Tamil Nadu with Kerala Backwater Tour

You’ll be welcomed on arrival in Chennai and taken to your hotel. After settling in, head out to see some of the city’s highlights, which include Fort St. George with its colonial history, the colorful Kapaleeswarar Temple, San Thome Basilica built over St. Thomas’ tomb, and Kalakshetra, known for its classical dance and arts. This day sets the tone for South India’s blend of history and tradition.

Begin the day with a short city tour of Chennai, then drive down the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram. This seaside town is full of 7th-century stone carvings and shrines. You’ll see the Shore Temple right on the water, the Five Rathas rock-cut monuments, and the famous bas-reliefs at Krishna Mandapam. The evening can be spent watching the sunset or strolling along the beach.

Spend the morning visiting more of Mahabalipuram’s Pallava-era structures. Later, drive on to Tirukalikundram, known for its hilltop Shiva temple with sweeping views of the countryside. Continue to Kanchipuram, one of India’s most important temple cities and a center for handwoven silk. Stay overnight here surrounded by living tradition.

Travel to Tiruvannamalai, home to the impressive Arunachaleshwarar Temple at the foot of the sacred Arunachal Hill. The scale and detail of the temple towers are breathtaking. Overnight stay in Tiruvannamalai.

Drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony with quiet boulevards and seaside promenades. In the afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Gothic-style Sacred Heart Church, then take a relaxed walk along the waterfront or through the French Quarter.

Leave Pondicherry for Chidambaram to see the Nataraja Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the cosmic dancer. Continue to Kumbakonam, famous for its brass work and cluster of temples. Later drive to Tanjore for the night.

Spend the day exploring Tanjore. The UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple dominates the skyline. Visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library with its rare manuscripts and see workshops where local craftsmen make Tanjore paintings and dolls.

On the way to Madurai, stop in Trichy to climb the Rock Fort Temple and see the massive Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam. Reach Madurai by evening and witness the colorful night ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, an unforgettable experience.

Take a quick city tour of Madurai in the morning, then drive into the Western Ghats to Periyar. In the afternoon, board a boat on Periyar Lake to watch wildlife along the forested banks: elephants and rare birds are often seen here.

Head to Kumarakom, a quiet village on Vembanad Lake, India’s longest lake. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary if you like, or simply relax by the water as fishing boats go by.

Step aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat for an overnight backwater cruise to Alleppey. As you float past palm-lined canals and small villages, freshly cooked local food is served on board.

Drive to Cochin and explore the city’s top sights, such as the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront. Spice markets and local cafés add to the charm.

Today, transfer to Cochin airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of your incredible trip to two of the gems of South India