South India Ancient Temple Tour – 14 Nights / 15 Days

Ancient Chola Temples, Kerala Backwaters and Kovalam Beach

Chennai • Mahabalipuram • Thanjavur • Madurai • Periyar • Alleppey • Cochin • Kovalam

South India Ancient Temple Tour – 15 Days Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Chennai – Arrive in Chennai, the cultural gateway to South India, where ancient traditions and modern city life sit side by side. After a warm airport welcome, transfer to your hotel and rest after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening nearby or a short walk along Marina Beach to feel the coastal energy of the city. Overnight in Chennai.
• Day 2: Chennai Sightseeing – After breakfast, explore Chennai's spiritual and colonial heritage. Visit the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, where flower sellers, temple bells and devotional music create an atmosphere rooted in local culture. Continue to Fort St. George, San Thome Basilica and the peaceful grounds of the Theosophical Society. Along the way, enjoy Chennai's everyday rhythm of busy markets, roadside filter coffee and traditional restaurants serving fresh dosa and idli. Overnight in Chennai.
• Day 3: Chennai → Kanchipuram → Mahabalipuram (Approx. 145 km / 4–5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities, known for its temples and silk weaving. Visit ancient shrines including the Ekambareswarar and Kailasanatha temples, and see local pilgrims and daily rituals. Continue to the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, once an important seaport of the Pallava dynasty, where fishing villages, stone-carving workshops and sea breezes set a more relaxed mood. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
• Day 4: Mahabalipuram Sightseeing – After breakfast, explore the UNESCO-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram, known for rock-cut temples and detailed stone carvings made more than 1,300 years ago. Visit the Shore Temple overlooking the sea, the Five Rathas and Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest stone bas-reliefs in the world. Mahabalipuram is still a working artisan town, where sculptors continue carving techniques passed down through generations. Later, enjoy time by the beach or browse the handicraft shops and cafés. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
• Day 5: Mahabalipuram → Chidambaram → Gangaikonda Cholapuram → Thanjavur (Approx. 300 km / 7–8 hrs driving) – This is the longest day of the tour, so we recommend an early start. Drive south through Tamil Nadu's temple countryside of palm groves, villages and temple towers. The first stop is Chidambaram, home to the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a great Chola achievement and a UNESCO-listed temple whose scale, carvings and symmetry leave a lasting impression, even though it is quieter than many temple towns. Darasuram, the third of the UNESCO Great Living Chola Temples, can be added on the way if time allows. Arrive in Thanjavur, once the cultural capital of the Chola Empire. Overnight in Thanjavur.
• Day 6: Thanjavur → Trichy (Approx. 65 km / 2 hrs) – Begin the morning at the Brihadisvara Temple (also spelt Brihadeeswarar), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Dravidian temple architecture. Its towering vimana, detailed carvings and vast courtyards show the engineering skill of the Cholas. Later, continue to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), one of Tamil Nadu's oldest temple cities. Explore the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple complex at Srirangam, often described as one of the largest functioning Hindu temple complexes in the world. In the evening, climb to the Rock Fort Temple for views over the city and the Kaveri River. Overnight in Trichy.
• Day 7: Trichy → Madurai (Approx. 140 km / 3–4 hrs) – After breakfast, drive south to Madurai, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major centre of Tamil culture. It feels very different from the quieter temple towns, with energetic, colourful streets closely tied to temple life. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, where towering gateways covered in colourful sculptures dominate the skyline. The lanes around the temple are filled with flower markets, brass lamps, jasmine sellers and sweet shops. In the evening, witness the temple ceremony, accompanied by devotional music and chanting. Overnight in Madurai.
• Day 8: Madurai → Periyar (Thekkady) (Approx. 150 km / 4–5 hrs) – After breakfast, leave Tamil Nadu and drive into Kerala's greener hills. The road winds through plantations, spice farms and misty hills, and the air becomes cooler. Arrive in Periyar (Thekkady), known for its forests, wildlife sanctuary and spice-growing traditions. Along the way, roadside stalls offer cardamom tea, banana chips and fresh spices. Overnight in Periyar.
• Day 9: Periyar Exploration – Spend the day around Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Optional activities include a boat ride on Periyar Lake, guided forest walks, bamboo rafting and visits to spice plantations growing pepper, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. After the busy temple cities of Tamil Nadu, Periyar is slower and quieter, surrounded by forest and hills. In the evening, you may enjoy a Kathakali dance performance or a Kerala martial arts show. Overnight in Periyar.
• Day 10: Periyar → Alleppey Houseboat (Approx. 140 km / 4 hrs) – After breakfast, descend from the hills to Kerala's backwaters, where coconut palms, village churches, canals and paddy fields shape the landscape. Arrive in Alleppey (Alappuzha), often called the "Venice of the East". Step aboard a traditional wooden houseboat and cruise the narrow canals, passing fishing villages, toddy shops, paddy fields and homes where daily life unfolds along the banks. Freshly prepared Kerala meals are served on board while the sunset reflects across the water. Overnight on the houseboat.
• Day 11: Alleppey → Cochin (Approx. 60 km / 1.5–2 hrs) – After breakfast on board and disembarkation, continue to Cochin (Kochi), Kerala's historic trading port, shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish and British communities. Explore the colonial lanes of Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue (closed on Saturdays) and old spice warehouses that once linked Kerala to global trade routes. The relaxed waterfront and mix of cultures make Cochin very different from the temple towns earlier in the journey. Overnight in Cochin.
• Day 12: Cochin → Kovalam (Approx. 210 km / 5–6 hrs) – After breakfast, drive south along Kerala's coast to Kovalam, passing fishing villages, coconut plantations, small roadside shrines and occasional views of the Arabian Sea. Kovalam is Kerala's best-known beach destination, where the pace slows after days of temple touring. Spend the evening by the beach, enjoying fresh seafood or Kerala coastal cuisine. Overnight in Kovalam.
• Day 13: Kovalam Leisure Day – Enjoy a relaxed day by the Arabian Sea. Kovalam's beaches suit sunrise walks, Ayurvedic treatments, yoga sessions or simply unwinding at your resort. If you would like some local culture, you can also visit nearby fishing villages, temples or cafés serving Kerala seafood and traditional vegetarian meals. Overnight in Kovalam.
• Day 14: Kovalam at Leisure or Trivandrum Excursion – Another day to enjoy Kerala's coast at your own pace. Spend time near Lighthouse Beach, book a wellness treatment or take a short excursion around Trivandrum, including the Napier Museum, local markets and temples. Please note that the inner sanctum of Padmanabhaswamy Temple is open to Hindus only, with a strict dress code. It is a peaceful end to a journey that began among the great temple cities of Tamil Nadu. Overnight in Kovalam.
• Day 15: Kovalam → Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) Departure (Approx. 20 km / 45 mins) – After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward journey. Your tour ends with memories of ancient temples, traditional rituals, Kerala's backwaters and the coast, and the rich cultural heritage of South India.

Travellers who wish to extend their Kerala stay can easily add nights in Kovalam, Varkala, Kumarakom or on the Alleppey backwaters. We can also tailor the itinerary with Ayurveda retreats, wildlife experiences or further cultural stays. See our Kerala tours for more ideas.

Please Note: Driving distances and times are approximate and may vary with road conditions, traffic, weather, temple timings and sightseeing stops.

What's Included in Your South India Ancient Temple Tour

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur throughout the journey
• Accommodation in hotels, heritage properties and resorts of your chosen category, plus a traditional Kerala houseboat
• Daily breakfast, and all meals during the overnight houseboat cruise
• Local guide services at selected temples and heritage sites
• Airport transfers on arrival in Chennai and departure from Trivandrum
• Parking fees, toll taxes, fuel charges and applicable government taxes
• Support from our Jaipur-based team before and during your journey

Final inclusions depend on your hotel category, travel dates and any changes you make to the itinerary.

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Indian visa fees
• Monument and temple entrance fees, and camera fees where charged
• Lunches and dinners, except on the houseboat
• Optional activities at Periyar, such as the boat ride, bamboo rafting, forest walks and cultural shows
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides and chauffeurs
• Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks and spa treatments

How You Can Customise This South India Ancient Temple Tour

This itinerary is a suggested route that we tailor to your interests, preferred hotel category and pace of travel. For a route with a stronger pilgrimage focus, see our South India religious tour.

• Adding Darasuram, Kumbakonam or other temple towns across Tamil Nadu
• Splitting Day 5 with an extra night in Kumbakonam or Chidambaram for a gentler pace
• Extending your stay in Kerala's backwaters, beaches or hill stations, or adding an Ayurveda retreat (see our Kerala tours)
• Upgrading to heritage hotels, luxury resorts or a premium private houseboat
• Adding cultural performances, temple ceremonies, cooking sessions or village walks
• Adding extra nights anywhere for slower travel

Best Time for a South India Ancient Temple Tour

• October to March: The best season for temples, backwaters and beaches, with the most comfortable weather. The north-east monsoon can bring short showers to Tamil Nadu in October to December, but sightseeing is rarely affected.
• April to June: Hot in Tamil Nadu, so temple visits are best in the early morning and evening. Kerala's hills and coast are more pleasant.
• July to September: The monsoon turns Kerala green, with fewer visitors and atmospheric backwaters. Tamil Nadu is drier at this time.

South India can be visited all year, and each season brings something different, from temple festivals in the cooler months to green monsoon landscapes.

South India Ancient Temple Tour: Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the South India temple tour?
The tour is 15 days and 14 nights, covering the main temple towns of Tamil Nadu, the Kerala backwaters and the coast at Kovalam.

Which places does the tour cover?
Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar, Alleppey, Cochin and Kovalam, ending at Trivandrum airport.

Which UNESCO World Heritage Sites are included?
The monuments at Mahabalipuram, the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur and the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The last two belong to the Great Living Chola Temples, and Darasuram, the third, can be added on the way to Thanjavur.

What should I wear when visiting temples?
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and expect to remove your shoes at the entrance. Some inner sanctums are open to Hindus only, and some temples restrict cameras or phones. Many temples close for a few hours at midday, so we plan visits around opening times.

Is private transport included throughout?
Yes. A private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional chauffeur covers all transfers and sightseeing, so you can stop for photographs and local experiences along the way.

Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. Hotels, route, length and activities can all be changed to suit your interests and travel dates.

Is the tour suitable for older travellers?
Yes. Day 5 is the longest drive, and we can split it with an extra night. We can also add rest days and choose hotels with easy access. Many temples involve walking barefoot on stone floors and some steps, so tell us if mobility is a concern.

How much does the tour cost?
The price depends on your hotel category, travel dates, group size and any changes you make. Send us your plans and we will prepare a personalised quote.

When is the best time to take this tour?
October to March is the best season, with the most comfortable weather for temple visits, the backwaters and the beach.

Why Travel With Premium India Tour

• Private journeys planned around realistic travel times, not rushed sightseeing schedules
• Experienced chauffeurs, trusted local support and carefully chosen accommodation throughout
• Flexible itineraries that leave room for local interactions and unhurried visits
• Transparent pricing with personalised recommendations
• Support before and during your journey, whenever you need it

Whether you are drawn to ancient temple architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, photography or South India's living traditions, this route pairs them with the beauty of Kerala for a well-paced journey.