Best of South India - 10 days
Begin your journey in Kochi, where the city’s colonial charm and bustling harbour set the tone. Then drift into Alleppey, a town cradled by the Laccadive Sea, where you can experience the backwaters in a private boat. Next, head to Periyar, where the longest river in Kerala carves through dense forests, offering a chance for wildlife spotting. Morning mist greets you in Munnar, a hill town in Idukki district, with rolling tea plantations. From there, travel to Madurai, spending two nights exploring the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple on the Vaigai River. Continue to Thanjavur to admire the Brihadisvara Temple, a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Then unwind in Pondicherry, the capital of Puducherry, with its French Quarter and seaside promenade. End in Chennai, stopping at Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO-listed rock-cut monuments. This tour suits travellers who want a blend of Kerala’s waterways, Tamil Nadu’s temples, and coastal culture, all in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.
- Type
- Multi-day tour
- Duration
- 10D 9N
- Route
- 1065 km
- Starts
- Kochi
- Cab options
- Sedan · SUV · Tempo Traveller
Your day-by-day plan
Day 1 · based in Kochi
Arrive in Kochi
Arrival and transfer to hotel
Met at the airport and transferred to hotel. Free time to explore Fort Kochi.
Day 2 · based in Alleppey
Kochi to Alleppey
Drive to Alleppey and houseboat cruise
Drive to Alleppey, board an AC Deluxe Houseboat for an overnight cruise through backwaters.
- Alleppey
Day 3 · based in Periyar
Alleppey to Periyar
Drive to Periyar and boat ride on Lake Periyar
Disembark from houseboat, drive to Periyar. Evening boat ride on Lake Periyar for wildlife viewing.
- Lake Periyar
Day 4 · based in Munnar
Periyar to Munnar
Drive to Munnar and tea garden visit
Drive through highlands to Munnar. Visit a tea estate for cultivation tour and tasting.
- Munnar
Day 5 · based in Madurai
Munnar to Madurai
Drive to Madurai
Drive from Munnar to Madurai (approx. 6 hours). Evening at leisure.
- Madurai
Day 6 · based in Madurai
Madurai sightseeing
Explore Madurai
Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple. Free afternoon for optional visits to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace or bazaars.
- Meenakshi Amman Temple
Day 7 · based in Tanjore
Madurai to Tanjore
Drive to Tanjore and sightseeing
Drive to Tanjore. Visit Brihadisvara Temple and royal palace complex. Optional bronze sculpture workshop.
- Brihadisvara Temple
Day 8 · based in Pondicherry
Tanjore to Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry and explore
Drive to Pondicherry. Explore French Quarter and Tamil Quarter. Optional visit to Aurobindo Ashram.
- Pondicherry
Day 9 · based in Chennai
Pondicherry to Chennai
Drive to Chennai via Mahabalipuram
Drive to Chennai, stopping at Mahabalipuram to visit Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas.
- Mahabalipuram
Day 10 · based in Chennai
Chennai sightseeing
Departure
Tour ends. No further activities.
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