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

Experience the cultural depth and natural beauty of South India on this immersive journey covering ancient temple cities, colonial coastal towns, lush spice plantations, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant urban centers. From Dravidian temple architecture and French-influenced Pondicherry to Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries and serene houseboat cruises, this itinerary offers a well-paced exploration of South India’s diverse heritage, traditions, and landscapes with carefully selected stays and guided experiences.

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

Arrive in Chennai, formerly Madras, a vibrant coastal metropolis and cultural gateway to South India. Upon arrival, receive assistance and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey.

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

Explore Chennai’s colonial heritage, museums, temples, and seaside charm. Visit the Government Museum, Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and San Thome Basilica. Drive along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.

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, stopping at Dakshinchitra heritage village showcasing South Indian crafts and traditions. Continue to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for rock-cut temples and coastal monuments.

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 holiest temple towns, renowned for its grand Dravidian temples. Continue to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its peaceful ambiance and colonial architecture.

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

Discover Pondicherry’s spiritual and colonial heritage. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, museums, and stroll through the charming French Quarter.

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

Travel inland through Tamil Nadu’s temple heartland. En route visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple, masterpieces of Chola architecture.

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

Explore Thanjavur, once the capital of the mighty Chola dynasty. Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Thanjavur Palace, and Saraswathi Mahal Library.

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

Drive to Madurai, stopping at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. In the evening, witness the enchanting Meenakshi Temple night ceremony.

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

Morning visit to Meenakshi Temple before driving to Thekkady, home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Visit a spice plantation and learn about Kerala’s spice heritage.

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

Descend from the hills into Kerala’s backwaters. Board a traditional houseboat and cruise through palm-lined canals, enjoying village life and serene landscapes.

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

Disembark from the houseboat and travel to Cochin, Kerala’s historic port city influenced by Arab, Chinese, and European traders.

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

Explore Cochin’s colonial landmarks including Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and spice markets.

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

Fly to Mumbai, India’s financial capital and cultural melting pot. Transfer to hotel and relax.

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

Explore Mumbai’s iconic landmarks including the Gateway of India, colonial architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street life.

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 breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, concluding your South India exploration.

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

Free cancellation up to 7 days before trip.

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