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South India Heritage Trail: Tamil Nadu & Kerala Explorer

Mumbai, Elephanta Caves, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chettinadu, Madurai, Periyar, Alappuzha, Cochin International Airport,
Duration

13 day(s)

Tour type

Regular & Private

Group size

1-10 people

Physical Level

easy

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey across South and West India, beginning in Mumbai, where you explore the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, and iconic landmarks. Fly to Chennai to experience its rich cultural heritage, visiting ancient temples, Fort St. George, Marina Beach, and vibrant local attractions. Journey through Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, marveling at centuries-old temples, Shore Temple, and Pancha Pandava Rathas, before heading to Kumbakonam and Thanjavur to witness majestic temples, palaces, and historical monuments. Continue to Trichy, Chettinad, and Madurai, exploring temples, palaces, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and the Meenakshi Temple’s evening prayer ceremony. Experience the wildlife and scenic beauty of Periyar/Thekkady with bamboo rafting, elephant safaris, and forest walks. Conclude with a serene Alleppey houseboat cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, followed by Cochin sightseeing, including Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, and a captivating Kathakali dance performance. This tour combines culture, history, wildlife, and scenic landscapes for an immersive Indian experience.

Activities
Explorer Shopping Religious Indian package Boat Family Wildlife Photography Walking Tour Museum Historical In-depth Cultural Daily Sightseeing Adventure Safari Bird watching

Tour Features

Duration
13 day(s)

Max Group Size
1-10 people

Tour Code
TSB-BNUQCB

Departure Type
guaranteed

Tour Category
Culture & Historical

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Age Requirement
1 - 85

Mumbai

Pickup Time:

----------------

Cochin International Airport

Dropoff Time:

Highlights
Explore Mumbai: Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, and vibrant city life.

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, our representative will greet and assist you. You will then be transferred to your pre-booked hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day guided tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves (closed on Mondays), Gandhi Memorial, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens, Jain Temples, Kamla Nehru Garden, and Juhu Chowpatty. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Mumbai Airport to board your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, our representative will assist you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day guided tour of Chennai. Visit Kapaleeshwar Temple, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Ramakrishna Temple, Fort St. George (the oldest fort in Chennai), National Art Gallery, St. Mary’s Church, Anna Zoological Park, Birla Planetarium, Kalakshetra, and Theosophical Society. Also explore the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, as well as the famous Marina Beach (the second largest urban beach in the world) and Elliots Beach. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Mahabalipuram, with an en-route visit to Kanchipuram, the city of 1,000 temples and one of the seven sacred Hindu cities in India. Explore Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Ulagalanda Perumal Temple, which houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu. After completing your visit to Kanchipuram, continue the drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. Visit Thirukadalmallai, Shore Temple, Pancha Pandava Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, the Caves, Krishna’s Butterball, and the India Seashell Museum. Also explore Mahabalipuram Beach, enjoying the views of the Shore Temple and opportunities for surfing. After completing the sightseeing tour, continue the drive to Kumbakonam. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kumbakonam, famous for its temples and mathas (monasteries), with around 188 Hindu temples. Visit Shri Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. After completing the tour of Kumbakonam, drive to Thanjavur and explore Schwartz Memorial & Church, Sivaganga Garden, Lord Murugan Temple, Brihadeeswara Temple, and Thanjavur Maratha Palace. After sightseeing in Thanjavur, continue the drive to Trichy. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Madurai, with an en-route visit to Chettinad. Explore Chettinad Maharaja's Palace and Lord Ganesha Temple at Kundrakudi. Also visit Alagar Malai Temple before reaching Madurai. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, proceed for a guided tour of Madurai, visiting Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. End the day by experiencing the evening prayer ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, covering 777 sq. km (300 sq. miles) and is a designated Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. In the evening, enjoy a walk around the estate or spend time at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Periyar. Enjoy bamboo rafting and border hiking, unique activities available in Periyar. Also experience an elephant safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The rest of the day is free for leisure and personal activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Alleppey to enjoy a houseboat journey through the backwaters. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked houseboat. Cruise through the backwaters and lagoons of Alappuzha, enjoying lunch and dinner on board. In the evening, take a walk around the local streets of Alappuzha.

Overnight at Houseboat.

Day 12

After breakfast on the houseboat, check out and drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, proceed for a guided tour of Cochin, visiting Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Indo-Portuguese Museum, and Marine Drive. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, one of India’s most famous classical dances, featuring lavish costumes, elaborate makeup, and expressive gestures.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Cochin Airport to board your flight to your next destination or home.

Included

Accommodation at good 3 Star hotels based on Double / Twin Sharing basis

• 2 Nights in Mumbai

• 2 Nights in Chennai

• 1 Night in Mahabalipuram

• 1 Night in Kumbakonam

• 1 Night in Trichy

• 1 Night in Madurai

• 2 Nights in Periyar

• 1 Night in Alleppey

• 1 Night in Cochin

Check In : 1400 Hrs / Check Out : 1200 Hrs

Early check in and late Check out are subject to availability.

• Local English speaking guide at Mumbai, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai and Cochin.

(Other languages guides are available on additional charges)

• 12 Breakfast at Hotels

• 1 Dinner at Houseboat

• 1 Breakfast at Houseboat

Transportation Details

All sightseeing and airport transfers for this tour will be arranged in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles to ensure a pleasant travel experience.

Vehicle Categories:

• 1–2 guests: Air-conditioned medium cars such as Toyota Etios, Swift Dzire, or similar.

• 3–4 guests: Air-conditioned large cars such as Toyota Innova or similar.

­• 5–10 guests: Air-conditioned mini-vans such as Tempo Traveller or similar.­

Additional Information:­

• All vehicles will be driven by experienced, Local English-speaking drivers.­

• Our drivers are well-trained, familiar with local routes, and committed to providing a safe and comfortable journey.

• Vehicle allocation will be based on the group size to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for all travelers.

• 12 Nights accommodation based on double / twin sharing basis.

• Assistance during arrival and departure.

• Daily breakfast at hotel.

• All sightseeing including airport transfers by an AC vehicle.

• Local English speaking guide at Mumbai, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai and Cochin.

(Other languages guides are available on additional charges)

• Enjoy a boat ride at Preiyar Lake.

• One mineral water bottle per person per day.

• All currently applicable taxes including GST.

Excluded

• Flights from Mumbai to Chennai

Every traveler is required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Due to the varying nature, availability, and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential and necessary part of every journey. We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain comprehensive travel insurance to ensure protection and compensation for any cancellations or trip interruptions with any cause, as well as for other unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies and travel disruptions.

• Visas Fee (if applicable).

• Monument entry fees.

• The package does not include the cost of visas and SDF charges, if applicable.

• Tips (always optional, but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information pack you’ll receive after booking).

• Beverages other than drinking water & any costs of a personal nature.

• International/Internal flights to/from the start/finish of the trip.

Tour Booking

Travelers
Departure Month
Regular Tour Prices
Start End
Sep 7, 2026 Sep 19, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 8, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 10, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 13, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 15, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 17, 2026 Sep 29, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 18, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 19, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 20, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 21, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 22, 2026 Oct 4, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 23, 2026 Oct 5, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 24, 2026 Oct 6, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 25, 2026 Oct 7, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 26, 2026 Oct 8, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 27, 2026 Oct 9, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 10, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 11, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 12, 2026 €4073.208144
Double room
Private Tour Prices
Start End
Sep 7, 2026 Sep 19, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 8, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 10, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 13, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 15, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 17, 2026 Sep 29, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 18, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 19, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 20, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 21, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 22, 2026 Oct 4, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 23, 2026 Oct 5, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 24, 2026 Oct 6, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 25, 2026 Oct 7, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 26, 2026 Oct 8, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 27, 2026 Oct 9, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 10, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 11, 2026 €0
Double room
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 12, 2026 €0
Double room
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