Follow a 15 Days route covering 16 destinations from Chennai, India to Kochi, India.
Overview & Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our expertly crafted 15 Days South India Heritage Tour. The tour includes deluxe accommodation, meals, all transfers, expert tour guides, and more. Experience seamless travel and unique adventures. Book or customize your tour today for an incredible adventure!
Key Highlights of South India Heritage Tour Package:
- Explore the ancient rock-cut temples and stunning shorelines of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram.
- Experience the charming blend of French colonial architecture and serene beaches in the coastal town of Pondicherry.
- Marvel at the grandeur of Thanjavur, renowned for its exquisite Brihadeeswarar Temple and rich Chola dynasty heritage.
- Explore Tiruchirappalli, home to the iconic Rockfort Temple and a rich blend of history, culture, and spirituality.
- Discover Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, known for its magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple and vibrant heritage.
- Experience the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife of Thekkady, with thrilling boat safaris in Periyar National Park.
- Immerse yourself in the picturesque tea gardens and lush hills of Munnar, a scenic gem in the Western Ghats.
Customize hotels, pace, room category and special interests before you confirm the trip.
Stay in 8 hotel options selected to match comfort, location and travel flow.
Book with trusted local experts, fast response times and ongoing trip assistance before and during travel.
Guiding and trip support available in English, German.
Itinerary
Upon arriving at Chennai airport, you'll be warmly greeted by an Alkof Holidays representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, and relax with an overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour to Chennai, visit the famous Marina Beach (the second largest in the world), Kapaleshwar Temple, Fort St.George (the oldest fort in Chennai). Thereafter, head straight to Santhome Cathedral, National Art Gallery, St. Mary's Church, Anna Zoological Park, Birla Planetarium and People's Park. Also visit Kalakshetra and Theosophical Society. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to Mahabalipuram. On the way, visit Kanchipuram, renowned as the "City of a Thousand Temples." Explore some of its most significant temples, including Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Ekambereshwar Temple, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich spiritual heritage. Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram and check in to your hotel upon arrival. After settling in, delve into the architectural marvels of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the 7th- and 8th-century Hindu monuments, including the Pancha Rathas, Ganesha Ratha, Cave Temples, Descent of the Ganges, Shore Temple, Olakkannesvara Temple, Mukunda Nayanar Temple, Pidari Ratha, and Krishna's Butterball. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Pondicherry. Upon arrival at Pondicherry, check-in to your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed to explore the unique charm of Pondicherry, starting with a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram to experience its tranquil environment and gain insights into its spiritual practices. Wander through the French Quarter to admire the colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Stop by the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, known for its stunning Gothic style and colorful stained glass windows. Enjoy the blend of historical charm and cultural vibrancy that makes Pondicherry a captivating destination. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry (or Puducherry), is a coastal town that seamlessly combines French colonial elegance with Tamil cultural richness. Known for its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, and charming streets, this picturesque destination offers a relaxing escape with a distinctive blend of Indian and French heritage. Its historical architecture, vibrant local life, and laid-back atmosphere provide a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for the Auroville City. Founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa, Auroville is an experimental community in southern India. It is a free town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Auroville Botanical Gardens protects the region's tropical dry evergreen forest. Auroville Beach is a long sandy stretch with gentle surf. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pondicherry.
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Thanjavur. En-route visit Chidambaram - The town belonged to the Cholas of Southern India and is one of the most famous and sought-after travel destination when it comes to culture tourism, here you visit Pichavaram mangrove forest and backwaters, Thillai Nataraja Temple, Thillai Kali Amman Temple and Tirunallurpperumanam Temple. Later continue your drive to Thanjavur for overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, head-out for sightseeing of Thanjavur, visit the Schwartz Church, Sivaganga Gardens, Lord Murugan Temple and Sangeetha Mahal. After that leave for Kumbakonam, vist Airavatesvara Temple, a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. Also visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, and Nageswaraswamy Temple, the temple is counted as the earliest of all Chola temples. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thanjavur.
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Madurai, en-route visit to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), visit Rock Fort Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple and Srirangam Temple. Later continue your drive to Madurai, upon arrival check-in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple for the special evening Aarti. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Madurai, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple - one of the oldest, largest, and most sacred Hindu temple in India, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, every year millions of pilgrims visit this sacred shrine. Later visit Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, Alagar Koil and Gandhi Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, set off for Thekkady, renowned for its stunning Periyar National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your comfortable resort nestled amidst lush greenery. Take some time to unwind and savor the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, head to the charming town of Kumily, a picturesque area close to Thekkady known for its vibrant markets, spice plantations, and local culture. Explore the local attractions, soak in the serene atmosphere, and return to your resort for a restful overnight stay.
After a hearty breakfast, prepare for an exciting day in Thekkady and Periyar National Park, nestled in the lush Western Ghats. For a truly memorable experience, consider a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can witness wildlife in their natural habitat from the water. Additionally, an optional elephant ride offers a unique way to explore the scenic surroundings (available at an additional cost). During your visit to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, enjoy the mesmerizing views of the evergreen forests and keep an eye out for wildlife, including elephants, sambar deer, Indian bison, and the elusive tigers. As the day winds down, return to your resort to relax and enjoy a peaceful evening, reflecting on the incredible sights of the day before settling in for a restful night's sleep.
After breakfast at your resort, begin your journey to Munnar, a scenic hill station renowned for its lush tea plantations and stunning landscapes. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and acclimate to the cooler climate. Enjoy the evening at leisure, exploring the nearby areas or simply unwinding at the hotel. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Our day begins with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat unique to these hills. Next, we swap four wheels for a scenic boat ride across the serene Mattupetty Dam lake. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak in the tranquility. Later head to Echo Point, a vantage point offering breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling Munnar hills. Listen closely – on a clear day, you might even hear your own voice echoing through the valleys! As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll ascend to another stunning viewpoint, Top Station. Witness the landscape transform with the golden hues of sunset. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your drive to Kochi. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, eventually leading to the vibrant city of Kochi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and freshen up. Spend the afternoon exploring Kochi's rich cultural and historical landmarks. Visit Fort Kochi, renowned for its charming colonial architecture and historical significance. Stroll along the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, and explore the Dutch Palace, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts. In the evening, visit the bustling local markets or enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Kochi.
On your final day, after breakfast, check out from your hotel. Transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward flight or journey home, concluding your memorable South India heritage tour.
Personalize Your Itinerary
Share your preferred dates, hotel level, and travel interests. Our experts will refine your itinerary and create the right plan for your trip.
What is Included in This Tour
- 14 Nights accommodation at comfort 3-star deluxe hotels/resorts on twin or double sharing basis.
- Daily fixed menu / buffet breakfast at the hotels.
- English speaking local destination guides during sightseeing.
- Airport pick-up / drop-off, all sightseeing and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
- 1-2 persons - Air-conditioned sedan car such as Toyota Etios or Suzuki Dzire or similar.
- 3-4 persons - Air-conditioned MUV car such as Toyota Innova or similar.
- 5 or more persons - Air-conditioned mini-van such as Tempo Traveller / Tourist Bus or similar.
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Any International or domestic flights are not included.
- It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- VISA Fee (If Any).
- Any monument entrance fee, camera fee.
- Any kind of tips, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges.
- Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
At Alkof Holidays, we ensure smooth travel planning. Our FAQ covers everything from booking procedures and payment methods to travel itineraries, best times to visit, hotel upgrades, and more. For more assistance, contact us anytime.
The best time to visit South India is generally during the winter months from October to March. During this time, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, making it ideal for exploring popular destinations like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall to the region, which can affect travel plans and outdoor activities. Summer (April to June) can be hot and humid, particularly in coastal areas.
Absolutely! We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't suit everyone. That's why we offer the flexibility to customize this tour to your preferences. Whether you'd like to add or remove destinations, include specific activities, or select your desired level of accommodation, we're here to tailor your journey to match your interests. Contact our team to create your dream vacation today!
Yes, this tour is suitable for solo travelers. It is safe, well-organized, and operated on a private basis, with personalized support and assistance throughout the journey.
Yes, this tour can be arranged as a private journey exclusively for your family or group. We can customize the itinerary, travel dates, hotels, and experiences to match your preferences. Please contact us to plan your personalized trip.
Yes, you can upgrade to 4 star or 5 star hotels, or select your preferred properties. We will customize your accommodation to match your comfort and travel style. Please contact us to share your preferences.
Yes, we accept international credit cards. Your payments are highly secure, as we process them through trusted platforms such as CCAvenue and PayPal. This ensures your transaction details are protected with the highest level of security standards.
Upon your arrival at Chennai International Airport, India, our local representative will be waiting at the main entrance of the terminal, holding a placard with your name and our company logo for easy identification. Additionally, we will provide you with a list of 24-hour emergency contact numbers for your convenience.
Know Before Your Go
Important Information
- Please Note: At Madurai Temple, only practicing Hindus are allowed to visit the Main Deity Room. People of other religions can enter the temple grounds but are only allowed in certain areas and cannot visit the Main Deity Room.
- If rooms are not available at the mentioned hotels, we will provide alternate hotels of a similar category. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India.
- Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- India VISA: In most cases, you'll need a visa to visit India. Exceptions include Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizens of a few select countries with visa-free agreements. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 30 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
Cancellation
No additional cancellation fees apply for this tour, if you cancel this tour 30 days prior your tour start date. Read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
Need Support?
Need a human touch? Our friendly Customer Support is there for you 24/7. Contact Support
Why book this tour with Alkof Holidays?
We carefully design every journey with handpicked hotels, reliable transport, expert tour guides, and 24x7 traveller support, so you can travel confidently without worry or compromise.