Private Tamil Nadu & Kerala Tour: Temples & Backwaters

Welcome to South India. On arrival at Chennai International Airport, complete the immigration and baggage formalities before meeting a MoreIndia Travels representative in the arrivals area.

Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and recovery after your international journey.

If your flight arrives early in the morning, we can reserve the room from the previous night so that it is available immediately upon arrival. The additional night will be shown clearly in your personalized proposal.

Overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin exploring Chennai, a city where ancient Tamil traditions, colonial history and contemporary South Indian life come together.

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an important centre of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. Your guide will explain its Dravidian architecture, colorful gateway towers and continuing role within the local community.

Continue to San Thome Basilica, associated with the tradition of Saint Thomas the Apostle, and visit selected historic or cultural landmarks according to their opening schedules.

The day may also include a drive along Marina Beach and time to experience one of Chennai’s traditional neighborhoods, markets or cultural institutions.

Return to your hotel after sightseeing.

Overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast, depart for Kanchipuram, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important historic temple cities.

Visit selected temples such as Kailasanatha and Ekambareswarar, subject to opening hours and visitor-access regulations. Learn about the different architectural periods, religious traditions and legends associated with the city.

Kanchipuram is also renowned for its handwoven silk saris. Visit a reputable weaving workshop to observe artisans creating traditional designs on handlooms. There is no obligation to purchase anything.

Continue to Mahabalipuram beside the Bay of Bengal. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram with a knowledgeable local guide.

Visit the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and selected rock-cut caves created during the Pallava period. These monuments provide an important introduction to the evolution of South Indian temple architecture and stone carving.

After sightseeing, travel along the coast to Pondicherry. The journey normally takes approximately two hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, explore Pondicherry, where Tamil culture, French colonial history and modern spiritual movements have created a distinctive atmosphere.

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, subject to its visitor regulations, and walk through the French Quarter with its colonial buildings, churches, tree-lined streets and quiet courtyards.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration, shopping, cafés or a walk along the seaside promenade.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, leave Pondicherry and travel to Chidambaram.

Visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Shiva in the form of the cosmic dancer. The temple is particularly significant for its connection with classical dance, sacred space and the symbolism of the five elements.

Certain inner sections may be restricted to Hindu visitors, but your guide will explain the cultural and architectural importance of the complex from accessible areas.

Continue to Thanjavur, once an important capital of the Chola dynasty. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest achievements of Chola architecture.

Your guide will explain the temple’s monumental design, stone sculptures, inscriptions and importance within South Indian history and religious life.

Continue to the Thanjavur Palace complex and visit selected sections such as the art gallery and Saraswati Mahal Library, subject to opening schedules.

A carefully selected artisan experience may also be arranged to introduce traditional Chola bronze casting, Thanjavur painting or another regional craft. The exact experience will depend on workshop availability.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation or further exploration.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, leave Thanjavur and travel toward Trichy.

Visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of India’s largest functioning temple complexes. Walk through its monumental gateways, courtyards and public areas while learning about its history, architecture and continuing religious importance.

After the visit, continue to Madurai. The total travel time will depend on traffic, road conditions and the duration of the Srirangam visit.

On arrival in Madurai, check in at your hotel. No additional sightseeing is scheduled, allowing time to rest after the journey.

Overnight in Madurai.

After breakfast, explore Madurai with a professional local guide.

Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of South India’s most celebrated living temple complexes. Its gateway towers, corridors, sculptures and devotional activity provide a powerful introduction to Tamil religious traditions. Access to inner areas is subject to temple regulations.

Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and explore a traditional market or another selected cultural site, depending on opening schedules and your interests.

In the evening, return to the Meenakshi Temple area for the traditional night ceremony, subject to the temple schedule, crowd conditions and visitor-access rules. Your guide will explain its significance and help you observe respectfully from permitted areas.

Return to your hotel after the ceremony.

Overnight in Madurai.

After breakfast, leave Tamil Nadu and travel into the forested hills and spice-growing countryside of Kerala.

The journey to Thekkady normally takes approximately four to four-and-a-half hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy time for lunch and relaxation.

Later, visit a carefully selected spice plantation with a local expert. Walk through gardens where cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla and other tropical plants may be cultivated.

Learn how Kerala’s spices are grown and how they have influenced the region’s cuisine, trade and history.

Overnight in Thekkady.

Begin the day with a selected nature experience in or around the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Depending on availability, weather, forest regulations and your interests, this may include a guided nature walk, birdwatching experience or boat ride on Periyar Lake. The most appropriate activity will be confirmed in your final itinerary.

Periyar is appreciated for its forest landscape, lake and biodiversity. Elephants, deer, wild boar, monkeys and numerous bird species inhabit the area, but wildlife sightings are entirely natural and cannot be guaranteed.

The afternoon is kept flexible. You may relax at the hotel, explore the local market or add another optional cultural or nature activity.

Overnight in Thekkady.

After breakfast, descend from the Western Ghats toward Kumarakom and Vembanad Lake.

The drive normally takes approximately four hours, but the duration can vary according to traffic and road conditions.

On arrival, check in at your lakeside or backwater resort. The remainder of the afternoon is deliberately unhurried, allowing you to enjoy the resort’s gardens, swimming pool and views across the water.

An optional sunset cruise, Ayurveda treatment or gentle village experience can be arranged according to your interests and the facilities available at the selected hotel.

Overnight in Kumarakom.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the resort. Depending on the season and houseboat boarding time, you may take a morning walk near the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or enjoy the hotel facilities.

Later, transfer to the houseboat boarding point near Alleppey. Board your private houseboat around midday and meet the onboard crew.

Cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, passing coconut groves, paddy fields, canals, villages, traditional homes and local boats. A freshly prepared lunch is served onboard.

The houseboat continues cruising during the afternoon before mooring at an approved location around sunset. Dinner is served onboard, followed by a peaceful night on the backwaters.

Overnight aboard a private houseboat.

Wake to the peaceful atmosphere of the backwaters and enjoy breakfast onboard.

After a final morning cruise, disembark at approximately 9:00 a.m. Meet your driver and transfer to Kochi.

Check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may relax at the hotel, explore Fort Kochi independently or enjoy one of the neighborhood’s cafés, galleries and shops.

No formal sightseeing is scheduled, providing time to rest after the houseboat experience.

Overnight in Kochi.

After breakfast, meet your local guide and explore Kochi, a historic port city shaped by Indian, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, British and Jewish communities.

Visit Mattancherry Palace, known for its Kerala murals and royal collections, and walk through the old Jewish Quarter. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue when open and browse the neighborhood’s antique and spice shops.

Continue to Fort Kochi to see St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, colonial-era buildings and the famous Chinese fishing nets.

In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali performance. When possible, arrive early to observe the elaborate makeup preparation that forms an important part of the performance.

Return to your hotel after the show.

Overnight in Kochi.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer by private vehicle to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.

The departure time will be arranged according to your confirmed flight schedule.

For a very early-morning flight, the final night can be arranged closer to Kochi Airport if preferred.