Best of South India Tour from Chennai to Kochi - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Chennai, Half-Day City & Temple Tour

Welcome to Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu and the gateway to South India. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Then, join your guide on a city tour, starting at Kapaleeshwar Temple, known for its towering gateways adorned with intricate statues and carvings. Enter the sanctum sanctorum to see the main deity, Lord Kapaleeshwarar, with Goddess Karpagambal by his side. Continue to Kālikāmbal Temple to admire the Dravidian-style architecture and graceful idol of Goddess Kālikāmbal, a form of Goddess Parvati.

If that's not enough, you'll head to one more temple today, Vadapalani Murugan, adorned with colorful sculptures depicting mythological tales. Don't forget to look up once inside the temple to see the painted ceilings narrating the stories of Lord Murugan's valor and divine grace. Then, immerse yourself in Chennai's rich culture as you wander the narrow streets of Mylapore Tank and Mandavali. Discover the quaint shops, street vendors, and temples in both neighborhoods before transferring back to your hotel to rest and fight off jet lag. 

Day 2: Transfer to Mahabalipuram, Temple Tour in Kanchipuram

After a restful night in Chennai, hit the road on a 2-3-hour transfer inland to Kanchipuram, known as the "City of a Thousand Temples." When you arrive, you'll visit four of these iconic sites, starting at Ekambaranathar Temple, famous for its intricately carved stone pillars depicting mythological tales and celestial beings. Once you've explored the sprawling temple complex, go for a stroll in the surrounding gardens to discover the ancient mango tree that's believed to have miraculous properties. Continue to Kailasanathar Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India as it was built in the eighth century.

Head to Varadharaja Perumal Temple next, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in South India. Your final stop is Kamakshi Amman Temple to admire the Dravidian-style architecture, characterized by its ornate gateway towers embellished with intricate sculptures depicting mythological stories and celestial beings. Following your temple tour, you'll visit a local workshop where skilled silk weavers demonstrate how to make saris using traditional handlooms. When you're exploring Kanchipuram, return to the coast on a two-hour transfer to your hotel in Mahabalipuram, renowned for its rock-cut temples. 

Day 3: Transfer to Pondicherry, Walking Tour of the French Quarter

Continue your journey south along the coast to the former French colony of Pondicherry this morning. After the two-hour transfer, check in at your hotel and get ready for a tuk-tuk tour of the French Quarter. Ride past the colorful colonial-era buildings to get to the Sacred Heart Basilica, an imposing neo-Gothic-style church adorned with intricate stained glass windows depicting scenes from Jesus Christ's life. Zip to Muthialpet next, the Muslim quarter, where you can find a bustling market scene. Enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs and local delights at Goubert Market.

If you're not too tired, you can return to the French Quarter for a walking tour. Follow your guide down the cobblestone streets to Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), which exemplifies the city's rich colonial past. Continue to Notre Dame des Agnes Church, known for its pink and yellow facade and elegant colonial architecture. Take a break from the sightseeing at Le Café, housed in a former French port office overlooking the Bay of Bengal. After refueling, head to École Française d'Extrême-Orient to discover the institute's campus.

Your next stop is the tranquil Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a center for integral yoga and spiritual practice. Attend a meditation session, explore the art gallery and library, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambience. Then, visit the art gallery within Alliance Francaise, a French language school housed in a colonial-era building. Browse the sculptures, paintings, photographs, and installations from both local and international artists before ending the tour at the Pondicherry Museum. Peruse the galleries dedicated to archaeology, sculpture, and anthropology, then transfer back to your hotel.

Day 4: Transfer to Thanjavur via Kumbakonam

After breakfast, you'll set off on a road trip to Thanjavur, known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Break up the four-hour drive southwest with plenty of stops, starting at Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, one of the holiest shrines for Shaivites (followers of Shaivism). Next up is the 11th-century Brihadeeshwara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The highlight of this UNESCO site is the 200-foot-tall (60 m) vimana (temple tower) topped by a massive cupola carved from a single piece of granite.

Break for lunch in Kumbakonam, known as South India's "Temple Town." Explore some of the temples in town and surrounding areas after refueling, including the UNESCO-listed Dharasuram Airavatesvara, Sri Mahalingaswami Kovil, Tirunageswaram Naganathar, Oppiliappan, and Alangudi Guru. All the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu, so you'll gain plenty of insight into their roles in the Trimurti. After a full day of temple hopping, complete the drive to your hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 5: Transfer to Chettinad via Tiruchirappalli & Srirangam

Early this morning, you'll be back on the road heading southwest to Chettinad in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. On the way, stop in Tiruchirappalli, a bustling city offering a mix of ancient temples and colonial architecture. You can find two of the city's most famous temples within Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort: the Ucchi Pillayar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and the Thayumanavar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva. This sprawling temple complex is perched on a 273-foot-high (72 m) rock, so you'll have to climb 437 steps to get to the top.

Next, visit the nearby Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, one of the largest and most revered Hindu temples in the world. After exploring all three temples, complete the drive to Chettinad, where you can set off on a tour of two villages in the area, Karaikudi and Kanadukathan, famed for their opulent mansions that were once home to Chettiar merchants. Visit a weaving center to watch the artisans creating beautiful Chettinadu saris, then stop at a local school to meet the children. End your tour at a local market to shop for locally-grown produce, hand-spun fabrics, and palmyra leaf baskets

Day 6: Transfer to Madurai, Sightseeing Tour & Food Tour

Your exploration of iconic Hindu temples continues in Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. After the three-hour transfer southwest, check into your hotel and freshen up for your city tour, starting at Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The temple is renowned for its towering gateway towers, adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures.

Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, an opulent palace built in the 17th century. Explore the vast courtyard surrounded by pillared corridors, ornate arches, and intricately carved domes. Now that you've worked up an appetite, it's time to indulge in authentic street food like kari dosa, a type of dosa (South Indian savory pancake) that's topped with egg and fried mutton. Wash everything down with paruthi pal, a drink unique to Madurai made from coconut milk, sugar, and cardamom. As darkness falls, return to Meenakshi Amman Temple to attend aarti, a ritual worship involving fire, light, and rhythmic chanting.

Day 7: Transfer to Periyar, Spice Plantation Walk 

Say goodbye to Tamil Nadu this morning as you cross the state border into Kerala to get to Periyar, nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats. After the four-hour transfer southwest, check into your hotel and get ready for a spice plantation walk. Periyar is renowned for its rich biodiversity and fertile soil, making it an ideal region for cultivating spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Learn how these valuable spices are grown, harvested, processed, and used in cooking and medicine. When you're done touring the spice garden, wander around town to shop for spices and other local delights.

Day 8: Hike & Rafting Experience in Periyar National Park 

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to prepare for today's active adventure: a jungle walk through Periyar National Park. Follow your guide into the dense forest in search of wildlife like elephants, gaur, and deer. This is also a bird lover's paradise, as you can spot plenty of endemic bird species, like the Malabar gray hornbill, racket-tailed drongo, and great hornbill. Stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the park's mist-clad hills, dense forests, and the sparkling Periyar Lake. After the three-hour trek, enjoy a packed lunch, then continue to explore the park, this time aboard a bamboo raft.

Glide along the lake's serene waters to observe more wildlife in their natural habitat. You may spot elephants bathing at the water's edge or colorful birds flitting among the lush greenery. Following the one-hour boat ride, you'll watch a live performance of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world. This traditional combat style is known for its intricate movements, powerful strikes, and graceful, dance-like moves. Watch the one-hour performance accompanied by rhythmic drumming and chanting before transferring back to your hotel.

Day 9: Transfer to Kumarakom, Visit a Local Village

Bid farewell to Periyar this morning as you transfer three hours west to Kumarakom, a charming village nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala and famous for its picturesque backwaters. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then head to a local village to meet the residents and learn about their daily lives. Since coconut trees are abundant in Kerala, women spend their days creating handmade goods like ropes, mats, and brushes with coir (a natural fiber extracted from coconut husks), while some men become tappers to collect a sap known as toddy from coconut trees.

Watch as the tappers climb the tree, slice the tip of the flower bud to keep the sap flowing, and collect the toddy. Try the sap and learn how it's used in drinks, cooking, and even medicine. After spending three hours with the villagers, thank them for their warm welcome, then transfer back to the hotel. 

Day 10: Day Cruise Aboard a Houseboat

Today's activity is sure to be a memorable one as you board a houseboat to discover the area's backwaters. These enchanting vessels, built of anjili wood and bamboo, were the traditional method of transporting goods for hundreds of years. Now, they've been transformed into comfortable cruise boats. Board the houseboat at midday and glide across the water, watching scenes of rural life unfold along the banks as villagers wash their clothes, children play in the water, and fishermen cast their nets. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while you pass emerald rice paddies and Vembanad Lake. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may spot freshwater turtles basking on the banks, otters going for a swim, and plenty of birds flying above. Watch the sun slowly set around you, casting golden-orange hues across the water and surrounding coconut palms before returning to the jetty and transferring to your hotel. 

Day 11: Transfer to Cochin, Afternoon Sightseeing Tour

Discover more of the Malabar Coast today as you transfer one hour north to Kochi, known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." Check into your hotel and relax until this afternoon's sightseeing tour. When it's time, head to Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its mix of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. Wander down the quaint streets lined with colonial-era buildings to get to Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for King Veera Kerala Verma of the Kochi dynasty in the 16th century.

Continue to the Santa Cruz Basilica to admire the Gothic-style arches, intricate frescoes, and towering spires. Then, discover the oldest European-built church in India, St. Francis CSI Church, and some Jewish synagogues dating back to the 16th century. Go for a stroll along the waterfront next to see the traditional fishing nets that Chinese traders and fishermen brought during the 14th century. Stop at Dhobi Khana, a traditional communal laundry, where dhobis (washermen) wash, dry, and iron clothes using age-old methods. Finally, end the tour at a local spice market to shop for souvenirs.

Day 12: Guided Tour of Kumbalangi, Visit the Kerala Kathakali Centre

Start your day with a leisurely walk through Kumbalangi, a picturesque village renowned for its tranquil backwaters, lush greenery, and traditional fishing communities. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by the villagers, who will teach you about their daily lives, culture, and traditions. After touring the village on foot, jump on a canoe for a 20-minute ride along the winding waterways, where you can witness the traditional Chinese fishing nets in action. Sit down for a typical Keralan lunch paired with refreshing coconut water to drink before transferring back to your hotel.

In the evening, head to the Kerala Kathakali Centre to learn about Kathakali, a classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, facial expressions, and gestures. Before the performance, you can watch the makeup artists transform the dancers into characters like gods, demons, and heroes. Then, listen to the rhythmic beats and watch the performers adorned in elaborate costumes take the stage and perform stories from ancient Indian epics, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. After the captivating performance, transfer back to your hotel for the night.

Day 13: Depart Cochin

Although it's your final day in India, you may have some time before your flight to continue exploring the area on your own. You could head to Cherai Beach to relax on the golden sands and go for a dip in the Arabian Sea. Or, if you need to pick up souvenirs still, head to Lulu Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in India. Just keep an eye on the clock so you can return to the hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!