South India Coast to Coast Tour

Itinerary

1 Night – Chennai
1 Night – Mahabalipuram
1 Night – Pondicherry
1 Night – Tanjore
1 Night – Madurai
1 Night – Periyar
1 Night – Kumarakom
1 Night – Alleppey
1 Night – Kochi (Optional Beach Extension)

✈️ UK to Chennai (1 nights): You’ll arrive in Chennai, formerly known as Madras, and greeted by your private transfer who will drive you to your hotel. Chennai is a bustling city with an abundance of energy that you’re sure to fall in love with. You’ll be shown around the city by a tour guide, allowing you to explore the main sights, markets and local food. Chennai served as one of the major British settlements in India in its 200-year rule, and much of its architecture is very ‘British’ with landmarks including St. Mary’s Church, the High Court, and St. Thomas Cathedral – all built in white limestone, making them a truly striking sight.

🚗 Chennai to Mahabalipuram (1 night): After breakfast, you’ll leave Chennai and take the 1 ½ hour drive to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and ancient monuments. Explore the breath-taking Shore Temple, Arjun’s Penance, and the Temple with five chariots, each depicting Indian mythological stories. Aside from the sightseeing, Mahabalipuram’s laid-back atmosphere invites you to enjoy its lively beaches, water activities, and the delicious local street food.

🚗 Mahabalipuram to Puducherry (1 night): Puducherry is a fascinating coastal town with a dual personality, with its old-world French charm and Indian influence. This pretty town offers French-style buildings, houses covered in bougainvillea, and tidy streets – perfect for wandering around. Nearby, you can also visit Auroville, a community designed with a focus on human unity, spiritual development, and sustainable living. Established in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, known as ‘The Mother’ it aims to transcend nationalities and bring together people from around the world in harmony.

🚗 Puducherry to Tanjore (2 nights): En route to Tanjore from Puducherry, you’ll get the chance to visit the stunning Chola Dynasty temples of Airatesvara and Gangaikondacholapuram. Here, you can admire statues of Lord Shiva and the beautifully detailed sculptures. On arrival in Tanjore, once you’ve checked into your hotel, your exploring can begin! Tanjore owes its charm to King Rajendra Chola’s love for art during the Chola Dynasty, and as you explore the city, you’ll discover this in its landmarks, particularly at the City Palace. City Palace showcases a wide range of architectural styles from different periods and dynasties and its main highlights include the grand Durbar Hall and the Royal Museum with its huge collection of artifacts. Tanjore is also great for shopping and here you’ll find spices, silk, and much more in the city’s busy, bustling streets. On your second day in Tanjore, you’ll take a day trip to nearby Trichy, known for its sacred rock and the iconic Srirangam Temple. This temple is the largest functioning temple in the world and offers a unique perspective into India’s religious history.

🚗 Tanjore to Madurai (1 night): You’ll continue your journey as you travel from Tanjore to Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest cultural capitals. A must-visit is the Meenakshi Amman Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi – and is a breath-taking architectural marvel. Other highlights include a visit to the Mughal-style Tirumala Nayaka Palace, the enchanting bed chamber ceremony at Sri Meenakshi Temple and the city’s lively markets.

🚗 Madurai to Periyar (1 night): The next leg of your adventure sees you travelling from Madurai to Periyar – a nature lover’s paradise. Also known as Thekkady, Periyar has lush landscapes, a beautiful lake, an animal reserve and diverse wildlife. A great way to take in the scenery is on a small boat cruise on Periyar Lake, where you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of animals including tigers, elephants, bison, and sambar.

🚗 Periyar to Kumarakom (1 night): Your next journey allows you to experience the serene beauty of Kerala en route to Kumarakom. Kumarakom, located by Vembanad Lake in Kerala, is a peaceful place to relax, offering calm waters, green scenery, and diverse birdlife. If you’d prefer a bit of adventure rather than a laid-back pitstop, the area offers great opportunities for rafting and canoeing.

🚢 🚗 Kumarakom to Alleppey to Kochi (1 night): The next exciting stage on your journey is on a houseboat where you’ll be taken on the scenic backwaters between Kumarakom and Alleppey. On this journey, you’ll discover the beauty of Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala, with its stunning scenery of lush landscapes and swaying palm trees. On arrival in Allepey, you’ll disembark the houseboat and complete your trip by road to the city of Kochi. Kochi is a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, which is evident in landmarks including the Dutch Palace and Chinese Fishing Nets, which are found along the seashores providing glimpse into the local fishing traditions. In Kochi, you can enjoy exploring the bustling markets, indulge in the local cuisine, and watch a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Optional beach extension: You can either choose to stay longer in Kochi or head to beach destination of your choice to extend your holiday.

✈️ Kochi to UK: Your wonderful journey concludes as you’re transferred to the airport for your onward flight back to the UK.