South India Tour: Chennai to Kerala

Your journey with "The Best Travel Agents in India" begins today. Our local representative will greet you upon your arrival in Chennai. We will then take you to your hotel in Mahabalipuram, situated on a quiet beachfront and just less than an hour's drive from the airport

In the morning, you will visit the main attractions of Mahabalipuram with your private tour guide. This city is best known for its historical monuments, which are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see several temples, such as the Seashore Temple and the Five Radhas, a group of stone-carved animal figures. The afternoon is free at your leisure.

The journey continues south to the coastal town of Pondicherry (approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing. Pondicherry is a bit like France in India. Pondicherry (or Puducherry these days) boasts a promenade where people go for a stroll, wide avenues lined with trees and bougainvillea, French street names, colonial buildings, and who knows, you might even find a stray baguette. But, of course, it is India. In the newer part of Pondicherry, the usual chaos, hustle and bustle, and honking are definitely noticeable.

Today you will tour the city and visit, among other things, the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, the French Institute, and the Aurobindo Ashram, which sells ceramics and local products. The city can also be easily explored on foot, revealing many influences from French and Portuguese colonial history.

In the morning, you will depart for Thanjavur (approximately a four-hour drive). Your first stop today is Chidambaram, known for the Nataraja and Chidambaram temples. Chidambaram is a must-see pilgrimage site in the Calangute Valley. The journey then continues to Thanjavur. Along the way, you can also stop at Gangaikondacholapuram, a massive temple dating back to the Chola Empire, by driver's arrangement. Then, you will return to your hotel in Thanjavur for an overnight stay.

Today you will visit Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), situated on the banks of the Kaveri River. It's about an hour and a half's drive. Trichy's main attraction is the Ranganatha Temple, India's largest temple. This temple makes Trichy a must-see for Hindus. The Rock Fort, Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvannaikaval, Srirangam, and numerous museums and art studios are also worth visiting. After this visit, you'll be taken back to Thanjavur, where a city tour is planned. Here, you'll see, among other things, the Brihadeeswara Temple, built in the Dravidian style, and a massive Nandi statue. Thanjavur is also known for its diverse art and crafts, such as pottery, silk, jewelry, and copper, bronze, and silver sculptures.

Today, your private driver will take you to Madurai (approximately a four-hour drive). Madurai is known for its festivals and temples. This city is also a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, you can explore this vibrant city. In the evening, you will witness the Aarti at the Sri Meenakshi Temple.

In the morning, you will tour the city, visiting the beautifully decorated Meenakshi Temple. This temple has made Madurai a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus. You will stroll along the main road leading to the temple. In the afternoon, you will be taken to your next destination, the cool Munnar in the hills.
 

Today, you will explore Munnar and its surroundings. You will see women plucking tea leaves in the tea plantations. They wear traditional bamboo baskets tied to their foreheads with ropes. You'll also visit Lockhart Gap, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Annamalai Hills and the tea plantations in the valley below. This area is also home to the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat.

The journey continues to Periyar, which is approximately a four-hour drive. You can stop along the way, perhaps to take photos or visit a local market after consulting your driver. The driver will know the best spots and provide information along the way. The town of Thekkady is a good starting point for visiting Periyar National Park, which is on tomorrow's agenda.

Today you'll visit the National Park and take a nature walk. With an expert guide, you'll hike in the park. You'll also learn about the different spices found there. Cardamom and vanilla are among the spices grown in this area. You can also book an optional boat safari. You can view the park's wildlife by boat. You'll have the chance to spot elephants, wild dogs, black langurs, otters, turtles, and a variety of birds.

You'll be taken to Alleppey in the morning (about a 3.5-hour drive). Your houseboat will be waiting for you there, and you'll explore the Kerala backwaters by boat. You'll pass through nearby villages and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A unique experience! In addition to the captain, you'll also have a cook who will prepare delicious meals in a small kitchen on the boat. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the passing views. In the evening, you'll stop at a quiet spot. You'll dine under the stars on the boat. You'll also spend the night on the houseboat, listening to the sound of the water.

After breakfast on the houseboat, you'll return to Alleppey. Here, you'll disembark and travel by car to your next destination: Emerald Isle, an island in the middle of the backwaters. Enjoy the hospitality of this small, historic property with a friendly host family. You'll find all sorts of activities along the waterfront: children going to school, women washing dishes on the shore, and men practicing for the annual boat race. Ayurvedic treatments are available by appointment at the property. The garden has some lovely seating areas; perfect for relaxing and reading a book.

warehouses still exist, and the trade continues today. You can explore the city on your own. For example, look for the large Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront; this is a signature sight of Cochin and very photogenic at sunset. In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Today, a city tour is on the old part of Cochin (Fort Kochi). You'll visit the fort and a Jewish synagogue, the oldest in India. Mattancherry Palace (also known as the Dutch Palace) is also a must-see. This palace was originally built secretly by the Portuguese as a gift to the King of Cochin. The Dutch added some additions, and it has been known as the Dutch Palace ever since. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing.

You'll travel by car with a private driver to Mararikulam, hardly an hour's drive away. "Marari" is a lesser-known beach resort where you'll spend the rest of the day relaxing. You'll spend the last few days at the beach, allowing you to end your trip in a relaxing atmosphere.

A beautiful beach, comfortable accommodations, a friendly atmosphere, and delicious food; what more could you ask for? This town isn't (yet) known for mass tourism, but it's a small-scale resort by design. Many people still make a living by fishing, but increasingly, rooms are being rented out as so-called "homestays." Nature lovers can enjoy 97 species of butterflies, over 350 local plants, three species of turtles, and 10 types of frogs. You'll also find the Mararikulam Mahadevar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Locals call him Marari; this is how the town gets its name.

A free day for relaxation. After all the impressions of the tour, you can relax here. For example, you can relax on the beach or enjoy an authentic Indian Ayurvedic massage.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Cochin Airport in time for your return flight, for next destination or back to home.