CHENNAI / KANCHIPURAM / MAHABALIPURAM / PONDICHERRY / MADURAI / POLLACHI/MUNNAR / PERIYAR / ALLEPPEY / COCHIN
Classic South India
Tour Type
South India
Max People
15
Min Age
15+
Duration
12 days
From
$5000
Classic South India - An Unforgettable Journey
This expertly crafted sample itinerary is designed to inspire your next adventure. Fully customizable to match your interests, preferences, and budget, it allows you to immerse yourself in local cultures and enjoy authentic experiences—traveling on your own terms, at your chosen pace.
Highlights
- Welcome with a flower garland , at Chennai airport on day 01.
- Bottle of mineral water upon arriving at Chennai airport on day 01.
- 02 bottles of water 500ml per day in the car.
- Rickshaw ride in Pondicherry.
- Tuk-Tuk ride in Madurai.
- Stroll through the local pottery village and make pots and vases to yourself in Pollachi.
- Visit to tea plantation.
- Jeep ride in Munnar.
- Boat trip to Periyar.
- Visit to spice plantation in Periyar.
- A cooking class at the houseboat.
- Overnight on houseboat.
- Kathakali dance show in Cochin.
- A farewell gift on the last day in Chennai.
Tour info
Physicality
5/10
Departure
May 24, 2025
Destination
CHENNAI
Language
English
Age
15+
Best time to travel
Oct - March
Tour Type
South India
Duration
12 days
DAY 01: ARRIVAL - CHENNAI
- Flight to Chennai on Scheduled flights. Arrival in Chennai.
- You will be greeted by our representative upon arrival at the airport. He will accompany you to your private chauffeured transportation to the Hotel. During your check-in and the handover of the room keys, our representative will also give you the “Welcome Folder” documents and inform you about the program.
- Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02: CHENNAI / KANCHIPURAM / MAHABALIPURAM (140 km)
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- After breakfast departure for Mahabalipuram via visiting Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram, called the “city of gold”. It was the capital of the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. It was a sacred city for both religious centres and welcomed Buddhism and Jainism even before the Christian era. During the reign of the Pallavas, the city became the center of the revival of Hinduism in the south. Visit the Temple of Ekambareshvara, with its mandapam, hall of a thousand pillars.
- Then free time for shopping.
- Than proceed to Mahabalipuram. MAHABALIPURAM is located on the Tamil coast, where the Pallava dynasty established a trading port, from where they exported their culture and civilization to Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam in the 7th and 8th centuries. Visit the site made up of numerous temples, a huge bas-relief and caves carved with high reliefs dealing with the myths of Hinduism.
- Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
- Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03: MAHABALIPURAM
- Visits to Mahabalipuram : the 5 Rathas, the Shore Temple, the Krishna Mandapa and the Arjuna Bas-Relief / Descent of the Ganges.
- The Five Ratha; Yudhishthira (or Dharmaraja), Bhima, Arjuna, Draupadi and Nakula-Sahadeva are monolithic monuments of different sizes and shapes carved into a small hill, gently descending to the south, south of the village. There are four other rathas elsewhere in Mahabalipuram. A large number of temples, often excavated, are also scattered throughout the village. Finally, there is also a huge, vaguely spherical rock called Krishna Butter Ball in the village. The site of Mahabalipuram has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
- Free time to enjoy the beach.
- Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04: MAHABALIPURAM / PONDICHERRY (105 KM)
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- After breakfast departure for PONDICHERRY, the former French trading post which seems not to have forgotten the three centuries of French presence. It was in 1673 that François Martin, a merchant in love with adventure, founded a trading post to which he gave the name of Poudouchery (the new village), a name which, misspelled by Colbert’s scribes, was to become Pondicherry. From its foundation, Pondicherry was divided into the so-called “white” colonial city and the “black city”, separated by a canal.
- Stop for the visit of the Auroville, located 14 km from Pondicherry, based on the vision of the Mother of Aurobindo, it was established in 1966 with the mutual support of the Government of India and UNESCO.
- Upon Arrival check in at hotel.
- Then visit the museum, the Ashram of Sri Aurobindo and the Samadhi (tomb), a meditation center located in the heart of the city. Sri Aurobindo, a Bengali philosopher and poet, founded the community that bears her name with a French woman. He had also planned a university residence “Auroville”, to welcome scholars and artists of all nationalities. His tomb is a place of meditation and veneration, where a real fervour reigns.
- Evening then rickshaw ride in the old French Quarter: the Lycée Français, the French School of the Far East, the Church of Notre Dame des Anges, the seafront and the statue of Dupleix, etc.
- Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05: PONDICHERRY / CHIDAMBARAM / MADURAI (350 KM)
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- After breakfast departure to Madurai via visiting Chidambaram. Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated of shrines in India.
- It is of great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. Visit h Nataraja or Shiva temple In this temple god Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss) in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness (Chit Sabha). Shiva is also worshipped in the “formless form” of the Chidambara Rahasyam, while the temple is known for its Akasa Lingam, an embodiment of Shiva as the formless Space.
- The word “Koyil” or temple in the Tamil Saivite tradition refers to none other than the Chidambaram Nataraja temple. The dance of bliss or the Ananda Tandavam of Shiva is said to symbolize the five divine acts (pancha krityas) of creation, sustenance, dissolution, concealment and bestowment of grace.
- After visit drive to Madurai.
- Upon arrival, visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, founded in 1636. Discovery of the flower, fruit and vegetable market.
- In the evening, visit the Sri Meenakshi temple (Tuk-Tuk ride to the Meenakshi temple), a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture that impresses with its gigantism and its riot of colors, with its 11 gopurams that spring above the rooftops.
- You will then attend the religious ceremony of Aarti, which Hindus practice to thank their deity.
- Overnight at the hotel
DAY 06 : MADURAI / POLLACHI (180 KM)
- Breakfast at the hotel
- After breakfast and drive to Pollachi, arriving at the hotel.
- Then stroll through the local pottery village and make pots and vases to yourself.
- Free time to enjoy the atmosphere.
- Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 07: POLLACHI - MUNNAR (114 KMS)
- Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Munnar, a beautiful mountain resort located at 1600 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
- You can take a walk and enjoy the peace and freshness of the mountain air as well as its breathtaking beauty.
- Free evening to enjoy nature.
- Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 08: MUNNAR
- Breakfast at the hotel and begin your exploration of Munnar, Kerala’s idyllic tourist destination. Explore the vast tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains, exotic species of flora and fauna in its sanctuaries and wild forests and enjoy the aroma of the fresh air scented with spices.
- Departure by jeep for a 3-hour excursion.
- Return back to hotel
- Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 09: MUNNAR – PERIYAR (95 KMS)
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure for Thekkady. Arrive in this pretty little town surrounded by countless hills and fragrant plantations. Check-in at the hotel.
- You will visit the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in the state of Kerala. During a boat trip, you can admire the birds and wildlife of the park. The very sound of the word Thekkady evokes elephants.
- Visit to a Thekkady spice plantation, a time will be set aside for spice shopping in the local market.
- In evening Kalarippayattu Martial Art show.
- Return back to hotel.
- Overnight at the hotel
DAY 10: PERIYAR – ALLEPPEY (140 KMS)
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to Alleppey to board the Houseboat.
- Boarding your ” HOUSEBOAT “. Lunch on board. Boat trip on the backwaters (lagoons and canals) of Kerala through villages and rice fields. All along the coast of Kerala, sometimes going quite far inland, a series of lagoons of lakes, rivers and canals dictate a very particular lifestyle to the inhabitants of the region, and constitute fascinating traffic routes. One cannot visit Kerala without devoting some time to navigation on these waters. You will cross shallow lakes lined with palm trees, punctuated by Chinese plaice and sail along narrow and shady canals from where you will witness the loading of coir (coconut fiber), copra (coconut kernel stripped of its shell and desiccated) and cashew nuts on the barges. Dinner and overnight on board your “HOUSEBOAT”.
- Dinner and overnight stay on board
DAY 11: ALLEPEY – COCHIN (60 KM)
- Breakfast on the edge.
- Then drive to Cochin.
- Upon arrival Visit Fort Cochin, beautifully located between the Arabian Sea and an estuary dotted with islets. The natural harbour is bordered by graceful Chinese plaices, large traditional fishing nets held by a wooden structure and operated by hand.
- Discovery of the OLD COCHIN :
- The Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), named after renovations carried out by the Dutch after 1663, is home to some of India’s finest paintings. On the first floor, the Coronation Hall contains objects that belonged to the ruler of Cochin, Raja Veera Kerala Varma (1537-1561).
- The Church of St. Francis, the oldest Indian church built by Europeans, was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks who accompanied the expedition led by Pedro Alvarez Cabral.
- The Synagogue (closed on Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Jewish holidays) founded in 1568, partly destroyed during the Portuguese assault of 1662. It was restored two years later by the Dutch, who had become masters of the city.
- Kathakali dance show evening.
- Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 12: DEPARTURE COCHIN
- Breakfast at hotel.
- After breakfast, Transfer to the airport for the flight to your destination.
Pricing For South India
PRICES IN USD AND PER PERSON
OUR PRICES ARE VALID FROM 01 OCT 2025 TO 31 MAR 2026
(EXCEPT 15 DEC 2025 – 10 JAN 2026)
| Accommodation Type and Extras | 5★ Hotels |
|---|---|
| 02 paying pax in a double/twin room | USD 5000 Per person |
| Supplement for single room | USD 1400 Per person |
Hotels considered on a standard room basis
| Town | Hotel/Standard Room | Category Official | Number of Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai | Taj Coromandel, Chennai | 5* | 01 |
| Mahabalipuram | InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, an IHG Hotel | 5* | 02 |
| Pondicherry | Palais Des Mahe | Boutique Property | 01 |
| Madurai | Heritage Residence | 5* | 01 |
| Pollachi | Coco Lagoon | 4* | 01 |
| Munnar | Vibe Resort | 5* | 02 |
| Thekkaddy | Spice Village Resort | 4* | 01 |
| Alleppey | AC House boat – Blue Jelly | 5* | 01 |
| Cochin | Crown Plaza | 5* | 01 |
What’s included
- Accommodation in a double room in hotels for 11 nights.
- Meal plan bed and breakfast at all places, except in Alleppey, all meal are inclueded in house boat.
- The services of an English speaking accompanied tour guide as per the program(staying in a different hotel).
- The transfers, visits and excursions mentioned in the program, by Innova Crysta (Suv).
- Entrance fees to sites and monuments according to the program.
- The “ASI Monument Charge” taxes according to the program.
- The new government tax.
What’s not included
- Services not mentioned in “our prices include”
- International or Domestic flights
- Visa fees and airport taxes.
- Gratuities at the hotel and restaurants, as well as for the Guide and Driver/Driver Assistant
- Any expenses of a personal nature such as beverages, laundry, phone calls, insurance, emergency/medical expenses, miscellaneous fees, photography fees, excess luggage, etc.
- The single room supplement.
Cancellation fee
| Cancellation fee will be as below | |
| 45 – 30 days | 20% tour price per person |
| 29 – 16 days | 40% tour price per person |
| 15 – 08 Days | 70% tour price per person |
| 07 – 02 Days | 80% tour price per person |
| Day 01 or no arrival | 100% travel price |
What You'll Receive
Personalized journeys
We customize every detail of your journey—from your itinerary and private guides to accommodations and travel pace—ensuring a trip that perfectly matches your vision.
Expert planning
With extensive local expertise, your Destination Expert customizes your trip to match your preferences, ensuring you make the most of your time away.
VIP-Style Access
Your local private guides provide exclusive, personalized access to the best authentic experiences, making your journey truly unforgettable.
Seamless service
Our mission is to craft your perfect journey, proactively handling any potential issues and providing 24/7 support throughout your travels.
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Pricing
Starting from
$5000
per person*
- Tour cost valid from 05 OCT 2025 to 31 MARCH 2026 * Prices subject to change for tours between 15 DEC 2025 to 12 JAN 2026
- Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
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