Tamil Nadu with Kerala Tour – 12 Days

Your South India holiday begins with a warm welcome at Chennai International Airport, where your personal representative will receive you before escorting you to a private luxury vehicle for the transfer to your hotel.

As the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai has developed into one of South India's leading cultural and commercial centres while preserving its historic temples, colonial landmarks, churches, museums, and vibrant arts scene.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to relax following your international flight.

Depending upon your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely drive along Marina Beach before visiting the historic San Thome Basilica and Fort St. George, both of which played an important role in the city's colonial history.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, leave Chennai and travel towards Kanchipuram, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in southern India and an important centre of religion, education, and craftsmanship during the Pallava Empire. The city is widely known for its magnificent temples and the world-famous silk sarees that continue to be woven by local artisans using traditional methods.

Begin your sightseeing at the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is admired for its soaring entrance tower, beautifully carved pillared halls, and centuries-old sacred mango tree associated with Hindu mythology.

Continue to the Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest surviving sandstone temple in Kanchipuram and one of the finest examples of early Dravidian architecture. Built during the eighth century, its detailed sculptures and graceful proportions offer an excellent introduction to South India's temple-building traditions.

Before leaving the city, visit a traditional silk weaving centre where master craftsmen continue producing the renowned Kanchipuram silk sarees, celebrated for their rich colours, intricate borders, and exceptional quality.

Later, continue along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury beach resort overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure while enjoying the peaceful coastal surroundings.

After breakfast, begin exploring Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most important archaeological destinations. Once a flourishing seaport under the Pallava rulers, the town is renowned for its remarkable rock-cut temples and monolithic stone monuments.

Visit the Shore Temple, standing beside the Bay of Bengal for more than thirteen centuries. Built from granite, the temple remains one of the earliest structural temples in South India and continues to symbolise the architectural achievements of the Pallava dynasty.

Continue to the Five Rathas, a remarkable group of monolithic temples, each carved from a single granite outcrop and displaying a unique architectural style. Nearby, admire Arjuna's Penance, an enormous open-air rock carving illustrating scenes from the Mahabharata through extraordinary craftsmanship.

Following your sightseeing, continue south towards Pondicherry.

Once the principal French settlement in India, Pondicherry still retains its distinctive colonial atmosphere. Tree-lined avenues, colourful villas, elegant cafés, and the seaside promenade create a setting unlike any other destination in South India.

Check into your heritage hotel before enjoying a relaxed evening walk through the French Quarter.

This morning, spend time exploring Pondicherry's historic district. Visit the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram before walking through the French Quarter, where beautifully preserved colonial buildings continue to reflect the city's European heritage.

Leaving the coast behind, travel towards Chidambaram, home to the celebrated Nataraja Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as the Cosmic Dancer, the temple occupies a special place in South Indian religious tradition. Its towering gateways, richly decorated halls, and centuries-old rituals continue to attract pilgrims from across the country.

Continue through the fertile Cauvery Delta to Thanjavur, once the capital of the powerful Chola Empire.

The city's greatest landmark is the Brihadeeswarar Temple, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's greatest architectural masterpieces. Constructed entirely from granite during the eleventh century, the temple impresses visitors with its monumental central tower, beautifully sculpted walls, and vast ceremonial courtyard.

After completing your visit, check into your luxury hotel for an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, depart Thanjavur for Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy, one of Tamil Nadu's oldest historic cities.

Begin with a visit to the famous Rock Fort Temple, dramatically built upon an ancient granite hill that rises above the surrounding plains. After climbing the stone steps, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views across Trichy and the Cauvery River.

A short drive brings you to Srirangam, home to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Enclosed within massive concentric walls and marked by towering gateway towers, it is regarded as the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world and one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Later, continue south to Madurai, a city whose history extends back more than two thousand years.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury hotel before enjoying the remainder of the evening at leisure. The following day is dedicated to exploring Madurai's remarkable temples, historic monuments, and vibrant markets that have made it one of South India's most important cultural centres.

After breakfast, begin exploring Madurai, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and an important centre of Tamil culture for more than two thousand years. Once the capital of the ancient Pandya Kingdom, the city continues to preserve its religious traditions, bustling markets, and remarkable temple architecture.

The morning is devoted to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, the city's most celebrated landmark. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, the temple is renowned for its towering gateway towers adorned with thousands of brightly coloured sculptures representing gods, goddesses, mythical figures, and scenes from Hindu mythology.

Inside the temple complex, walk through vast pillared halls, beautifully decorated shrines, sacred courtyards, and the Golden Lotus Tank while learning about the customs and ceremonies that continue to make the temple one of South India's most active places of worship.

Continue to the impressive Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, built during the seventeenth century by King Thirumalai Nayak. Grand arches, towering columns, spacious courtyards, and elegant audience halls illustrate the architectural achievements of the Nayak dynasty.

Later, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which presents a fascinating account of India's struggle for independence through photographs, historical documents, and personal belongings associated with Mahatma Gandhi.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Madurai's lively flower markets, textile shops, and traditional bazaars before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, leave Tamil Nadu and travel into the neighbouring state of Kerala. The route gradually climbs through the Western Ghats, where the scenery changes from fertile plains to forested hills, winding mountain roads, waterfalls, and fragrant spice plantations.

Arrive in Thekkady during the afternoon and check into your luxury resort surrounded by tropical greenery.

Later, visit a traditional spice plantation where cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and nutmeg are cultivated. During the guided walk, learn how Kerala's spice trade attracted merchants from Europe, Arabia, and Asia for centuries and continues to play an important role in the region's economy today.

Depending upon time and personal preference, guests may enjoy an optional boat cruise on Periyar Lake within Periyar National Park. The reserve is home to Asian elephants, Indian bison, sambar deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species, making it one of Kerala's best-known wildlife destinations.

Return to your resort for an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, depart Thekkady and travel towards Kumarakom, a peaceful village situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest freshwater lake.

As the road descends from the hills, tea gardens gradually give way to coconut plantations, rice fields, canals, and small villages connected by waterways. The slower pace of life becomes immediately noticeable as fishing boats and traditional wooden homes begin to dominate the landscape.

Arrive in Kumarakom during the afternoon and check into your luxury lakeside resort.

The remainder of the day has been left free to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Take a leisurely walk through the resort gardens, relax beside the lake, or simply watch local fishing boats glide across the calm waters of Vembanad Lake.

Spend the evening at leisure while enjoying Kerala's renowned hospitality and regional cuisine.

After breakfast, continue to Alleppey, often referred to as the gateway to Kerala's famous backwaters.

Upon arrival, board a traditional luxury houseboat, locally known as a Kettuvallam. Originally built to transport rice and spices through Kerala's waterways, these beautifully restored boats now provide a unique and comfortable way to experience the backwaters.

As the cruise begins, the surrounding scenery changes continuously. Coconut palms lean over quiet canals, village homes stand beside narrow waterways, fishermen cast their nets from wooden boats, and children travel to school by canoe. The backwaters remain an essential part of everyday life, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into rural Kerala.

Freshly prepared Kerala cuisine is served on board while the houseboat slowly cruises through interconnected lakes, lagoons, and canals.

As evening approaches, the houseboat anchors in a peaceful location where guests spend the night surrounded by the quiet beauty of Kerala's backwaters.

Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of the backwaters before breakfast is served on board.

After disembarking, continue to Cochin, Kerala's historic port city that has welcomed traders from Europe, Arabia, China, and the Middle East for centuries.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury hotel before beginning an afternoon tour of Fort Kochi.

Visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, one of Cochin's best-known landmarks, followed by St. Francis Church, recognised as the oldest European church built in India. Continue to Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, where beautifully preserved murals illustrate scenes from Hindu epics and the history of the Cochin royal family.

Nearby, walk through Jew Town, one of the city's oldest trading quarters, where antique shops, spice warehouses, traditional homes, and the historic Paradesi Synagogue continue to preserve Cochin's multicultural heritage.

Return to your hotel during the evening for your final overnight stay in Kerala.

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Cochin, a city that has served as one of India's most important trading ports for centuries. Merchants from Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain, Arabia, and China all left their mark here, creating a fascinating blend of cultures that continues to define the city's character today.

Begin in Fort Kochi, where narrow streets lined with colonial buildings, cafés, galleries, and boutique shops preserve the atmosphere of an earlier era. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, introduced centuries ago by Chinese traders and still used by local fishermen along the waterfront.

Continue to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church built in India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried before his remains were later returned to Portugal. Nearby, visit the Santa Cruz Basilica, admired for its Gothic architecture, colourful interiors, and beautifully painted ceilings.

Proceed to Mattancherry Palace, commonly known as the Dutch Palace. Originally presented by the Portuguese to the rulers of Cochin, the palace is renowned for its remarkable murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the royal history of Kerala.

A short walk brings you to Jew Town, one of Cochin's oldest trading districts. Antique shops, spice warehouses, traditional homes, and the historic Paradesi Synagogue continue to reflect the city's multicultural past and its long association with international commerce.

The afternoon is free to relax at your hotel or explore Fort Kochi at your own pace. Those interested in Kerala's performing arts may choose to attend an optional Kathakali dance performance, where elaborate costumes, expressive facial movements, and classical music introduce one of the state's oldest artistic traditions.

Return to your hotel for your final evening in Kerala.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning depending upon your onward flight schedule.

At the appropriate time, your private chauffeur will transfer you to Cochin International Airport for your departure flight.

Your Tamil Nadu with Kerala Tour concludes with memories of magnificent temple cities, UNESCO World Heritage monuments, colonial settlements, spice plantations, peaceful lakes, traditional houseboats, and the unique cultural heritage that connects Tamil Nadu and Kerala.