Overview
The itinerary from Chennai to Cochin covers a rich cultural and natural journey through historic towns and scenic landscapes. Starting in Chennai, it passes through ancient temples of Kanchipuram, coastal beauty of Mahabalipuram, French charm in Pondichery, and temple heritage in Chidambaram, Tanjore, Trichy, then moves to vibrant Madurai, wildlife at Periyar, lush hills of Munnar, and ends at the backwaters of Alleppy and Cochin.
Highlights
- Explore ancient temple architecture in Kanchipuram, Tanjore, and Chidambaram.
- Enjoy UNESCO World Heritage coastal sites of Mahabalipuram.
- Experience French colonial heritage and seaside charm in Pondichery.
- Discover diverse wildlife and nature in Periyar and Munnar.
- Cruise the serene backwaters of Alleppy and historic port city Cochin.
Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram-Pondichery-Chidambaram – Tanjore-Trichy-Madurai-Periyar-Munnar-Cochin-Alleppy-Cochin
Embark on an unforgettable South India tour , spanning the southern part of India from Chennai on the east coast to Cochin on the west coast. This tour highlights the colorful pyramidal temples, old French trading posts, national parks, and breathtaking tea plantation scenery of Munnar . The South India tour covers iconic locations like Chennai, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Madurai, Munnar, and many more. If you're planning a South India tour, this detailed guide will help you plan a memorable vacation.
Arrival in Chennai and reception of participants by a representative of our agency and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon guided tour of the main districts of the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu with its numerous green spaces: Fort St. George, Saint Thomas Cathedral, and the Kapalswera Temple. Night at the hotel
Breakfast at the hotel then departure to Kanchipuram “the golden city” one of the Seven holy cities of Hinduism, which is dedicated to the cults of Shiva and Vishnu. Formerly capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rajahs of Vijayanagar, it now seems asleep. Visit the temples which date from the 7th and 8th centuries, the Temple of Kailashanatha built on the initiative of the Pallava king Rajasimha. The Temple of Kambeshvara is dedicated to the cult of Shiva. At the end of the visits, continue to Mahabalipuram. Installation at the hotel. Night at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Breakfast at the hotel then visit the temples of Mahabalipuram – The five Rathas (chariot temples) or monolithic temples carved in the blocks of rock. Departure towards Pondicherry. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, installation at the hotel. Pondicherry, former French trading post with the discreet cachet of a French sub-prefecture of the Tropics. Walk in the ‘White City’ with its colonial charm. Night at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit the French colonial city. Until 1954, it was the capital of the French trading posts in India. You will be interested in the history of this city but also in its spiritual influence, with the presence of the Sri Aurobindo ashram. Auroville is a city based on the precept of Sri Aurobindo , oriented towards meditation and spiritual regeneration. In Pondicherry you will discover its alleys where a European atmosphere still floats, as well as the “big bazaar” district where the Indian rhythm has regained its rights. You can also visit the government museum and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Departure to Tanjore with a stop and visit on the way to CHIDAMBRAM and the great Shiva Nataraja Temple, dedicated to music. Continue to Tanjore. Upon arrival in the city of Thanjavur, check into the hotel.
Breakfast. In the morning visit Tanjore , the Brihadishivera Temple and the bronze museum. Then drive to Tiruchirapalli (easily Trichy – 60 km) and visit 3 km to the island of Srirangam and its sanctuary of Ranganatha, a real temple town which enjoys exceptional activity. Continue to Madurai (120 km) on arrival installation at the hotel. In the evening you will leave for the Meenakshi Temple to attend the ceremony of the setting of the gods in the temple of the goddess Meenakshi during which the statue of Shiva is taken in procession to the room of the goddess Durga. Night at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit this large city of Tamil Nadu, which can be considered the religious and cultural capital of the Tamil country. Day entirely devoted to the visit of the city and its Meenakshi Temple. This temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, the woman with fish eyes, a very ancient local warlike deity, who was said to have three breasts and “fish eyes”. Shiva married her and the beauty’s gaze brightened, her aggressive instinct calmed down and her excess breast disappeared. You will begin the visit of this temple by climbing the Gopuram , 60 m high, from where you have an overview of the five hectares that form the large temple. Continuation of the visit with the Palace of the Naiyak of Thirumal, a gigantic palace built in the 17th century. In the afternoon, drive to Periyar. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, check into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Early in the morning, boat ride on the lake, from where you might be lucky enough to see wild elephants but in any case many birds as well as otters. After breakfast, you will discover beautiful panoramas today, as you walk through the mountain range (Western Ghats) leading to the small town of Periyar, on the edge of the National Park, Lake Periyar in the middle of spice plantations. Visit the Periyar National Park. In the afternoon, drive to Munnar. Located at 1700m, Munnar is a haven of peace and freshness surrounded by hills covered with tea plantations. You will be able to see the Nilgiri thars (wild goats) on Mount Rajamalai. Free time to shop for spices, tea, coffee etc. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, walk through the plantations. Then drive to Cochin. Arrive in Cochin. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, you can watch the elaborate makeup of the Kathakali dancers and the dance performance. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast. In the morning visit of Cochin: the Dutch Palace of Mattancherry, St. Francis Xavier Church, the Chinese nets. Then departure by road for Alleppey. Installation on the house boat. You will discover a picturesque world where the house boats navigate on stagnant rivers You will be able to navigate on the Vembanad lake . The Vembanad lake which is also a bird sanctuary. Lunch dinner and night on the house boat.
Breakfast on the houseboat. Disembarkation in Alleppey where your cruise ends. Then departure for Cochin to take the flight to Chennai. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
