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9-Day South India Cultural Tour – Temples, Backwaters & Heritage

5.0(1)9 daysChennai✓ Free cancellationPrivate tour
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From $980
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Length

9 days

Itinerary

9 days planned

Group

Private

Guides

English

Overview

Experience the best of South India on a carefully curated 9-day cultural journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Discover ancient UNESCO temples, royal Chettinad mansions, vibrant spice markets, and traditional village life.

Enjoy immersive experiences including rickshaw rides through heritage towns, Kathakali dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and a serene backwater houseboat stay in Alleppey. This tour blends history, culture, cuisine, and nature into one seamless journey, offering an authentic and unforgettable South Indian experience.

Day by day itinerary

  1. 1ARRIVAL CHENNAI - TRANSFER TO MAMALLAPURAM⌄

    Warm welcome at Chennai Airport. Drive along the Coromandel Coast to Mamallapuram. Visit Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas & Arjuna’s Penance.

    Overnight: Overnight at Hotel Mamalla Heritage / Similar

  2. 2MAMALLAPURAM – AUROVILLE – PONDICHERRY⌄

    Drive to Pondicherry with en route stop at Auroville (Matrimandir). Evening: Explore French Quarter & Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight at Hotel Les Hibiscus / Similar

  3. 3PONDICHERRY – DARASURAM – TANJORE⌄

    Drive to Tanjore. En route visit Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple (UNESCO) & a silk weaving village. Proceed to Tanjore. Evening visit Brihadeshvara Temple (UNESCO).

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight at Hotel Gnanam / Similar

  4. 4TANJORE - KADAI VEEDU (KARAIKUDI) - MADURAI⌄

    Drive to Karaikudi (Chettinad region). Explore heritage mansions, Athangudi tile workshops & local village life. Proceed to Madurai, a historic temple city known for its grand Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

    Overnight: Overnight at JC Residency / Similar

  5. 5MADURAI – TEMPLES & PALACE⌄

    Visit Sri Meenakshi Temple, flower & fabric bazaars, and Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Evening free for local exploration or cultural walk.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight at JC Residency / Similar

  6. 6MADURAI - THEKKADY (SPICE PLANTATION)⌄

    Drive into Kerala’s Western Ghats to Thekkady. Afternoon spice plantation walk with a naturalist. Evening Kalaripayattu martial art show.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight at Abad Green Forest / Similar

  7. 7THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY (BACKWATER EXPERIENCE)⌄

    Morning drive to Alleppey. Stay in a traditional backwater homestay. Enjoy Kerala meals, canoe rides & village walks.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: Overnight at Greenpalms Homestay

  8. 8ALLEPPEY – KOCHI⌄

    Drive to Kochi. Explore Fort Kochi: St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Palace & Chinese Fishing Nets. Evening: Witness a Kathakali dance performance show

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight at Chiramel Residency /Similar

  9. 9KOCHI - AIRPORT DEPARTURE⌄

    Morning free for shopping or leisure. After check-out, transfer to Cochin International Airport for onward journey.

    Meals: Breakfast

What's included

  • ✓Kathakali dance show at Cochin
  • ✓Plantation tour, Kalaripayattu martial art show at Thekkady
  • ✓Entrance fee
  • ✓Air condition transport for the entire tour
  • ✓Traditional lunch at Karaikudi
  • ✓Lunch
  • ✓Cycle rickshaw tour at Madurai
  • ✓On spot English speaking guide
  • ✓Dinner
  • ✓Breakfast
  • ✓One night at Home stay with all meals, Village walk and canoe boat ride at Alleppey
  • ✓8 Nights Accommodation
  • ✓GST and all applicable taxes included

Not included

  • ✕Language speaking guide
  • ✕Meals, camera fees
  • ✕Tips

Good to know

Cancellation: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

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From

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