Chennai to Cochin Temple & Backwater

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and assisted with a comfortable transfer to your hotel. After check-in and a short refreshment break, begin the city tour of Chennai, a vibrant metropolis where colonial landmarks, sacred temples, and modern city life come together beautifully. Visit the historic Fort St. George, which stands as a reminder of the British era and houses important relics of Chennai’s past. Continue to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a striking Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its colorful gopuram, spiritual atmosphere, and active rituals. Later, explore the Government Museum, where a rich collection of art, sculpture, and archaeology offers deeper insight into South India’s cultural heritage. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing and relax for the evening. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai to Mahabalipuram

After breakfast at the hotel, drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, covering approximately 60 km in about 1.5 to 2 hours via the scenic East Coast Road. En route, you may stop briefly at Kanchipuram, the famous temple town known for its sacred shrines and traditional silk weaving heritage. On reaching Mahabalipuram, check in to your hotel and proceed for sightseeing at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its ancient rock-cut monuments and seaside temples. Begin the city tour with the Shore Temple, a magnificent stone structure facing the Bay of Bengal and representing the glory of Pallava architecture. Continue to the Pancha Rathas, a remarkable group of monolithic temples carved from single rocks, and then visit Arjuna’s Penance, an extraordinary open-air rock relief filled with intricate details and mythological stories. Explore the coastal surroundings and admire the artistic brilliance of this historic town before returning to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, covering approximately 100 km in about 2.5 to 3 hours along the beautiful coastal route. The journey offers pleasant sea views and a smooth drive through scenic stretches of Tamil Nadu’s shoreline. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check in at the hotel and begin exploring this charming destination, where French elegance blends harmoniously with Indian tradition. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful spiritual center that attracts visitors from around the world for meditation and reflection. Continue to Auroville, an international township known for its universal values, peaceful setting, and the iconic Matrimandir viewpoint. Later, take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, colonial buildings, and open waterfront views. End the day by exploring the French Quarter, where colorful heritage homes, boutique cafés, and tree-lined streets create a distinctly European atmosphere. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry to Thanjavur via Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey to Thanjavur, covering approximately 180 km in around 5 to 6 hours including sightseeing stops. En route, visit Chidambaram to explore the famous Nataraja Temple, one of the most important Shiva temples in South India, known for its spiritual significance and impressive architecture. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, where the grand temple built by the Chola dynasty reflects the power and artistic excellence of a golden era in Tamil history. Then proceed to Darasuram to visit the Airavatesvara Temple, an exquisite UNESCO-listed monument admired for its detailed carvings, elegant pillars, and sculptural beauty. Each stop offers a rich glimpse into the grandeur of Chola temple architecture and religious devotion. After completing the en route temple visits, drive onward to Thanjavur and check in to your hotel. The evening is free to relax after a full day of heritage exploration. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 5: Thanjavur to Chettinad

After breakfast, begin your city tour of Thanjavur, one of Tamil Nadu’s most culturally important destinations. Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola dynasty, known for its towering vimana and majestic stone structure. Continue to the Thanjavur Palace, where royal halls, old courtyards, and historical exhibits reveal the grandeur of the Maratha rulers. Explore the Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library, which preserve rare manuscripts, paintings, bronze sculptures, and centuries of literary treasures. Later, drive to Chettinad, covering approximately 140 km in about 3 to 4 hours. En route, you may stop in Trichy to visit major landmarks such as Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rock Fort Temple, and Jambukeswarar Temple, each famous for spiritual importance and architectural beauty. Upon arrival in Chettinad, check in at the hotel and relax in the evening amid the region’s heritage charm and traditional ambiance. Overnight at hotel in Chettinad.

Day 6: Chettinad to Madurai

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Chettinad, a region known for its stately mansions, rich culinary traditions, and distinctive cultural identity. Visit the grand Chettinad Palace, where the elegant interiors and traditional design reflect the lifestyle of the region’s aristocratic families. Continue to the Athangudi Tile Factory to see how the famous handmade tiles are crafted using traditional methods and vibrant natural colors. You may also browse local markets for handicrafts, antiques, and regional specialties. Later, drive to Madurai, covering approximately 90 km in about 2 to 2.5 hours. On arrival, check in to your hotel and proceed for an evening visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most iconic temples in India. Admire its magnificent gopurams, sacred tanks, and lively temple atmosphere, which beautifully capture the essence of Madurai’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Return to the hotel after the visit. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 7: Madurai to Munnar

After breakfast, begin your journey to Munnar, covering approximately 160 km in about 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on road conditions and scenic stops. The drive takes you from the cultural plains of Tamil Nadu into the cool, green hills of Kerala, with beautiful changes in landscape along the way. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel and enjoy the refreshing mountain air. Later, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and known for its rolling grasslands and panoramic views. Continue to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history of tea cultivation and processing in the region. Spend the rest of the day strolling through tea plantations, enjoying the calm atmosphere, and admiring the mist-covered hills that make Munnar one of Kerala’s most loved destinations. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 8: Munnar to Alleppey

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, covering approximately 165 km in about 5 to 6 hours through Kerala’s scenic countryside and hill-to-backwater transition. On arrival, board your traditional houseboat and begin a peaceful cruise through the famous backwaters of Alleppey, often called the “Venice of the East.” As the boat glides through narrow canals, palm-fringed waterways, and quiet village stretches, you will witness the gentle rhythm of local life along the water. Fresh Kerala meals are served on board, adding a delightful culinary experience to the journey. Relax on the deck, enjoy the changing views, and take in the serene beauty of the backwaters as the day unfolds. This is one of the most memorable highlights of the entire tour. Overnight on houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 9: Alleppey to Cochin

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Cochin, covering approximately 60 km in about 1.5 to 2 hours. On arrival, check in to your hotel and begin the sightseeing tour of this historic port city, where colonial heritage and coastal culture come together beautifully. Visit Fort Kochi, known for its old streets, heritage buildings, and seaside charm. See the Chinese Fishing Nets, one of Cochin’s most famous visual symbols, and continue to Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, where exquisite murals and royal artifacts tell stories of the region’s past. Explore St. Francis Church, an important colonial-era landmark, and the Jewish Synagogue, admired for its historic interiors and decorative tiles. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Kathakali dance performance, where traditional costumes, expressive gestures, and classical storytelling create a truly memorable cultural experience. Return to your hotel after the show. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 10: Cochin Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, complete the check-out formalities and transfer to Cochin airport for your onward journey. Your South India tour comes to an end with wonderful memories of ancient temples, heritage towns, hill station beauty, backwater serenity, and vibrant cultural experiences. The journey offers a rich and balanced glimpse into the diverse spirit of South India, leaving you with lasting impressions of architecture, tradition, nature, and hospitality.

• Assistance on arrival and departure
• 9 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at all hotels
• 1 night houseboat stay with all meals in Alleppey
• Private AC vehicle for entire tour
• English-speaking local guides as per itinerary
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water
• All applicable taxes

Hotels used or similar for 9 nights accommodation

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Mahabalipuram x 1 night
3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort
4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thnjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Chettinad x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Munnar x 1 night
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

• Airfare or train tickets
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages
• Camera charges at monuments
• Meals not mentioned in inclusions
• Travel insurance
• Anything not specified under inclusions