16-Day South India Cultural Odyssey

Chennai • Mahabalipuram • Pondicherry • Thanjavur • Madurai • Periyar • Alleppey • Kochi

Discover the soul of South India on this immersive 16-Day South India Tour Package—a journey through ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, colonial towns, lush wildlife sanctuaries, and Kerala’s legendary backwaters. Designed for culturally curious travelers, this small-group India tour blends heritage, spirituality, cuisine, and authentic local encounters for an unforgettable travel experience.

DAY 1 – Monday: Depart for India

Board your international flight and begin your journey to incredible South India.

DAY 2 – Tuesday: Arrive in Chennai

Welcome to vibrant Chennai, the cultural gateway to South India, set along the Bay of Bengal. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Chennai

DAY 3 – Wednesday: Chennai City Highlights

Start your exploration at the historic Government Museum, Chennai, home to fascinating exhibits on South India’s ancient civilizations.

Drive along the scenic coastline to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Visit Santhome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle—one of Christianity’s rare Apostolic burial sites.

Continue to the vibrant Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its colorful gopuram tower.

Orientation meeting and welcome dinner in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Chennai

DAY 4 – Thursday: Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram (UNESCO Site)

Travel to Kanchipuram, known as the “City of a Thousand Temples.” Visit the magnificent Kailasanathar Temple and the grand Ekambareswarar Temple.

Enjoy an exclusive visit to a traditional silk weaving workshop and witness artisans crafting world-famous Kanchipuram silk sarees.

Continue to UNESCO-listed Mahabalipuram, an ancient port city overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Mahabalipuram

DAY 5 – Friday: Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO Monuments

Explore the iconic Shore Temple, standing proudly by the sea for over 1,200 years.

See the legendary Five Rathas and the magnificent bas-relief Arjuna’s Penance.

Optional yoga session or leisure time by the beach before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Mahabalipuram

DAY 6 – Saturday: Pondicherry & Auroville

Journey to charming Pondicherry, a former French colony with colonial villas and seaside promenades.

Visit spiritual Auroville and view the golden Matrimandir.

Explore the French Quarter and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Pondicherry

DAY 7 – Sunday: Chidambaram & Thanjavur

Visit the sacred Nataraja Temple, one of India’s holiest Shiva temples.

Continue to Thanjavur and admire the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, a masterpiece of Chola architecture over 1,000 years old.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Thanjavur

DAY 8 – Monday: Trichy & Maratha Heritage

Visit Amma Mandapam on the Kaveri River and the spectacular Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Explore Thanjavur’s historic Thanjavur Maratha Palace, home to priceless Chola bronzes and manuscripts.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Thanjavur

DAY 9 – Tuesday: Chettinad Mansions & Madurai

Discover Chettinad’s opulent heritage mansions and savor authentic regional cuisine.

Arrive in Madurai and visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Madurai

DAY 10 – Wednesday: Madurai Temples & Palace

Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a 1,000-year-old architectural wonder.

Visit the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and attend a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Madurai

DAY 11 – Thursday: Periyar National Park

Travel to Periyar National Park, nestled in the Cardamom Hills.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, spotting elephants and exotic birdlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Periyar

DAY 12 – Friday: Wildlife & Spice Plantation

Take a guided nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Visit a spice plantation and enjoy a hands-on cooking demonstration.

Optional: Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Periyar

DAY 13 – Saturday: Alleppey Backwaters & Kochi

Cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey, often called the “Venice of the East.”

Arrive in historic Kochi, the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.”

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Kochi

DAY 14 – Sunday: Kochi Culture & Harbor Cruise

Enjoy a home-hosted cooking class. Visit St. Francis Church, Kochi and view the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi.

Evening sunset harbor cruise and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kochi

DAY 15 – Monday: Dutch Palace & Kathakali

Tour the historic Mattancherry Palace and the beautiful Paradesi Synagogue.

Witness a colorful Kathakali dance performance before farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Kochi

DAY 16 – Tuesday: Depart India

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Package Includes

✔ Round-trip international flights (New York–Chennai / Kochi–New York)
✔ 14 nights premium accommodations
✔ 31 meals (14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 7 dinners)
✔ English-speaking tour manager
✔ Comprehensive sightseeing & entrance fees
✔ Houseboat backwater cruise
✔ Cooking classes & cultural performances
✔ Wildlife boat safari in Periyar
✔ Small group (max 22 guests)

Why Book This South India Tour?

• ✔ Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• ✔ Authentic cultural immersion & home-hosted meals

• ✔ Kerala backwaters houseboat cruise

• ✔ Temple architecture masterpieces

• ✔ Wildlife encounters in Periyar

• ✔ French colonial charm in Pondicherry

• ✔ Small-group comfort & expert guides