South India's Temples & Backwaters

From carved temple towers to backwaters drifting through green hush — a quiet passage across India’s southern soul.

Tamil Nadu hums through ancient stone and painted gopurams where Madurai’s temple lamps flicker beside flower-scented lanes and priests chant beneath sculpted deities. Tanjore gathers bronzes and frescoed corridors that hold centuries of kings and poets within cool sanctuaries of granite and prayer.

In Trichy, riverside shrines keep watch as pilgrims climb Rock Fort’s weathered steps to greet the plains below. Pondicherry slows time in whitewashed streets lined with colonial verandas and cafes shaded by whispering bougainvillea.

Along the Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram’s rock-cut temples and shore-carved friezes stand guard where waves carry salt wind through old granite halls. Westward, Cochin’s spice-scented courtyards and shadowed churches drift toward Alleppey’s quiet canals, where houseboats slip between coconut groves and still lagoons gather the hush of dusk.

This is where temple bells linger in salt air — and backwaters keep the day’s last breath.

Street scene in Chennai featuring a classic cycle rickshaw beside a pastel blue wall.

Day 1

Arrive in Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s lively coastal gateway. Trace British colonial footprints at Fort St. George, step into San Thome Church’s quiet Gothic grace, and stand beneath the vivid gopuram of Kapaleeswarar Temple, where fragrant jasmine stalls line the entrance. Let the day close with a drive past Marina Beach, waves and salt wind merging with the city’s restless hum.

Day 2

Travel south to Mahabalipuram, the Pallava dynasty’s old port and a stone-carved poem by the sea. Step into Shore Temple’s granite embrace where waves crash at its feet, then wander among the ancient bas-reliefs and rock-cut shrines that have stood sentinel since the 7th century.

Aerial view of colourful fishing boats docked at a busy pier in coastal Tamil Nadu.

UNESCO-listed Shore Temple complex by the sea in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.

Day 3

Delve deeper into Mahabalipuram’s wonders: gaze at Arjuna’s Penance — myth and river spirits etched into sheer rock — and slip into the Cave Temples where stone pillars and panels whisper old epics.

Day 4

Continue to Pondicherry, once France’s Eastern outpost. Stroll shaded boulevards lined with colonial villas before stepping into Sri Aurobindo Ashram’s serene courtyards — a quiet pause amid the city’s gentle drift of incense and ocean breeze.

Mahouts and an elephant adorned with garlands on a rocky beach near Pondicherry.

Traditional bull race capturing the energy and heritage of rural Tamil celebrations in South India.

Day 5

Journey onward through rice fields and temple towns to Chidambaram, once the Chola kings’ seat. Stand before Nataraja Temple’s tall gopurams, where Lord Shiva dances the cosmos into being. By afternoon, reach Tanjore and let the evening settle among temple spires.

Day 6

Begin at Brihadeeswarar Temple, a thousand-year-old stone giant crowned by a single granite dome. Trace sacred bronzes at the Art Gallery and turn pages of palm-leaf wisdom at Saraswathi Mahal Library. Continue to Trichy to explore Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple’s vast corridors and climb Rock Fort’s stone steps for sweeping views over the Kaveri River before driving on to Madurai.

Traditional Dravidian temple with sculpted pillars surrounded by palm trees in Tamil Nadu.

Colourful carvings of gods and goddesses on Meenakshi Temple’s façade in Madurai.

Day 7

Stand beneath the soaring gopurams of Meenakshi Temple — a kaleidoscope of sculpted gods and painted ceilings where pilgrims circle daily in quiet devotion. Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, an airy blend of arches and domes echoing a king’s dream of marble courts and moonlit dance halls.

Day 8

Travel west into the hills to Thekkady, a hush of cardamom forests and misty slopes. Let the day drift slowly: wander spice gardens or simply rest where birdsong replaces city chatter.

Morning elephant bathing routine by mahouts in a serene riverside village near Thekkady, Kerala.

Wildlife enthusiasts aboard boats exploring Periyar Lake, flanked by lush greenery and calm waters.

Day 9

Glide by boat across Periyar Lake at dawn, mist lifting off forest banks where elephants graze and kingfishers dive. Listen as jungle sounds carry across the water — a soft promise of the wild, hidden just beyond.

Day 10

Descend to Alleppey, Kerala’s watery heart. Step aboard a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat and drift through canals lined with coconut palms and village scenes unfolding slowly by the banks. Dine on fresh catch and spiced curries as the sun sets behind waving rice fields.

Bamboo-roofed houseboat floats peacefully through palm-lined canals of Alleppey’s lush backwaters.

Hand-rowed canoe sails gently through Kerala’s backwaters, framed by tall palms and village life.

Day 11

Disembark and travel to Cochin, where traders, rulers and travellers have left centuries of echoes. Step into Mattancherry Palace’s mural halls, the Paradesi Synagogue’s tiled hush, and St. Francis Church’s simple grace where Vasco da Gama once rested. As dusk falls, watch a Kathakali dancer’s painted face come alive with story and rhythm.

Day 12

Spend your final morning drifting through Cochin’s old lanes, perhaps a last sip of filter coffee or a glance at fishing nets catching dawn’s first light. Depart with Tamil temples, spice-scented air and Kerala’s backwaters humming softly within you.

Sunset over Kochi's iconic Chinese fishing nets stretching quietly into the Arabian Sea.

South India temples and backwaters: A journey of culture

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.