Excellent
Chennai to Kochi
Discover Southern India on this 9-day tour travelling from Chennai to Kochi, taking in some exquisite UNESCO listed temples in the state of Tamil Nadu. Visit the picturesque former hill station of Munnar and its tea plantations before ending in the idyllic coastal town of Kochi, full of history and fantastic flavours.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysStarts
ChennaiEnds
KochiRange
SignatureTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 24Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
SundaysHotel Rating
3 - 4 star and heritage propertiesCountries
IndiaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
2024: Yes | 2025: No - can be booked for a supplementMeals included
Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 1Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Chennai
Day 1 - Welcome to Chennai
Sunday. Welcome to South India! On arrival in Chennai you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore the city at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
Day 2 - Mahabalipuram sightseeing
Day 2 - Mahabalipuram sightseeing
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry. This morning we depart Chennai and travel south to the French colonial city of Pondicherry. French rule lasted here until 1954 and the influence is still clear in the city's architecture.
En-route we will visit Mahabalipuram, the beautiful 7th century Shore Temple, so-named because of its location on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. We continue to the magnificent bas-relief carving, Arjuna's Penance and the incredible Five Ratha's. This UNESCO-listed site is made up of five different temples, all carved individually from separate rocks. The temples lay hidden under sand until the British rediscovered them 200 years ago. We continue on to Pondicehrry where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 3 - Pondicherry
Day 3 - Pondicherry
Pondicherry. Today we explore the highlights of Pondicherry including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram spiritual community and Pondicherry Beach, with it's beautiful golden sand and lapping waves. Finally, we explore the striking Sacred Heart Basilica, a famous Christian pilgrimage site. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 4 - Temples & Tanjore
Day 4 - Temples & Tanjore
Pondicherry - Tanjore. After breakfast we head away from the coastal Pondicherry to an important centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture - Tanjore (Thanjavur). We discover the ancient, fortified town of Tanjore, with a guided tour exploring the glorious history dating back more than 1,500 years. Take in the enormous Brihadishwara Temple. This temple is over 1000 years old and the dome on top is thought to have been hauled up in a similar way to the construction of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Day 5 - Chettinad
Day 5 - Chettinad
Tanjore - Chettinad. Today we travel to Chettinad which is renowned across India for its unique and spectacular combination of flavourful cuisine, yet few venture to this sleepy, tranquil village. Explore the crumbling Chettinad Palace and the famous tile factory in Athangudi, where your guide will explain how the renowned handmade terracotta tiles of Chettinad are crafted and readied.
Day 6 - Madurai sightseeing & Evening Aarti Ceremony
Day 6 - Madurai sightseeing & Evening Aarti Ceremony
Chettinad – Madurai. Departing Chettinad we continue onwards to Madurai, where we enjoy a half day guided tour taking in the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. This grand palace is known for the giant circular pillars in its courtyard and dates back to the 17th century. We continue to the famous rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan. According to a famous Hindu legend, this is where Murugan slayed the demon Surapadman. Finally, we join an Aarti prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. The ceremony involves the lighting of candles and songs being sung in praise of the gods.
Day 7 - Munnar Tea Plantations
Day 7 - Munnar Tea Plantations
Madurai - Munnar. Leave Madurai today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar, surrounded by sprawling tea plantations. We take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation and visit a local market, before the rest of the day is free to relax as you please. You may wish to visit the nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in the stunning surrounds.
Day 8 - Free day in Kochi
Day 8 - Free day in Kochi
Munnar - Kochi. Today we continue on to Kochi, our final destination in South India. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is free to explore the city at your own leisure. This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and make up and they always put on a fantastic show.
Day 9 - Kochi
Day 9 - Kochi
Monday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Kochi
Double
Twin
Single
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Chennai
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Kochi Airport Departure Transfer (per vehicle / max 2 persons)
$135
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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