Southern India

Sample Itinerary (Subject to Change)

Day 1: Arrive Chennai, India

On arrival in Chennai (formerly known as Madras) South India’s largest city, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel. You will be welcomed with Ponnadai (or Ponnada): a traditional ceremonial cloth from Kerala, usually made of silk or fine cotton. It is often presented to honour guests as a symbol of respect and warm hospitality. Richly woven and sometimes decorated with intricate designs, the Ponnadai reflects the elegance and cultural heritage of South India, making the welcome both graceful and meaningful.

Chennai formerly called Madras is the capital of Tamil Nadu state. The city traces its origin to 1639 when a trader with the British East India Company built a trading post (Fort St. George) near the village of Madraspatnam. Today Chennai is the fourth largest city of India with a population of 5 million people.

Day 2: Chennai – Mahabalipuram

Explore the vibrant city of Chennai, known for its sweeping beaches, green parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and striking Saracenic‑style architecture that reflects a rich cultural heritage of classical dance and music. Visit the Kapileshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and admired for its colourful South Indian design (entry restricted to Hindus). Continue to Fort St. George, once a powerful British trading post and gateway to South India, and the 16th‑century Portuguese‑built St. Thomas Cathedral, an important Christian landmark.

Travel to Mahabalipuram by road, approximately 60km and takes 1 ½ hours. Once the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram, this small seaside village is set amid dramatic boulder‑strewn landscapes, and its sculptures stand out for depicting scenes of everyday life—quite different from the predominantly divine imagery found elsewhere in Tamil Nadu.

In the afternoon, explore the legendary “City of Seven Pagodas,” the ancient Pallava port of Mamallapuram. Its 7th‑century rock‑hewn monuments, cave temples, and intricate carvings offer a remarkable window into the past. Visit the Five Rathas, monolithic rock‑cut chariots named after the Pandava heroes of the Mahabharata, and continue to the iconic Shore Temple, standing by the sea and surrounded by gardens restored to reflect its original ancient layout

Day 3: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Start your day with a drive to Pondicherry for approx. 140km / 3 hours. This former French colony beautifully blends European charm with Indian traditions. Part of India since 1954, its French influence is still visible in the churches, colonial buildings, cuisine, and neat grid-pattern streets. Nearby Auroville adds to its appeal—an international township dedicated to peace, unity, and spiritual growth. Explore the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry’s White Town. Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo after he retired from politics, the ashram was created as a spiritual centre to help seekers pursue inner peace and the path to moksha.

Visit Auroville, approximately 10 km north of Pondicherry, described as “the City of Tomorrow”. Auroville was envisioned as a Universal Town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs could live in peace and harmony.

Day 4: Pondicherry – Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) – Thanjavur

Start your day with the drive to Tanjore via Trichy. In Trichy, visit the Rock Fort Temple, built atop an ancient rock believed to be older than the Himalayas. While non-Hindus cannot enter the inner sanctum, the site remains the city’s most iconic landmark. Explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and the world’s largest functioning temple complex, spread across 156 acres, it is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, the reclining form of Vishnu.

Continue your drive to Thanjavur and discover the traditional art of Veena making. Crafted from fine jackfruit wood, Thanjavur is renowned for its long‑standing heritage of producing these revered classical instruments. Generations of local families have perfected this intricate craft, preserving techniques that have been passed down through centuries. Although only a handful of master artisans remain today, watching their meticulous workmanship offers a rare and memorable glimpse into one of South India’s most treasured artistic traditions.

Day 5: Thanjavur – Chettinadu

Begin your day with a visit to Thanjavur’s Brihadeeshwara Temple & Fort, a 10th‑century architectural marvel built by the great Chola king Raja Raja I. This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its grand scale and exquisite craftsmanship, including its remarkable 63m vimana crowned by a single 81‑tonne granite dome. A centre of continuous worship for over a millennium, the temple’s inner sanctum remains accessible only to Hindus.

Continue to the Thanjavur Palace & Museum, constructed by the Nayakas around 1550 and later expanded by the Marathas. Two of its towers—the Armoury and the observation tower—rise prominently above the city skyline. Within the palace complex, explore the art gallery, library, and the Hall of Music. The art gallery, housed in the Nayak Durbar Hall, features an outstanding collection of Chola bronze sculptures dating from the 9th to 12th centuries, offering a captivating glimpse into the region’s artistic legacy.

Drive to Chettinadu, a region in Tamil Nadu famed for its wealthy Chettiar merchant community, grand palatial mansions, and distinctive cuisine. Spread across more than 75 villages, Chettinadu reflects the prosperity of Chettiars who once traded across Southeast Asia. The region is also renowned for its spicy, aromatic dishes made with freshly ground local spices. Upon arrival visit Chettinad Palace, Karpaka Vinayakar Temple and Chettinadu Mansion.

Day 6: Chettinadu – Madurai

Travel to Madurai, approximately 85km / 1 ½ hours by road.  Madurai is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu with the Dravidian culture reached its zenith in art, architecture, palaces and temple buildings. Once the capital of powerful Nayaka kings, a bustling city is packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers.

Tonight attend Aarti Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple: Take a tuk-tuk ride to Meenakshi Temple, Madurai’s iconic landmark. Explore the vibrant temple complex with its intricately carved gopurams and colorful sculptures. Witness the evening aarti, a captivating ritual of lights and chants, and soak in spiritual energy. Afterward, stroll around the temple corridors to admire the architecture and lively atmosphere. Note: non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum.

Day 7: Madurai

Visit the 2,000-year-old Meenakshi Temple in the heart of the old town, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture. Built during the reigns of Vishwanatha Nayak and Tirumalai Nayak, it spans six hectares with four grand entrances and 12 towers rising 45–50 meters. Don’t miss the temple museum, home to 985 intricately carved pillars, each more beautiful than the last.

Discover Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, the Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times large are today and Samanar Hills, also known as Samanar Malai or Amanarmalai or Melmalai, is a rocky stretch of hills located near Vadivelkari village.

Day 8: Madurai – Munnar

Travel to Munnar, approximately 160km / 4 ½ hours by road. Surrounded by some of the world’s most productive tea plantations, Munnar is set in a breathtaking landscape of hills, lakes, streams and waterfalls. On arrival, the rest of the day is free to relax and soak in the scenery and tranquility of this picturesque town.

Day 9: Munnar

Optional (Additional cost): 1-hour Yoga Session — This morning you can experience the ancient Indian practice of yoga to harmonize mind, body, and spirit. Enjoy gentle stretches, guided postures, and relaxation techniques designed for all levels, promoting flexibility, focus, and inner calm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel—no prior experience needed, just a readiness to breathe, relax, and reconnect with yourself.

Take a 3‑hour walk through Munnar’s tea plantations, following gentle forest paths that wind past spice gardens and rolling green hills. Visit Echo Point, located 15 km from Munnar at an elevation of 600ft, where your voice echoes across a lake framed by mist‑covered slopes. Continue to the KDHP Museum on the Nallathanni estate, home to fascinating artefacts including a 2nd‑century funerary urn. Watch a short documentary tracing the estate’s history, then tour the tea factory to see the full process of tea production—from leaf to cup.

Day 10: Munnar – Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Travel to Alleppey (approximately 158 km / 4½ hours by road) and board a traditional Kerala houseboat, or kettuvallom, to begin your backwaters experience. The name comes from kettu meaning “to tie” and vallom meaning “boat,” reflecting the ancient technique of binding wooden planks together without nails. Once vital to Kerala’s economy, these boats transported goods and people through remote waterways long before modern roads existed. Today they offer a serene and scenic way to explore the region’s lush canals, villages, and palm‑lined landscapes.

Day 11: Alleppey – Cochin (Kochi)

Optional (Additional cost): Visit Kumbalangi Village & Lunch — Explore the tranquil charm of Kumbalangi, experiencing authentic Kerala village life. Enjoy backwater cruises, meet friendly villagers, and see traditional practices like fishing, toddy tapping, and coconut fiber making. Relish a delicious Kerala-style lunch, followed by evening snacks and tea, for a complete and immersive cultural experience amidst lush greenery and calm waters.

Disembark the barge this morning and travel by road to Cochin (Approx. 54km / 2 hours). Explore Cochin, a historic port city shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, English, Jewish, Arab, and Indian influences. Your sightseeing includes the 16th‑century Jewish Synagogue (closed Fridays & Saturdays), admired for its Chinese tiles, Belgian chandeliers, and ancient Torah scrolls; St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European‑built church and the original burial site of Vasco da Gama; and the Dutch (Mattancherry) Palace (closed Fridays), known for its royal coronation halls and exquisite murals from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Conclude at the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, a living symbol of Kochi’s maritime heritage and especially striking at sunset.

Tonight, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, Kerala’s iconic classical art form. The elaborate makeup, expressive facial movements, precise hand gestures and powerful storytelling combine to create a spellbinding experience.

Optional (Additional Cost): Enjoy a cooking demonstration meal with a local family for a genuine connection to Cochin’s culture, traditions and hospitality. Watch as they skillfully prepare authentic Kerala dishes, learn the secrets behind classic recipes like fish curry, appam, or vegetable stews while hearing stories about Cochin’s rich culinary heritage. After the demonstration, enjoy a meal.

Day 12: Depart Cochin, India

Your trip comes to an end today.  Your day is free until you transfer to Cochin airport for your onward flight.

We have a number of other sample India itineraries, or we can also tailor a trip for you:

India North to South – 12 Days  Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Cochin & Kerala

Highlights of India – 11 Days  Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Goa, Mumbai

Forts and Palaces of India – 11 Days  Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Narlai and Udaipur

Ancient India – 10 Days  Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi

India Culture & Wildlife – 8 Days  Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur

India’s Golden Triangle – 6 Days  Delhi, Agra & Jaipur