Southern Splendour
Southern India's history, varied culture, green landscapes and beautiful coastline make any visit a rich and diverse experience. Start in eastern Chennai, formerly Madras, where the British East India Company started trading and travel across the region of Tamil Nadu, viewing its majestic temples, through hills and tea plantations to the lush Kerala region with its inland waterways and charming Fort Cochin.
Journey Highlights
Explore the ancient shore temples at Mahabalipuram
Enjoy France in India in the former colonial enclave of Pondicherry
Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chola architecture
Witness the ceremonies in Sri Meenakshi temple with pilgrims
Breathe in the fresh mountain air amid Munnar’s lush tea plantations
Cruise Kerala’s tranquil backwaters and spend a night aboard a traditional rice-barge houseboat
Discover historic Fort Kochi and its iconic Chinese fishing nets
Itinerary
DAY 01
Arrive Chennai
On arrival in Chennai, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing after your journey, or explore some of the highlights of the city.
DAY 02
Drive to Mahabalipuram
Drive to Mahabalipuram (1–2 hours), stopping en route to explore Kanchipuram, renowned for its magnificent temples and exquisite silk weaving. Continue to Mahabalipuram and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing at your hotel.
DAY 03
In Mahabalipuram
Today we visit the impressive coastal site of Mahabalipuram which was constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries and portrays, by way of impressive rock carving and relief, the historical, mythological and philosophical Indian epic known as the Mahabharata.
DAY 04
Drive to Pondicherry
Continue south along the scenic coastline to Pondicherry (2–3 hours), the charming former French colony known for its elegant colonial architecture, tranquil streets and distinctive blend of French and Indian influences. Explore the Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram & the Museum
DAY 05
Drive to Kumbakonam
Morning driven to Kumbakonam (3–4 hours), stopping en route to visit the active temple shrine at Chidambaram. On arrival, spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing at your hotel and enjoying the swimming pool.
DAY 06
Drive to Tanjore
Explore Kumbakonam this morning, a temple town renowned for its many sacred shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Afterwards, continue to Tanjore (Thanjavur) which takes an hour, where you will spend the next two nights.
DAY 07
In Tanjore
Delve into the history of the great Chola Empire today with your guide. Visit the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple, the crowning glory of Chola architecture, followed by a visit to the historic Tanjore Palace and its fascinating heritage.
DAY 08
Drive to Madurai
Today, drive to Madurai (4–5 hours), visiting the magnificent Srirangam Temple complex and the historic Rock Fort in Trichy en route.
DAY 09
In Madurai
Visit the UNESCO-listed Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple this morning, followed by the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Vedic school to observe young Brahmin students learning Sanskrit chants, before returning to the temple in the evening.
DAY 10
Drive to Munnar
Drive inland to the lush Cardamom Hills for a two-night stay in Munnar, the heart of Kerala’s tea country (5–6 hours). On arrival, relax and soak in the spectacular mountain scenery.
DAY 11
In Munnar
Visit a local tea plantation and factory, followed by a fascinating museum showcasing the history of tea cultivation in the region. Spend the afternoon trekking through Munnar’s beautiful hills, with the option to adjust the pace or shorten the walk to suit your comfort and fitness level.
DAY 12
Drive to Alleppey
Drive to Alleppey (4–5 hours) and board your traditional rice-barge houseboat for a leisurely afternoon and evening cruise through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on board, cooked by your private chef using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
DAY 13
Arrive Cochin
On arrival in Cochin, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood of Fort Cochin later.
DAY 14
In Cochin
Spend the day exploring historic Fort Kochi, with its colonial architecture, art galleries and cafés. Visit St Francis Church, Jew Town and the Mattancherry Palace, before watching the famous Chinese fishing nets at sunset and experiencing an enchanting Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
DAY 15
Departure
Transfer to Cochin International Airport for your flight back home, or continue your onward journey with us.
Enquiry
Starting from USD 1775 Per Person*
* lean season and based on comfortable hotels
Price is based on double occupancy and is subject to change depending on the hotels selected and travel dates.
Your tour includes daily breakfast, all monument entrance fees, expert local guides, airport transfers, a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned SUV, and all applicable taxes.
“In South India, the past is never far away; it lives in magnificent temples, vibrant festivals, fragrant spice gardens and the rhythms of everyday life.”
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour
ITC Grand Chola
Chennai
FIRST CLASS
Radisson Temple Bay
Mahabalipuram
FIRST CLASS
Palais De Mahe
Pondicherry
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Villa Shanti
Pondicherry
MID RANGE, HERITAGE
The Svatma
Tanjore
FIRST CLASS, TEA ESTATE
Heritage Madurai
Madurai
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Windermere Estate
Munnar
FIRST CLASS, TEA ESTATE
Spice Coast Cruises
Alleppey
FIRST CLASS, HOUSEBOAT
Brunton Boatyard
Cochin
OPULENT, HERITAGE
Fragrant Nature
Cochin
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
"An incredible trip to India"
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we had been missing during our last six trips to India—a truly authentic Indian experience! Every part of the journey felt thoughtfully planned, allowing us to connect with the culture, people, and destinations in a much more meaningful way. A piece of advice for anyone hesitating to work with you: If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and are looking for an authentic, personalised travel experience in India, you are absolutely in the right place. Thank you for creating memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
"Nothing Short of Extraordinary"
We have had the most amazing time, great hotels and great experiences. Our drivers and guides have been excellent, in particular Govinder Raj who has been our driver and companion for the last ten days. Govinder has been extremely obliging and has made sure we have been safe and where we should be, on time, with all our belongings and with a stack of goodies and water. He has kept the car immaculate both inside and out, and has driven us with care and skill on all our journeys. Your planning of all the inclusions such are the ceremonies at temples, boat rides and the Everest Flight made the whole trip one never to forget.
Mr & Mrs Davies-Webb, UK
"Highly Recommended"
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
Ms Gayle Rawes & Mr Andrew Slatford, UK
"Superb Service"
The outcome of this trip far exceeded our expectations and we would recommend your agency without any reservation. Our sincerest thanks for a well planned and executed tour.
Mr Eugene & Ms Mirasol Johnson, USA
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