
Kerala & Tamil Nadu Hidden Gems
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Discover the rich heritage and lush landscapes of South India on this 12-day journey from Kochi to Chennai. Begin in Kerala with a city tour of historic Cochin and a mesmerising Kathakali performance, before drifting through Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Explore wildlife in Thekkady and the tea-covered hills of Munnar, then cross into Tamil Nadu to visit Madurai’s grand Meenakshi Temple and the magnificent Chola temples of Thanjavur and beyond. Wander the French Quarter of Pondicherry, marvel at Mahabalipuram’s shore temples, and finish with a cultural deep dive into vibrant Chennai.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
KochiEnds
ChennaiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$5,235.00
$2,837.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See

Kochi

Cochin

Kochi (Cochin)

Alleppey

Alappuzha

Thekkady

Munnar

Ramakkalmedu

Madurai

Trichy

Thanjavur

Tiruchirappalli

Darasuram

Gangaikondacholapuram

Chidambaram

Tiruvarur

Pondicherry

Mahabalipuram

Kanchipuram

Chennai

Chennai (Madras)
Accommodation Standard
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Included
Not Included
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Kochi
On arrival at Kochi (Cochin) airport, we meet you for assistance and transfer to your hotel to check in. In the evening, we take you to a Kathakali performance – Kerala’s classical dance-drama renowned for its elaborate costumes, expressive makeup and distinctive masks. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Kochi
Kochi - Allepey. After breakfast at the hotel in Kochi, we set out on a morning tour of Fort Cochin, visiting St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Dutch Palace and the Chinese fishing nets. Later, we transfer 60 km to Alleppey and board our houseboat at the boat jetty to cruise through the tropical backwaters and countryside. The houseboat has electricity, a combined sitting–dining area, a separate bedroom with en suite bathroom, a sun deck and a kitchen, with a chef and boat driver on board. Overnight on the houseboat.
Day 3 - Alleppey
Allepey - Thekkady. After breakfast on the houseboat, we disembark and drive 160 km to Thekkady, then check in at the hotel. In the evening we take in a cultural performance – a martial arts display and a Kathakali dance show. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Thekkady
After breakfast at the hotel in Thekkady, we explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by boat – an excellent way to look for wildlife including tigers, elephants, rare lion tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. Later, we visit a spice plantation to see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper and coffee being grown. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Thekkady - Munnar
Thekkady - Munnar. After breakfast, we drive 100 kilometres from Thekkady to Munnar via Ramakkalmedu – one of Asia’s windiest places and home to a wind farm. En route we visit Frog Rock, Turtle Rock and the Kuravan & Kurathi twin statue – the tallest of its kind in Kerala. We then continue to Munnar and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 6 - Munnar
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore Munnar’s key sights – Pothamedu, Mattupetty Dam, Rajamala Hill, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Farm, Echo Point and the Tea Museum. We travel by road between the viewpoints and attractions, allowing time to take in each stop. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 - Munnar
Munnar - Madurai. After breakfast in Munnar, we drive 160 km to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Later, we visit Meenakshi Temple – a major Dravidian temple complex – and the 17th century Thirumalai Nayakar Palace. We then continue to Alagar Koil, Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple – the latter two are among the six abodes of Murugan. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Madurai - Trichy
Madurai - Trichy - Thanjavur. After breakfast, we drive to Thanjavur via Trichy, where we visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Rock Fort Temple and Jambukeshwara Temple. On arrival in Thanjavur we check in at the hotel, then visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, built by a great Chola king in the 10th century, and continue to Thalace and Museum. Overnight at the hotel. Distance 190 km
Day 9 - Tanjore - Darasuram - Gangaikondacholapuram - Chidambaram
Thanjavur - Darasuram - Gangaikondacholapuram - Chidambaram - Pondicherry. After breakfast, we drive from Thanjavur to Pondicherry – a journey of around 180 kilometres with visits en route. We explore the Great Living Chola Temple at Darasuram, the Airavateshwarar Temple, known for its rich art and architecture. We then continue to Gangaikondacholapuram to visit the temple complex – including the Nandi Mandapa, Alankar Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, Mukha Mandapa and Ardha Mandapa. Later, we stop at Chidambaram to visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to the dancing form of Lord Shiva. On arrival in Pondicherry, we check in to the hotel for the night.
Day 10 - Pondicherry
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Auroville and the Pondicherry Museum. We then drive or stroll through the French Quarter – its mustard-coloured streets and colonial villas include the French Consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, churches and French schools. The rest of the day is free for you to relax on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 - Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai
Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai. After breakfast in Pondicherry, we drive to Chennai – a 240 km journey – with sightseeing stops in Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. In Mahabalipuram, we visit the monolithic temples, including the Five Rathas, Krishna’s Butterball, the cave temples, Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance. We then continue to Kanchipuram to see Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Varadharaja Temple, Vaikundhaperumal Temple and Kamakshiamman Temple. On arrival in Chennai, we check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 12 - Chennai
After breakfast at the hotel, we take a city tour of Chennai, visiting Fort St. George with St Mary’s Church inside the fortress, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, the Government Museum, Dakshinachitra Museum, Santhome Cathedral and Marina Beach. Later – according to your flight schedule – we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.





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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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