Home/India/Mumbai/Best of South India – Temples, Coastlines & Backwaters
Mumbai • Alleppey • Cochin • Thekkady • Madurai • Thanjavur • Pondicherry • Mahabalipuram • Chennai

Best of South India – Temples, Coastlines & Backwaters

15 Days, 14 Nights
2-12 People

Experience Overview

Dive deep into the cultural richness and natural beauty of South India on a journey that moves thoughtfully through ancient temple cities, charming colonial coastal towns, fragrant spice plantations, peaceful backwaters, and buzzing urban centers. From the towering Dravidian temple architecture and the French-tinged streets of Pondicherry to the wildlife sanctuaries and gliding houseboat cruises of Kerala, this itinerary gives you a well-paced and genuinely rewarding look at the extraordinary diversity of South India's heritage, living traditions, and landscapes, all brought together with carefully chosen places to stay and guided experiences that add real depth to every stop along the way.

Duration15 Days
Group Size2-12 Guests
GuidePrivate Expert
LanguageEnglish

Included Amenities

Private Transfers

Luxury 5 Star Hotel

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Sightseeing

Entrance Fees

Expedition Roadmap

Day 1 Image 1
Day 1 Image 2
Overview

Touch down in Chennai, once known as Madras, a lively coastal city that buzzes with energy and serves as the natural gateway into the world of South India. You will be met on arrival and taken to your hotel without any fuss. The rest of the day is completely free, so take your time, settle in, and recover from the journey at whatever pace suits you.

Experiences on this day
Airport meet & greet
Private hotel transfer
Stay of the day
Taj Club House
5 Star Luxury
Chennai
Taj Club House

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Spend the day exploring the many layers of Chennai, moving between colonial landmarks, fascinating museums, ancient temples, and breezy coastal stretches. Take in the Government Museum, Fort St. George, and the historic St. Mary's Church before heading to the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the serene San Thome Basilica. Round off the day with a drive along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches anywhere in the world, where the sea breeze and the city energy come together in a way that feels uniquely Chennai.

Experiences on this day
Government Museum
Fort St. George
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
San Thome Basilica
Marina Beach drive
Stay of the day
Taj Club House
5 Star Luxury
Chennai
Taj Club House

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Travel along the Coromandel Coast, making a stop at Dakshinchitra, a living heritage village that brings South Indian crafts and age-old traditions to life in the most authentic way. From there, head to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that leaves you in awe with its stunning rock-cut temples and ancient coastal monuments scattered along the shoreline.

Experiences on this day
Dakshinchitra cultural village
Mahabalipuram monuments
Shore Temple visit
Stay of the day
Ideal Beach Resort
3 Star Luxury
Mahabalipuram
Ideal Beach Resort

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Visit Kanchipuram, one of India's most sacred temple towns, famous for its towering Dravidian temples that have stood the test of time. Make your way to Pondicherry next, a former French colony that charms you instantly with its laid-back vibe and beautifully preserved colonial architecture lining the streets.

Experiences on this day
Ekambareswarar Temple
Kailasanathar Temple
Drive to Pondicherry
Stay of the day
Le Pondy Resort
5 Star Luxury
Pondicherry
Le Pondy Resort

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Explore the spiritual and colonial soul of Pondicherry at your own pace. Drop by the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and a few local museums, then take a leisurely walk through the charming French Quarter where every street has a story to tell.

Experiences on this day
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sacred Heart Church
Pondicherry Museum
French Quarter walk
Stay of the day
Le Pondy Resort
5 Star Luxury
Pondicherry
Le Pondy Resort

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Head inland through the temple heartland of Tamil Nadu, where history feels alive at every turn. Along the way, stop at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple, three remarkable examples of Chola architecture that simply take your breath away.

Experiences on this day
Chidambaram Temple
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Airavatesvara Temple
Stay of the day
Great Trails Riverview
4 Star Luxury
Thanjavur
Great Trails Riverview

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Spend time exploring Thanjavur, the city that once served as the grand capital of the powerful Chola dynasty. Make sure to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Thanjavur Palace and the fascinating Saraswathi Mahal Library that holds centuries of knowledge within its walls.

Experiences on this day
Brihadeeswarar Temple
Thanjavur Palace
Saraswathi Mahal Library
Stay of the day
Great Trails Riverview
4 Star Luxury
Thanjavur
Great Trails Riverview

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Make your way to Madurai, pausing en route to visit the magnificent Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. As evening sets in, stay back to witness the deeply moving night ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Experiences on this day
Srirangam Temple
Meenakshi Temple night ritual
Stay of the day
3 Star Luxury
Fortune Pandiyan Hotel

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Start your morning with a visit to the Meenakshi Temple before hitting the road toward Thekkady, where the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary awaits. Stop by a spice plantation along the way and get a real feel for Kerala's rich spice heritage that has drawn traders and travelers for centuries.

Experiences on this day
Meenakshi Temple
Spice plantation tour
Stay of the day
Cardamom County
4 Star Luxury
Thekkady
Cardamom County

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Come down from the hills and ease your way into the calm world of Kerala's backwaters. Step aboard a traditional houseboat and drift through narrow canals lined with swaying palms, soaking in the simple rhythm of village life and the quietly beautiful landscapes all around you.

Experiences on this day
Houseboat cruise
Backwater villages
Stay of the day
Kerala Backwater Houseboat
5 Star Luxury
Kerala Backwater Houseboat

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Step off the houseboat and make your way to Cochin, a historic port city that carries the lasting influence of Arab, Chinese, and European traders who once called it home.

Experiences on this day
Drive to Cochin
Leisure evening
Stay of the day
Crowne Plaza
5 Star Luxury
Cochin
Crowne Plaza

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Wander through Cochin's rich colonial past as you take in the sights of Fort Kochi, the iconic Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the bustling spice markets that still carry the fragrance of a bygone trading era.

Experiences on this day
Fort Kochi walk
Chinese fishing nets
Mattancherry Palace
Jewish Synagogue
Stay of the day
Crowne Plaza
5 Star Luxury
Cochin
Crowne Plaza

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Catch a flight to Mumbai, India's buzzing financial capital and a city where countless cultures blend effortlessly into one. Head to your hotel, settle in, and take the rest of the day to unwind and recharge.

Experiences on this day
Domestic flight
Hotel transfer
Stay of the day
Fariyas Hotel
4 Star Luxury
Mumbai
Fariyas Hotel

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

Spend the day taking in Mumbai's most iconic sights, from the majestic Gateway of India and grand colonial architecture to the lively markets and vibrant street life that give this city its unmistakable energy.

Experiences on this day
City sightseeing
Heritage buildings
Stay of the day
Fariyas Hotel
4 Star Luxury
Mumbai
Fariyas Hotel

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities
Overview

After a leisurely breakfast, head to the airport and begin your journey home, carrying with you memories of an incredible South India adventure that was truly one of a kind.

Experiences on this day
Departure transfer
Stay of the day
5 Star Luxury

Airport

Railway

City Heart

Cuisine

Facilities

Starting from

$3,135

per person

Need customization?

Chat with a Luxury Expert

More from this collection

Taj & Tigers

Taj & Tigers

$1,45,0006 Days
Hidden Rajasthan

Hidden Rajasthan

$1,65,0009 Days
Royal India

Royal India

$2,10,00012 Days
+15View Full Gallery

Starting from

$3,135

Best of South India – Temples, Coastlines & Backwaters | Wanderlust