Glimpses of South India Tour – 12 Days Tamil Nadu & Kerala

Ancient Temples, Colonial Towns, Spice Hills and Kerala Backwaters on a Private Chauffeur-Driven Journey

This 11-night, 12-day private South India tour is designed for travellers who want to experience the culture, landscapes and everyday life of Tamil Nadu and Kerala at a relaxed pace. Starting in Chennai, you travel south along the coast to the UNESCO-listed shore temples of Mahabalipuram and the French-colonial streets of Pondicherry, then inland through the Chola temple heartland, with the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, the Rock Fort at Trichy and the great Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.

Crossing into Kerala, the scenery turns to spice plantations and forested hills around Periyar (Thekkady), before you drift through the backwaters on a traditional Alleppey houseboat and finish in the old port city of Cochin (Kochi). With a private chauffeur-driven vehicle and carefully selected hotels, it suits first-time visitors from the UK, US, Europe and Australia, as well as travellers who want to go beyond the Golden Triangle. The journey runs one way, from Chennai to Cochin, and can be tailored with extra nights, heritage hotels or other destinations. You can also browse our full range of South India tour packages.

12 Days South India Tour Itinerary

This 12-day journey takes you through the temple heritage of Tamil Nadu and the natural beauty of Kerala, from ancient temples and colonial towns to spice hills, wildlife and the backwaters. Most days are relaxed, with a few longer drives that we break up with temple and sightseeing stops.

• Day 1: Arrival in Chennai
  Arrive in Chennai, the gateway to South India, where your driver meets you and transfers you to your hotel. The rest of the day is kept easy so you can settle in and recover from your journey. Overnight in Chennai.
• Day 2: Chennai Sightseeing
  Enjoy a first introduction to Tamil culture, where ancient temples, colonial buildings and modern city life sit side by side. Visit key landmarks and local markets filled with flowers and spices, and drive along Marina Beach on the Bay of Bengal. Overnight in Chennai.
• Day 3: Chennai to Mahabalipuram (Approx. 1.5–2 Hours)
  Drive south along the East Coast Road into a slower coastal rhythm. Mahabalipuram is a small seaside town known for its UNESCO-listed Shore Temple and ancient rock-cut reliefs, many of them right beside the sea. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
• Day 4: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (Approx. 2.5–3 Hours)
  Continue south to Pondicherry, a coastal town with a strong French influence. Walk through the French Quarter, with its quiet lanes, pastel buildings and cafés, and enjoy a relaxed evening by the sea. Overnight in Pondicherry.
• Day 5: Pondicherry Sightseeing & Leisure
  Spend a day at an easy pace. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, stroll along the seaside promenade or relax in cafés set in old colonial houses. Overnight in Pondicherry.
• Day 6: Pondicherry to Trichy via Thanjavur (Approx. 5–6 Hours)
  Head inland into Tamil Nadu's cultural heartland. Stop at Thanjavur to see the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Chola temple architecture, then continue to Trichy. This is the longest drive of the tour, and we can add a night in Thanjavur or Trichy if you prefer a gentler day. Overnight in Trichy.
• Day 7: Trichy to Madurai (Approx. 3–4 Hours)
  Spend the morning in Trichy, known for its Rock Fort Temple and river-island setting, then drive to Madurai after lunch through rural Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check in and relax. Overnight in Madurai.
• Day 8: Madurai Sightseeing & Meenakshi Temple
  Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple (modest dress is required), alive with rituals and pilgrims throughout the day, and wander the colourful markets nearby. In the evening, you can watch the temple ceremony as lamps and chants fill the complex. Overnight in Madurai.
• Day 9: Madurai to Thekkady (Periyar) (Approx. 3.5–4.5 Hours)
  Leave the plains and climb into Kerala's hills, past plantations of cardamom, pepper and tea, with cooler air and forest scenery. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and you can enjoy nature walks and a spice plantation visit. Overnight in Thekkady.
• Day 10: Thekkady to Alleppey – Houseboat Cruise (Approx. 4–5 Hours)
  Drive down to the backwaters and board a traditional Kerala houseboat around midday. Drift through narrow canals lined with coconut palms and village homes, watching daily life unfold along the water. Overnight on the houseboat.
• Day 11: Alleppey to Cochin (Kochi) (Approx. 1.5–2 Hours)
  After breakfast, leave the houseboat and drive to Cochin, a port city shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and British trade. Begin exploring Fort Kochi's old streets, churches, spice warehouses and Chinese fishing nets. Overnight in Cochin.
• Day 12: Cochin Sightseeing & Departure
  Spend the morning at an easy pace in Fort Kochi, along the harbour and in nearby heritage streets and cafés, depending on your flight. Later, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight.

This itinerary can be fully customised to your travel style, hotel category and pace. You can add extra nights in Kerala, include heritage hotels, or add destinations such as Mysore or Ooty.

*Travel times are approximate and may vary with traffic, weather, road conditions and sightseeing stops.

What's Included in Your South India Tour

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur throughout the journey
• 11 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels, resorts or heritage properties, depending on your chosen category
• Daily breakfast at your hotels
• One night on a traditional Alleppey houseboat, with meals on board
• Airport arrival transfer in Chennai and departure transfer from Cochin
• All sightseeing drives and intercity transfers listed in the itinerary
• Fuel, toll taxes, parking charges, driver allowances and applicable taxes
• Personal assistance before and throughout your journey

Inclusions may vary with your chosen hotel category and customised itinerary.

Customise Your South India Tour

• Upgrade to luxury resorts, boutique hotels or heritage palaces
• Add extra nights in Thanjavur, Munnar, Kumarakom, Marari Beach or Kovalam
• Add Ayurveda treatments and spa retreats in Kerala
• Enjoy Kathakali performances and cultural shows
• Visit spice plantations, tea estates and local villages
• Add Periyar wildlife experiences and nature walks
• Arrange private guides in English, Spanish, French or German
• Add cooking classes, food walks or photography experiences
• Want more of Kerala? See our 14-day Extended Kerala Tour or Kerala Mountain Tour

Best Time to Visit South India

• December to March: The most reliable season across both states, with pleasant weather for temples, coastal towns and the backwaters
• October to November: Kerala is turning green and fresh, but Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry usually get north-east monsoon rain at this time, so we plan with flexibility
• April to June: Hot and humid in Tamil Nadu's plains and coast, with cooler air in the Thekkady hills. Best for travellers who don't mind the heat
• July to September: The Kerala monsoon brings lush green landscapes and quieter hotels, which suits nature lovers and Ayurveda stays, with showers and possible delays on hill roads

Every season shows a different side of South India, from pleasant winter weather and festivals to misty hills and green monsoon landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Glimpses of South India Tour?
It is a private 11-night, 12-day tour through Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts in Chennai and ends in Cochin, so you fly into Chennai and home from Cochin International Airport. There is no need to double back.

Is the Kerala houseboat stay included?
Yes. One night on a traditional Alleppey houseboat is included, with meals on board.

How long are the drives?
Most drives take 2 to 4 hours. The longest day is Pondicherry to Trichy via Thanjavur, at around 5 to 6 hours with a temple stop, and we can add a night in Thanjavur or Trichy to break it up. Madurai to Thekkady and Thekkady to Alleppey take around 4 hours.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to South India?
Yes. It combines temples, colonial towns, wildlife and the backwaters at a comfortable pace, and it is a good introduction for travellers who have already seen the Golden Triangle.

When is the best time to go?
December to March is the most reliable season. Tamil Nadu's coast can be wet in October and November, and the Kerala monsoon runs from about June to September.

Can the itinerary be customised, or extended to Munnar, Kumarakom or Kovalam?
Yes. Every itinerary is tailor-made and can be adjusted to your dates, interests, preferred hotels and budget, and we can add extra nights or destinations across South India.

What type of hotels are used?
We offer boutique hotels, heritage properties, luxury resorts and premium hotels, depending on your preferences and budget.

Why Travel with Premium India Tours

• Private, tailor-made South India tours designed around your interests
• Carefully planned itineraries with a comfortable travel pace
• Experienced chauffeur-driven travel across Tamil Nadu and Kerala
• Hand-picked hotels, heritage stays and resorts
• Transparent pricing and personal assistance before and during your journey
• Jaipur-based travel specialists with local expertise since 2010

At Premium India Tours, every journey is designed around your travel style, whether you want cultural heritage, wildlife, scenic landscapes, Ayurveda or authentic local experiences. Browse more South India tour packages or tell us what you have in mind.