10 days South India temples and backwaters tour

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10 days South India temples and backwaters tour

Chennai · Mahabalipuram · Thanjavur · Madurai · Kerala · 10 days

10 days South India tour packages Private tour Licensed guide

Dravidian temple towns down the Tamil coast, then across to Kerala for the hills and the backwaters — the south at full length.

At a glance

Duration
10 days, 9 nights
Destinations
Chennai · Kanchipuram · Mahabalipuram · Thanjavur · Trichy · Madurai · Munnar · Periyar · Alleppey · Kochi
Transport
Private AC car
Accommodation
8 nights hotel, 1 night houseboat
Tour type
Private
Starts
Chennai
Ends
Kochi

What makes this one worth it

  • Kanchipuram's temples and the shore temples of Mahabalipuram
  • Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur
  • Srirangam and the Rock Fort at Trichy
  • Meenakshi Temple at Madurai and its evening rituals
  • Munnar's tea estates and a boat on Lake Periyar
  • A houseboat night and a Kathakali show in Kochi

Your day by day

  1. Day 1

    Chennai

    Met on arrival and taken to your hotel. A city tour — Government House, San Thome Basilica, the lighthouse and Marina Beach. Overnight in Chennai.

  2. Day 2

    Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram

    About four hours via Kanchipuram for the Ekambaranathar and Kailasanathar temples, then on to Mahabalipuram. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

  3. Day 3

    Mahabalipuram to Thanjavur

    The Mahishasura Mardini cave, the Shore Temple and Krishna Mandapam, then about six hours to Thanjavur for the Brihadeeswarar Temple. Overnight in Thanjavur.

  4. Day 4

    Trichy and on to Madurai

    Via Trichy for the Rock Fort and the Srirangam temple, then on to Madurai for the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. Overnight in Madurai.

  5. Day 5

    Madurai

    The Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Meenakshi Amman Temple, returning in the evening for the night rituals. Overnight in Madurai.

  6. Day 6

    Madurai to Munnar

    About five hours up into the hills. The tea estates, the Tea Museum (closed Mondays) and a working tea factory. Overnight in Munnar.

  7. Day 7

    Munnar to Periyar

    About four hours via the Idukki dam, then a boat cruise on Lake Periyar looking for elephants and deer. Overnight in Periyar.

  8. Day 8

    Onto the houseboat

    About three hours to the backwaters and aboard a houseboat cruising from Kumarakom to Alleppey, with all meals on board.

  9. Day 9

    Alleppey to Kochi

    An hour to Kochi. A live Kathakali performance in the evening. Overnight in Kochi.

  10. Day 10

    Kochi and departure

    The Jewish synagogue, Jew Town (closed Saturdays) and the spice market, then the airport.

What the price covers

  • Private AC car for the whole route
  • 8 nights hotel with breakfast
  • 1 night houseboat with all meals
  • Licensed guides at each temple town
  • All monument and temple tickets where charged
  • Lake Periyar boat cruise
  • Kathakali performance in Kochi
  • Tolls, parking and taxes

What it does not cover

  • Flights into Chennai and out of Kochi
  • Lunch and dinner outside the houseboat
  • Camera fees at temples
  • Tips

Questions people ask

How many days does this tour cover?
The tour runs for 10 days and 9 nights, starting in Chennai and ending in Cochin. It combines the great temple towns of Tamil Nadu with Kerala's hill stations and backwaters.
What is the best time to book?
We recommend travelling between October and March, when Tamil Nadu and Kerala are cooler and drier. That makes temple visits, backwater cruises and wildlife viewing far more comfortable.
Is a houseboat stay included?
Yes. You cruise from Kumarakom to Alleppey on a traditional rice-boat houseboat, with meals freshly cooked on board.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. We can change the hotel category, add nights or slow down the pace; just share your dates and preferences and we will tailor the plan.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes. The schedule is relaxed, and boat rides and wildlife spotting are fun for children and adults alike, with a private AC car making the longer drives comfortable.
What wildlife can I see in Periyar?
Periyar is home to elephants, sambar deer, wild boar and several kinds of monkeys, and tigers or leopards are occasionally spotted. A boat cruise on Lake Periyar gives you the best chance of seeing animals at the water's edge.
Do I need a visa?
Most travellers from the US, UK, Canada, UAE and Mexico need an Indian e-Visa before arrival. Please check the latest rules on the official Government of India visa portal before booking your flights.
What should I pack?
Pack light cotton clothing, comfortable shoes and a warm layer for cool Munnar evenings. For temples in Tamil Nadu, wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and be ready to remove your shoes.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included daily at all hotels, and all meals are included during the houseboat stay. Other lunches and dinners are left open so you can try local restaurants, and your guides are happy to recommend some.
How do I book?
Send us an enquiry with your dates and we will send a written itinerary and fixed price before any payment is made. Your booking is then confirmed with a deposit, with the balance due on arrival or as agreed.

On the route

10 days South India temples and backwaters tour10 days South India temples and backwaters tour10 days South India temples and backwaters tour

Questions first

Ask before you book

Dates, hotel upgrades, a slower pace, a child seat in the car — send it over and we will come back with a revised plan and price.

  • Written itinerary before any payment
  • Fixed price, nothing added later
  • Free cancellation up to 7 days before travel