South India - Beaches, Temples & Ayurveda Tour

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short orientation drive through the city.

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its rich culture, ancient temples, and colonial heritage. To refresh yourself from the long journey, you may also opt for a short Ayurvedic relaxation therapy at your hotel.

Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Chennai including Marina Beach, Fort St. George with St. Mary’s Church, San Thome Basilica, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple with its splendid Dravidian architecture, and the Government Museum with its famous Bronze Gallery.

In the evening you may explore the colorful local markets or relax with an Ayurvedic head and shoulder massage, the perfect way to release travel fatigue. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, drive towards Mahabalipuram with a stop at Kanchipuram, the “City of Thousand Temples.” Here you will explore the Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Kanchipuram is also world-renowned for its silk weaving traditions. Continue your journey to Mahabalipuram and check in at your hotel.

In the evening, visit the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Later, you may enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic foot massage to rejuvenate.

Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

In the morning, explore the historic wonders of Mahabalipuram including Arjuna’s Penance, the Five Rathas, and Krishna’s Butter Ball.

Later, drive to Pondicherry, the former French colony, where on arrival you will check in at your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the French Quarter and along the seaside Promenade. For those interested, an Ayurvedic spa treatment can be arranged at the hotel to ensure a restful evening. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the international township of Auroville with its golden-domed Matrimandir, and the Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Later drive to Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur. Upon arrival, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, the Chola-era architectural masterpiece now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage monument.

Overnight stay in Tanjore.

After breakfast drive towards Madurai, stopping at Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) en route. In Trichy you will visit the Rock Fort Temple which stands atop a massive rock and offers panoramic views, as well as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the largest temple complexes in the world. Continue your journey to Madurai and check in at your hotel. In the evening, witness the night ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of India’s most celebrated shrines.

Overnight stay in Madurai.

In the morning, visit the Tirumalai Nayakar Palace and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. Later, drive to Periyar (Thekkady), a beautiful hill town known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the evening you may opt for a spice plantation tour, enjoy a Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial art performance, or unwind with a refreshing Ayurvedic herbal steam bath. Overnight stay in Periyar.

Early in the morning you may take an optional boat ride on Periyar Lake where you can spot elephants, bison, and various species of birds. After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a tranquil backwater village on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is home to numerous migratory birds such as Siberian storks, herons, and kingfishers. Spend the evening relaxing by the lake. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, often called the “Venice of the East.” On arrival, board a traditional Kerala houseboat and begin an enchanting cruise through the backwaters, passing coconut lagoons, paddy fields, and charming villages. The houseboat offers an intimate experience of Kerala life, along with authentic cuisine prepared onboard. Ayurvedic therapies can also be arranged while on the cruise, making your stay even more rejuvenating. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kovalam, Kerala’s most popular seaside destination. On arrival, check in at your beach resort and spend the evening relaxing by the famous Lighthouse, Hawa, or Samudra Beaches while watching the sunset. Later, you may enjoy an Ayurvedic rejuvenation massage at your resort to complete the day.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast, take a full-day tour in and around Kovalam and Trivandrum. Highlights include the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, and the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum. The afternoon is free to relax on the beach or experience a more comprehensive Ayurvedic wellness treatment such as Abhyangam, Shirodhara, or Panchakarma, depending on your preference.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward flight. Your South India and Kerala journey concludes with unforgettable memories of Tamil Nadu’s magnificent temples, Kerala’s serene backwaters, and the rejuvenating traditions of Ayurveda.