Embark on a grand journey through South India, exploring its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through historic temples, colonial towns, serene backwaters, and scenic hill stations, offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Highlights of the Tour:
Chennai: Discover the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu, with its colonial architecture, Marina Beach, and cultural heritage. || Mahabalipuram: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut temples, Shore Temple, and ancient stone sculptures along the Bay of Bengal. || Pondicherry: Experience the French charm, colorful streets, Auroville, and the tranquil beaches of this unique coastal town. || Kumbakonam & Tanjore: Explore the magnificent temples, Chola-era architecture, and traditional art and craft villages. || Madurai: Witness the grandeur of the Meenakshi Amman Temple and immerse in the vibrant city life of one of India’s oldest cities. || Periyar: Enjoy a nature and wildlife retreat in Thekkady, with a visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice plantations, and optional bamboo rafting or jungle trekking. || Alleppey (Alappuzha): Cruise through the tranquil Kerala backwaters in a luxury houseboat, passing through lush paddy fields, villages, and coconut groves. || Cochin: Explore the historic city with Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, Jew Town, and enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise along the backwaters.
Experience Includes:
Luxury accommodations in carefully selected resorts, hill stations, and houseboats. = Guided sightseeing tours covering temples, heritage monuments, and cultural centers. = Leisure activities such as backwater cruising, village walks, tea plantation visits, and optional trekking. = Authentic South Indian cuisine, with opportunities for culinary experiences and traditional cooking classes. = Personalized service and transfers by Royal Wheels India, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and memorable journey.
This package is perfect for heritage enthusiasts, culture lovers, and travelers seeking a blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and cultural richness of South India, from the historic temples of Tamil Nadu to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.
Duration : 13 Nights & 14 Days.
Destination : CHENNAI | MAHABALIPURAM | PONDICHERRY | KUMBAKONAM | TANJORE | MADURAI | PERIYAR | ALLEPPEY | COCHIN
Arrive in Chennai and check in at your hotel. Spend the day exploring the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Highlights include Santhome Cathedral, Birla Planetarium, Elliot Beach, Valluvar Kottam, National Art and Government Museum, Anna Zoological Park, Kalakshetra, and the Theosophical Society.
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and India’s sixth-largest city, is the perfect starting point for your South India journey. Formerly known as Madras, the city is a unique blend of history and modernity. From historic kingdoms to contemporary attractions, Chennai offers museums, temples, monuments, and cultural experiences. For leisure, visit Marina Beach, the world’s second-longest urban beach, for a serene sunset stroll. Over Night Stay At Chennai.
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient monolithic temples. En route, visit Kanchipuram, the famous “City of Thousand Temples,” known for its exquisite architecture and silk weaving tradition.
Mahabalipuram, one of South India’s top tourist destinations, is celebrated for its stunning Dravidian art and rock-cut architecture. Explore the rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and intricately carved monuments built by the Pallava kings. This guided tour offers a fascinating glimpse into South India’s rich history and cultural heritage, marking a memorable beginning to your South India journey.
Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram, check in Hotel ,
Over Night Stay At Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the historic town of Mahabalipuram. Visit the Shore Temple, a stunning 8th-century seaside monument, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, and the Five Rathas. Take time to stroll along the picturesque beach and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Mahabalipuram is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut monuments and exquisite Dravidian architecture. This full-day tour offers a fascinating insight into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Over Night Stay at Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, a charming coastal region covering 480 sq. km, comprising Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe. Once a French colonial territory on India’s eastern coast, it beautifully blends European architecture with Tamil culture.
Visit the Sree Aurobindo Ashram, a world-renowned spiritual center, and Raj Nivas, the 200-year-old official residence of the Lieutenant Governor. Raj Nivas showcases a unique fusion of Indian and French design, with wooden interiors, galleries, and French-style furnishings carved in traditional Indian motifs.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Pondicherry’s colonial charm, strolling through colorful streets, and enjoying leisure activities such as catamaran rides, fishing, and swimming along the pristine beaches. Overnight stay at Pondicherry
After breakfast, drive to Kumbakonam, a sacred town renowned for its magnificent temples. Key temples include Sarangapani, Kumbeswarar, Brahma, and Nageswarar, along with the nearby Navagraha Temples (Planetary Temples), each dedicated to the nine celestial bodies.
Kumbakonam offers a glimpse into the early dynasties of South India, featuring two UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and a serene spiritual atmosphere. Continue to Tanjore (Thanjavur), the erstwhile capital of the Chola Empire, known for its rich heritage, grand architecture, and cultural legacy.
Overnight stay at Kumbakonam
After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the local temples. Spend the night at Mantra Koodam, where you can immerse yourself in authentic village life. Guests can enjoy a complimentary village walk, including a visit to a village temple and a local school.
Experience the charm of rural life with a peek into a traditional village home, exploring the hutment and trying your hand at drawing a kolam—a truly memorable experience. Additional highlights include a bullock cart ride around the village and a cooking demonstration on the property, offering a taste of local flavors and traditions.
The following day, explore the temple treasures of Kumbakonam, including the Kumbeswara Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Chakrapani Temple, and the Ramaswamy Temple, each renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Over Night Stay At Kumbakonam
Thanjavur) Exploration
After breakfast, proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty—renowned temple builders who ruled South India between the 10th and 14th centuries. On arrival, check in at your hotel and relax.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Sri Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Chola architecture, followed by a tour of the Art Gallery showcasing exquisite Chola-era art. The evening is free for leisure.
Tanjore offers a treasure trove of history and culture. Besides the Brihadeeswara Temple, you can explore the Airavatesvara Temple, Thanjavur Royal Palace, and the Gangaikonda Temple, all reflecting the grandeur and artistic legacy of the Chola period.
Over Night Stay At Tanjore.
Madurai: Temple Town of Tamil Nadu
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of South India’s most iconic temple towns. Steeped in a rich cultural heritage that dates back over 2,500 years to the great Tamil era, Madurai offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and traditions.
In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple to witness the popular evening ceremony, where Lord Shiva is carried in a ceremonial palanquin—a mesmerizing experience for all visitors.
Madurai is also home to several other historic and cultural landmarks, including the Koodal Alagar Temple, Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and the Gandhi Museum, each reflecting the city’s vibrant past.
Over Night Stay At Madurai.
Periyar Wildlife & Spice Plantations
After breakfast, explore the rare species of plants and wildlife that make Periyar a haven for nature enthusiasts. In the afternoon, visit spice plantations showcasing cardamom, pepper, coffee, and tea estates. On your way back to the hotel, stop at a local market to pick up some fragrant spices as souvenirs.
Periyar, located in Thekkady amidst the majestic Western Ghats, is one of South India’s top destinations for wildlife lovers. Once the hunting grounds of the Travancore kings, it now offers an immersive experience of lush forests, diverse flora, and fascinating fauna.
Over Night Stay At Periyar
After breakfast, explore the rare plantations and wildlife that make Periyar a paradise for nature lovers. In the afternoon, visit spice plantations featuring cardamom, pepper, coffee, and tea estates. On your way back to the hotel, stop at a local market to pick up some fragrant spices as souvenirs.
Periyar is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Some of the species you may encounter include Sambar deer, Gaur, Barking Deer, tigers, and the Nilgiri Langur. Don’t miss the scenic Periyar Lake, where a safari through the lush tropical forests offers an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Over Night Stay At Periyar
Backwater Houseboat Experience
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and embark on your private Kerala-style houseboat. On arrival, check in and begin a serene cruise through the enchanting backwaters, a truly immersive way to explore Kerala’s natural beauty.
Idyllically set on the Vembanad Lake, Alleppey offers a perfect glimpse of South India’s lush greenery. Relax and unwind as you glide past paddy fields, coconut groves, and tranquil waterways, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Over Night Stay on the Premium Houseboat.
After breakfast, drive to Cochin, a city where history and modernity beautifully coexist. Explore the city’s rich heritage with visits to St. Francis Church, India’s oldest church, the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace with its exquisite murals, and the historic Jew Town along with the 16th-century Synagogue. Don’t miss the Portuguese-era houses and the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a unique feature of Cochin’s waterfront.
In the evening, enjoy shopping and leisurely exploration of the city, soaking in its cosmopolitan culture and vibrant local life.
Over Night Stay At Cochin.
Spend a relaxing day at the hotel, soaking in the serene surroundings and rejuvenating after your journey.
To fully experience the charm of Cochin, consider exploring its top attractions at a leisurely pace. Highlights include the Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Santa Cruz Basilica, the Dutch Palace, and a variety of museums and art galleries, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Over Night Stay At Cochin.
After breakfast, transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward journey.
With this, your grand South India tour comes to an end—filled with unforgettable experiences of temples, wildlife, backwaters, and cultural heritage. Book your South India holiday with Royal Wheels India today and relive these memories!
