Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- 1 night in Mahabalipuram with Breakfast & Dinner
- 2 nights in Pondicherry with Breakfast & Dinner
- 2 nights in Kumbakonam with Breakfast & Dinner
- 2 nights in Madurai with Breakfast & Dinner
- 2 nights in Thekkady (Periyar) with Breakfast & Dinner
- 1 night in Alleppey Backwaters (Rice Barge/Houseboat) with Breakfast & Dinner
- 3 nights in Marari Beach with Breakfast & Dinner
- English-speaking guide service at Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Kumbakonam, and Madurai
- Cooking demonstration at Maison Perumal, Pondicherry – Learn to cook South Indian dishes
- Visit to Grand Bazaar in Pondicherry (Day 3)
- Visit to grape vineyards in Cumbum Valley (Day 8, en route Madurai–Thekkady)
- Kathakali & Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts) show in Thekkady
- Boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions mentioned in the program
- Entrance and boating charges at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Round trip transfers & sightseeing by Air-conditioned Innova Crysta
- English-speaking professional tourist driver
- All parking, toll, and night halt charges
You'll Love
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites at Mahabalipuram & Darasuram Temple
- Discover the French charm of Pondicherry with a cooking demo & bazaar visit
- Witness the Aarti ceremony at Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
- Enjoy a boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and explore spice plantations
- Cruise overnight on a traditional Alleppey houseboat through Kerala’s backwaters
- Relax with yoga, Ayurveda & sunsets at the idyllic Marari Beach Resort
Overview
This 14-day journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala is a perfect blend of history, culture, spirituality, nature, and relaxation. Starting in the ancient temple city of Mahabalipuram, you’ll marvel at UNESCO World Heritage monuments before moving on to the French-inspired coastal charm of Pondicherry. The tour then takes you to the sacred “temple town” of Kumbakonam, home to the architectural marvel of Darasuram Temple, and onward to Madurai, where the iconic Meenakshi Temple and vibrant evening Aarti ceremony bring the city’s rich spiritual traditions to life.
Crossing into Kerala, the landscape transforms into lush spice plantations, rolling vineyards, and wildlife sanctuaries. In Thekkady, experience a boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, cultural performances of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, and the intoxicating aromas of Kerala’s spice markets. The highlight continues with a serene overnight cruise on a private Alleppey houseboat, gliding through Kerala’s enchanting backwaters.
Your journey concludes with three rejuvenating nights at the pristine Marari Beach Resort, where yoga sessions, Ayurveda therapies, cooking demonstrations, and bicycle tours immerse you in the coastal way of life. With its mix of heritage, culture, wildlife, and relaxation, this itinerary promises a truly unforgettable South India experience.
When/Date
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to Mahabalipuram (currently known as Mamallapuram), which is just about an hour’s drive. Famous as the “temple city,” Mamallapuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with ancient monuments, beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and a lively backpacker vibe. After checking in at your beach resort, spend the rest of the day relaxing and rejuvenating by the sea, preparing yourself for the journey ahead. Dinner and overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
This morning, set out to explore the treasures of Mahabalipuram. You will visit the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and several cave temples and monolithic rathas, all dating back to the 7th–8th centuries and built in the Dravidian style of architecture. After lunch, drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony on the Coromandel Coast, which still retains its European charm. Dinner and overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Spend the day exploring Pondicherry, a charming blend of French elegance and Tamil culture. Visit the Pondicherry Museum, French War Memorial, and Aayi Mandapam in the central park. Walk along the famous Promenade, soak in the atmosphere of the French Quarter, and enjoy the calm at Sri Aurobindo Ashram. End the day with some time at Pondicherry Beach. Dinner and overnight stay in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, drive towards Kumbakonam, stopping en route at the stunning Pichavaram mangrove forest, the second largest in the world. A serene boat ride will take you deep inside this natural wonder, where you can witness exotic birdlife and waterways lined with greenery. After lunch, continue to Kumbakonam, an ancient temple town known for its rich heritage and role as a center of learning during the Chola period. Dinner and overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Today, explore the many magnificent temples of Kumbakonam. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple, a masterpiece of Chola architecture from the 12th century, adorned with intricate carvings. Later, tour the grand Kumbeswara, Sarangapani and Ramaswamy temples. Soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this temple town, which also hosts the famous Mahamaham festival every 12 years. Dinner and overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in the world with a history tracing back to the 6th century BC. After checking in at your hotel, spend the evening witnessing the beautiful Aarti ceremony at the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple, an icon of Dravidian temple architecture. Later, enjoy the vibrant lights of the city at night. Dinner and overnight stay in Madurai.
This morning, explore Madurai’s highlights, starting with a detailed visit to the Meenakshi Temple (open to Hindus only). Continue to the Tirumala Nayak Palace, an elegant 17th-century structure in Indo-Saracenic style, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which displays Gandhi’s life story and personal artifacts, including part of the garment he wore during his assassination. Dinner and overnight stay in Madurai.
After breakfast, drive towards Thekkady, Kerala’s spice country, stopping at the lush vineyards of Cumbum Valley to witness grape cultivation and sample locally brewed wines. On arrival in Thekkady, check into your resort and later in the evening enjoy cultural performances, including the vibrant Kathakali dance drama and the thrilling Kalaripayattu martial arts show. Dinner and overnight stay in Thekkady.
Spend the day amidst nature in Thekkady. Visit Periyar National Park, where a boat safari on Periyar Lake offers the chance to spot elephants, deer, birds, and perhaps even tigers. Later, take a guided tour of spice plantations to learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and other aromatic spices for which the region is famous. Dinner and overnight stay in Thekkady.
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, where you will board your private traditional houseboat around noon. As you sail through the enchanting backwaters, witness lush greenery, paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life along the canals. Relish authentic Kerala cuisine freshly prepared on board. Spend the night on the tranquil waters of the backwaters. All meals and overnight stay on the houseboat.
After disembarking from your houseboat, visit Alleppey Beach and the Coir Museum, which showcases the unique craft of coir products made from coconut husk. Continue to Marari Beach Resort, a charming eco-retreat by the sea. Spend the evening enjoying the pristine beach, lush gardens, and laid-back atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay at Marari Beach Resort.
Begin your morning with a yoga or meditation session, followed by breakfast. Later, participate in a cooking demonstration to learn the art of using Kerala spices. You may also explore the surrounding villages or enjoy a bicycle ride through the resort’s serene pathways. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach. Dinner and overnight stay at Marari Beach Resort.
Today is dedicated to wellness and relaxation. Start with yoga, then indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage or therapy session (optional, payable directly). Later, take a stroll or cycle through nearby villages to experience the local lifestyle. In the evening, enjoy the magical sunset on the beach. Dinner and overnight stay at Marari Beach Resort.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Marari and drive to Kochi International Airport (about 2 hours) for your onward flight. Tour ends with wonderful memories of Tamil Nadu’s temples and Kerala’s backwaters, culture, and beaches.
Hotels
Kaldan Samudhra Palace
Kaldan Samudhra Palace is 45 minutes away from the City of Chennai, located on the East Coast Road in Mamallapuram. Palace architecture is an amalgamation of Rajasthani and Mughal palaces. Spread across 10 acres and a private beach front, the Palace has 106 luxurious rooms, suites and villas. With the longest swimming pool, a multicuisine restaurant, a 12000sqft of pillar less ballroom and lawn overlooking beach of 55000sq.ft is an ideal destination for staycations, destination weddings or an offsite event.
Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth
Palais de Mahe (a CGH Earth experience) is situated in the French quarter in Pondicherry, India. The architecture of this beautiful boutique hotel is in keeping with the French colonial style of the region. It has 18 luxurious suites, a lovely courtyard with a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and a poolside cafe.
Mantra Koodam - CGH Earth
Located just off Kumbakonam, between the Cauvery and Veer Choza Rivers, Mantra Koodam gives you easy access to the exquisite stone temples of Tanjore, Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. And with the cultural towns of Chettinad and Pondicherry en route, it is the perfect place to set up base for your trip down historical lane. The property is nestled in a serene part of town, surrounded by nature and brimming with heritage. Every corner has entrapped time, to offer you a timeless experience of vintage luxury. The environs and decor transport you back to a quaint little Kumbakonam village stuck in the past. Mantra Koodam is a CGH Earth experience, bringing you the same sustainable luxury, combined with responsible travelling and eco-friendly practices.
Grand GRT Madurai
Grand Madurai by GRT Hotels, nestled in Tamil Nadu's cultural nucleus, seamlessly merges indulgence with sophistication. Our 5-star sanctuary boasts 120 plush rooms exuding regal charm, promising an unparalleled experience. Step into our palatial lobby, an epitome of grandeur, where every corner whispers tales of luxury and refinement, providing the perfect setting for cherished companions. Conveniently located near the airport, our hotel offers easy access to Velammal Hospitals, the IDA Scudder Convention Center, ideal for business travelers
Spice Village – CGH Earth
Spice Village is an eco resort in the hills(thekkady) near the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. A cluster of tribal style huts set in a beautiful spice garden is a great escape for most tourists from the heat of the plains, and also a great place for some adventure activities. We have a comfortable pool, an ayurvedic spa, we organise treks into the forest, bamboo rafting and many more. A walk through the property itself is a great way to explore many aspects of nature and the green initiatives undertaken at this eco resort.
Traditional Houseboat
Spend your day on the traditional Houseboat also know as Kettuvallam. The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' is called so because coir ropes tied in knots hold the entire structure of the boat together. During the entire assembling work of the boat, not a single nail is used. Natural and eco-friendly products like bamboo mat, arecanut trees and coir are used to construct the boats. Kettuvallam comprise of a separate living room with dining table, a bedroom with bathroom and a sit out area at one corner of the boat. Guests can enjoy a calm evening right in the middle of the backwaters and watch one of the best sunsets that there could be.
Marari beach resort– CGH Earth
Marari Beach sprawls across 55 acres of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged pathways. Living: Modelled on the fishermens' dwellings of Mararikulam, your accommodations are a fine balance between traditional form and modern function. Dining: At Marari Beach, you can enjoy the simple traditional dishes of the fisherfolk (along with, of course , a variety of international cuisine favourites) at our verandah- style restaurant.
