Travel: Airport/arrival transfer | local sightseeing, time permitting

Upon arrival in Chennai, meet your representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a half-day city tour featuring Marina Beach, Golden Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica and a local bazaar. Overnight in Chennai.

Travel: Approximately 57 km | 1 hr 40 min

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. Later, explore the UNESCO-listed monuments and local landmarks, including the Pancha Rathas, Shore Temple, Krishna's Butter Ball, the lighthouse and Arjuna's Penance. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Travel: Approximately 95 km | 2 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Puducherry (Pondicherry). On arrival, check in at the hotel and later visit the local market. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Puducherry.

Travel: Local sightseeing

After breakfast, discover Puducherry's distinctive French colonial heritage. In the afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded in 1926 and known for its spiritual philosophy combining yoga with a modern outlook. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Puducherry.

Travel: Approximately 178 km | 3 hrs, excluding sightseeing stops

After breakfast, travel toward Thanjavur with sightseeing in Kumbakonam along the way. Visit prominent temples such as Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Sarangapani Temple and the nearby Airavatesvara Temple, as time permits. You may also see Mahamaham Tank and learn about the region's Navagraha temples. Continue to Thanjavur, check in at the hotel and stay overnight.

Travel: Local sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple, an early 11th-century masterpiece of Chola architecture. Admire its monumental tower, intricate stonework and remarkable granite construction. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Travel: Approximately 185 km | 3 hrs, excluding sightseeing stops

After breakfast, depart for Madurai with sightseeing in Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Visit the historic Rockfort Temple complex and the renowned Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, subject to time and opening hours. Continue to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Madurai.

Travel: Local sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Madurai and visit the spectacular Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, the city's most celebrated spiritual and architectural landmark. Experience the vibrant atmosphere surrounding this important place of worship. Overnight in Madurai.

Travel: Approximately 175 km | 3 hrs

After breakfast, depart for Rameswaram. On arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Rameswaram.

Travel: Local sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple, Ram Jharokha Temple and Gandhamadhana Parvatham. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Rameswaram.

Travel: Approximately 310 km | 6 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari and check in at the hotel. Located at the southern tip of mainland India, Kanyakumari is where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet. Visit Kumari Amman Temple and view the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial. In the evening, enjoy Kanyakumari's celebrated sunset, weather permitting. Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Travel: Approximately 78 km | 2 hrs

After breakfast, travel to Kovalam and check in at the hotel. Enjoy the area's palm-fringed beaches and relaxed coastal setting. Depending on your preference and availability, optional experiences may include water activities, yoga, meditation or an Ayurvedic treatment. Overnight in Kovalam.

Travel: Approximately 52 km | 1 hr 30 min

After breakfast, drive to Varkala and check in at the hotel. Explore Varkala's dramatic cliffside beach, Kappil Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple, Anchuthengu Fort and Thiruvambadi Black Beach, as time permits. Overnight in Varkala.

Travel: Approximately 130 km | 3 hrs

After an early breakfast, drive to Alappuzha (Alleppey), often called the Venice of the East. On arrival, board a traditional houseboat for a relaxing cruise through Kerala's backwaters, passing narrow canals, villages, paddy fields, temples and churches. Observe local life, including coir making and toddy tapping. Meals and refreshments on board will be provided as stated in the final booking confirmation. Overnight on the houseboat.

Travel: Approximately 140 km | 3 hrs 30 min

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Thekkady. On arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Thekkady.

Travel: Local sightseeing and optional activities

After breakfast, explore Thekkady and the Periyar area, renowned for its wildlife sanctuary and scenic lake. A boat ride is one of the main ways to experience the reserve. Depending on availability and guest preference, optional activities may include a spice plantation visit, Kathakali performance, trekking, bamboo rafting, elephant activities, a bullock-cart ride or a tribal village visit. Optional activities are subject to local operating conditions and may incur additional charges. Overnight in Thekkady.

Travel: Approximately 90 km | 3 hrs 30 min

After breakfast, drive through scenic mountain landscapes to Munnar, a peaceful hill station set around 1,600 metres above sea level. Known for its tea-covered hills and cool climate, Munnar lies near the meeting point of the Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala mountain streams. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Munnar.

Travel: Full-day local sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Munnar. Visit highlights such as Mattupetty, Pothamedu, Devikulam, Pallivasal and Attukal, subject to time and local conditions. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Munnar.

Travel: Munnar to Athirappilly: approximately 130 km | onward to Kochi

After breakfast, drive to Athirappilly and explore the area's natural attractions. Visit Athirappilly Falls and, as time permits, Charpa Falls, Vazhachal Falls or Thumboormuzhy. Continue to Kochi, check in at the hotel and stay overnight.

Travel: Local sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and historic districts reflecting the city's Portuguese and Dutch colonial heritage. Overnight in Kochi.

Travel: Departure transfer as confirmed

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to the airport or railway station for your onward journey. Your South India tour concludes with wonderful memories. Home sweet home.

Accommodation Plan

The proposed arrangement includes 20 nights in total: 19 nights in 4-star hotels and one night on a traditional houseboat. Final properties are subject to availability and booking confirmation.

Tour Price

Prices are quoted in euros per person and are based on the minimum travelling party shown below.

Included

• Private tour throughout the itinerary.
• Accommodation for 20 nights: 19 nights in 4-star hotels and one night on a traditional houseboat, subject to the confirmed booking.
• Daily breakfast at the hotels included in the confirmed accommodation package.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.
• Vehicle allocation according to group size: four-seat sedan for 1-2 guests, six-seat MPV for 3-4 guests, or nine-seat van for 5-9 guests.
• Private local guides for sightseeing, as scheduled.
• Fuel surcharge.
• All applicable tour service charges and hotel taxes.
• Bottled mineral water during road journeys.
• Personal care and assistance from Team Somnath India Tours.

Not Included

• Domestic or international flights.
• Entrance fees for monuments, temples, parks and other attractions.
• Gratuities, which are optional.
• Lunch and dinner, except any houseboat meals specifically stated in the final booking confirmation.
• Airport taxes or fees not expressly included in the confirmed package.
• Travel, medical or cancellation insurance.