Best of South India Tour: Tamil Nadu & Kerala

Arrive Chennai and transfer to hotel. Evening walk along Marina Beach and a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore. Overnight in Chennai.

Morning drive to Mahabalipuram (approx. 60 km / 1.5 hrs). Visit the Shore Temple, built by the Pallava dynasty directly on the Bay of Bengal, the Five Rathas, and Arjuna's Penance rock relief. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Morning drive along the coast to Pondicherry (approx. 100 km / 2.5 hrs). Afternoon walking tour of the French Quarter, with its colonial villas and seaside Promenade. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Morning at leisure to explore cafes and boutiques, or an optional visit to Auroville. Afternoon drive begins toward Madurai (approx. 300 km / 6 hrs) — an early departure is recommended to arrive by evening. Overnight in Madurai.

Full day at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, celebrated for its painted gopurams and thousand-pillared hall, followed by a walk through Madurai's flower and spice markets. Evening witness the temple's nightly closing ceremony ritual. Overnight in Madurai.

Morning drive to Thekkady (approx. 140 km / 4 hrs), crossing into Kerala through the Western Ghats. Afternoon walk through a spice plantation, learning about cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon cultivation. Overnight in Thekkady.

Morning boat ride on Periyar Lake within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, watching for elephants, bison, and birdlife along the forested shoreline. Overnight in Thekkady.

Morning drive to Alleppey (approx. 140 km / 4 hrs). Board a traditional Kerala houseboat (Kettuvallam) for an overnight cruise through the backwaters, passing paddy fields, coconut groves, and riverside villages, with meals prepared fresh on board. Overnight on the houseboat.

Morning disembarkation and drive to Kochi (approx. 60 km / 1.5 hrs). Afternoon walk through Fort Kochi — Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace area. Evening Kathakali dance performance. Overnight in Kochi.

Morning at leisure to explore Jew Town and Mattancherry's spice markets and antique shops. Afternoon free for last-minute shopping — spices, coir products, and handwoven textiles. Overnight in Kochi.

Full free day — optional excursion to Cherai Beach, a backwater canoe ride, or a cooking class in traditional Kerala cuisine. Overnight in Kochi.

Transfer to Cochin International Airport for onward/international flight connection.