Chennai International Airport - Mahabalipuram
"Namaskar!" Welcome to India, in Tamil Nadu, in Chennai. Reception at the airport and transfer to Mahabalipuram. Check-in at your hotel. Free afternoon to rest from the journey. Overnight stay.
From Temples to Backwaters
Suggested duration 18 days
Santhi
Your Bindi Travel contact
Hop on a 20-day journey through the southern states of India, from Chennai to Kochi. Discover the architectural gems of Tamil Nadu, the lush hills of Kerala, and its famous backwaters. A rich itinerary filled with cultural, natural, and human discoveries, easily customizable to suit your preferences. Experience an authentic immersion in the heart of South India.
Request a quoteYour Itinerary
Your tour program
An 18-day journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, from Chennai to Cochin. This tour allows you to explore the architectural gems of Tamil Nadu, the lush hill stations of Kerala, and the famous backwaters. A rich itinerary filled with cultural, natural, and human discoveries, easily adaptable to your preferences.
Mahabalipuram
Early morning visit to the archaeological site in the heart of the village with your English-speaking guide. Explore the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas village, and the Arjuna’s Penance fresco. Around noon, excursion to a farming village followed by a traditional meal with a local family. In the afternoon, visit Thirukazhukundram and its Eagle Temple, perched atop a hill offering a panoramic view of the surroundings, with participation in religious rituals at sunset.
Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Early morning departure to Pondicherry, passing through the experimental city of Auroville. Visit the Matrimandir, located at the heart of the city, followed by a visit to "Solitude Farm," which practices permaculture. Lunch on-site. Check-in at the hotel in Pondicherry. In the afternoon, a guided tour in French of the old town, including the Manakula Vinayagar Temple and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, followed by an Ayurvedic massage. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry
Morning dedicated to discovering old Pondicherry: visit the "White Town" and "Black Town" with your English-speaking guide. Free time for lunch. In the late afternoon, visit the Goubert Market with your guide, followed by an Indian cooking class at her home. The evening ends with a friendly dinner and a sari-trying session for the ladies. Overnight stay.
Pondicherry - Kumbakonam
Early morning departure for Kumbakonam. En route, visit the Shiva Nataraja Temple, the cosmic dancer, in Chidambaram, and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple with a English-speaking guide. Traditional Tamil lunch possible at Ananda Bhavan. In the afternoon, explore the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram and nearby silk weaving workshops. Check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay.
Kumbakonam - Chettinadu
Drive to Thanjavur to visit the "Big Temple" and the palace, followed by the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Departure for Chettinadu with a stop at cashew nut producers. Visit the Ayyanar Sanctuary in Namanasamudram and the Shiva Temple in Kothamangalam. Discover the village of Athangudi and its handmade cement tile workshops. Vegetarian dinner in a traditional palace. Overnight stay in Chettinadu.
Chettinadu - Madurai
Morning dedicated to visits in Chettinad before departure for Madurai. In the afternoon, visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, followed by the majestic Meenakshi Temple to attend the evening rituals. Overnight in Madurai.
Madurai - Thekkady
Early morning visit to the flower market and the Gandhi Museum. Drive to Thekkady, with a stop at a traditional brick-making workshop. Pause at cashew nut producers. Check-in at your hotel and visit a spice plantation. Overnight stay.
Thekkady
Free day to explore the surroundings. Option to have lunch at a spice farm. In the evening, enjoy a Kalaripayattu (traditional Kerala martial arts) performance at the town’s cultural center. Overnight stay.
Thekkady - Kumarakom
Early morning departure for Kumarakom. Check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the backwaters of Alleppey by boat with stops at waterside villages. Overnight stay.
Kumarakom - Pallathuruthy
Boarding at noon on a traditional houseboat for a cruise on Lake Vembanad. Navigation through the backwaters with stops at riverside villages. Meals and overnight stay on board with full board.
Pallathuruthy - Alleppey
End of the cruise around 9 AM. Ayurvedic massage in a center in the heart of the city. Keralan lunch at your host’s home, followed by a bicycle ride around the area. Overnight homestay in Alleppey.
Mararikulam
Beachside stay. First day: visit local farms, a coconut fiber workshop, and a boatyard.
Mararikulam
Free days to enjoy the beach or explore the surroundings.
Mararikulam - Fort Kochi
Drive to Fort Kochi. Check-in at your accommodation. In the late afternoon, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, with the opportunity to watch the artists’ makeup session.
Fort Kochi - Departure
Final morning dedicated to a guided tour in French of the historical heritage: St. Francis Church, Portuguese Museum, Dutch Palace, Chinese fishing nets, Jewish quarter and its synagogue (closed on Fridays), and the washermen's district. Optional shopping at Lulu Mall before the transfer to Cochin Airport.
When to go?
Choose the ideal time to travel with our Weather Calendar.
Designed according to your itinerary stages and based on weather data from the last 3 years (regularly updated), it reliably guides you to select the best travel dates.
Prices & conditions
Rates being updated
International flights not included
| 2 people | 4 people | 6 people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | — | — | — |
| High season | — | — | — |
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.