Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Your South India adventure begins with a warm welcome at Chennai airport, where our representative will assist you with a smooth transfer to your hotel. After checking in, embark on a city tour to explore Chennai’s rich cultural and historical landmarks. Drive past the iconic Madras High Court with its Indo-Saracenic architecture and the elegant Ripon Building, combining Gothic and Corinthian styles. Visit Fort St. George, a historic British-era fortress housing St. Mary’s Church and the Fort Museum, offering a glimpse into colonial history. Continue to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an intricately designed shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, and conclude your day at the Government Museum, home to diverse collections of art, archaeology, and anthropology.

Day 2: Chennai to Mahabalipuram (120kms)

After breakfast, depart for Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its rock-cut temples and sculptures. En route, stop at Kanchipuram, the "City of Thousand Temples," known for its exquisite silk sarees and rich temple heritage. Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram, check into your hotel and prepare for an afternoon of sightseeing. Explore the Group of Monuments, including the iconic Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna Mandapam, each showcasing exquisite rock-cut artistry and intricate carvings. Immerse yourself in the ancient stories and architectural brilliance that define this historic coastal town.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (120kms)

Today, travel to Pondicherry, a serene coastal town with a unique blend of French and Indian influences. After checking into your hotel, start exploring the city’s spiritual and cultural highlights. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a tranquil spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo and his disciple, The Mother. Discover Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace and unity, and take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade Beach, enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Explore the French Quarter, where colonial architecture, vibrant cafes, and boutique shops reflect the town’s unique heritage.

Day 4: Pondicherry to Thanjavur via Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram (180kms)

Depart for Thanjavur, the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu,” renowned for its ancient temples and cultural treasures. En route, visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its grand architecture and spiritual significance. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a historic temple town featuring the magnificent Brihadishvara Temple built by the Chola dynasty. Explore the intricately carved Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifying Dravidian artistry. Arrive in Thanjavur, check into your hotel, and unwind after a day filled with architectural marvels.

Day 5: Thanjavur to Chettinad (140kms)

Begin the day with a visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of India’s largest temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing grand Dravidian architecture. Explore Vijayanagar Fort and the Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to ancient manuscripts and art collections. Later, drive to Chettinad, famed for its culinary legacy, traditional mansions, and vibrant culture. En route, stop in Trichy to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rock Fort Temple, and Jambukeswarar Temple, each remarkable for their architectural and spiritual significance. Upon arrival in Chettinad, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 6: Chettinad to Madurai (90kms)

After breakfast, explore Chettinad’s cultural heritage by visiting the opulent Chettinad Palace, the Athangudi Tile Factory producing vibrant handmade tiles, and local markets showcasing regional crafts and cuisine. Later, drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities and a cultural hub. Check into your hotel before visiting the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Spend the evening soaking in the spiritual ambiance and intricate artistry of this historic city.

Day 7: Madurai to Munnar (160kms)

Travel to Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, famous for its lush tea plantations and serene landscapes. Upon arrival, explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and diverse flora. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about Munnar’s rich history of tea cultivation and processing. Enjoy a leisurely stroll among the sprawling tea gardens, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and capture the scenic beauty that makes Munnar a perfect hill retreat. Relax in the evening amid the tranquil surroundings of your hotel.

Day 8: Munnar to Alleppey (165kms)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, famously known as the “Venice of the East,” for a mesmerizing backwater experience. Board a traditional houseboat and embark on a cruise through the tranquil waterways of Kerala. Witness the lush landscapes, observe the local life along the canals, and indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine freshly prepared on board. Relax on the deck as you drift through the serene backwaters, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and starry night sky. This overnight stay on the houseboat offers a unique and unforgettable experience of Kerala’s natural beauty.

Day 9: Alleppey to Cochin (60kms)

Disembark after breakfast and drive to Cochin, a vibrant port city blending history and modernity. Check into your hotel and explore the city’s cultural landmarks. Visit Fort Kochi with its colonial architecture and bustling Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) with exquisite murals, St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, and the Jewish Synagogue adorned with hand-painted tiles and Belgian chandeliers. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a captivating art form depicting epic tales through elaborate costumes, expressive gestures, and intricate makeup.

Day 10: Cochin Departure

After breakfast, complete check-out formalities and enjoy a timely transfer to Cochin airport for your onward journey. Reflect on a memorable trip exploring South India’s diverse cultural heritage, historic temples, stunning backwaters, and scenic hill stations. Depart with cherished memories, a deeper appreciation for regional architecture, art, and traditions, and the anticipation of returning to explore more of India’s enchanting southern landscapes.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 9 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.

- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

Hotels used or similar for 9 nights accommodation

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Mahabalipuram x 1 night
3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort
4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thnjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Chettinad x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Munnar x 1 night
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

- Any flight tickets.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.