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South India Heritage Tour with Pondicherry with Wildlife, Backwaters and Sunny beaches
This 14-day journey through South India takes you across a rich blend of heritage, culture, wildlife, and beaches. Starting in Chennai and ending in Kochi, the tour covers ancient temple towns, colonial-era cities, spice-scented hills, tranquil backwaters, and golden sandy beaches.
You’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage temples at Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and Kumbakonam, walk through the French Quarter of Pondicherry, and witness the spiritual splendour of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple. In Chettinad, discover palatial mansions and unique cultural traditions, before moving into Kerala to enjoy wildlife safaris in Thekkady, a memorable houseboat cruise in Alleppey, and the serene charm of Marari Beach.
Throughout the journey, you will stay in a curated selection of heritage hotels, boutique resorts, and a traditional houseboat, offering an authentic South Indian experience with modern comfort. From cultural landmarks and sacred temples to lush backwaters and pristine beaches, this tour is designed to showcase the true essence of South India in one unforgettable holiday.
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Request A Call BackOn arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be met and driven to Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram. This coastal town, famous for its beaches and UNESCO-listed temples, was once an important centre of art and architecture during the Pallava dynasty. After checking into your beach resort, the rest of the day is free to relax and rejuvenate by the sea.
In the morning, explore the marvels of Mahabalipuram including the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and its rock-cut cave temples, all dating back to the 7th–8th centuries. Later, continue your journey south to Pondicherry, a former French colony on the Coromandel Coast, known for its unique blend of Tamil and European heritage. Dinner and overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Spend the day exploring Pondicherry’s French Quarter, colonial architecture, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Highlights include the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, French War Memorial, Aayi Mandapam, the seaside Promenade, and Pondicherry Beach. The city’s charm lies in its mix of French influence and Tamil culture. Overnight in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, drive towards Kumbakonam with a stop at Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, the world’s second largest of its kind, where a boat ride takes you through enchanting waterways. Later, continue to Kumbakonam, known as the “temple town” and once the capital of the Medieval Cholas. Check into your heritage hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight in Kumbakonam.
Today you will visit the UNESCO-listed Darasuram Temple, an exquisite Chola-period Shiva shrine renowned for its detailed sculptures. Explore other notable temples including Kumbeswara, Sarangapani, and Ramaswamy, and learn about the town’s cultural importance as both a spiritual and educational hub. Overnight in Kumbakonam.
Depart for Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Thanjavur Maratha Palace. After sightseeing, drive onward to Chettinad, known for its opulent mansions and distinctive cuisine. Overnight stay at a luxury heritage hotel in Chettinad.
Spend the day exploring Chettinad’s rich heritage, beginning with the Chettinad Museum and its unique cultural artifacts. Later, admire the grand Chettinad Palace and stroll through traditional streets showcasing the region’s unique architecture. Overnight in Chettinad.
Drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities and a major centre of Tamil culture. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural masterpiece, and in the evening witness the spectacular Aarti ceremony, a spiritual highlight of your journey. Overnight in Madurai.
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady in Kerala, passing through scenic grape vineyards at Cumbum Valley. On arrival, check into your resort and later enjoy a cultural evening featuring Kerala’s traditional Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial arts. Dinner and overnight in Thekkady.
Today is dedicated to nature and wildlife. Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, where you may spot elephants, deer, birds, and other wildlife. Later, take a guided walk through spice plantations to experience Kerala’s aromatic treasures. Overnight in Thekkady.
Drive to Alleppey to board your traditional Kerala houseboat for an unforgettable overnight backwater cruise. Sail through tranquil lagoons and canals, enjoy freshly cooked Kerala cuisine, and relax on the deck as the scenery glides past. Overnight on the houseboat.
Disembark from your houseboat and continue to Marari Beach, a serene stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Sea. Known as one of the world’s finest hammock beaches, Marari offers the perfect blend of tranquility and charm. Overnight stay at your beach resort.
Spend a leisurely day at Marari Beach. You may join a yoga or meditation session, take part in a spice cooking demonstration, or cycle around local villages. The long sandy beach with coconut palms provides the perfect setting for rest and relaxation. Overnight in Marari.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kochi. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before transferring to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.
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Request A Call BackGrande Bay Resort and Spa Mamallapuram is located in Mahabalipuram. It is a 5-minute walk from Mahabalipuram Beach. Popular tourist destinations like Arjunas Penance and Sea Shore Temple are within 2 km radius from the hotel.
This resort has 41 spacious rooms to choose from and is categorized as Grand Studio, Grand Chalet and Grand Duplex. The rooms come with amenities such as high-speed internet connectivity, mini bar, tea/coffee maker and in-room electronic safe. Some of the rooms offer a view of the private garden and the pool.
The hotel spa has a host of wellness programs for the guests while the fully equipped business center is helpful for the business travelers. The facilities provided by the hotel include 24 hours room service, parking, shuttle service, laundry and doctor on call. The hotel also had an outdoor swimming pool.
Lattitude 49 serves authentic global cuisines ranging from authentic Indian to Caribbean and European. Quentina is the hotel bar which offers a fine collection of spirits and wines.
Hotel Maison Perumal by CGH Earth is a boutique hotel located in Pondicherry's Tamil Quarter. The heritage building features a Franco-Tamil design renowned for its excellent use of free spaces, ventilated interiors and arched colonnades, doorways and windows adorned with stained glass. This expertly restored manor house follows traditional Tamil philosophy of minimalistic yet refined décor. Its foliaged courtyards, tapered verandas and cozy rooms inspire a delightful nostalgia in the residents.
Take a step back into the past as you enter the rooms at Hotel Maison Perumal. The red oxide floors, poster beds, French cabinets and fauteuil chairs entice your heart with their antique origins and design. Each room is decorated in a unique flavor reflecting the same Franco-Tamilian mix showcased everywhere around Pondicherry. Also, modern instruments and amenities were seamlessly incorporated in these rooms during the restoration process to ensure comfort and utility.
At Maison Perumal you will find a library. Other facilities offered include luggage storage and an ironing service. A tour desk is available where guests can rent a car or exchange currencies.
The restaurant at Hotel Maison Perumal serves richly flavoured Tamil cuisine. The restaurant also serves continental and seafood along with South Indian dishes.
This eco-friendly hotel enjoys a scenic location between the Veera Chozha and Cauverey Rivers in Southern India's Tanjore District. The living spaces at Mantra Koodam offer an experience of the rare simplicity of village life alongside the historic opulence of South India’s regal past. Presenting wellness and peace, Mantra Koodam is within 6 km from Uppiliyappan Temple and Kumbakonam Railway Station.
Surrounded by herbal gardens, elegant cottages and villas come with both air conditioning and ceiling fans.
The crystal-clear waters of the pool at Mantra Koodam offer the perfect way to cool off after a long day of exploring Kumbakonam’s historic wonders.
Anna Prasanna restaurant serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines prepared in a traditional healthy style.
Visalam ( A CGH Earth Experience) is where you would want to go to experience a unique Tamil culture. Located in Kanadukathan village in chettinad, Visalam has many a stories to tell of the heritage, culture, food and people of this interesting tamil community, the chettiars. Stay at Visalam for that journey back in time and for that warm tamil hospitality.
Set amidst 3 acres of landscaped gardens, Fortune Pandiyan is a contemporary hotel offering premium accommodation in Madurai for pilgrims, tourists and business travelers.
Fortune Pandiyan features 57 elegantly appointed spacious rooms. All rooms offer a wide range of modern amenities to suit the needs of the discerning traveler. Air-conditioned rooms feature classic wood furnishings and neutral fabrics.
Fortune Pandiyan offers fresh, regional delicacies as well as popular international favorites at its signature restaurants. tart your day with a delicious, healthy breakfast at Orchid. In the evening, soak up the buzzing atmosphere and enjoy refreshing drinks at The Ranch Bar.
Relax and revitalize yourself in the outdoor pool, which is set amidst a beautifully landscaped garden, work out in the gymnasium, or simply enjoy a drink and a snack by the pool side.
Greenwoods is a delightful luxury Kerala nature resort located in Kumily, a little town surrounded by dense forests and spice-laden hill slopes. Beneath a lush canopy of tropical trees, there is much to discover and experience here-venerable trees generously endowed with fruit, dazzling shades of green, the melody of birds, dancing shadows.
Lush green tropical trees, cool breeze and serene ambiance signal that you are in Greenwoods resort. The resort has cozy and opulent living units with light wood furnishings and large windows which offer a great view of the green surroundings. All the rooms are equipped with contemporary amenities for a comfortable stay.
Greenwood resort also offers a variety of recreational activities with facilities such as game room, gym, and health spa. Amrutham, the multi-cuisine restaurant with open air tandoor beside the pool, offers delicate cuisines which are sure to pamper your taste buds.
Spend your day on the traditional Houseboat also know as Kettuvallam.
The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' is called so because coir ropes tied in knots hold the entire structure of the boat together. During the entire assembling work of the boat, not a single nail is used. Natural and eco-friendly products like bamboo mat, arecanut trees and coir are used to construct the boats.
Kettuvallam comprise of a separate living room with dining table, a bedroom with bathroom and a sit out area at one corner of the boat.
Guests can enjoy a calm evening right in the middle of the backwaters and watch one of the best sunsets that there could be.
Flamingo Marari is a nature lovers’ paradise, located in the beach village ‘Mararikulam’ in the Alleppey district. By being just 400mts from the beach, you have multiple access options. If you wish to get the taste of village life and get into interesting conversations with the friendly villagers around, you can consider taking a 10mins stroll to the beach.
The air-conditioned resort will provide you with a cable TV. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries. You can enjoy garden view from the room.
The premises is enabled 24 / 7 with high speed, unlimited Wifi connectivity, so that you can stay connected and never miss out on your daily updates.
For your complete indulgence in traditional lifestyle, hotel can also arrange for an Ayurvedic spa or a yoga session by professionals on request.
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