Temples & Backwater Tour of South India

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Later, visit Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, the Government Museum, and enjoy an evening stroll along Marina Beach. Overnight at the hotel in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

Drive: Approx. 130 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, visiting Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Continue to Mahabalipuram to explore the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and the Pancha Rathas. Overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

Drive: Approx. 100 km | 2.5 hrs

After breakfast, drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Pondicherry. Explore the charming French Quarter, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, and the town's colonial cafés and boutiques. Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry – Thanjavur

Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur. En route, visit the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. Continue to Thanjavur and check in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Thanjavur – Trichy

Drive: Approx. 60 km | 1.5 hrs

After breakfast, visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, followed by Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery. Continue to Trichy and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rock Fort Temple, and Jambukeshwara Temple. Overnight at the hotel in Trichy.

Day 6: Trichy – Madurai

Drive: Approx. 130 km | 3 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and explore Madurai's vibrant local markets. Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

Day 7: Madurai – Munnar

Drive: Approx. 170 km | 5 hrs

After breakfast, drive through scenic mountain roads to Munnar. Visit Attukal Waterfalls, explore tea plantations, spice gardens, and local markets before checking in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Munnar.

Day 8: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, the Tea Museum, and Top Station, offering spectacular views of the Western Ghats. Overnight at the hotel in Munnar.

Day 9: Munnar – Thekkady

Drive: Approx. 90 km | 3 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady. Visit a spice plantation, followed by an evening Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.

Day 10: Thekkady Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, with opportunities to spot elephants, deer, and exotic birdlife. Later, explore spice markets and local villages. Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.

Day 11: Thekkady – Alleppey (Houseboat)

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board your private traditional houseboat. Cruise through Kerala's tranquil backwaters while enjoying delicious Kerala cuisine, picturesque canals, coconut groves, and village life. Overnight aboard the houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey – Cochin

Drive: Approx. 60 km | 1.5 hrs

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, Paradesi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and explore the spice markets of Fort Kochi. Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.

Day 13: Cochin – Kovalam

Drive: Approx. 200 km | 5 hrs

After breakfast, drive to the beautiful beach destination of Kovalam. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, or exploring the local seaside markets. Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Day 14: Kovalam & Trivandrum Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum. Visit the Napier Museum, Kuthira Malika Palace, Sree Chitra Art Gallery, and the magnificent Padmanabhapuram Palace before returning to Kovalam. Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Day 15: Kovalam – Trivandrum Departure

Drive: Approx. 16 km | 30 mins

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward journey, concluding your unforgettable South India experience.