Classic South India

SKETCH ITINERARY

12 night / 13 days

DAY 01: ARRIVE CHENNAI                                     BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

DAY 02: CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM             BY: SURFACE

Day 03: MAHABALIPURAM

DAY 04: MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY    BY: SURFACE

DAY 05: PONDICHERRY – TANJORE                      BY: SURFACE

DAY 06: TANJORE – MADURAI                               BY: SURFACE

DAY 07: MADURAI

DAY 08: MADURAI – THEKKADY                           BY: SURFACE  

DAY 09: THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM                    BY: SURFACE  

DAY 10:  KUMARAKOM                                            BY SURFACE 

DAY 11:  KUMARAKOM – COCHIN                         BY SURFACE

DAY 12:  COCHIN

DAY 13:  DEPARTURE COCHIN                                BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

 

DETAILED ITINERARY 

Chennai * Mahabalipuram * Pondichery * Tanjore * Madurai * Thekkady * Kumarakom * Cochin

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

• Arrival: Meet & greet at Chennai International Airport. Private transfer to your luxury hotel.

• Overview: Explore the vibrant city known for its British heritage and Tamil-Hindu traditions.

Day 2: Chennai to Mahabalipuram (via Kanchipuram – 140 km / 4.5 hrs)

• Sightseeing: Visit the historic Kanchipuram temples en route.

• Evening: Arrive in Mahabalipuram, known for its UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut temples.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram

• Experience: Explore ancient shore temples and stone carvings.

• Highlight: Witness the artistry of the famous ‘Descent of the Ganges’ bas-relief.

Day 4: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (100 km / 2.5 hrs)

• Transfer: Scenic drive along the coastal route.

• Explore: French colonial architecture and the Aurobindo Ashram.

Day 5: Pondicherry to Tanjore (170 km / 4.5 hrs)

• Visit: En route stop at Chidambaram Temple.

• Highlight: Discover Tanjore’s Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6: Tanjore to Madurai (200 km / 4.5 hrs)

• En Route: Visit the temple town of Trichy.

• Evening: Arrive in Madurai, the ‘Temple City’.

Day 7: Madurai

• Explore: Meenakshi Temple, known for its intricate carvings and rituals.

• Experience: Attend an evening Aarti ceremony.

Day 8: Madurai to Thekkady (140 km / 3.5 hrs)

• Transfer: Drive through the lush Western Ghats.

• Activity: Spice plantation tour and cultural performances.

Day 9: Thekkady to Kumarakom (130 km / 4 hrs)

• Morning: Optional boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Afternoon: Drive to Kumarakom, famous for its backwaters.

Day 10: Kumarakom

• Luxury: Private houseboat cruise through Kerala’s backwaters.

• Experience: Relax with local cuisine and tranquil views.

Day 11: Kumarakom to Cochin (50 km / 1.5 hrs)

• Transfer: Short drive to Cochin.

• Evening: Sunset harbor cruise.

Day 12: Cochin

• Sightseeing: Explore Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, and St. Francis Church.

• Highlight: Witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Day 13: Depart Cochin

• Transfer: Private airport transfer for international departure.

• Farewell: End your journey with memories of South India's cultural and natural beauty.

*End of Tour*