to the Ramee Shopping Mall SDAT Tennis Stadium.
Hotel Atithi, Pondicherry
With its great selection of facilities, this modern hotel has marked itself one of the finest hotels in Pondicherry. Each room is fully equipped with all the essential amenities, with the added perks of 24-hour room service and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy the in-house gym, rejuvenating spa and an outdoor pool offering amazing views over the city. There are plenty of options when it comes to dining, with a lounge bar, two multi-cuisine restaurants and a fun-filled rooftop bar. If that wasn’t enough, Hotel Atithi is also well-located close to many of the top attractions in this heritage city.
Hotel Sangam, Thanjavur
Set among the historic temples of Thanjavur, Hotel Sangam offers you a peaceful and comfortable stay. Its guestrooms are spacious and feature modern interiors with large windows allowing for plenty of natural light. Enjoy local and international cuisine at the Thillana Restaurant, where you’ll find both guests and locals alike, or opt for a light snack and cool beer in the Layam Bar. An outdoor pool serves the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of sightseeing. And you can always expect a warm greeting from staff, who are more than happy to share their knowledge of the area.
Chidambara Vilas, Chettinad
Chidambara Vilas is a heritage property tucked away in the rustic Chettinad region, renowned worldwide for its famous Chettinad cuisine. The culture, heritage and opulence of the beautiful heritage hotel takes you to the bygone era. The property offers 25 guest rooms, recreating the ambience of authentic Chettiar lifestyles reflected in its furnishings and with modern day comfort's such as air-conditioning. The property also features a swimming pool, the perfect spot to relax and recharge in a quiet atmosphere.
JC Residency, Madurai
The JC Residency is ideally located in a serene part of Madurai, offering Heritage styling throughout the hotel. Guest rooms feature contemporary decor and generous space and modern facilities including LCD TV, high speed Wi-Fi connectivity, electronic safes and well-equipped bathrooms. Hotel facilities also include an outdoor swimming pool and gym.
Amber Dale Munnar, Munnar
Experience a stay of comfort and convenience at Amber Dale Munnar, where complimentary WiFi and an inviting restaurant await. The property offers a children's playground and fitness center, ensuring entertainment for all. Rooms are well-appointed, each with a private bathroom, free toiletries and a hairdryer. All include amenities like a kettle and flat-screen TV. A 24-hour front desk is ready to assist, while the hotel also offers a serene garden and a games room, creating a well-rounded retreat for guests seeking relaxation or entertainment.
Trident Hotel Kochi, Kochi
Nestled serenely on Willingdon Island, Trident boasts an array of indulgent amenities, including an Ayurvedic spa, an inviting outdoor pool, and a modern fitness center. From the comfort of its air-conditioned guestrooms and suites, adorned with picturesque garden or pool views, guests revel in modern comforts like satellite TV and minibars, with suites offering the added luxury of separate living spaces. Dining at its four restaurants promises a culinary voyage, from the flavours of Indian and Continental cuisine at Travancore to the seasonal seafood delights of The Seafood Grill.
At a Glance
