From Cochin to Chennai

Suggested duration 11 days
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Santhi

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Pressed for time? Experience a condensed version of South India in 11 days. This itinerary has it all: backwaters, tea plantations, colorful gods and goddesses, and remnants of a bygone French influence at the edge of the world, not to mention the gentle nature of the country and its people.

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Your Itinerary

Your tour program

An 11-day journey between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, from Cochin to Chennai. This tour harmoniously combines the discovery of the colonial heritage of Fort Cochin, the serenity of Kerala's backwaters, the lush plantations of Munnar, the grand Dravidian temples of Tamil Nadu, and ends with the architectural wonders of Mahabalipuram.

Arrival in Fort Cochin

Upon arrival at Kochi airport, you will be warmly welcomed before being transferred to Fort Cochin, the historic center of the city. Depending on the time, a walk along the harbor will allow you to admire the famous fishing nets. Once a spice trading city, Kochi has been shaped by various foreign influences. Today, it retains its rich heritage while being the economic capital of Kerala.

Airport (COK)
1h 15m
Fort Cochin

Fort Cochin

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of the former Portuguese trading post: St. Francis Church, the Indo-Portuguese Museum, the Dutch Palace, the Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town and its synagogue (closed on Fridays), as well as the Dhobi Khana laundry. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance, with a makeup session for the artists before the show. Overnight in Fort Kochi.

Fort Cochin - Backwaters

After breakfast, depart for Alleppey and its famous backwaters. This vast marshy area, traversed by canals lined with coconut trees, has been shaped by humans, fostering the development of the region. On board your houseboat, you will sail through this lush setting and discover many picturesque villages along the way. Overnight on your private houseboat.

Fort Cochin
1h 50m
Pallathuruthy

Backwaters - Munnar

After breakfast, leave your boat to visit an Ayurvedic clinic and enjoy a massage based on the principles of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine. After lunch, depart for Munnar, a hill station famous for its splendid tea plantations. In the late afternoon, take a stroll through a spice farm to discover local plants and their uses, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. Overnight in Munnar.

Pallathuruthy
5h 15m
Munnar

Munnar

Early departure for a guided hike, adaptable to your preferences, lasting until sunset. You will pass through tea, coffee, cardamom, and black pepper plantations, all while enjoying spectacular views. If the weather allows, the day may end with a visit to a tea manufacturing factory. Overnight in Munnar.

Munnar - Madurai

Today, you leave Kerala, the garden of India, to head to Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. En route, an unusual stop at a brick kiln will offer a moment of sharing with the workers. After check-in, visit the magnificent Meenakshi temple, a vibrant Dravidian masterpiece. Continue with the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, a testament to the Nayak dynasty, and finish with the Gandhi Museum, recounting the history of India's independence. Overnight in Madurai.

Munnar
4h
Madurai

Thanjavur via Chettinad

Early in the morning, visit the flower market of Madurai. Drive to Chettinad and discover a magnificent Chettiar palace in Athangudi, often used as a film set. Enjoy lunch in an exceptional setting, in the heart of a palace converted into a hotel. Visit a temple dedicated to the local god, Ayyanar, famous for its ritual pottery. Continue to Thanjavur for the night.

Madurai
1h 40m
Athangudi
25m
Kothamangalam
2h
Thanjavur
Madurai
4h 5m
Thanjavur

Thanjavur - Pondicherry

After breakfast, visit the Brihadeeswara Temple, a Dravidian masterpiece, then the Royal Palace and the Saraswathi Library. On the way to Pondicherry, stop at Darasuram to visit its 12th-century Chola temple and silk workshops. Continue with a visit to the Gangaikondacholapuram temple, then stop at Chidambaram to observe the rituals at the Shiva Nataraja temple. Arrive and check-in to your hotel in Pondicherry in the evening.

Thanjavur
1h 10m
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
40m
Chidambaram
1h 15m
Pondicherry
Thanjavur
3h 5m
Pondicherry

Pondicherry

After breakfast, explore the old Pondicherry, with its white city bordered by the Bay of Bengal and separated from the black city by a canal. Admire the French colonial relics, visit the Notre-Dame des Anges church, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. In the evening, your guide will host you for tea along with Indian specialties, and the ladies will have the opportunity to try on beautiful saris. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Mahabalipuram

The last stop is Mahabalipuram, where you will enjoy an afternoon of relaxation on the beach. At 5 PM, visit a local school where children do their homework, offering a chance for warm exchanges. In the evening, enjoy the coolness of the village, known for its stone carvers, where you can find many handcrafted items, if your suitcase allows. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Pondicherry
1h 55m
Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram - Chennai Airport

Early morning visit to the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, with the Shore Temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Visit the Five Rathas, monolithic chariots, followed by the "Descent of the Ganges" fresco. Enjoy lunch with a fishing family, featuring seafood and seasonal fish. In the afternoon, head to the Eagle Temple in Tirukalukundram for a breathtaking view of the countryside. After the temple ceremonies, transfer to Chennai Airport.

Mahabalipuram
1h 25m
Airport (MAA)

When to go?

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Prices & conditions

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International flights not included
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2 people 4 people 6 people
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THIS INCLUDES:

  • 24/7 English-speaking assistance during your stay
  • Accommodation in standard double (or twin) room with breakfast included
  • Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
  • Entry fees to sites and monuments as well as, more generally, costs related to mentioned activities
  • A English-speaking tour guide for any group of 4 people or more, otherwise occasional English-speaking guides at stages requiring them

THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • International flights and related taxes
  • Visa fees
  • All lunches and dinners (except those mentioned)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses: drinks, phone calls, tips, etc.
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