Best of South India Tour Packages – Tamil Nadu & Kerala

A private journey through temple towns, hill stations, and Kerala’s backwaters

Ultimate South India Temple, Heritage & Kerala Journey - 18 Days

This journey has been designed for travelers who want to experience South India in depth rather than simply move between attractions. Beginning on the historic Coromandel Coast, the route explores ancient temple towns, UNESCO-listed monuments, colonial heritage, vibrant markets, spice plantations, tea-covered mountains, and Kerala's peaceful backwaters. The pace is deliberately balanced, allowing time to absorb each destination while enjoying the remarkable changes in culture, architecture, cuisine, and landscapes that define South India.

• Day 01: Arrival in Chennai – Welcome to South India. Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, meet your private chauffeur and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and adjust after your international journey. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a gentle introduction to the city with an evening walk along Marina Beach or dinner at a traditional South Indian restaurant. Overnight stay in Chennai.
• Day 02: Discover Chennai – Spend the day exploring Chennai's cultural heart. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple in historic Mylapore, where temple rituals continue much as they have for centuries. Explore local neighborhoods, bustling flower markets, and Marina Beach. Chennai offers an authentic introduction to South Indian life, where tradition and modernity coexist naturally. Overnight stay in Chennai.
• Day 03: Chennai → Mahabalipuram – Drive south along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram (approx. 2 hrs). Explore the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance, masterpieces of Pallava architecture carved from granite over 1,300 years ago. In the evening, enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage town. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
• Day 04: Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry – Continue along the Bay of Bengal coast toward Pondicherry (approx. 2.5 hrs). French colonial buildings, seaside promenades, colorful cafés, and quiet boulevards create a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in India. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming French Quarter. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
• Day 05: Pondicherry Exploration – Enjoy a relaxed day discovering Pondicherry at your own pace. Walk through heritage streets lined with mustard-colored colonial villas, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, browse local boutiques, and enjoy the town's renowned café culture. This slower day creates a pleasant contrast before returning to Tamil Nadu's temple heartland. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
• Day 06: Pondicherry → Thanjavur – Leave the coast behind and travel into the fertile Cauvery Delta, often called the cultural heartland of Tamil Nadu (approx. 5 hrs). Arrive in Thanjavur and visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of India's greatest architectural achievements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
• Day 07: Thanjavur → Trichy – After breakfast, drive to Trichy (approx. 1.5 hrs). Visit the Rock Fort Temple for panoramic city views before exploring Srirangam, one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world. More than a monument, Srirangam feels like a living city centered around faith and tradition. Overnight stay in Trichy.
• Day 08: Trichy → Madurai – Continue south to Madurai (approx. 4 hrs), one of India's oldest living cities. In the evening, visit the remarkable Meenakshi Amman Temple as devotional chants, lamps, and ceremonies create an unforgettable atmosphere. Overnight stay in Madurai.
• Day 09: Madurai Cultural Experience – Spend a full day discovering Madurai beyond the temple complex. Visit the vibrant flower market, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, traditional trading streets, and local neighborhoods. Madurai rewards travelers who take time to experience its daily life, markets, and living traditions. Overnight stay in Madurai.
• Day 10: Madurai → Thekkady – Leave Tamil Nadu behind and enter Kerala's Western Ghats (approx. 4–5 hrs). The scenery changes dramatically as forests, spice plantations, and mountain landscapes begin to dominate the route. Arrive in Thekkady, Kerala's famous spice-growing region. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
• Day 11: Periyar & Spice Plantation Experience – Explore the Periyar region at a leisurely pace. Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, visit a spice plantation, and learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves that have shaped Kerala's history and economy for centuries. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
• Day 12: Thekkady → Munnar – Travel deeper into the Western Ghats toward Munnar (approx. 4 hrs). The drive is among the most scenic in South India, passing waterfalls, forests, valleys, and endless tea plantations. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 13: Munnar Sightseeing – Discover the natural beauty of Munnar, known for its rolling tea estates and cool mountain climate. Visit Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and local tea plantations. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 14: Munnar at Leisure – Enjoy a slower day in the hills. Take in panoramic viewpoints, visit tea estates, enjoy nature walks, or simply relax amid the peaceful mountain scenery. This extra day allows you to experience Munnar beyond a standard sightseeing schedule. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 15: Munnar → Alleppey Houseboat – Descend from the mountains toward Kerala's famous backwaters (approx. 5–6 hrs). Board your traditional houseboat and begin cruising through coconut-lined canals, lagoons, and village waterways. As the sun sets over the backwaters, enjoy dinner onboard. Overnight stay on houseboat.
• Day 16: Alleppey → Kochi – After breakfast onboard, disembark and drive to Kochi (approx. 1.5–2 hrs). Spend the afternoon exploring Fort Kochi's historic streets, art galleries, cafés, and waterfront promenades. Overnight stay in Kochi.
• Day 17: Kochi Heritage Exploration – Discover Kochi's fascinating maritime history through visits to the Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Quarter, St. Francis Church, and old spice trading districts. The city's blend of Indian, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences creates a unique cultural atmosphere. Overnight stay in Kochi.
• Day 18: Departure from Kochi – After breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of South India's temple cities, cultural heritage, mountain landscapes, spice plantations, tea gardens, backwaters, and coastal history.

*Driving times are approximate and may vary due to traffic, weather, road conditions, and sightseeing stops during the journey.

Best of South India Tour – Inclusions

This journey is designed to keep your travel experience comfortable and well-supported, so you can focus on exploring South India without worrying about logistics.

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur for all transfers and intercity travel
• Handpicked stays across luxury, boutique, and heritage hotels for a consistent travel experience
• Daily breakfast included, with meals arranged wherever required in the itinerary
• Local English-speaking guides at key cultural and heritage destinations
• All airport/railway transfers along with tolls, parking, and applicable taxes

*Inclusions may vary slightly depending on hotel category, customization, and final itinerary design.

Flexible Customization Options

Every traveler experiences South India differently, so this itinerary is fully flexible and can be adjusted to match your pace and interests.

• Extend stays in Munnar, Ooty, Coorg, or Wayanad for deeper hill experiences
• Upgrade to premium resorts or heritage-style accommodations
• Add Ayurveda treatments, spa breaks, or wellness retreats in Kerala
• Adjust route, duration, or starting/ending city as needed
• Include wildlife safaris, beach stays, or extended backwater cruises

Best Time to Travel

• October – March: Best overall season for temples, sightseeing, and Kerala backwaters
• April – June: Ideal for hill stations with cooler mountain weather
• July – September: Monsoon season with lush landscapes and fewer crowds

Each season offers a different version of South India—from cultural vibrancy and festivals to misty hills and peaceful backwaters.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is this tour?
  The standard journey is around 20–21 days, but it can be customized shorter or longer.
• Is this suitable for first-time visitors?
  Yes, it is designed to balance culture, nature, temples, and relaxation.
• Can I customize hotels and route?
  Yes, everything from hotels to itinerary flow can be tailored.
• Are Kerala houseboats included?
  Yes, private houseboat stays in Alleppey or Kumarakom are part of the experience.
• Is transport included throughout?
  Yes, private chauffeur-driven transport is provided for the entire journey.

Why Travel With Us

• Thoughtfully designed private journeys focused on real travel experience
• Reliable chauffeurs and experienced local guides across all destinations
• Carefully selected stays for comfort, character, and location
• Transparent planning with no hidden costs or surprises
• End-to-end support from planning to trip completion

The focus is simple—smooth travel, meaningful experiences, and a well-paced journey through South India.