Home Chennai to Kochi Tour
A Grand Journey Through the Cultural Heartland of Tamil Nadu and the Natural Wonders of Kerala
Welcome to Chennai! Upon your arrival at the Chennai International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative from South India Tours & Travels and transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is a city that perfectly blends tradition with modernity.
After a short refreshment, begin your Chennai sightseeing tour. Visit the magnificent Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, an 8th-century masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Next, explore the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas. In the evening, head to the iconic Marina Beach to enjoy the cool sea breeze and local snacks as you watch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal. Overnight stay in Chennai.
After a delicious breakfast, check out and drive along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR), which offers stunning views of the coast. Your destination is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Mahabalipuram. This town is a treasure trove of rock-cut architecture.
Visit the iconic Shore Temple, perched on the edge of the ocean, the monolithic Five Rathas, and the massive bas-relief known as Arjuna’s Penance. Don't miss Krishna's Butter Ball, a giant natural rock balanced precariously on a slope. Spend the evening relaxing at the golden sands of Mahabalipuram Beach. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Today, drive further south to the charming union territory of Puducherry. As you enter, the vibe changes from ancient India to colonial France. Start your visit with Auroville, the 'City of Dawn,' and see the majestic Matrimandir from the viewing point.
Later, explore the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center founded in 1926. Walk through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter (White Town), famous for its bright yellow colonial buildings and bougainvillea-draped walls. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade Beach. Overnight stay in Puducherry.
Dedicated to a deeper exploration of Pondicherry's unique charm. Visit the 150-year-old Botanical Garden, which houses exotic plant species. For nature lovers, we include a boat ride at the Chunnambar Backwaters, where you can reach the beautiful Paradise Beach.
The afternoon is free for café hopping in White Town, where you can taste authentic French-Indian fusion cuisine. You can also visit the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, known for its golden chariot. The evening is yours to explore the local boutiques and handicraft shops. Overnight stay in Puducherry.
Check out from your hotel and drive towards Kumbakonam. This route takes you through the heart of Tamil culture. Your first stop is the world-renowned Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer.
Next, visit the architectural marvel of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victory over northern kingdoms. Arrive in Kumbakonam, often called the 'Cambridge of South India' due to its numerous temples and educational heritage. Check into the hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Start your day by visiting the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite stone carvings and musical steps. Afterward, drive to Thanjavur, the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu.
Explore the legendary Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple. Built over 1,000 years ago, its shadow never falls on the ground at noon. Visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and the Art Gallery to see ancient Chola bronzes. Return to Kumbakonam in the evening for a peaceful night. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, proceed to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Your first visit is to the island of Srirangam, home to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. This is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, with 21 magnificent gopurams (towers).
In the afternoon, visit the Rockfort Temple (Ucchi Pillayar Koil), perched on a 273-foot high rock. Climb the steps to witness a panoramic view of the entire city and the Cauvery River. The evening is free for shopping in the bustling bazaars of Trichy. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Drive to the Karaikudi region, better known as Chettinad. This area is famous for its opulent mansions built by the Nattukottai Chettiars. Visit the Chettinad Palace, an architectural gem with marble from Italy and teak from Burma.
Explore the heritage streets, local tile-making units (Athangudi tiles), and antique markets. No visit to Chettinad is complete without tasting the world-famous Chettinad Cuisine, known for its spicy and aromatic flavors. Enjoy a traditional meal served on a banana leaf. Overnight stay in a heritage mansion in Karaikudi.
Drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Begin your tour with the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a 17th-century palace known for its massive white pillars. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India's freedom struggle.
In the evening, visit the heart of the city- the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Witness the grand architecture, the Hall of Thousand Pillars, and the vibrant evening ceremony (Aarti) where the idol is taken in a procession. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Bid farewell to Tamil Nadu as you drive into the lush green mountains of Kerala. Your destination is Thekkady (Periyar). The drive itself is scenic, passing through cardamom and pepper plantations.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a Spice Plantation to see how various spices are grown and processed. In the evening, witness Kalaripayattu, the oldest martial art form in the world, performed by skilled artists. You can also watch a Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Wake up early for a boat safari on the Periyar Lake. This is a unique way to spot wild animals like elephants, bison, and various species of birds that come to the water's edge.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can opt for a nature walk, bamboo rafting, or an elephant ride through the forest (optional activities). Enjoy the cool mountain climate and explore the local spice market for authentic souvenirs. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Drive down the hills to the backwater paradise of Alappuzha (Alleppey). Check into a traditional Luxury Houseboat (Kettuvallam). This is the highlight of the Kerala experience.
Cruise slowly through the tranquil canals, witnessing village life, lush paddy fields, and coconut groves. Authentic Kerala meals, including fresh lake fish, will be prepared and served on board by your personal chef. Enjoy the sunset from the deck. Overnight stay in the houseboat.
After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and take a short drive to Mararikulam, a quiet fishing village. Marari Beach is known for its pristine white sands and peaceful environment, away from the crowds.
Check into a beautiful beach resort. The rest of the day is free to relax by the sea or take a dip in the swimming pool. This is the perfect time to soak in the beauty of the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Mararikulam.
A full day dedicated to relaxation. You can indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurveda Spa treatment or traditional Kerala oil massage at the resort. Take a walk through the local village to see traditional coir making.
Watch the local fishermen at work or simply find a quiet spot under a coconut tree with a book. Enjoy the fresh seafood delicacies prepared by the resort. Overnight stay in Mararikulam.
Drive to Kochi, the historic port city. Start your Kochi sightseeing tour at Fort Kochi. See the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, visit the St. Francis Church (where Vasco da Gama was buried), and the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town.
Explore the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) with its stunning murals. In the evening, witness a captivating Kathakali dance performance, where artists use elaborate makeup and expressions to tell stories from Indian epics. Overnight stay in Kochi.
After a relaxed breakfast and some last-minute shopping for Kerala spices or handicrafts, our representative will transfer you to the Cochin International Airport for your departure flight.
Your 16-day grand tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala comes to an end, leaving you with beautiful memories of ancient temples, heritage mansions, misty hills, and serene backwaters.