Southern Sojourn: Temples, Hills and Backwaters
South India is the seat of the ancient Dravidian civilization, and the people take pride in their tradition and culture. This is evident in their lifestyle- be it food, clothing, language, regional festivals or religion. The long coastline and forested hills form a stunning backdrop. The people are friendly and educated and can converse in English. The coconuts are plentiful, and the seafood is fresh! This fifteen day itinerary provides some of the best experiences on offer from the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
ITINERARY (14 nights)
Day 1: Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Arrive at Chennai and transfer directly to your hotel in the temple town of Mahabalipuram. Evening free to explore. Overnight Mahabalipuram.
Day 2: Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram
Take a full day tour, starting with the ancient town of Kanchipuram, well known for its Hindu temples as well as its silk saris. Then visit the beautiful shore temples of Mahabalipuram. You also have the option to visit Chennai, if you wish. Overnight Mahabalipuram.
Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
After breakfast drive approximately 100 km to Pondicherry. Check in at the hotel. Go out and explore this charming French town. Overnight Pondicherry.
Day 4: Pondicherry
Sightseeing of Pondicherry. You could also visit the famous Aurobindo ashram. Overnight Pondicherry.
Day 5: Pondicherry - Tanjore
Depart early in the afternoon and drive 180 km to Tanjore, a major centre of South Indian culture. Check into your hotel. Overnight Tanjore.
Day 6: Tanjore
Sightseeing of Tanjore, including the massive Brihadeeswara Temple, a stellar example of South Indian temple architecture. Overnight Tanjore.
Day 7: Tanjore - Madurai
Drive from Tanjore to Madurai, about 160 km. Check into your hotel. Visit the incredible Meenakshi Temple, around which the ancient city was built. The temple has over 30,000 sculptures! Overnight Madurai.
Day 8: Madurai
Sightseeing of Madurai- one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on Earth. Overnight Madurai.
Day 9: Madurai - Kodaikanal
Drive 120 km from Madurai to the hill station of Kodaikanal, at 2100 metres above sea level. This is a popular summer retreat in Tamil Nadu. Overnight Kodaikanal.
Day 10: Kodaikanal
Sightseeing of Kodaikanal and the surrounding forests and countryside. Overnight Kodaikanal.
Day 11: Kodaikanal - Kumarakom
Drive approximately 180 km from Kodaikanal to Kumarakom, descending from 2100 metres to sea level. Kumarakom is in the state of Kerala, rather aptly known as God's own country. Check into your hotel. Overnight Kumarakom.
Day 12: Kumarakom
Explore the dreamy village of Kumarakom which is integrated with Lake Vembanad and the backwaters. This is a laid-back, lovely place with coconut trees, tropical islands and a rich marine and bird life. Overnight Kumarakom.
Day 13: Houseboat
Take your overnight backwater cruise in a kettuvallam, a traditional rice boat, now reborn as a luxurious houseboat. Overnight on the houseboat.
Day 14: Cochin
After breakfast disembark from your boat and drive from Kumarakom to Cochin, barely 50 km away. Check into your hotel and see the sights of the port city. Overnight Cochin.
Day 15: Cochin and onward
Take your morning or afternoon flight from Cochin to your next destination.
RELATED TOURS
Southern Comfort
Kabini River Lodge
Tour cost
Prices start from 2200$ per person on twin sharing basis
Booking & Cancellation Policy
What's included
Meet and assist at arrival and departure
14 nights' accommodation with breakfast and taxes
Intercity travel by private a/c car with driver, fuel, tolls and taxes
Overnight backwater cruise with all meals included
What's not
Meals other than breakfast and full board on overnight cruise
Personal expenses like telephone calls, laundry, beverages, etc
Entrances and camera fees at monuments
Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides and hotel staff
GST @ 5%
DESTINATION GUIDE
The seaside town of Mahabalipuram is a historical World Heritage Site famous for its rock-cut shore temples. The carvings depict scenes from the Mahabharata . Among them is Arjuna's Penance (aka Descent of the Ganges), an immense and intricate bas relief from the 7th century. Mahabalipuram also has options for bike trips, fishing trips, boat rides and trekking.
Read more >