South India Heritage Tour With Wildlife Backwaters And Sunny Beaches

On arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be met and driven to Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram. This coastal town, famous for its beaches and UNESCO-listed temples, was once an important centre of art and architecture during the Pallava dynasty. After checking into your beach resort, the rest of the day is free to relax and rejuvenate by the sea.

In the morning, explore the marvels of Mahabalipuram including the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and its rock-cut cave temples, all dating back to the 7th–8th centuries. Later, continue your journey south to Pondicherry, a former French colony on the Coromandel Coast, known for its unique blend of Tamil and European heritage. Dinner and overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Spend the day exploring Pondicherry’s French Quarter, colonial architecture, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Highlights include the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, French War Memorial, Aayi Mandapam, the seaside Promenade, and Pondicherry Beach. The city’s charm lies in its mix of French influence and Tamil culture. Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, drive towards Kumbakonam with a stop at Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, the world’s second largest of its kind, where a boat ride takes you through enchanting waterways. Later, continue to Kumbakonam, known as the “temple town” and once the capital of the Medieval Cholas. Check into your heritage hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight in Kumbakonam.

Today you will visit the UNESCO-listed Darasuram Temple, an exquisite Chola-period Shiva shrine renowned for its detailed sculptures. Explore other notable temples including Kumbeswara, Sarangapani, and Ramaswamy, and learn about the town’s cultural importance as both a spiritual and educational hub. Overnight in Kumbakonam.

Depart for Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Thanjavur Maratha Palace. After sightseeing, drive onward to Chettinad, known for its opulent mansions and distinctive cuisine. Overnight stay at a luxury heritage hotel in Chettinad.

Spend the day exploring Chettinad’s rich heritage, beginning with the Chettinad Museum and its unique cultural artifacts. Later, admire the grand Chettinad Palace and stroll through traditional streets showcasing the region’s unique architecture. Overnight in Chettinad.

Drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities and a major centre of Tamil culture. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural masterpiece, and in the evening witness the spectacular Aarti ceremony, a spiritual highlight of your journey. Overnight in Madurai.

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady in Kerala, passing through scenic grape vineyards at Cumbum Valley. On arrival, check into your resort and later enjoy a cultural evening featuring Kerala’s traditional Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial arts. Dinner and overnight in Thekkady.

Today is dedicated to nature and wildlife. Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, where you may spot elephants, deer, birds, and other wildlife. Later, take a guided walk through spice plantations to experience Kerala’s aromatic treasures. Overnight in Thekkady.

Drive to Alleppey to board your traditional Kerala houseboat for an unforgettable overnight backwater cruise. Sail through tranquil lagoons and canals, enjoy freshly cooked Kerala cuisine, and relax on the deck as the scenery glides past. Overnight on the houseboat.

Disembark from your houseboat and continue to Marari Beach, a serene stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Sea. Known as one of the world’s finest hammock beaches, Marari offers the perfect blend of tranquility and charm. Overnight stay at your beach resort.

Spend a leisurely day at Marari Beach. You may join a yoga or meditation session, take part in a spice cooking demonstration, or cycle around local villages. The long sandy beach with coconut palms provides the perfect setting for rest and relaxation. Overnight in Marari.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Kochi. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before transferring to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.

This 14-day journey through South India takes you across a rich blend of heritage, culture, wildlife, and beaches. Starting in Chennai and ending in Kochi, the tour covers ancient temple towns, colonial-era cities, spice-scented hills, tranquil backwaters, and golden sandy beaches.

You’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage temples at Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and Kumbakonam, walk through the French Quarter of Pondicherry, and witness the spiritual splendour of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple. In Chettinad, discover palatial mansions and unique cultural traditions, before moving into Kerala to enjoy wildlife safaris in Thekkady, a memorable houseboat cruise in Alleppey, and the serene charm of Marari Beach.

Throughout the journey, you will stay in a curated selection of heritage hotels, boutique resorts, and a traditional houseboat, offering an authentic South Indian experience with modern comfort. From cultural landmarks and sacred temples to lush backwaters and pristine beaches, this tour is designed to showcase the true essence of South India in one unforgettable holiday.

• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Gratuities
• Optional Activities / Highlights
• Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included

• You will need to arrange a Visa prior to travel - Please ask your consultant for details of the application process.
• Our endeavor will always be to confirm the hotels listed in the package chosen, however in rarest of cases where we are not able to confirm certain hotel(s), like for like alternatives will be provided.
• We recommend that you buy a travel Insurance as any costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc. are not included and will be passenger’s responsibility.
• The package is non-refundable for any inclusion items not used/taken.
• Any early check in before 09:30 Hours Bangalore Hotel will charge extra amount directly from the guest as per the hotel policy.
• On Day 2, departure time from Bangalore to Mysore is at 10: 30 hrs.
• Train timings in Ooty is subject to change and will be informed to the traveler 48 hours prior to the journey.
• Jewish Synagogue & Dutch Palace in Kochi will be closed on Fridays and Saturdays (Day 9).
• Activities such as Nature Walk, trekking inside the forests and night walk is included at Wayanad Wild Jungle resort and travellers interested in these activities are advised to carry trekking shoes.
• Standard check in time at Bangalore hotel is 14:00 Hours. Early check in is subject to availability. For Guaranteed early check in before 12 00 Noon, travelers have to book the Bangalore hotel from the previous night.
• We would like to inform you that as per the legal law in Ooty, all hotel and resort owners have to compulsorily collect the identity proof of all international tourists staying in their hotel or resort. They are required to take copies of identity card, passport, visa along with the photo of tourists.Therefore, we request all international tourists staying in the hotels and resorts in Ooty to kindly co-operate with the hotel staff and provide them these documentary proofs along with your photo. This is not to harass you but to comply with the strict policy rules issued by the government.
• EXCLUSIONS
• Any additional meals not mentioned in the package
• Room service charges, Telephone calls, laundry charges, tips of personal nature
• And anything not specifically mentioned in the package inclusions section
• Meals will generally be buffet meals unless otherwise stated to you on the confirmation.
• Accommodation will be on twin sharing Basis unless otherwise stated
• Free Room Upgrades depending on availability