4.8★
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day is shown as a booking-ready plan: route movement, sightseeing focus, cab coordination and practical notes from the tour body.
Day 1: Arrival in Chennai
Gateway to South India
Arrive in Chennai and transfer to hotel.
Lunch at hotel (01:00 PM)
Welcome meal after check-in. Time: 1 Hour
Marina Beach Visit (03:00 PM - 05:30 PM)
Explore the second-longest urban beach in the world. Time: 2.5 Hours
Marina Beach
Day 2: Chennai to Mahabalipuram (60 km) By Road 1.5 Hours
Coastal Heritage
Chennai to Mahabalipuram
Breakfast at hotel (08:00 AM)
Start day with South Indian flavors. Time: 45 Minutes
Drive to Mahabalipuram (09:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
Scenic coastal route. Time: 1.5 Hours
Shore Temple Visit (11:30 AM - 01:00 PM)
Explore UNESCO World Heritage site. Time: 1.5 Hours
Lunch at beachside restaurant (01:30 PM)
Savor seafood specialties. Time: 1 Hour
Five Rathas & Arjuna's Penance Tour (03:00 PM - 06:00 PM)
Marvel at rock-cut monuments. Time: 3 Hours
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Day 3: Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (95 km) By Road 2.5 Hours
French Riviera of the East
Mahabalipuram 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 journey. Time: 2.5 Hours
Lunch in French Quarter (12:30 PM)
Taste Indo-French cuisine. Time: 1 Hour
Pondicherry Heritage Walk (02:30 PM - 05:30 PM)
Explore French and Tamil quarters. Time: 3 Hours
Evening at Promenade Beach (06:00 PM - 07:30 PM)
Enjoy seaside ambiance. Time: 1.5 Hours
Aurobindo Ashram
Day 4: Pondicherry to Thanjavur (170 km) By Road 4 Hours
Chola Grandeur
Pondicherry to Thanjavur
Breakfast at hotel (07:30 AM)
Start day with local flavors. Time: 45 Minutes
Drive to Thanjavur (09:00 AM - 01:00 PM)
Journey through Tamil heartland. Time: 4 Hours
Lunch in 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
Day 5: Thanjavur to Madurai (190 km) By Road 4.5 Hours
City of Temples
Thanjavur 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 in 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
Day 6: Madurai to Thekkady (140 km) By Road 4 Hours
From Temples to Wildlife
Journey to Thekkady
Breakfast at hotel (07:30 AM)
Start the day fresh. Time: 45 Minutes
Drive to Thekkady (09:00 AM - 01:00 PM)
Cross into Kerala's spice country. Time: 4 Hours
Lunch at Thekkady (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
Day 7: Thekkady to Kumarakom (130 km) By Road 4 Hours
Wilderness to Backwaters
Travel to Kumarakom
Breakfast at hotel (07:00 AM)
Early start to the day. Time: 45 Minutes
Periyar Lake Boat Ride (08:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
Spot wildlife from the water. Time: 2 Hours
Drive to Kumarakom (11:00 AM - 03:00 PM)
Scenic route to backwater paradise. Time: 4 Hours
Late Lunch at resort (03:30 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
Day 8: 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
Day 9: Alleppey to Kochi (55 km) By Road 1.5 Hours - Departure
Farewell to South India
Return to Kochi for Departure
Breakfast on houseboat (08:00 AM)
Final backwater breakfast. Time: 45 Minutes
Drive to Kochi (10:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Return journey to Kochi. Time: 1.5 Hours
Farewell Lunch in Kochi (12:30 PM)
Last taste of Kerala cuisine. Time: 1 Hour
Transfer to Kochi Airport (As per flight schedule)
Departure assistance.
Cochin International Airport
Tour overview
Highlights of South India: A 9-Day Journey Through Kerala & Tamil Nadu
Experience the Best of South India: From Ancient Temples to Serene Backwaters
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with TravelTaxi's 9 Days Highlights of South India: Kerala & Tamil Nadu. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through the most captivating landscapes and cultural experiences of South India, offering a perfect blend of historical wonders, natural beauty, and serene moments.
A Tapestry of Experiences: Tamil Heritage to Kerala's Natural Splendor
Your journey 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 Thekkady and the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey, 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 magical 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 nine unforgettable days.
Quick tour facts
The booking desk uses these facts to validate route timing, cab class, pickup flow and final inclusions before checkout.
Why this tour works
This page is built to move from inspiration to a practical checkout discussion: route, vehicle, stay, guide, inclusions and support are all visible before you pay.
Route-first planning
Private cab-first planning for 9 Days Highlights of South India: Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
Legitimate support
Flexible itinerary changes before confirmation.
Private cab comfort
Destination, hotel, activity and transfer support in one plan.
Clear inclusions
Clear fare discussion before you book.
What's included and excluded
✓ Typically covered or coordinated
- ✓Private AC taxi or route transfer support
- ✓Driver coordination and daily pickup planning
- ✓Route map, sightseeing order and timing advice
- ✓Hotel, guide and activity add-ons on request
- ✓Phone and WhatsApp support during the trip
! Usually extra unless listed
- !Monument tickets unless explicitly included
- !Meals, shopping and personal expenses
- !Special permits, camera fees and guide charges unless added
- !Travel insurance or flight/train tickets
Pricing and packages
Prices are starting references. Travel Taxi confirms the final quote after dates, route, cab class, hotel category, add-ons and inclusions are checked with availability.
Core route support, quote discussion and standard planning
Check this optionComfort-focused route, upgraded cab/hotel/activity options
Check this optionPremium customisation with priority planning support
Check this optionStarting package reference; final quote confirmed before booking
Cab, hotel, activities and route support
Higher category cab, hotel and local guide upgrades
Ask for child, extra-bed and vehicle-fit savings when travelling with family.
Share dates early so hotels, guides and cab classes can be compared before rates rise.
Compare SUV, Innova Crysta and tempo traveller pricing before locking the package.
Add-on upgrades
Choose an upgrade to open the custom planner at the add-ons step. We will price each upgrade separately so it can be removed before booking.
Photo gallery
Travel notes and details
Tour availability, hotel category, cab class and monument timing can change by date. Confirm the final inclusion list before payment.
For the best quote, share pickup city, travel date, passenger count, luggage count, preferred vehicle, hotel category and any must-visit places.
Travel Taxi confirms date, pickup point, passenger count, cab class, hotel category and final inclusion list.
Ask for taxes, parking, tolls, guide fees, monument tickets and special permits to be shown separately.
Keep driver coordination and WhatsApp support available for timing changes, comfort breaks and route checks.
Tour questions travellers ask
What's the best time to visit South India? +
TravelTaxi recommends visiting between October and March for pleasant weather across all destinations in the tour.
Will we see wildlife in Periyar? +
While sightings can't be guaranteed, TravelTaxi arranges guided boat rides that maximize your chances of spotting elephants, deer, and various bird species.
Is the houseboat stay comfortable? +
Yes, TravelTaxi provides well-equipped houseboats with private rooms, attached bathrooms, and delicious meals for a comfortable and authentic experience.
How different are Tamil and Kerala cuisines? +
TravelTaxi ensures you experience both cuisines, with Tamil food typically spicier and Kerala cuisine known for its coconut-based dishes and seafood.
What should we wear when visiting temples? +
TravelTaxi advises modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for both men and women when visiting religious sites.
Customer reviews
The route planning was clear, the driver coordination was smooth, and changes were handled quickly on WhatsApp.
Good help with timing, sightseeing order and cab selection. The plan felt practical instead of rushed.
Travel Taxi made it easier to compare options and get a confirmed cab quote before travel.
Book with Travel Taxi in three steps
Send pickup city, destination, passengers and preferred timing.
Review route, vehicle, inclusions, add-ons and expected budget.
Keep driver and Travel Taxi support available for practical changes.
