18 Nights / 19 Days
On Request
Chennai – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey Homestay – Houseboat – Marari Beach – Kochi – Chennai
India
Step into a richly woven journey across South India with this 19-day private guided tour. Begin your adventure in vibrant Chennai, then wander through the French-inspired streets of Pondicherry. Dive into the architectural marvels of Tamil Nadu’s ancient temples in Tanjore and Trichy, then transition to Kerala’s scenic beauty-exploring hill stations, lush plantations, and serene backwaters. From the grandeur of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple to the laid-back shores of Marari and the cultural heart of Kochi, this itinerary blends sacred tradition, colonial elegance, and natural splendor for a truly premium travel experience.
Royal Experiences
Start Dates
This journey is entirely flexible and can begin on any date that suits you. All India World Wide Travel is custom-built to match your preferences and budget.
Upon your arrival at Chennai International Airport, a warm greeting awaits you from a representative of India World Wide Travel. You’ll be assisted with your transfer to the hotel, where you’ll check in and unwind.
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the cultural capital of South India. This vibrant city blends ancient traditions with modern influences, and is home to classical music, Bharatanatyam dance, and colonial architecture. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the surroundings.
You may take a light evening walk along Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in India, or enjoy local delicacies like dosas or filter coffee at a nearby café.
After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore the heritage-rich city of Chennai. Start your day with a visit to the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, one of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Then, proceed to Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, a Dravidian-style architectural marvel.
Visit Kalakshetra, a cultural academy that preserves Indian classical arts. Continue to San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Then see Fort St. George, which houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and Secretariat, and is also home to a museum showcasing British-era relics.
End the tour with a visit to St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in India. Evening at leisure. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Breakfast
After breakfast, depart by road for Pondicherry, a beautiful coastal town that was once a French colony. En route, enjoy scenic views of the Bay of Bengal as you drive along the East Coast Road.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.
Pondicherry exudes a relaxed charm with its French Quarter, tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial buildings, spiritual ashrams, and lively beach promenade. Spend your evening soaking in the coastal ambiance or stroll along the Rock Beach.
Breakfast
Post breakfast, get ready for a full day of exploring Pondicherry. Begin with a visit to the Sacred Heart Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, known for its stained-glass panels. Continue to Raj Nivas, the colonial-era residence of the Lieutenant Governor.
Visit Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual retreat founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, drawing seekers of peace and enlightenment. Stroll through White Town, where bougainvillea-draped French-style villas line the streets.
You can also explore the Pondicherry Museum, showcasing artifacts from the French era and ancient southern dynasties. In the evening, enjoy French-inspired cuisine at a local bistro.
Breakfast
Today, after breakfast, leave for Tanjore (Thanjavur). En route, stop at Chidambaram, an ancient town renowned for its spiritual and architectural significance. Visit the majestic Thillai Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancer form.
Afterward, continue toward Tanjore and check into your hotel upon arrival. After some rest, go on a local sightseeing tour starting with the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel built by the Cholas in the 11th century.
Explore Tanjore Palace, the Saraswathi Mahal Library, and local bronze sculpture workshops. Overnight stay in Tanjore.
Breakfast
After breakfast, travel to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), located along the banks of the Kaveri River. After check-in at the hotel, begin your tour with a visit to Srirangam, an island town home to the grand Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest active Hindu temple complexes in the world.
Later, climb up to the Rock Fort Temple, a historic fortification that offers panoramic views of the city and features two famous temples—Ucchi Pillayar Temple and Thayumanaswamy Temple.
Stroll around the bustling bazaars nearby or try some famous Trichy banana chips or local sweets. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, often referred to as the Athens of the East. After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Explore the vibrant local markets such as Puthu Mandapam or try out traditional Tamil dishes like Jigarthanda and Kari Dosa. Enjoy the ambiance of this culturally rich city.
Breakfast
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and head to Meenakshi Amman Temple, a sprawling temple complex that houses 14 towering gopurams adorned with colorful carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythical figures.
Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and grandeur. Walk along the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a large temple tank used for float festivals.
Later in the evening, return to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony, a vibrant and spiritual experience.
Breakfast
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station in Kerala known for its lush tea gardens and cool climate. Stop en route at the Cheeyappara Waterfalls, where water cascades down rocky slopes amidst thick greenery.
On reaching Munnar, check into your hotel. In the late afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to understand the legacy of tea cultivation and processing.
Later, walk through the surrounding tea plantations.
Breakfast
Today after breakfast, go on a full day of sightseeing in Munnar. Start with Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating, followed by Echo Point, where your voice bounces back off surrounding hills.
Visit Kundala Lake, ideal for a peaceful pedal boat ride. Continue to the spectacular Attukad Waterfalls, and then explore Blossom Park and Pothamedu View Point, offering panoramic valley views.
Later, visit Lakkam Waterfalls and Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a trip to Anamudi View Point, the highest peak in South India.
Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Check into your hotel nestled among lush greenery and spice plantations.
You may take a leisurely walk through a nearby spice garden, where cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon grow in abundance. Relax at your resort or explore the nearby local markets for hand-crafted items and fragrant spices.
Breakfast
Today, after breakfast, head to Periyar National Park for a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you might spot wild elephants, bison, deer, and various birds.
You can also visit the Mullaperiyar Dam and nearby viewing points. In the afternoon, enjoy optional activities such as Kalaripayattu martial arts performances, Kathakali dance shows, or an Ayurvedic massage.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Breakfast
Post breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha). Upon arrival, check into a charming Kerala-style homestay, where you’ll experience the warmth of local hospitality and authentic home-cooked meals.
Later, stroll along the nearby canals or take a sunset canoe ride. Enjoy a peaceful evening amidst lush coconut groves and tranquil backwaters.
Breakfast
After breakfast, check into your private houseboat, which is beautifully furnished with modern amenities. Sail through the serene backwaters of Alleppey, lined with palm trees and rice fields.
Watch village life pass by—children heading to school by boat, fishermen casting nets, and women washing clothes at the ghats. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard and spend the night anchored in the still waters under the stars.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast onboard, leave and drive to Marari Beach, a quiet and pristine shoreline on the Arabian Sea. Check into your beach
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side hotel and spend the day relaxing.
Marari offers an idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a seaside massage. You may also explore the nearby fishing village or try freshly caught seafood at a local eatery.
Breakfast
Today is a day of leisure at Marari Beach. After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful day soaking in the tranquil beauty of the coast.
You can participate in beach activities such as yoga sessions at sunrise, cycling through the village, or simply reading a book by the shore. Explore the quaint town of Mararikulam nearby, known for its traditional Kerala architecture and fishing culture.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast
Post breakfast, drive to Kochi (Cochin), Kerala’s historic port city. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Explore the local cafés, boutique shops, or take a stroll along the scenic Fort Kochi Beach promenade. This city offers a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences.
Breakfast
After breakfast, venture on a comprehensive tour of Kochi. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets—a photographer’s delight. Explore Santa Cruz Basilica, a 16th-century church, and Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace.
Visit the Jewish Synagogue with its unique Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, followed by a stroll through Jew Town with its spice markets and antique shops.
Also visit the Kerala Folklore Museum and the Hill Palace Museum to dive deeper into Kerala’s art and history.
In the evening, enjoy shopping on M.G. Road, famous for spices, textiles, and jewelry.
Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Kochi International Airport for your onward flight.
Carry home memories of a spectacular journey through South India, filled with rich culture, nature, and history. Alternatively, take your connecting flight from Chennai Airport to your final destination.
Breakfast
We at Royal India Tours / India World Wide Travel provide our valuable a premium quality SUV / MUV Safe and Comfortable Cars, Van and Luxury Buses with Private Driver for your journey on your India Holiday.
After choosing your preferred itinerary, all you have to do to reserve your spot is send a deposit of 20% plus the cost of each booking for the train and airfare.
Your final payment won't be due until 45 days before the start of your tour. The entire cost must be paid at the time of booking if your reservation is made less than 60 days before the tour begins.
Note: All airline booking and cancellation restrictions apply, and full payment must be made at the time of booking for both domestic and international tickets.
We know that planning the perfect getaway comes with a few questions, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about our accommodations, experiences, sustainability initiatives, or bookings, our FAQs have got you covered. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist!
We know that planning the perfect getaway comes with a few questions, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about our accommodations, experiences, sustainability initiatives, or bookings, our FAQs have got you covered. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist!
We know that planning the perfect getaway comes with a few questions, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about our accommodations, experiences, sustainability initiatives, or bookings, our FAQs have got you covered. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist! We know that planning the perfect getaway comes with a few questions, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about our accommodations, experiences, sustainability initiatives, or bookings, our FAQs have got you covered. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist!
Note: We strongly advise getting travel insurance that includes coverage for disruptions caused by COVID-19.
You have up to 45 days before the tour begins to cancel, in which case your entire land deposit and any advance payments you paid will be refunded within 21 business days.
Note: Only the land portion of the journey is subject to cancellation and rebooking policies; domestic and international train and airline tickets are not.
Note: When purchasing tickets for domestic or international travel, you must pay in full at the time of booking. You must also abide by the cancellation, rebooking and booking regulations of the individual airline and rail operators.
45 days before the tour's commencement date:
Should government travel restrictions force the cancellation of your journey, your deposit and any progress payments will be fully credited towards a future tour with us at no additional cost.
We are not required to provide any reimbursement for services that you do not use if you cancel a trip after it has started for any reason. On your behalf, Royal India Tours will make every effort to retrieve as much of your money as we can or work out a credit for later usage.
Any costs resulting from a cancellation or adjustment made between thirty days before the tour start date and the tour end date will be your responsibility and must be paid by you within twenty-four hours of the modification.
We are not required to provide any reimbursement for services that are not used if the tour must be changed or cancelled for any reason other than illness or COVID-19. On your behalf, Royal India Tours will make every effort to retrieve as much of your money as we can or work out a credit for later usage. Any associated costs are your responsibility and must be paid for within a day.
Refunds or cancellations won't take effect until we get official documentation of the cancellation.
Visit for the complete cancellation and refund policy.
There is a required single surcharge for travellers travelling alone.
Please provide valid passport details Either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the travel date, customers must provide valid passport details. The reservation may be cancelled if this isn't done. Customers will be in charge of any associated costs and fees in this case.
Most visitors need a visa to enter India, except for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Tourist visas last for six months but cannot be extended. Nationals of some countries can get a visa on arrival, while others need to apply in advance online. Leaving on a tourist visa means no re-entry within two months, with some exceptions. Businessmen and students can get five-year visas. Certain areas require special permits, and some are off-limits to foreigners.
To get a visa apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
The purpose of international travel insurance is to go with you and help you make better-informed travel decisions. Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers and should be taken out before travel and must be purchase from your home country with Sum Insured $50,000 USD to $200,000 USD. Your insurance must cover personal accidents, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with coverage. We also strongly recommend coverage for cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your policy number and the insurer's emergency contact 15 days before the tour starts. Without these details, you will not be able to join the trip.
During the tour, you are in charge of all your possessions. The standard weight limit for checked baggage on Indian domestic airlines is 15 kg, while carry-on luggage is 7 kg.
Unfortunately, wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility cannot now participate in our tours because our cars are not wheelchair accessible.
Note that this will require a general degree of fitness. Before making a purchase or booking a trip, please speak with your healthcare physician if you have any concerns.
Please be aware that your schedule may be changed, subject to availability, or an equivalent activity may be provided in its place if entry to a site is impacted by modifications to working hours or public holiday closures.
This covers any modifications to your reservation that you request, including but not restricted to those that call for reissuing the Purchase Confirmation or an airline ticket.
Changes: $100.00 per reservation plus any extra fees levied by the airline, cruise line, lodging or any travel agencies.
In the event that Royal India Tours receives notification of an inaccurate name, there will be a $100.00 booking fee in addition to any additional fees levied by the airline, cruise line, lodging provider or other travel suppliers.
