Classical South India
Fourteen nights across two states, from the Dravidian temple towns of Tamil Nadu to the spice hills, backwaters and beaches of Kerala.
The fullest journey in our South India collection, travelling privately with your own chauffeur from Chennai to Cochin.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
14
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Two Coasts, Two Cultures
Refinement, Cultural Depth and Serene Luxury
This bespoke journey through South India is thoughtfully designed for travellers seeking refinement, cultural depth and serene luxury.
Begin in Chennai, before exploring the sacred heritage of Kanchipuram and the coastal artistry of Mahabalipuram. Continue to French-influenced Pondicherry, then the temple towns of Kumbakonam, Thanjavur and Madurai. The journey then unfolds into the lush landscapes of Kerala, from the forests of Thekkady to the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey, the shores of Marari and finally Cochin.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Everything the Temple Trail covers, plus the whole of the Kerala coast.
The Shore Temple
The two-towered Shore Temple overlooking the sea, and The Five Rathas, each carved from a single large rock.
French Pondicherry
Auroville, ‘the City of Dawn’, then the French Quarter of Pondicherry and the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
Brihadeeshwar at Thanjavur
Brihadeeshwar Temple, whose Vimana rises 66 metres, one of the tallest temple towers on earth.
Meenakshi Amman by Lamplight
The Meenakshi Temple Aarti with a tuk-tuk ride through the streets to the evening ceremony.
Boating on Lake Periyar
A boat ride at Lake Periyar for elephants, bison and water birds observed from close quarters.
A Night on a Houseboat
A private kettuvallam through the Alleppey backwaters, with lunch, snacks and dinner served on board.
Your Journey
From the Coromandel Coast to the Malabar Coast
A beautifully paced route connecting India’s Golden Triangle with Rajasthan’s wildlife, heritage and most enchanting royal cities.
Chennai
Stop 1
Mahabalipuram
Stop 2
Pondicherry
Stop 3
Kumbakonam
Stop 4
Madurai
Stop 5
Thekkady
Stop 6
Kumarakom
Stop 7
Alleppey
Stop 8
Marari
Stop 9
Cochin
Stop 10
Sample Itinerary
Your Classical South India Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Days 1–2
Chennai and the City of Temples
ightseeing in Chennai takes in Fort St. George, the Govt. Museum, Kapaleeswar Temple and Marina Beach. Next day, Kanchipuram: Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple and Vaikuntha Perumal Temple.
Days 03 - 04 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Day 3-4
Sculpted Shores and French Streets
The Five Rathas, the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance, before driving to Pondicherry. The next day, Auroville, ‘the City of Dawn’, the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple and a walk in the French Quarter of Pondicherry.
Days 05 - 06 : Pondicherry - Kumbakonam - Thanjavur - Madurai
Day 5-6
The Great Living Chola Temples
En route, the Nataraja Temple- at Chidambaram, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Next day, Thanjavur (Tanjore) for Thanjavur’s royal palace and Brihadeeshwar Temple, then on to Madurai.
Day 07 : Madurai
Days 7
Where Tamil Nadu Claims Its Soul
Chennai may be the capital, but Madurai claims its soul. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, then the Meenakshi Temple Aarti with a tuk-tuk ride in the evening.
Day 08 : Madurai - Thekkady
Days 8
Across the Ghats into Kerala
Drive to Thekkady for a spice plantation tour, discovering the wealth of spices of India, then a boat ride at Lake Periyar inside Periyar Tiger Reserve. In the evening, Kerala’s martial art form, Kalaripayattu.
Days 09 - 10 : Thekkady - Kumarakom - Alleppey
Days 9–10
The Backwaters
Drive to Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake and spend 90 minutes experiencing village life on the canal banks. Next day, on to Alleppey to embark your houseboat, with lunch, evening snacks and dinner served on board.
Days 11 - 12 : Alleppey - Marari
Days 11–12
The Quiet Coast
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Marari, a serene coastal village where local life still revolves around the sea. Two nights free for the beach, resort activities, seafood and Ayurvedic treatments.
Days 13 - 15 : Marari - Cochin
Days 13–15
Colonial Kochi and Departure
Drive to Cochin. The following day, Fort Kochi: the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis CSI Church, then a tuk-tuk to the Dhobi Khana, through Mattanchery to the spice market, and Kathakali in the evening. Departure the next morning.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 13-night accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis with breakfast
- 01-night accommodation onboard houseboat on full-board basis
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver
- English-speaking tour guide for sightseeing as per program
- Tuk-Tuk ride and Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin
- Boat ride at Lake Periyar and Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show in Thekkady
- Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands and water bottles throughout
Tailor Your Holiday
- Choose from four hotel collections, including CGH Earth heritage properties
- Upgrade from a Deluxe to a Premium houseboat
- Add Chettinad and Trichy for a fuller Tamil Nadu leg
- Add Munnar's tea gardens between Madurai and Thekkady
- Add extra nights at Marari for a longer beach stay
- Add monument and activity entrance fees to your package
- Adjust the pace and number of nights in each place
Choose Your South India Experience
Travel South India Your Way
Choose the style of holiday that suits you. Every journey is privately arranged and can be personalised around your travel dates, preferred hotels, pace and experiences.
Classical South India Classic
Based on two adults sharing
- Zone by The Park, Madras Grand or RS Regenta Central in Chennai
- Ideal Beach Resort or Grand Continent at Mahabalipuram
- Anandha Inn, Shenbaga or Hotel Atithu in Pondicherry
- Great Trails River View or Indeco Swamimalai near Kumbakonam
- Fortune Pandiyan or Poppys Hotel in Madurai
- Abad properties in Thekkady and Kumarakom, Deluxe houseboat
- Abad Turtle Beach at Marari and Abad Plaza in Cochin
Classical South India Luxury
Based on two adults sharing
- Hyatt Regency, Park Plaza OMR or Turyaa in Chennai
- Welcomhotel by ITC or Four Points by Sheraton at Mahabalipuram
- Accord Puducherry or Le Pondy
- Mantra Koodam, a CGH Earth property, at Kumbakonam
- Courtyard by Marriott or Heritage Madurai
- Premium houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters
- Xandari Pearl at Marari, Crowne Plaza or CGH Eighth Bastion in Cochin
Classical South India Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- ITC Grand Chola, Taj Coromandel or Taj Connemara in Chennai
- Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay or Kaldan Samudhra Palace
- Palais de Mahe or Maison Perumal, both CGH Earth, in Pondicherry
- Spice Village and Coconut Lagoon, both CGH Earth
- Premium houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters
- Marari Beach, a CGH Earth Experience
- Brunton Boatyard or Taj Malabar Resort & Spa in Cochin
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and vary according to travel dates, availability and final hotel selection. Rates for 4-6 and 7-9 travelling together are lower and available on request. International flights are not included in the guide prices above but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Looking for something even more exceptional?
We can create a fully bespoke Rajasthan journey featuring palace suites, private villas and luxury hotels including Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles, Aman and Six Senses.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Personalise your holiday with special experiences designed around your interests.
Add Chettinad
A night in a restored Chettiar mansion between Thanjavur and Madurai.
Add Munnar
Two nights in South India's largest tea-growing region on the way to Thekkady.
Premium Houseboat
Upgrade from a Deluxe to a Premium houseboat for your night on the backwaters.
CGH Earth Properties
Stay at Mantra Koodam, Spice Village, Coconut Lagoon and Marari Beach.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your South India Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.