South India's temples & backwaters

Embark on a private guided tour through the cultural heart of South India, where ancient temples, scenic backwaters, and vibrant traditions come together to create an unforgettable journey. This carefully curated itinerary takes you through historic cities like Madurai, Tanjore, and Trichy, each home to stunning temples such as the Meenakshi Temple and Brihadeeswarar Temple, showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture. Beyond the temples, experience the charm of Pondicherry’s French colonial heritage, explore the rock-cut wonders of Mahabalipuram, and witness the beauty of Kerala’s lush landscapes.

A highlight of this private guided tour is a stay on a traditional houseboat in Alleppey, floating through the serene backwaters. In Cochin, immerse yourself in history with visits to the Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and St. Francis Church, followed by a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance. Whether you are drawn to South India’s deep spiritual roots, scenic beauty, or cultural richness, this private guided tour ensures an immersive and seamless experience, offering the perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.

Day 1

Experience the warm embrace of India’s rich traditions with a floral welcome, marking the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Upon arrival, our representative will assist with seamless transportation and check-in at your hotel. Begin your exploration of Chennai, a city steeped in history and culture. Visit the historic Fort St. George, a colonial-era landmark, followed by the San Thome Church, a stunning Gothic-style cathedral built over the tomb of Saint Thomas. Continue to the revered Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing Dravidian architecture and vibrant religious traditions. Conclude your tour with a scenic drive past Marina Beach, the world’s second-longest beach, stretching over 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, offering breathtaking coastal views.

Day 2

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. Also known as Mamallapuram, this historic town was an important port city of the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture and ancient sculptural marvels. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Later, set out on a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, where you'll explore its fascinating heritage. Visit the iconic Shore Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and immerse yourself in the artistic grandeur of this ancient coastal town.

Day 3

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting out on another day of exploration in Mahabalipuram. Dive deeper into the town’s rich heritage with visits to the magnificent Arjuna’s Penance, an intricately carved rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Continue your journey to the Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram, a collection of ancient rock-cut sanctuaries adorned with detailed carvings and sculptures that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty. Immerse yourself in the artistry and spiritual essence of these historic wonders before concluding your tour.

Day 4

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before traveling from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take a moment to relax. Known for its rich French colonial heritage, Pondicherry was the capital of French settlements in India from the 17th century, a legacy reflected in its charming streets, colonial architecture, and well-planned city layout. Later in the day, set out to explore the city, beginning with a visit to the renowned Sri Aurobindo Ashram. This spiritual retreat, founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, is a centre for meditation and self-discovery, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.

Day 5

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before departing for Tanjore, with a fascinating stop in Chidambaram along the way. Chidambaram, once the capital of the Chola dynasty, is one of Tamil Nadu’s holiest cities, renowned for its rich cultural and spiritual significance. Explore the sacred Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form, an architectural masterpiece reflecting the grandeur of the Chola era. After immersing yourself in Chidambaram’s history, continue your journey to Tanjore. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind, preparing for further discoveries in this historic city.

Day 6

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting out on a sightseeing tour of Tanjore. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 10th century by Raja Chola. This architectural marvel, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a stunning example of Dravidian temple design. Continue to the Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of Chola bronzes and sculptures, and explore the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which houses ancient manuscripts and rare palm-leaf writings. In the afternoon, embark on a 90-minute drive to Trichy (Tiruchirapalli), the fourth-largest city in Tamil Nadu, located on the banks of the Kaveri River. Visit the grand Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Then, explore the Rock Fort, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city from its hilltop temple. After discovering Trichy’s cultural treasures, continue your journey to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for the evening.

Day 7

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a sightseeing tour of Madurai, one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in India. The highlight of your tour is the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, an architectural masterpiece and a spiritual hub of South India. Located in the heart of the old city, this Dravidian-style temple features towering Gopurams adorned with thousands of colourful sculptures depicting deities, animals, and mythical figures. While non-Hindus are not permitted in the inner sanctum, the temple’s intricate carvings and grandeur offer a mesmerizing experience. Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, an elegant 17th-century structure built by King Thirumalai Nayak of the Nayaka dynasty. Blending Dravidian and Islamic architectural influences, the palace is known for its grand halls, majestic pillars, and impressive stucco decorations. After exploring Madurai’s rich heritage, return to your hotel and unwind for the rest of the day.

Day 8

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before departing for Thekkady, also known as Periyar, a scenic destination renowned for its lush landscapes and wildlife. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure—you may choose to unwind at the hotel, stroll through the spice-scented streets, or experience the serene beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.

Day 9

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Periyar National Park, one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake, offering a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. As you glide through the serene waters, keep an eye out for elephants, deer, bison, and a variety of bird species that thrive in this lush ecosystem. The tranquil surroundings and rich biodiversity make this an unforgettable experience.

Day 10

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before departing for Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s backwaters. Upon arrival, step aboard a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat, your floating home for an unforgettable experience. As you cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey, take in the breathtaking landscapes of lush paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and charming village life along the waterways. Indulge in a delicious lunch and dinner prepared on board, featuring authentic Kerala flavours. Relax and unwind as the gentle rhythm of the water sets the perfect tone for a peaceful overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 11

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the houseboat as you soak in the tranquil backwater views before departing for Cochin (Kochi), a vibrant port city rich in history and cultural heritage. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and get ready to explore the city's iconic landmarks. Visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), renowned for its exquisite murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Next, step into the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, adorned with beautiful chandeliers and hand-painted tiles. Continue to St. Francis Church, India's oldest European-built church, where explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Kerala’s cultural traditions with a visit to the Kathakali Dance Centre. Witness an enchanting performance of Kathakali, a classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, expressive gestures, and storytelling.

Day 12

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, savouring the last moments of your journey. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your homebound flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your incredible travel experience.

South India temples and backwaters: A journey of culture and tranquillity

Embark on an unforgettable private guided luxury tour through South India, a land of grand temples, serene backwaters, and rich heritage. This exclusive itinerary, crafted by expert luxury travel advisors, takes you through Tamil Nadu’s ancient spiritual sites and Kerala’s picturesque landscapes. From the towering Meenakshi Temple in Madurai to the tranquil houseboat cruises in Alleppey, this journey offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

Explore the timeless temples of Tamil Nadu

The journey begins in Chennai, where colonial landmarks blend with ancient Dravidian architecture. Travel to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut temples, including the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance. In Pondicherry, experience the remnants of French colonial charm alongside the spiritual aura of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Continue to Tanjore (Thanjavur), home to the architectural masterpiece Brihadeeswarar Temple, built by the Chola dynasty in the 10th century. In Trichy, visit the sacred Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world. Every moment of this private guided tour is enriched with expert insights into South India's deep spiritual and architectural traditions.

Discover the serenity of Kerala’s backwaters

From the vibrant temple towns of Tamil Nadu, journey into the lush green landscapes of Kerala. In Thekkady, explore the Periyar National Park, where a boat safari offers sightings of elephants and exotic birdlife. The highlight of this private guided luxury tour is a stay aboard a traditional houseboat in Alleppey, floating through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, surrounded by swaying palms and picturesque villages. In Cochin, uncover the region’s colonial past with visits to the Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and St. Francis Church. As the sun sets, witness the spellbinding performance of Kathakali dance, a vibrant storytelling tradition unique to Kerala.

A personalized luxury travel experience

With the expertise of luxury travel advisors, this private guided tour ensures a seamless and immersive experience, offering luxury accommodations, curated sightseeing, and personalized services. Whether you seek cultural immersion, spiritual enrichment, or a tranquil retreat, this journey through South India’s temples and backwaters is designed for discerning travellers looking for a truly luxurious and enriching experience.

PDF