Classical South India - Tamilnadu & Kerala (8Nights & 9Days)
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Discover the timeless allure of Classical South India through a captivating journey across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, explore the architectural wonders of ancient temples in Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, and Madurai, each narrating stories of bygone eras. The journey continues to Kerala, where the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey offer a serene houseboat cruise, and the lush tea plantations of Munnar paint a picturesque landscape. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Kochi, known for its syncretic history. The Classical South India tour seamlessly weaves together heritage, spirituality, and natural beauty, providing an enchanting odyssey through the soul of the subcontinent.
The memorable moments
Days Activities Accommodation Meal Day 01 Arrival in Chennai & Sightseeing. Hotel [-/-/D] Day 02 Drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram. 220km (5-6km) Hotel [B/-/D] Day 03 Drive to Mahabalipuram via Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. 210km (5-6hrs.) Hotel [B/-/D] Day 04 Drive to Chettinad. 100km (3-4 hrs.) Hotel [B/-/D] Day 05 Drive to Madurai. 100km (2hrs.) Hotel [B/-/D] Day 06 Drive to Periyar. 145km (4hrs.) Hotel [B/-/D] Day 07 Drive from Periyar to Kumarakom 170 Km (4 Hrs) Hotel [B/-/D] Day 08 Kumarakom - Houseboat Tour – Cochin. 260 Km (5 Hrs) Hotel [B/-/D] Day 09 Sightseeing in Cochin and final Departure Hotel [B/-/-]
Journey at a glance
Day Day 1:: Arrival in Chennai and Sightseeing — Upon arrival in Chennai, after completing customs formalities, you'll meet with our representative from Journey DMC and transfer you to the Hotel. Begin your day with a panoramic tour of the city, exploring iconic landmarks such as Marina Beach and the Church of Saint Thomas, a historic site associated with the arrival of Saint Thomas in India during the 3rd century AD. This sets the stage for your exploration of Chennai, blending cultural insights with the beauty of the city's landmarks. Overnight at Hotel. [-/-/D] Day Day 2:: Drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram. 220km (5-6km) — Embark on a journey to Pondicherry, making a stop at Mahabalipuram to explore the famous seashore rock-cut and monolithic temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the 7th-century Shore Temple surrounded by lush gardens and the remarkable Five Rathas and Arjuna Penance, showcasing early Hindu temple architecture. Continue the drive to Pondicherry, arriving in the afternoon. Explore the ancient French colony with a visit to the Ashram of Sri Aurobindo, a prominent philosopher, and a walking tour of the old city. Discover the charm of ancient Portuguese and French churches, immersing yourself in the rich history of Pondicherry. Overnight at Hotel. [B/-/D] Day Day 3:: Drive to Mahabalipuram via Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. 210km (5-6hrs.) — Transfer to Tanjore, making stops to explore the temples of Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram, along with a visit to the village of silk weavers. The town of Darasuram is renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage site, Airavateswara Temple, a treasure trove of 12th-century art and architecture. Arrive in Tanjore, the ancient capital of the Cholas, dating back to the 11th century. Visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Tanjore, showcasing classical Dravidian architecture. Explore "The Raja Museum and Art Gallery" for a collection of Chola-style artifacts and sculptures, and the Saraswati Mahal library with over 40 thousand rare books. Overnight at Hotel. [B/-/D] Day Day 4:: Drive to Chettinad. 100km (3-4 hrs.) — Transfer to Chettinad, stopping at Srirangam to explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It's the most significant of the 108 temples devoted to the deity, with a foundation dating back to the fourteenth century. The complex features seven concentric walls and high gopurams, totaling twenty-one towers. Journey through the lush Indian countryside, passing banana plantations, sugar cane fields, and paddy fields. Reach Chettinad, named after the affluent merchants who once lived there. In the afternoon, stroll through the village to admire ancient buildings, visit a cotton weaving center, and explore a factory for manual tile manufacturing. Overnight at Hotel. [B/-/D] Day Day 5:: Drive to Madurai. 100km (2hrs.) — Drive to Madurai, where you'll visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and Lord Shiva (Sundareshwar). Admire the temple's colorful towers, a distinctive feature. Take a rickshaw ride in the old city for a unique experience, traversing the longest rickshaw ride in Asia. Explore the Spice Market, Banana Market, Onion Market, Textile Market, residential areas, and small-scale factories. In the evening, return to the Meenakshi Temple to participate in the evening ceremony, immersing yourself in the cultural and spiritual ambiance of this revered site. Madurai's vibrant markets and ancient streets offer a glimpse into its rich heritage. Overnight at Hotel. [B/-/D] Day Day 6:: Drive to Periyar. 145km (4hrs.) — Continue towards Periyar, situated at 900 meters on the Western Ghats, amidst scenic tea and spice plantations. Periyar National Park, a vital initiative for Indian tiger conservation, awaits your exploration. Arrive and settle into your hotel in Thekkady. In the afternoon, embark on a Jeep Safari through the mountains. Enjoy a brief tour of a spice plantation and traverse gardens of tea, coffee, and cocoa, immersing yourself in the lush landscapes of this region known for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Periyar offers a captivating blend of wildlife and plantation experiences, promising an enriching journey through the Western Ghats. Overnight at Hotel. [B/-/D] Day Day 7:: Drive from Periyar to Kumarakom 170 Km (4 Hrs) — Embark on a drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. The afternoon is free for leisure, relaxation, and the opportunity to indulge in Ayurvedic treatments. Take time to appreciate the natural beauty of Kerala, known for its serene backwaters and lush landscapes. Kumarakom offers a tranquil setting, making it an ideal destination for rejuvenation and connecting with nature. Whether you choose to unwind at the hotel or explore the scenic surroundings, Kumarakom promises a peaceful retreat in the heart of Kerala's captivating environment. Overnight at Hotel. [B/-/D] Day Day 8:: Kumarakom - Houseboat Tour – Cochin. 260 Km (5 Hrs) — Enjoy a leisurely morning with the freedom to relax, indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, or simply unwind. Later, check out from the hotel and journey to Cochin. En route, embark on an excursion with a houseboat experience in the backwaters a network of canals, rivers, and lakes that intricately traverse Kerala's landscape. Delight in lunch aboard the houseboat, savoring the picturesque surroundings. Disembark from the houseboat and continue your journey to Cochin, also known as Kochi. The houseboat excursion offers a unique perspective of Kerala's waterways, providing a memorable and serene interlude to your travel itinerary. Overnight at Hotel. [B/-/D] Day Day 9:: Sightseeing in Cochin and final Departure (B) — Explore the cosmopolitan city of Cochin in South India, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Chinese nets, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the church of San Francesco with Vasco de Gama's tombstone, and the synagogue in the Jewish area. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the cultural richness with a Kathakali dance show. Conclude your journey with a transfer to the airport for your international departure. Cochin's blend of history, diverse cultures, and vibrant arts provides a fitting farewell to your South India exploration.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chennai and Sightseeing — Upon arrival in Chennai, after completing customs formalities, you'll meet with our representative from Journey DMC and transfer you to the Hotel. Begin your day with a panoramic tour of the city, exploring iconic landmarks such as Marina Beach and the Church of Saint Thomas, a historic site associated with the arrival of Saint Thomas in India during the 3rd century AD. This sets the stage for your exploration of Chennai, blending cultural insights with the beauty of the city's landmarks.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2: Drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram. 220km (5-6km) — Embark on a journey to Pondicherry, making a stop at Mahabalipuram to explore the famous seashore rock-cut and monolithic temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the 7th-century Shore Temple surrounded by lush gardens and the remarkable Five Rathas and Arjuna Penance, showcasing early Hindu temple architecture. Continue the drive to Pondicherry, arriving in the afternoon. Explore the ancient French colony with a visit to the Ashram of Sri Aurobindo, a prominent philosopher, and a walking tour of the old city. Discover the charm of ancient Portuguese and French churches, immersing yourself in the rich history of Pondicherry.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3: Drive to Mahabalipuram via Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. 210km (5-6hrs.) — Transfer to Tanjore, making stops to explore the temples of Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram, along with a visit to the village of silk weavers. The town of Darasuram is renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage site, Airavateswara Temple, a treasure trove of 12th-century art and architecture. Arrive in Tanjore, the ancient capital of the Cholas, dating back to the 11th century. Visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Tanjore, showcasing classical Dravidian architecture. Explore "The Raja Museum and Art Gallery" for a collection of Chola-style artifacts and sculptures, and the Saraswati Mahal library with over 40 thousand rare books.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 4: Drive to Chettinad. 100km (3-4 hrs.) — Transfer to Chettinad, stopping at Srirangam to explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It's the most significant of the 108 temples devoted to the deity, with a foundation dating back to the fourteenth century. The complex features seven concentric walls and high gopurams, totaling twenty-one towers. Journey through the lush Indian countryside, passing banana plantations, sugar cane fields, and paddy fields. Reach Chettinad, named after the affluent merchants who once lived there. In the afternoon, stroll through the village to admire ancient buildings, visit a cotton weaving center, and explore a factory for manual tile manufacturing.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5: Drive to Madurai. 100km (2hrs.) — Drive to Madurai, where you'll visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and Lord Shiva (Sundareshwar). Admire the temple's colorful towers, a distinctive feature. Take a rickshaw ride in the old city for a unique experience, traversing the longest rickshaw ride in Asia. Explore the Spice Market, Banana Market, Onion Market, Textile Market, residential areas, and small-scale factories. In the evening, return to the Meenakshi Temple to participate in the evening ceremony, immersing yourself in the cultural and spiritual ambiance of this revered site. Madurai's vibrant markets and ancient streets offer a glimpse into its rich heritage.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 6: Drive to Periyar. 145km (4hrs.) — Continue towards Periyar, situated at 900 meters on the Western Ghats, amidst scenic tea and spice plantations. Periyar National Park, a vital initiative for Indian tiger conservation, awaits your exploration. Arrive and settle into your hotel in Thekkady. In the afternoon, embark on a Jeep Safari through the mountains. Enjoy a brief tour of a spice plantation and traverse gardens of tea, coffee, and cocoa, immersing yourself in the lush landscapes of this region known for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Periyar offers a captivating blend of wildlife and plantation experiences, promising an enriching journey through the Western Ghats.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 7: Drive from Periyar to Kumarakom 170 Km (4 Hrs) — Embark on a drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. The afternoon is free for leisure, relaxation, and the opportunity to indulge in Ayurvedic treatments. Take time to appreciate the natural beauty of Kerala, known for its serene backwaters and lush landscapes. Kumarakom offers a tranquil setting, making it an ideal destination for rejuvenation and connecting with nature. Whether you choose to unwind at the hotel or explore the scenic surroundings, Kumarakom promises a peaceful retreat in the heart of Kerala's captivating environment.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 8: Kumarakom - Houseboat Tour – Cochin. 260 Km (5 Hrs) — Enjoy a leisurely morning with the freedom to relax, indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, or simply unwind. Later, check out from the hotel and journey to Cochin. En route, embark on an excursion with a houseboat experience in the backwaters a network of canals, rivers, and lakes that intricately traverse Kerala's landscape. Delight in lunch aboard the houseboat, savoring the picturesque surroundings. Disembark from the houseboat and continue your journey to Cochin, also known as Kochi. The houseboat excursion offers a unique perspective of Kerala's waterways, providing a memorable and serene interlude to your travel itinerary.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 9: Sightseeing in Cochin and final Departure (B) — Explore the cosmopolitan city of Cochin in South India, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Chinese nets, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the church of San Francesco with Vasco de Gama's tombstone, and the synagogue in the Jewish area. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the cultural richness with a Kathakali dance show.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- 01-night hotel Accommodation in Chennai on a double-sharing basis with a MAP plan as per the itinerary.
- 01 Night' Hotel Accommodation at Pondicherry on a double-sharing basis with a MAP plan as per the itinerary.
- 01 Night' Hotel Accommodation at Mahabalipuram on a double-sharing basis with a MAP plan as per the itinerary.
- 01Night' Hotel Accommodation at Chettinad on a double-sharing basis with a MAP plan as per the itinerary.
- 01 Night' Hotel Accommodation at Madurai on a double-sharing basis with a MAP plan as per the itinerary.
- 01 Night' Hotel Accommodation at Periyar on a double-sharing basis with a MAP plan as per the itinerary.
- 01 Night' Hotel Accommodation at Kumar Akom on a double-sharing basis with a MAP plan as per the itinerary.
- 01 Night' Hotel Accommodation at Chochin on a double-sharing basis with a MAP plan as per the itinerary.
- Monument Entrance fee.
- Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by AC vehicle.
- Local English-speaking guides as per the program
- A bottle of water per day.
- Local assistance.
- All taxes, parking, tolls, and driver expenses.
- Travel Kit (travel documents, mask, hand sanitizer).
Not included
- India visa fee
- International airfare and airport tax
- Refreshments, tips, bottled drinks, and bar bills
- Insurance and rescue of any form
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides others beyond our control
- Expenses of a personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost
- Gratuities, tipping to guides and driver
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any other thing that is not mentioned in the cost Inclusion
- Entrance fees at the monuments as per the program
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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