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12 day(s)
Regular & Private
1-10 people
easy
Embark on a 12-day cultural odyssey through South India, beginning in vibrant Chennai with its colonial landmarks, sacred temples, and serene beaches. Travel to the ancient city of Kanchipuram, known for its historic temples and silk heritage, before continuing to the coastal marvel of Mahabalipuram, famed for its UNESCO-listed rock-cut monuments.
Explore the charming French Quarter of Pondicherry, where spirituality meets seaside serenity, followed by a visit to Chidambaram, home to the Nataraja Temple, and onward to Tanjore, where the grand Brihadeeshwara Temple and Chola art treasures await. Delve into the architectural wonders of Trichy, including the majestic Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Rock Fort, en route to the ancient city of Madurai, where the stunning Meenakshi Temple dazzles.
Journey into the lush hills of Periyar, where you’ll enjoy a boat safari in the wildlife sanctuary and explore fragrant spice plantations. Drift through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat for a truly relaxing experience. Conclude your adventure in historic Cochin, exploring colonial streets, synagogues, and Chinese fishing nets, and enjoy a captivating Kathakali performance before departure. This tour offers an unforgettable blend of spirituality, heritage, nature, and culture in the heart of South India.
Duration
12 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-10 people
Tour Code
TSB-NXYOIQ
Departure Type
guaranteed
Tour Category
Adventure
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
1 - 100
Chennai
Kochi
Welcome to Chennai! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted by a representative from Offbeat India Tours who will assist you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. If you're already in the city, we’ll arrange a convenient hotel transfer for you. After check-in, take the rest of the day to relax and unwind after your journey. Overnight stay in Chennai.
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Chennai. Begin with a visit to Marina Beach, India’s longest urban beach, perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset. Continue to Fort St. George, the first British fort in India, featuring St. Mary’s Church and the Fort Museum with its colonial-era collections.
Next, visit the sacred Santhome Cathedral, believed to house the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. Explore the National Art Gallery, home to fascinating exhibits in archaeology, geology, and natural sciences. Later, head to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mylapore. Overnight stay in Chennai.
After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, one of India's ancient holy cities and famed for its silk sarees. Visit the 8th-century Kailasanatha Temple, a Pallava architectural gem adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes. Continue to Ekambareswarar Temple, known for its towering gopuram and a 3,000-year-old mango tree with branches yielding different varieties of mangoes. Later, drive to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town known for its UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
In the morning, take a guided tour of Mahabalipuram. Begin with the majestic Shore Temple, a seaside architectural wonder from the 7th century. Explore the famous Five Rathas, monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved from a single stone. Admire the intricate carvings of the Varaha Cave and marvel at Arjuna’s Penance, one of the world’s largest bas-reliefs. Continue to the Shore Temple Complex, a tribute to Pallava craftsmanship and devotion. Later, drive to Pondicherry, a charming former French colony. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the spiritual and cultural gems of Pondicherry. Visit the unique international township of Auroville, followed by the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Stroll along the scenic Promenade Beach and explore the Pondicherry Museum. Don’t miss the beautiful Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the vibrant Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Today, drive towards Tanjore, stopping en route at the holy town of Chidambaram. Visit the awe-inspiring Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. This grand temple complex is an important pilgrimage site and a testament to the Chola dynasty’s devotion and architectural brilliance. Continue your journey to Tanjore, the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu". After check-in, visit the majestic Brihadeeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a massive 80-ton granite dome. Explore the Tanjore Palace and its Art Gallery, home to rare Chola bronzes and stone sculptures. Overnight stay in Tanjore.
After breakfast, drive to Madurai with a sightseeing stop in Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Visit the sacred island of Srirangam, home to the sprawling Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – a masterpiece of South Indian temple architecture. Admire its massive gopurams, including the tallest in India. Next, head to the iconic Rock Fort Temple, built on a 3.8-billion-year-old rock formation. After exploring these marvels, proceed to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Madurai.
In the morning, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple complex is one of the most sacred in South India, known for its towering gopurams and rich mythology. Later, embark on a scenic drive to Periyar, nestled in the lush Western Ghats. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Overnight stay in Periyar.
Today, we journey to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled alongside a picturesque lake. As South India's most celebrated wildlife reserve, Periyar offers a unique opportunity to explore nature at its finest. A serene boat ride on Periyar Lake provides the chance to spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild boar, monkeys, and even the elusive tiger and leopard. The sanctuary is also home to an impressive array of bird species. Later, enjoy a guided tour through a spice plantation to discover the aromatic world of Kerala's spices. Overnight stay in Periyar.
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), famed for its tranquil backwaters and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, board your traditional houseboat for a serene cruise through the enchanting network of canals, lagoons, and paddy fields. Often called the ‘Venice of the East,’ Alleppey offers a soothing blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, making it a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. Overnight stay on the houseboat.
This morning, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin (Kochi), a coastal city steeped in rich maritime history. Known for its centuries-old trade links with the Middle East and Europe, Cochin boasts a unique blend of architectural styles and cultural influences. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Fort Kochi, showcasing the city’s colonial past. Explore the impressive Santa Cruz Basilica and the historic St. Francis Church – the oldest European church in India. Visit the centuries-old Jewish Synagogue, adorned with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, and browse the bustling spice market. Don’t miss the iconic Chinese fishing nets, introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance form known for its expressive storytelling and elaborate costumes. Overnight stay in Cochin.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural charm.
Enjoy 11 nights of comfortable accommodation in a selection of well-reviewed 3-star deluxe and 4-star hotels, thoughtfully chosen for their prime city-center locations and warm hospitality. These hotels are designed to provide guests with an authentic yet contemporary South Indian experience, blending local charm with modern comforts.
Each property is enriched with personalized services and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and elegant stay throughout your journey.
Hotel List:
* Check-In Time:
Throughout your trip, we kindly ask our partner hotels to have your rooms ready upon your arrival, especially if you reach before the standard check-in time. (In India, the typical check-in time is 14:00 hrs, and check-out is at 12:00 hrs). While early check-in may not always be feasible, you can safely store your luggage and explore the new destination until your room is ready.
* Pre/Post Accommodation:
If you have opted for pre or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), there might be a need to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these additional nights. We will make every effort to provide you with the same room for your entire stay.
* Internet Access:
The availability of internet access may vary depending on the areas you visit, and some hotels may charge for the connection on an hourly or daily basis.
* Accommodation Style Note:
The accommodation style mentioned is a reference. In rare instances, if the suggested hotels are unavailable due to high demand, we will arrange comparable alternate accommodations for your comfort.
IMPORTANT - We have curated this tour package with accommodations in 3-star deluxe hotels as the standard option. However, for those seeking a more luxurious experience, there is an option to upgrade to 4-star or even 5-star hotels, ensuring a heightened level of comfort and indulgence throughout your journey.
Professional English-Speaking Government Approved Guide in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai & Cochin.
Language Guide available on Additional Cost.
Meal Plan - Buffet Breakfast at Hotels Restaurants.
All Meals During staying at House Boat.
Transportation and tours conducted in air-conditioned vehicles with proficient English-speaking drivers. Our experienced drivers are well-trained and knowledgeable about road conditions. Vehicle types vary based on the number of passengers: