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Highlights
Discover ancient temples and picturesque views in Kerala & Tamil Nadu
Explore the array of memorable, magnificent attractions in India’s popular southern cities, including Cochin, Chennai, and more.
Admire the collection of ancient temples from the 7th and 9th centuries scattered throughout Mahabalipuram.
Catch a glimpse of India’s fascinating culture at the Kathakali Dance Performance—watch how the dancers portray Indian epics.
Go on a boat ride as the sun sets below the lake and watch as elephants and other wildlife flock to the water.
Immerse yourself in a realm where ancient, crumbling temples enchant, calm backwaters beckon, and tigers and elephants roam on the 12-day guided Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour. Discover glimpses of some of the best villages, towns, and scenery of India’s south. Marvel at the ever-so stunning port in Cochin, the backwaters that lace through Kumarakom, the ancient temples in Mahabalipuram, and so much more.
Amid the embarking on tours and discovering cultural wonders, you’ll stop at Periyar National Park to meet the wildlife that calls the land home. This 12-day tour of Southern India seamlessly blends India’s southern highlights into a relaxing experience that never fails to entertain.
Immerse yourself in a realm where ancient, crumbling temples enchant, calm backwaters beckon, and tigers and elephants roam on the 12-day guided Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour. Discover glimpses of some of the best villages, towns, and scenery of India’s south. Marvel at the ever-so stunning port in Cochin, the backwaters that lace through Kumarakom, the ancient temples in Mahabalipuram, and so much more.
Amid the embarking on tours and discovering cultural wonders, you’ll stop at Periyar National Park to meet the wildlife that calls the land home. This 12-day tour of Southern India seamlessly blends India’s southern highlights into a relaxing experience that never fails to entertain.
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Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Cochin
Meet a tour representative upon arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Admire the beauty of Cochin, exemplified by its stunning natural port. This lovely city also boasts of an array of spices, sandalwood, and silks, as well as magnificent architecture.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cochin
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Cochin
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before going on a sightseeing tour. You’ll check out numerous cultural highlights and wonders: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Cochin Harbour, St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi Beach. In the evening, enjoy witnessing a colourful Kathakali Dance Performance. The performance portrays Indian epics via classical dance moves.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cochin
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Drive to Kumarakom
After having breakfast, begin your drive to Kumarakom, where picturesque backwaters await. This charming village enchants with its canals, flora, and bird sanctuary. Spend the day at your leisure upon arrival.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kumarakom
Distance: 3 hours, 85 km (driving)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Go to Periyar
Escape city and village life and head to the wild in Periyar National Park. The park is home to tigers, elephants, bison, leopards, jungle cats, and more! Check into your hotel upon arrival.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Periyar
Distance: 4 hours, 200 km (driving)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Discover Periyar
Shortly after the sun rises, you’ll get picked up to go on a boat ride on Periyar Lake. Watch as the elephants flock to the lake. In the evening, head out to a spice plantation, which grows cardamom, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and much more.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Periyar
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Drive to Madurai
Check out of your hotel and head to Madurai. Situated along the banks of Vaigai River, this city not only has splendid river views but also magnificent temples, like the colourful, intricately designed Meenakshi Temple. The ancient architecture and tales of Madurai make it one of the most exciting stops on this tour. After you check into your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Madurai
Distance: 3 hours, 160 km (driving)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Sightseeing around Madurai
Enjoy a slow morning before embarking on a sightseeing tour around Madurai. Check out the famous, must-see Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple and other notable sights like Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Gandhi Museum, Ancient Koodal Azhagar Shrine, and more. After you admire these jaw-dropping attractions, you’ll hop in your mode of transportation and drive to Trichy, a prosperous trade centre in Tamil Nadu.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Trichy
Distance: 3 hours, 140 km (driving)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Explore Trichy
Enjoy breakfast before heading out on a sightseeing tour around Trichy. Check out the Red Fort Temple, which has a fascinating history. In the 18th century, the British and French fought each other over this monument. Admire the 21 towers at Ranganathaswamy Temple before driving to Pondicherry. Check into your hotel upon arrival in Pondicherry, a lovely seaside village with a sprinkle of French-Anglo influence.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pondicherry
Distance: 5 hours, 255 km (driving)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Sightseeing around Pondicherry
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before going on a sightseeing tour around this gorgeous seaside town! Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory, and the Pondicherry Museum. After, hop in your mode of transportation and transfer to Mahabalipuram, which harks back to the 7th and 9th centuries. Admire the collection of temples carved and built during ancient times.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mahabalipuram
Distance: 2 hours, 95 km (driving)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Discover Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour around the array of temples spanning Mahabalipuram. Later, visit Kanchipuram and discover more attractions, like Kamakshi Amman, Kailasanathar Temple, and Ekambareswarar Temple. Today will have you feeling like you’ve stepped in a time machine into the faraway past.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mahabalipuram
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Transfer to Chennai
Head to the 4th largest city in India, Chennai! Go on a sightseeing tour after checking into your hotel. Check out Fort St. George, Marina Beach, Fort Museum, and Santhome Cathedral Basilica.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chennai
Distance: 1.5 hours, 60 km (driving)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Depart Chennai
Enjoy a relaxing morning at your leisure before heading to the airport for your connecting flight.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour Price and Dates
This guided sightseeing tour to Kerala and Tamil Nadu is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 2-10: from USD1503 per person
Accommodation on Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour
This tour will have you staying in 3-4 star hotels that offer modern necessities to keep you comfortable. Do note that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. It’s also often possible to match single travellers up.
What’s included in the Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour?
Meals
11 breakfasts are included on this tour. You are responsible for buying lunches and dinners.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 11 nights is included on this tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation is included for transfers to pick-up and drop-off spots throughout the tour.
Also Included
- Guide
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Flights to Cochin and from Chennai
- Lunches and dinners
- Accommodations before and after the tour
- Tour guide gratuity
- Personal necessities such as drinks during mealtimes and laundry
Optional Extras
- You can upgrade to single occupancy for a fee
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Upgrade the accommodation to superior or deluxe
- How hard is Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to India?
- Are meals included on Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cochin to start this tour?
- Is the Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour in English?
- Where does Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to India?
- Are there any travel restrictions for India?
- When is the best time to travel to India for this tour?
This tour is rated as a 1 / 5. It’s suitable for any level of fitness.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
11 breakfasts are included on this tour. You are responsible for buying lunches and dinners.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly into Cochin International Airport, where you will be picked up to begin the tour.
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
The tour ends in Chennai, where you will be taken to the airport for your flight.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Southern India is from October to May when the weather is mild.
Customer Ratings
Trans India Holidays was founded nearly 30 years ago in New Dehli, India. They grew their team from four dedicated travellers to 100 energetic guides and trip planners.
Trans India strives to provide the best possible value for client’s money, continually searching for ways they can upgrade their service and experiences.
Offering a range of tour styles, Trans India operates cultural, religious, adventure, wildlife, culinary, family-friendly, and sporting tours.
Looking after each little detail from the perfect hotel room to booking your tee time for you, Trans India knows how to make a holiday in India as unforgettable as possible.
