Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Place Covered : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Puducherry - Madurai - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kochi
Hotels
Sightseeing
Entry Tickets
MealsThe Tamil Nadu to Kerala – Temples, Tea & Backwaters – 12 Days itinerary blends the cultural depth of Tamil Nadu’s temple towns with the natural beauty of Kerala’s hills and backwaters. Guests begin their journey in Chennai, exploring colonial architecture and sacred temples, followed by the UNESCO-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram and the French colonial charm of Puducherry. The sacred city of Madurai, home to the vibrant Meenakshi Amman Temple, offers an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Crossing into Kerala, the itinerary transitions to the Western Ghats with a stay in Thekkady, where spice plantations and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary create a rich ecological experience. Guests then sail through the tranquil canals of Alleppey on a private luxury houseboat, enjoying serene landscapes and traditional village life. The journey concludes in Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch, and Jewish influences blend seamlessly with Kerala’s local culture.
This carefully curated 12-day journey provides a balance of temples, heritage towns, hill stations, wildlife, and backwaters, making it an ideal itinerary for international travelers seeking South India’s diversity in one seamless route.
Arrive at Chennai International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure to unwind or take a short orientation drive along Marina Beach. Overnight stay in Chennai.
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, and Fort St. George. Continue to the Government Museum showcasing South Indian bronzes. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check into your beachside resort. Afternoon sightseeing includes Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas, and the iconic Shore Temple.
Evening free to relax by the beach. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, drive to Puducherry. Check into a heritage boutique hotel in the French Quarter. Afternoon guided walk through cobbled streets lined with colonial villas, churches, and seaside promenades. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay in Puducherry.
Explore Aurobindo Ashram, Sacred Heart Basilica, and the township of Auroville, where the Matrimandir meditation center is located. Afternoon free for shopping or relaxing in French-style cafés. Overnight stay in Puducherry.
Morning transfer for train/flight to Madurai. On arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple for the evening Aarti ceremony, one of the most spiritual experiences in South India. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Spend the day exploring Madurai. Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, the Gandhi Memorial Museum, and take a heritage walk through local markets. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Drive into Kerala’s lush hills to reach Thekkady. Check into a spice plantation resort. Afternoon guided walk through the spice gardens, learning about cardamom, pepper, and cloves. Evening enjoy a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Morning boat safari on Periyar Lake, where elephants, bison, and birdlife can often be spotted. Afternoon optional activities include nature walks, bamboo rafting, or Ayurvedic spa treatments at the resort. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Drive to Alleppey and board your private luxury houseboat. Cruise along canals and lagoons, passing paddy fields and villages. Traditional Kerala meals are served onboard. Sunset over the backwaters creates a memorable evening. Overnight on houseboat.
After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kochi. Afternoon guided tour of Fort Kochi including St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and spice markets. Evening Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Kochi.
After breakfast, transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward flight.
Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kochi.
Yes, one night in a private luxury houseboat with full meals.
Yes, Kathakali dance, Kalaripayattu martial arts, and spice plantation walks are included.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Chennai), Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram), and Meenakshi Amman Temple (Madurai).
Yes, a boat safari on Periyar Lake is included.
Yes, Ayurvedic spa treatments are available in Thekkady and Kochi.
October to March for pleasant weather.
Yes, English-speaking professional guides are included.
Yes, with temples, wildlife, and houseboat stays, it suits families well.
Yes, extensions to Kovalam Beach or Karnataka heritage sites can be added.