11 Days Best of South India Tour: Culture, Nature & Heritage

9/ 10

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Gateway to South India:

Welcome to Chennai

Airport Pick-up and Lunch (12:00 PM):

Meet TravelTaxi representative, enjoy South Indian cuisine. Time: 1 Hour

Chennai City Tour (02:00 PM - 06:00 PM):

Visit Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Time: 4 Hours

Evening at Mylapore (07:00 PM - 08:30 PM):

Experience local culture and cuisine. Time: 1.5 Hours

Marina Beach

2
Day 2: Chennai to Mahabalipuram (60 km) By Road 1.5 Hours

Ancient Rock Carvings:

Explore Mahabalipuram

Breakfast at hotel (07:30 AM):

Start day with local flavors. Time: 45 Minutes

Drive to Mahabalipuram (09:00 AM - 10:30 AM):

Scenic coastal route. Time: 1.5 Hours

Lunch at seaside restaurant (12:30 PM):

Fresh seafood experience. Time: 1 Hour

Mahabalipuram Sightseeing (02:00 PM - 06:00 PM):

Visit Shore Temple, Five Rathas. Time: 4 Hours

Shore Temple

3
Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (95 km) By Road 2.5 Hours

French Colonial Charm:

Journey to Pondicherry

Breakfast at hotel (08:00 AM):

Energize for the journey. Time: 45 Minutes

Drive to Pondicherry (09:30 AM - 12:00 PM):

Coastal drive. Time: 2.5 Hours

Lunch at French Quarter (01:00 PM):

Taste Indo-French cuisine. Time: 1 Hour

Pondicherry Heritage Walk (03:00 PM - 06:00 PM):

Explore French and Tamil quarters. Time: 3 Hours

Aurobindo Ashram

4
Day 4: Pondicherry to Thanjavur (170 km) By Road 4 Hours

Temple Town Journey:

Travel to Thanjavur

Breakfast at hotel (07:30 AM):

Start with a hearty meal. Time: 45 Minutes

Drive to Thanjavur (09:00 AM - 01:00 PM):

Journey through Tamil heartland. Time: 4 Hours

Lunch at Thanjavur (01:30 PM):

Authentic Tamil cuisine. Time: 1 Hour

Brihadeeswara Temple Visit (03:00 PM - 05:30 PM):

Explore UNESCO World Heritage site. Time: 2.5 Hours

Brihadeeswara Temple

5
Day 5: Thanjavur to Madurai (190 km) By Road 4.5 Hours

City of Temples:

Travel to Madurai

Breakfast at hotel (07:30 AM):

Prepare for the journey. Time: 45 Minutes

Drive to Madurai (09:00 AM - 01:30 PM):

Scenic route through Tamil Nadu. Time: 4.5 Hours

Lunch at Madurai (02:00 PM):

Savor local delicacies. Time: 1 Hour

Meenakshi Temple Visit (04:00 PM - 06:30 PM):

Explore iconic temple complex. Time: 2.5 Hours

Meenakshi Amman Temple

6
Day 6: Madurai to Periyar (140 km) By Road 4 Hours

From Temples to Wildlife:

Journey to Periyar

Breakfast at hotel (07:30 AM):

Start the day fresh. Time: 45 Minutes

Drive to Periyar (09:00 AM - 01:00 PM):

Cross into Kerala's spice country. Time: 4 Hours

Lunch at Periyar (01:30 PM):

Spice-infused Kerala cuisine. Time: 1 Hour

Spice Plantation Tour (03:30 PM - 05:30 PM):

Learn about exotic spices. Time: 2 Hours

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

7
Day 7: Periyar Exploration

Wildlife and Spices:

Discover Periyar's Treasures

Breakfast at hotel (06:30 AM):

Early start to the day. Time: 45 Minutes

Periyar Lake Boat Ride (07:30 AM - 09:30 AM):

Spot wildlife from the water. Time: 2 Hours

Lunch at eco-lodge (12:30 PM):

Organic Kerala meal. Time: 1 Hour

Nature Walk (03:00 PM - 05:30 PM):

Guided trek through the sanctuary. Time: 2.5 Hours

Periyar Tiger Reserve

8
Day 8: Periyar to Kumarakom (130 km) By Road 4 Hours

Spice Hills to Backwaters:

Travel to Kumarakom

Breakfast at hotel (07:30 AM):

Start with local flavors. Time: 45 Minutes

Drive to Kumarakom (09:00 AM - 01:00 PM):

Scenic route to backwater paradise. Time: 4 Hours

Lunch at resort (01:30 PM):

Relaxing meal by the lake. Time: 1 Hour

Sunset Bird Sanctuary Visit (05:00 PM - 06:30 PM):

Observe migratory birds. Time: 1.5 Hours

Vembanad Lake

9
Day 9: Kumarakom to Alleppey Houseboat (30 km) By Road 1 Hour

Backwater Bliss:

Houseboat Experience in Alleppey

Breakfast at resort (08:00 AM):

Lakeside morning meal. Time: 45 Minutes

Transfer to Alleppey (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM):

Short drive to houseboat. Time: 1 Hour

Lunch on houseboat (01:00 PM):

Traditional Kerala feast. Time: 1 Hour

Backwater Cruise (02:00 PM - 06:00 PM):

Relax on Kerala's famous waterways. Time: 4 Hours

Alleppey Backwaters

10
Day 10: Alleppey to Kochi (55 km) By Road 1.5 Hours

Historic Port City:

Explore Kochi

Breakfast on houseboat (08:00 AM):

Final backwater breakfast. Time: 45 Minutes

Drive to Kochi (10:00 AM - 11:30 AM):

Journey to Kochi. Time: 1.5 Hours

Lunch at Fort Kochi (12:30 PM):

Taste fusion Kerala cuisine. Time: 1 Hour

Kochi Sightseeing (02:00 PM - 06:00 PM):

Visit Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets. Time: 4 Hours

Fort Kochi

11
Day 11: Kochi - Departure

Farewell to South India:

Depart from Kochi

Breakfast at hotel (08:00 AM):

Final meal in Kerala. Time: 45 Minutes

Last-minute Shopping (09:30 AM - 11:30 AM):

Buy souvenirs at local markets. Time: 2 Hours

Farewell Lunch (12:00 PM):

Last taste of Kerala cuisine. Time: 1 Hour

Transfer to Kochi Airport (As per flight schedule):

Departure assistance.

Cochin International Airport

Rejuvenate with authentic Ayurvedic treatments on TravelTaxi's wellness tours in Kovalam, Kerala.


Overview

Best of South India Tour: An 11-Day Cultural and Natural Extravaganza

Experience the Essence of South India: From Ancient Temples to Serene Backwaters

Embark on an unforgettable journey with TravelTaxi's 11 Days Best of South India Tour: Culture, Nature & Heritage. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through the most captivating landscapes and cultural experiences of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, offering a perfect blend of historical wonders, natural beauty, and serene moments.

A Tapestry of Experiences: Tamil Heritage to Kerala's Natural Splendor

Your adventure begins in the bustling city of Chennai, leading you through the ancient port of Mahabalipuram, the French-influenced Pondicherry, and the temple towns of Thanjavur and Madurai. As you cross into Kerala, experience the wildlife of Periyar, the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey, and the historic charm of Kochi, witnessing the diverse facets of South India's beauty.

Immersive Encounters with History, Nature, and Culture

Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, witness the grandeur of ancient Dravidian temples, and experience the colonial charm of Pondicherry. Discover the aromatic world of spice plantations, spot exotic wildlife, and cruise through tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Each day brings new insights into the rich tapestry of South Indian culture and nature.

Comfort and Authenticity Combined

TravelTaxi ensures your comfort with carefully selected accommodations, including a night on a traditional Kerala houseboat. Savor the diverse flavors of South Indian cuisine and interact with local communities, gaining deep insights into the region's rich cultural heritage.

Join TravelTaxi on this comprehensive journey through South India. From the ancient shore temples of Mahabalipuram to the gentle lapping of Kerala's backwaters, experience the best of two remarkable states in eleven unforgettable days.


Frequently Asked Questions

TravelTaxi recommends visiting between October and March for pleasant weather across all destinations in the tour.
While sightings can't be guaranteed, TravelTaxi arranges guided boat rides and nature walks that maximize your chances of spotting elephants, deer, and various bird species.
Yes, TravelTaxi provides well-equipped houseboats with private rooms, attached bathrooms, and delicious meals for a comfortable and authentic experience.
TravelTaxi ensures you experience both cuisines, with Tamil food typically spicier and Kerala cuisine known for its coconut-based dishes and seafood.
TravelTaxi advises packing light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire for temple visits. Don't forget insect repellent and a light jacket for evenings.

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