AEI- 95 South India-Tamil Nadu to Kerala 7D-8D
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
“This program is a deep dive into South India , where history isn’t told in books, but in the stones of its ancient gopurams (towers). What makes this tour unique is the radical contrast: we begin with the monumental and vibrant geometry of the temples of Tamil Nadu , and end with the absolute peace of the tropical landscapes of Kerala . It’s a sensory journey where the incense of Hindu rituals mingles with the aroma of spices from Fort Cochin. The meticulously structured road trip allows you to witness the true transition between two states with entirely different cultures and languages.”
Day 1. Arrival in Chennai
Arrival in Chennai. You will be met and assisted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Chennai. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is India’s fifth largest city by population and one of its oldest. Located in the birthplace of Christianity’s spread in India over 1,900 years ago, it was the first place on the Indian subcontinent where missionaries arrived. Chennai is the gateway to South India, the land of soft silk and fragrant incense, the land of temples and a constant atmosphere of vibrant festivals, and the center of over 900 kilometers of coastline with fine golden sandy beaches on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
Day 2. Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Chennai (60 kms, one way / 1 hour. 30 min.)
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the city of Chennai, including Kapaleeshwarar Temple : a beautiful temple dedicated to the god Shiva, famous for its Dravidian architecture and colorful gopuram (tower). We will also visit St. Thomas Basilica : one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle (St. Thomas). We will stroll along Marina Beach : one of the longest urban beaches in the world. We will then depart for Mahabalipurama, arriving and visiting the city, beginning with the five chariots carved from a single rock, the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Cave, the stone ball, and the figures of the gods carved from local stone. Return to Chennai and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 3. Chennai-Trichy (330 km / 6 hours approx.)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Trichy, another settlement of the great Dravidian culture of the south, the Chola. Except for some periods under the Pallava and Pandiya cultures, it remained under Chola rule until the 10th century AD. Later, it was incorporated into the Vijayanagar kingdom until 1565, when it was taken by the Muslim sultans of the Deccan. However, it was under the great Nayak dynasty of Madurai that the Rock Fort was built. Arrival in Chennai and visit to Srirangam Temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu. It is a Vimana temple, meaning a pyramid-shaped tower building that protects the most sacred area of the religious complex. It is also guarded by similar-looking tower gates (Gopurams) that mark the boundaries of the sacred space. In South India, some religious complexes reach monumental dimensions, including some of the largest continuously operating Hindu temples—wonders that, curiously, remain largely unknown. This temple rises 72 meters above ground level in a stepped formation. We will see the Srirangam temple along with its gopurams, or towers, decorated with painted sculptures representing gods and divine and celestial beings. Accommodation
Day 4. Trichy-Tanjore-Madurai (Tanjore-Trichy 60 kms / 1 hour and Tanjore-Madurai 190 kms, 3 hours approx.)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Madurai, with a visit en route to the city of Tanjore. Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, is one of the most peaceful cities in Tamil Nadu. Its significance lies in the presence of one of the finest examples of Chola art. Tanjore was one of the capitals of the Chola Empire, which began in the 1st century AD and lasted until the 13th century, the dynasty most closely associated with Dravidian Tamil culture.
Upon arrival in Tanjore , visit the Brihadishwara Temple, built in 1010. Its full name is “Temple and Fort” because it is surrounded by a walled perimeter, as well as large gardens and a pond. The Chola culture was known for dedicating most of its temples to the god Shiva. This temple houses 250 Shiva lingams in its numerous chapels distributed along the surrounding gallery. In the main courtyard, before entering the Sanctum Sanctorum, stands a statue of a large Nandi, the bull ridden by Shiva in many of his depictions. This Nandi is one of the largest in India, measuring 6 meters long, 3 meters high, and weighing approximately 25 tons, carved from a single piece of stone. After the visit, we depart for Madurai, arriving and transferring to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 5. Madurai-Kumarakom (245km-6 hours, approx)
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and her husband Sundareshwarar (Shiva). It is one of the most iconic temples in Tamil Nadu and all of South India . Famous for its colorful gopurams (towers), sculpted with thousands of mythological figures, it has a history dating back more than 2,500 years , although its current structure is from the 17th century.
After the visit, we will depart by road for Kumarakom. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Kumarakom, 16 km from the city of Kottayam in central Kerala, is a group of small islands in Vembanad Lake and is part of the Kuttayam region. Overnight stay.
Day 6. Kumarakom-Cochin (53 km - 1 hour)
Breakfast at the hotel. Time to relax before departure for Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Cochin, officially Kochi in Malayalam, is a city in the state of Kerala and one of the country’s major seaports. Located in the Ernakulam district, it was a key point in the spice trade, through which Arabs, Dutch, Chinese, British, and Portuguese passed and settled. In St. Francis Church (1503), a small plaque indicates that Vasco da Gama died in Kochi and was buried there before his remains were taken to Portugal. Overnight stay.
Day 7. Cochin
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for a city tour, including Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace (closed Fridays), a Portuguese gift to the Rajah of Cochin in the 16th century. Later seized and renovated by the Dutch, it was returned to the Rajah. The palace is now a museum with impressive furniture, weapons, costumes, and murals depicting great Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Visit to the Synagogue (closed Friday and Saturday), the oldest in India, built in 1568.
Stroll through the Jewish Quarter. Visit to the Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala), unique to Cochin.
Walk through Fort Cochin, famous for its Ayurvedic medicine.
In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a classical form of Kerala theater. This theatrical dance represents Hindu epics through gestures, makeup, and music. A truly unmissable event. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 8. Cochin - Next Destination
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination/home.
Our price includes
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast in the selected hotels.
- Local guide service in the client’s language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
- Assistance at airports and train stations by an English-speaking representative.
- Performance of famous Kathakali dances in Cochin.
- Entrance fees to the monuments according to the program.
- Current rates applicable at this time.
Our price does not include
- Tips at the destination for guides, drivers, and porters at hotels.
- Camera fees at monuments.
- Extra expenses at the hotel such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Any other service not specified in “the price includes”.
Cities | Highlights |
Chennai | The South Gate: The colorful Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the stunning Basilica of Saint Thomas, a union of East and West. |
Mahabalipuram | Poetry in Stone: The Five Rathas and the Shore Temple, a World Heritage Site carved facing the sea. |
Trichy | Srirangam: One of the world’s largest religious complexes with its 21 painted gopurams that seem to touch the sky. |
Tanjore | Chola Grandeur: The Brihadishwara temple , a 1,000-year-old architectural marvel with a giant 25-ton Nandi. |
Madurai | The Heart of Tamil: The Meenakshi Temple , a city within a temple, vibrant with life, faith and thousands of colorful sculptures. |
Kumarakom | Kerala Tropical: Relaxation by Vembanad Lake , the heart of India’s famous Backwaters . |
Cochin (Kochi) | Melting Pot of Cultures: Chinese fishing nets, Jewish heritage and the hypnotic Kathakali dance performance . |
CITIES / NIGHTS | HOTELS CAT. 4* OR SIMILAR | HOTELS CAT 5* STANDARD OR SIMILAR |
Chennai | Central Regent or Similar | Radisson GRT Chennai / Raintree Chennai or Similar |
Trichy | Red Fox or similar | Courtyard By Marriott or Similar |
Madurai | JC Residency or Similar | Heritage Madurai or similar |
Kuamrkom | Whisperig Palm or Similar | Rhythm or Similar |
Cochin | Abbot ATRIUM or Similar | Fragrant Nature Cochin or Similar |
Important note: In the event that a hotel is unavailable due to weddings, conferences, or other local events, alternative accommodation of the same category will be offered. |
