Tamilnadu & Kerala

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin

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Tour Highlights

  • Chennai’s colonial & temple heritage – Discover a blend of British-era architecture and ancient Dravidian temples, reflecting the cultural gateway of South India.
  • Mahabalipuram UNESCO rock-cut wonders – Explore shore temples, bas-reliefs, and monolithic rathas carved directly into stone, showcasing Pallava artistry by the sea.
  • French charm of Pondicherry – Walk through the White Town with colonial villas, cafés, and serene promenades that reflect a unique Indo-French cultural fusion.
  • Sacred Chidambaram temple experience – Visit one of India’s most important Shiva temples, known for its cosmic symbolism and classical Bharatanatyam traditions.
  • Thanjavur Chola heritage – Admire the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO masterpiece, and explore bronze art and classical South Indian culture.
  • Tiruchirappalli & Rockfort views – Climb the historic Rockfort temple complex offering panoramic views and insights into centuries of temple town life.
  • Madurai Meenakshi temple grandeur – Experience one of India’s most vibrant temple cities, alive with rituals, colorful gopurams, and bustling bazaar streets.
  • Periyar spice plantation & wildlife – Explore the Western Ghats with guided spice garden walks and the possibility of wildlife spotting in forested surroundings.
  • Kumarakom backwater village life – Witness serene Kerala village life along Vembanad Lake, with canoe rides and traditional farming landscapes.
  • Alleppey houseboat & Cochin heritage finale – Cruise through palm-lined backwaters on a traditional houseboat and conclude in Cochin, blending colonial history, spice trade legacy, and cultural performances.

Tour Overview

Discover the cultural treasures, spiritual traditions, and natural beauty of South India on this carefully curated private journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala. From magnificent temple cities and colonial towns to lush spice plantations and tranquil backwaters, this tour showcases the region's remarkable diversity.

Begin in Chennai, the cultural gateway to South India, before exploring the UNESCO-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram, famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and stunning Shore Temple. Continue to the charming French colonial town of Pondicherry, where elegant boulevards and seaside promenades create a unique atmosphere.

Visit the sacred temple town of Chidambaram and admire the architectural masterpieces of Tanjore and Trichy, home to some of South India's most impressive temples and living traditions. In Madurai, experience the grandeur of the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.

Cross into Kerala and journey through the spice-growing hills of Periyar, renowned for its plantations, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Relax amidst the serene waterways of Kumarakom and Alleppey, where palm-fringed canals, traditional villages, and peaceful backwaters reveal Kerala's timeless charm.

Conclude your journey in historic Cochin, a fascinating port city shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange between India, Europe, Arabia, and China. Accompanied by your own private driver throughout, you can travel at a comfortable pace while enjoying personalized experiences and authentic local encounters. Combining heritage, spirituality, nature, and relaxation, this tour offers an unforgettable introduction to the very best of South India.

Itinerary

On arrival at Chennai airport our representative having a placard displaying your name will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Today only an airport transfer is included and no sightseeing or any other visit is planned or included. If you arrive at Chennai early morning and wish to do sightseeing then kindly let us know and we shall do the needful and include a visit to Chennai attractions. Overnight at hotel in Chennai hotel.

80km

After breakfast, half day city tour of Chennai. First of all visit the Museum to see the art and bronze gallery. Drive through the Flower & Fruit Market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, Saint Thomas Cathedral.

Afternoon, drive towards MahabalipuramArrive and check in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

100km

After breakfast visit Mahabalipuram. Visit the 7th-century Shore Temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. Later visit the 7th-century Five Rathas. After the visit drive to Pondicherry. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Evening walk in the busy market of Pondicherry.

180km

Morning after breakfast visit Pondicherry. Visit the city and Sri Aurobindo Ashram the serene world of distinct spiritual vibration and thus renowned as Sacred Land. Later drive to Swamimalai. En route visit The Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam. After the visit continue drive towards Tanjore. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Tanjore.

200km

After breakfast visit Brihadeeswarar Shiva Temple at Tanjore, built by King Raja Rajan from the year 985 AD - 1010 AD. This is one of the superb temple architects of the Chola dynasty. Later visit Raja Rajan art gallery to see bronze statures of 9th-16th century. After the visit drive to Trichy. Arrive and visit Srirangam Vishnu Temple. It has 21 gopurmas (towers); one of the gopurma is 73 meters, highest in India. Continue drive towards Madurai. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Later in the late evening attend Puja (worship) ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

145km

Breakfast at the hotel visit Madurai city. Visit Meenakshi Temple, which is 1000 pillared hall carrying some beautiful sculptures of the seventeenth century. Also visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace. This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian architect. The building we see today was the main palace where the king lived. The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. In the afternoon drive to Periyar. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning take boat ride in the Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat on the water's edge. While cruising on Lake Periyar, you are likely to see animals like wild boars, sambars, wild dogs, Langur monkeys and wild elephants. Later you will be taken to visit a plantation garden. In the afternoon elephant ride of 30 minutes in the plantations. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Pariyar.

130km

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Backwaters cruise till Alleppey

After breakfast visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the most visited tourist venue in Kumarakom. This marshy stretch of land is the natural habitat of various species of birds. Migratory birds make this sanctuary their home during the winter season.

In the afternoon check in to traditional Kerala house boat for a cruise, which is totally a delightful experience. Cruise through the palm fringed canals, watch the paddy fields and village folk, while relaxing on board hearing the lullaby of the wind & waves. This mysterious strip of emerald green land is stuffed with endless miles of placid backwaters that appends to its charm. Freshly cooked local food is served onboard. Dinner and overnight stay at the houseboat.

60km

Breakfast at the houseboat. Check out and drive to Cochin. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening attend Kathakali dance show. Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.

After breakfast visit of Cochin including The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Enjoy a tuktuk ride in Spice market of Mattancherry area. In the late evening transfer to the airport to board the flight for your onward destination.

Location Map

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Duration
10 Nights / 11 Days
Tour Type
Private Guided
Hotels
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All of our sample tours can be customised to suit your personal preferences, or request your own personal tour of India.
Inclusion and Exclusion :
Cost include :
  • Hotel accommodation in one double sharing base category room in hotel category chosen by you for 10 nights
  • Daily breakfast in all hotels
  • Airport transfers by private vehicle with driver
  • Tour and sightseeing by private vehicle with driver for whole trip
  • Fuel, toll, parking, taxes or any other vehicle related expenses
  • Private accompanying tour guide for whole trip
  • Driver’s food and accommodation allowances
  • Tour guide’s food and accommodation allowances
Cost does not include :
  • Monument fee and entrances
  • Any paid activity fee not listed in cost includes
  • Your lunch and dinners
  • International flight, travel insurance, visa fee
  • Tipping
  • Anything not mentioned above under "Cost includes"
Important Information
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What Our Clients Say

Katja S
22 Jan 2026
5/5
A wonderful journey that will be remembered
  Our seven-day trip with India Personal Tours through northern India – with stops in Jaipur, Agra and Delhi – was a very special experience in every respect. From the warm welcome by our great guide Kunal Singh Shekhawat at the airport to the departure day we felt superbly looked after and accompanied by our guide as well as our friendly driver Vipin. From the very beginning, a very personal, warm atmosphere was created. It didn’t feel like a classic guided tour, but rather like traveling with a good friend. This openness, cordiality and attention has marked our journey from the beginning and has given it a special lightness. In addition to the many exciting insights into history, culture and architecture, it was above all the personal exchange that made this trip so enriching. The conversations, the small details and the fine sense of what interests us made every day special. We look back on this trip with great gratitude and can recommend India Personal Tours with complete conviction. It was an all-round successful experience and we very much hope that in the future there will be another opportunity to travel together.  ...Read More
jillhorwitz22
02 Feb 2026
5/5
Highly recommend India Personal Tours
  Our first time in India was an amazing experience thanks to Manu for planning it all and our wonderful guide Hariom who really shared his country, culture and wisdom with us. Our driver Arvind was also very kind. We had another guide in Varanasi who made those days wonderful also so thank you to Pankaj too! Their generosity and warmth made our trip stress-free and meaningful!  ...Read More
Todd H
06 Jan 2026
5/5
A Great First Trip to India
  India Personal Tours made our first trip to India exceptional. We visited six cities over two weeks, most in Rajasthan, and our guides and drivers -- all friendly and caring -- made sure we got the most out of every site, including some unplanned stops. The hotels Manu and his team chose for us were all also first rate. The company met all our expectations, and we're already planning a trip back!  ...Read More
Simon J
02 Jan 2026
5/5
What a ride through Rajasthan!
  Far beyond anything we could have ever imagined for our first trip to India. We joined India Personal Tours, and a small group of like-minded folks, for an amazing 14-day ride through Rajasthan. An unbelievable itinerary took us to places we would never have found under our own steam, from the wonderful chaos of Dehli to small rural villages like Narlai and so many more mind-blowing towns and cities in between, there were unforgettable experiences at every turn. Each new hotel we arrived at seemed better than the last, and we often found ourselves awestruck at where we were staying. Our expert guide, Gudu was absolutely brilliant. Always on hand to share his wealth of knowledge and tips on each location - covering everything with a broad historical, cultural, architectural, gastronomical and spiritual perspective that made each new experience all the richer. Not a bad singing voice either! Gudu also had an uncanny knack for ‘herding the kittens’ of our group, his bright green beret and big smile became a beckon for us as we wandered through crowded temples, havelis and bazaars. He created a warm family atmosphere among our group, was flexible enough to tailor days for our group and even welcomed us into his own family home when we visited the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Big shout out to our unflappable driver, Dev too. The bus rides were super comfy, but I think we managed every to sample every other mode of transport possible too, from crazy rickshaws and tuk-tuk rides, to camels, elephants and even bullock drawn carts!I could go on and on, but we would thoroughly recommend India Personal Tours whether you’ve been to India before or it’s your first time. Halfway through our travels we were already planning our next trip.  ...Read More

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