Durations : - 12 Nights / 13 Days
Place Covered : - Chennai - Pondicherry - Chettinad - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Cochin
This 13 days Essence of South India Tour Package is designed for travelers who want to understand South India beyond surface-level sightseeing. The itinerary moves through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, focusing on classical temples, colonial settlements, traditional communities, and nature-rich regions. Each destination is chosen to reflect a distinct cultural identity rather than repetition.
The journey begins in Chennai and gradually transitions through Pondicherry’s colonial calm, Chettinad’s architectural heritage, and Madurai’s temple culture. From there, the route moves into Kerala’s forest regions, backwaters, and coastal landscapes, offering a balanced combination of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Travel pacing is carefully managed across longer distances, ensuring sufficient rest and meaningful sightseeing at each stop. This tour suits culture-focused travelers, international guests, and those interested in architecture, regional traditions, and slow travel across South India.
Arrival in Chennai is followed by pickup from the airport or railway station by your private driver. The first day is planned as a gentle introduction, allowing travelers to settle into South India’s coastal capital without rushing into intensive sightseeing.
Later, enjoy a light orientation drive through selected city areas to understand Chennai’s layout, colonial influence, and coastal setting. The evening is kept relaxed, followed by hotel check-in and rest after arrival.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with structured sightseeing in Chennai, focusing on areas that reflect the city’s colonial past and South Indian cultural roots. Guided explanations help travelers understand the historical development of the city as a trading and administrative center.
Sightseeing is paced comfortably, with time allocated to observe daily life, traditional neighborhoods, and coastal influences. The day concludes with a return to the hotel, allowing rest before the next intercity journey.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Chennai for Pondicherry, traveling along the coastal route that connects Tamil Nadu with this former French settlement. The journey is smooth and scenic, allowing travelers to observe changing coastal landscapes and smaller towns along the way.
Arrival in Pondicherry is followed by hotel check-in and leisure time. The evening is kept relaxed, offering an opportunity to experience the calm atmosphere and colonial charm of the town.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day is dedicated to exploring Pondicherry’s unique colonial character, with sightseeing focused on its planned streets, historic buildings, and cultural quarters. Guided explanations highlight French influence and the town’s distinct identity within South India.
Time is managed to allow peaceful exploration rather than hurried movement. The relaxed pace makes this day ideal for absorbing Pondicherry’s quiet rhythm before continuing the cultural journey.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Pondicherry for the Chettinad region, known for its grand mansions and distinctive architectural style. The road journey introduces rural Tamil Nadu landscapes and traditional village settings.
Arrival in Chettinad is followed by hotel check-in and rest. The evening is kept free to observe local surroundings and understand the region’s unique cultural character.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day focuses on exploring Chettinad’s heritage mansions and town layout, offering insight into the lifestyle of merchant families and regional craftsmanship. Guided explanations highlight architectural features, materials, and cultural traditions unique to this region.
Sightseeing is paced to allow observation of detail rather than rushed visits. The day concludes with a relaxed return to the hotel, preparing for the next leg of the journey.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Chettinad for Madurai, traveling through interior Tamil Nadu where traditional towns and agricultural landscapes dominate the route. The road journey is planned at a steady pace, allowing travelers to observe rural life and understand the cultural continuity of the region.
Arrival in Madurai is followed by hotel check-in and rest. The evening is kept relaxed, giving travelers time to prepare for in-depth temple-focused sightseeing planned for the following day.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with detailed sightseeing in Madurai, focusing on its historic temple-centered urban design. Guided explanations help travelers understand the city’s religious importance, architectural layout, and daily ritual practices that shape local life.
Sightseeing is paced carefully to avoid crowd fatigue, allowing time to observe ceremonies, corridors, and sculptural detail. The day concludes with a return to the hotel for rest and reflection.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Madurai for Periyar, moving from temple plains into the forested hills of Kerala. The road journey highlights a visible change in climate, vegetation, and landscape as elevation increases.
Arrival in Periyar is followed by hotel check-in and rest. The evening is kept calm, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural surroundings and prepare for forest-based activities scheduled ahead.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day is spent understanding Periyar’s protected forest region, known for its biodiversity and calm atmosphere. Activities are planned at a relaxed pace, focusing on nature appreciation rather than fast movement.
Later, the day remains flexible for leisure and rest around the hotel area. This balanced approach allows guests to enjoy the peaceful setting and recharge after continuous travel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Periyar for Kumarakom, transitioning from forested hills to Kerala’s backwater region. The journey highlights a dramatic shift in geography as canals, lagoons, and palm-lined waterways appear.
Arrival in Kumarakom is followed by check-in at a backwater-side property. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing, observing village life and water-based activity at a slow and peaceful pace.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day is dedicated to enjoying Kumarakom’s backwater environment, where daily routines revolve around canals and waterways. Time is spent observing traditional homes, agricultural activity, and small boats navigating narrow channels.
The experience is intentionally unhurried, allowing travelers to appreciate the rhythm of backwater life. The calm surroundings provide a refreshing contrast to temple towns and forest regions visited earlier.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Kumarakom for Cochin, traveling through central Kerala’s green landscapes. The journey is comfortable and allows for a smooth return to an urban setting.
Upon arrival in Cochin, the tour concludes with a transfer to the airport or railway station as per onward travel plans, marking the end of a culturally rich and well-paced South India journey.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Any query? Write us mail.
info@indiaagratours.com
Guide Services Coordinator
+91-9058900786
Chat to Experts
WhatsApp: +91-9058900786
