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Two weeks in South India, from Kochi to Chennai. Explore Fort Kochi, the backwaters of Kerala, the tea plantations of Munnar, and experience the Hindu fervor at the grand Madurai temple, as well as the unique heritage of Chettinad. End your journey with a visit to Puducherry and Mamallapuram, followed by a moment of relaxation on Mararikulam Beach.
Request a quoteA two-week tour of South India, from Cochin to Chennai. The journey begins in Fort Cochin, a former Portuguese trading post, then explores the Kerala backwaters before crossing the mountainous regions of Munnar. The itinerary continues into Tamil Nadu with visits to the grand temples of Madurai, the unique heritage of Chettinad, and the historic sites around Kumbakonam, before reaching Pondicherry and Mamallapuram.
Warm welcome at Cochin airport, followed by a transfer to Fort Cochin. Check-in at the hotel and free time to rest from the journey. In the afternoon, first exploration of this former Portuguese trading post, which still retains its unique colonial atmosphere.
This morning, a guided tour in French of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the old town. Visit St. Francis Church, the Indo-Portuguese Museum, Mattancherry Palace, and the impressive Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, explore the Jew Town district with its synagogue (closed on Fridays) and meet the community of Dhobi Khana launderers.
Drive to Kumarakom, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters. In the afternoon, a traditional boat tour through the fascinating network of canals and lagoons of Alleppey. Discover the daily life of riverside villages and observe the rich local wildlife, including numerous species of aquatic birds.
Departure for Munnar, a hill station famous for its endless tea plantations. Check-in at the hotel in the early afternoon. Optional relaxation with traditional Ayurvedic treatments at the Aura Ayurveda & Spa nearby. Later, enjoy the first views of the lush green landscapes.
In the morning, a guided hike through the stunning tea, coffee, cardamom, and black pepper plantations. Discover the local flora and visit remote villages nestled in the mountains. Visit a spice and Ayurvedic plant garden to learn about their traditional uses.
Morning drive to Madurai, the first stop in Tamil Nadu. After lunch, a guided tour in French of the splendid Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an example of Indo-Islamic architecture. In the evening, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and witness its traditional evening rituals.
Morning visit to Madurai’s vibrant flower market and the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Drive to the Chettinad region via Pillayarpatti to explore its ancient Ganesh temple. In the afternoon, visit the Shiva temple and the sacred Karupa forest in Kothamangalam.
A day dedicated to exploring the villages of Chettinad, home to the Chettiars, wealthy traders who had commercial ties with Southeast Asia. In Kanadukathan, an exterior view of the Chettinadu Palace. Visit traditional tile workshops in Athangudi, famous for their colorful handmade tiles, and discover a traditional Chettiar palace.
Free day to further explore the beautiful Chettinad region. Options include visiting other traditional villages, exploring local temples, or discovering regional handicrafts. This day provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic lifestyle of this well-preserved part of Tamil Nadu.
Morning drive to Thanjavur, stopping at the Ayyanar shrine in Namanasamudram. In Thanjavur, enjoy a traditional vegetarian lunch. In the afternoon, a guided tour in French of the majestic "Big Temple" (Brihadesvara Temple), the palace, the Saraswathi Mahal Library, and finally, the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram.
Early departure for Pondicherry. Along the way, visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the former Chola capital, and the Shiva Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, renowned for its depictions of the dancing god. Arrive in Pondicherry in the afternoon and check-in at a hotel in the historic French Quarter.
This morning, a guided tour in French of the historical center of Pondicherry. Visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple dedicated to Ganesh, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and learn about Aurobindo and "The Mother," key figures of 20th-century Pondicherry. Explore the colorful and fragrant Goubert Market.
Drive to Mamallapuram, the former port city of the Pallavas. In the afternoon, a guided tour in French of the remarkable archaeological site: explore the Shore Temple facing the ocean, the Five Rathas village, and the famous monumental fresco depicting the Descent of the Ganges, also known as Arjuna’s Penance.
In the morning, transfer to Chennai airport for a flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, drive to the peaceful beaches of Marari Beach. Afternoon free to enjoy the beach and relax in this idyllic Kerala setting.
Last day of relaxation on Marari Beach. Option to take a stroll to the fishing port of Chethy to observe local fishermen in action. In the late afternoon, transfer to Cochin airport for your return flight.
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.
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