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Journey Through Temples, Hills & Backwaters

India

Experience the soul of South India in 7 unforgettable days. From the stone-carved temples of Mamallapuram to the sacred charm of Madurai, the spice-scented hills of Thekkady, the serene backwaters of Alleppey, and the colonial streets of Cochin. This journey blends culture, tradition, and natural beauty. Temple walks, village tours, spice plantations, and backwater cruises make every day a story worth remembering.

Travel Guide

Map

Overview

Daily Schedule

Day

Arrival Chennai

Your journey begins at Chennai International Airport with a warm meet & greet. Transfer to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Shore Temple, rock-cut shrines, and the grand Penance of Arjuna bas-relief. Evening village tour by auto rickshaw offers an authentic glimpse of South Indian rural life.
Chennai Airport to Mamallapuram – 1.5 hrs (55 kms)
🏨Your Stay at Kaldan Samudra Palace (🍴B&D)

Day

Mystical Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, embark on a guided history walk through Mahabalipuram's monolithic chariots, cave temples, and 7th-century Dravidian architecture. Relish a traditional South.
🏨Your Stay at Kaldan Samudra Palace (🍴B&L)

Day

Chennai Cityscape

Fly to Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heart and one of India’s oldest cities, over 2,500 years old. Discover its vibrant bazaars, colourful streets, and timeless heritage along the banks of the River Vaigai.
Mamallapuram to chennai – 1.5 Hrs
Chennai to Madurai (Flight) – 1.5 Hrs
🏨Your Stay at Heritage Madurai (🍴B&B)

Day

Divine City Madurai

Visit the iconic Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple with its towering gopurams and sacred corridors. Explore the elegant Thirumalai Nayak Palace. In the evening, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through bustling markets, banana stalls, weaving areas, and Gandhi Museum.
🏨Your Stay at Heritage Madurai (🍴B&B)

Day

Spice Hills & Wildlife

Drive into Kerala’s Cardamom Hills to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, take a guided jungle walk where naturalists reveal the secrets of the forest’s flora, fauna, and vibrant ecosystem.
Madurai to Thekkady – 4 hrs
🏨Your Stay at Blanket Days and Resort (🍴B&B)

Day

Alleppey Backwaters

Morning Spice Plantation Tour with a naturalist to see spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg and learn how they are cultivated and processed.
Travel: Thekkady to Alleppey – 4.5 hrs
🏨Your Stay at Punnamada backwater resort (🍴B&D)

Day

Classical Kathakali Dance

Start with a spice plantation tour before heading to Alleppey, the “Venice of the East.” Glide on a canoe through palm-fringed backwaters and stroll village paths. Later, continue to Cochin to enjoy Kerala’s iconic Kathakali dance performance.
🏨Your Stay at Fragnet Nature (🍴B&B)

Day

Farewell from Cochin

After breakfast, bid farewell to South India. A private transfer takes you to Cochin International Airport. Depart with memories of temples, spice-scented hills, and serene backwaters.

Day 1:

Shore temple, Mamallapuram

Destination Highlights

Mahabalipuram - UNESCO rock-cut & Shore Temple

Thanjavur - Dravidian architecture & temple art

Madurai - Meenakshi Amman Temple & Palace

Thekkady - Periyar National Park

Alleppey - Kerala backwaters & colonial Cochin

Cochin - Fort Kochi heritage & spice trade

Signature Experiences

South Indian village experience

Authentic South Indian Thali Lunch

Arrival in Madurai city

Cycle rickshaw heritage tour

Guided green walk in the jungle

Canoe ride, Kathakali performance

Farewell South India memories

Inclusions and Exclusions

As detailed in the itinerary:

Includes

Your stay on twin sharing basis with breakfast
Private vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary
English-speaking guide for sightseeing & city tours
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Backwater stay in Alleppey
Domestic flight Chennai to Madurai (20kg baggage)
All applicable taxes

Excludes

Int'l & Domestic flights unless specified
Travel insurance or medical coverage
Meals except those mentioned
Personal expenses - Drinks, tips, laundry, shopping not listed
Tips & gratuities for guides or drivers
Optional extras, car hire, activities or excursions not listed

Best Time to Travel

October to March

Price start from

Information

Prices are quoted in USD per person, based on double occupancy, and exclude flights. Rates are starting from; exact pricing depends on hotel availability and travel dates. Prices may be revised in the event of changes to taxes, fuel surcharges, or other fees imposed by the government or suppliers.

$1,390pp excl. flights

Signature Journeys

Cultural Immersion

Signature Stays

Discover a thoughtfully curated range of accommodation options designed to suit every traveler's preferences, comfort level, and lifestyle.

Kaldan Samudra Palace

Mahabalipuram

A majestic beachfront palace blending royal Rajasthani architecture with coastal serenity, offering elegant rooms, sea views, and a luxurious cultural ambience.

Heritage Madurai

Madurai

A heritage resort set amid lush greenery, featuring traditional temple-inspired architecture, spacious villas, and tranquil surroundings reflecting the timeless charm of Madurai.

Blanket Days and Resort

Thekkady

Nature resort surrounded by hills and forests, with cozy rooms, spice garden, and wildlife experiences.

Punnamada Backwater Resort

Alleppey

Traditional backwater resort with serene canals, houseboats, local cuisine, and tranquil surroundings.

Fragnet Nature

Cochin

Eco-boutique stays in Fort Kochi blending modern comfort with nature-inspired design, ideal for exploring colonial heritage and vibrant local culture.

Gallery

Majestic arches and royal vibes at Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Madurai

Inside of Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

Ancient Hindu rock-cut architecture, Mahabalipuram

Dravidian Stone Carvings at Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

Menakshi Temple, Madurai

Monolithic Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram

Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Asian male elephant spraying water with its trunk, Periyar Lake

Close up shot of Krishna Mandapam pillars at Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram

Let’s Design Your Journey Together

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