This 12-day South India tour from Chennai blends ancient temples, cultural stories, serene
backwaters and vibrant coastal towns. Begin your journey in Tamil Nadu, exploring Chennai’s
spiritual landmarks and the temple cities of Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Tanjore and Trichy.
Continue toward Madurai’s sacred architecture before entering Kerala for wildlife
experiences in Periyar, peaceful backwaters in Kumarakom and Alleppey, and the historic
charm of Cochin. A journey ideal for travelers who want to experience South India’s culture,
heritage and natural beauty in one route.
Tour Highlights:
Visit ancient temples in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.
Explore UNESCO heritage temples of Tanjore and Darasuram.
Experience Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and night rituals.
Enjoy a boat ride at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Discover Kerala backwaters in Kumarakom and Alleppey.
Explore Cochin’s historic streets, Chinese fishing nets and Kathakali dance.
Arrive in Chennai, the cultural and coastal capital of Tamil
Nadu. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. The rest of the day
is free for leisure, allowing you to relax after your journey or
explore the neighborhood markets and promenades.
Overnight stay in Chennai.
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit
the Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by
Fort St. George and its museum showcasing the city’s colonial
history. Explore the Basilica of St. Thomas in Mylapore and end
the day at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the
world.
Overnight stay in Chennai.
Drive to Kanchipuram, known as the “City of 1000 Temples.” Visit
iconic temples like Kailasanatha, Ekambaranathar, Kamakshi Amman
and Vaikuntha Perumal. Continue to Mahabalipuram, the ancient
coastal town known for its rock-cut monuments including Shore
Temple, Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, drive toward Gangaikonda Cholapuram to explore
the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple. Continue to Kumbakonam,
known for its clusters of ancient temples dedicated to various
deities. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Kumbakonam.
Visit the Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple, a fine example of
Chola architecture. Continue to Tanjore to see the stunning
Brihadeeshwarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later,
drive to Trichy and check in at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Trichy.
Drive to Madurai with an en-route visit to Chettinad, known for
its palatial mansions and unique regional cuisine. Enjoy a
traditional lunch before continuing to Madurai, one of India’s
oldest cultural centers.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Visit Madurai’s vibrant flower market in the morning. Later,
explore Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace and
Thiruparankundram Temple. In the evening, attend the temple’s
iconic night ceremony where the idols are carried in procession.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Drive toward Periyar and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Periyar
Lake with chances to spot wildlife. Later, continue to the lush
backwater village of Kumarakom. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your
resort.
Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and visit tea and cardamom
plantations en route. In Alleppey, enjoy a boat ride through
scenic backwater canals before continuing to Cochin.
Overnight stay in Cochin.
Explore Old Cochin including the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue,
St. Francis Church and the famous Chinese fishing nets. Walk
through the heritage-filled lanes of Fort Kochi. In the evening,
watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight stay in Cochin.
Enjoy breakfast and transfer to the airport according to your
flight schedule. Standard check-out time is 12:00 PM. Proceed to
the next leg of your journey or fly home.
End of Cochin services.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight timing,
transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your departure. Your South
India tour concludes with warm memories and cultural insights.
Tour Ends.
About the Package
Package Includes:
Hotel accommodation on double/twin sharing.
Daily breakfast at all hotels.
Private vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary.
Domestic flight tickets (as per itinerary).
Train tickets (as per itinerary).
Professional driver with fuel, tolls, parking & allowance.
All applicable taxes.
Assistance on arrival & departure.
Package Excludes:
International airfare.
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal expenses: shopping, laundry, tips, etc.
Entry tickets, activity fees & guide charges.
Camera/permit charges wherever applicable.
Travel insurance.
Children Policy:
Children below 5 years stay complimentary (sharing parent’s bed).
Extra bed or mattress available at additional cost.
Meals for children available on request.
Adult supervision required during outdoor activities.
“Hello,
I wanted to thank all the staff of the company for their work in organizing the tour and the good treatment they had with us.
We visited India and Nepal in 18 fantastic days and took beautiful moments and memories of these two countries.
A warm greeting from us especially to Kamlesh Kumary (person in charge of organizing the tour), and to all the other guides who accompanied us on the visits...”
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Visited March 2026Tripadvisor Review
Highly recommended for Spanish speaking travelers!!
“We traveled 2 women, from Montevideo-Uruguay🇺🇾 It was our 1st time in India.
After fluid and attentive exchange via WhatsApp, we decided to hire private tour.
Our chauffeur Mohan and his expert handling, allowed us to be calm in the middle of the chaotic traffic of the big cities Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.
Of course, the guides of those cities, were correct but not very good, since they provide the information in "autopilot mode "
To the classic golden triangle tour, we added a couple of extensions...”
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Visited April 2026Tripadvisor Review
India unforgettable!!!!
“A perfect route always very well accompanied by the company.
Rakhi organized everything perfectly and gave us his support at all times. We toured Rajastan, Triangle and Varanasi with guides in Spanish who made an unforgettable trip
Also all drivers were very helpful especially Narish and Rajender”
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Visited April 2026Tripadvisor Review
Best experience
“What an amazing experience we had with Tusk Travel, the agency organize us a 13 days itinerary that included Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Orcha and Khajuraho. We had someone waiting for us everywhere, nicw AC car with kind drivers, always puntual, guides in Spanish, always happy to take our photos and explain everything with details.”
Dhanyabad
Visited April 2026Tripadvisor Review
Dhanyabad
“The most beautiful trip I've ever had. With Tusk Travel I felt very happy and safe. The whole team: drivers, guides, coordinators, were extraordinary with me, always looking for me to be very well. Kam made a magical trip for me, hugged them.”
Dhanyabad
Visited December 2025Tripadvisor Review
Unforgettable India by Tusk Travel
“Our experience was 10 days. To the golden triangle we add, Orchha, Khajuraho and Varanasi. Everything turned out according to contract and very well organized. Hotels in some cases exceeded our expectation. The guides, drivers and those who received us when arriving at each place, were very competent and friendly...”
