This Temples, Spices and Backwaters Southern India Group Tour is the perfect tour for discovering the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu combined with the gorgeous lush landscape of Kerala. Take this fascinating trip from Chennai on the coastal plains of Tamil Nadu to the captivating port city of Cochin in Kerala. On route you will discover world heritage sites, breathtaking architecture, vibrant temple ceremonies, lively bazaars, historic hill stations, enchanting wildlife and the famous palm fringed Kerala backwaters.
On arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be met by your Authentic India Tours representative, who will transfer you to your hotel which will take about 45 minutes.
After some relaxation, it’s time to start your India group tour exploring the fascinating city of Chennai on a sightseeing tour. You will discover Fort St George, St Mary’s Cathedral and San Thome Basilica which is said to have been built over the tomb of Thomas the Apostle. Later you will visit the ancient Shiva Temple of Kapaleeshwar during the evening ceremony and experience the busy bazaars around the temple. This is followed by a welcome dinner hosted by your tour leader.
After breakfast we take the coastal road to the historic fishing village of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO world heritage site, and home to an amazing collection of 7th and 8th-century monuments and temples. Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of buildings and sculptures, including temples in the form of chariots (rathas), a giant open-air rock relief and the impressive, intricately decorated Shore Temple
After lunch, we proceed to the chic town of Puducherry, a former French colony. This evening, a cycle rickshaw ride through the French and Tamil quarters of the town is included. The lively nature and diversity of this colonial town and the delicious mix of food make for a memorable experience.
Today you wake up in Puducherry, a small town steeped in history and surrounded by gorgeous sandy beaches. You will have the chance to meet Lakshmi the elephant at Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, before visiting a handmade paper-making unit and Puducherry museum, where you can have a glimpse at Puducherry’s colonial past.
In the evening, wander through the cobbled streets of the historic French Quarter and treat yourself to a dish from one of the best restaurants in Southern India, offering a fusion of French and Indian delicacies.
The next stage of your India group tour takes you inland to the bustling temple town of Kumbakonam. On route you will visit Chidambaram, home to one of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian architectural highlights, the famous Nataraja Temple complex. We then continue to Darasuram, where you will find the famous Indian landmark, the ornate Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site.
There will also be time to visit Swamimalai and experience the brilliance of the bronze artists. Swamimalai is known as the cradle of Chola bronze statues and stone sculptures. Here you can witness the traditional wax method of bronze casting which has been perfected over generations.
There will be time to explore Kumbakonam and its abundant, colourful temples in the evening.
This morning, your India Group Tour continues to the Chettinad region, stopping on the way in the historic town of Thanjavur, famed for its Living Chola Temples. We also visit the Bronze Museum and Brihadeeshwara Temple, which has a 62-metre high sandstone tower ornately decorated in religious carvings.
Chettinad is the homeland of the Chettiars, a community of merchants who grew prosperous in the 19th century and spared no expense in building huge palatial mansions. It has a very distinct character from the rest of Tamil Nadu and the style of cooking is unique to this area.
This evening you can discover the unique Chettinad architectural style displayed in its buildings, experience the flavour of local life in a bustling, colourful market and sample the Chettinad cuisine.
Today’s discovering tour of Chettinad will introduce you to wonderful old mansions exhibiting splendid art and architecture, the most famous of which being Chettinadu Raja’s Palace. This is followed by a tour of the Ayyanar shrine of Kothadi with the alignment of terracotta figures which have been offered to the village Deity.
Later there is time to wander around some of the best local markets in South India. You will also be able to admire expert craftsmen at work at the Athangudi handmade tile making unit and the traditional saree weaving centre. Then discover unique antiques from local Chettiar homes at the market on Muneeswaran Koil Street in Karaikudi. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up some souvenirs to take back home
In the evening there is a culinary demonstration to learn about Chettinad cuisine from the renowned chefs at The Bangala followed by dinner.
After breakfast, a short 2 hour journey will take you to the famous temple town of Madurai home to some fine examples of Dravidian architecture, and in particular, the stunning Meenakshi Temple complex with its colourfully carved gopuram.
This afternoon’s tour of the vast temple complex will give you time to marvel at this multi-tiered, technicolour wonder covered in bright carvings of mythical figures and to learn more about its history. You will also visit the imposing Thirumalai Nayak Palace, which was actually designed by an Italian architect.
Madurai is a thriving city and later this evening a rickshaw ride through the busy markets selling a whole host of items including utensils, textiles, jewellery and vegetables will be an invigorating experience.
Be prepared for a total change of scenery and pace of life today as we leave the flat lands of Tamil Nadu and head for Periyar in the Cardamom Hills of Kerala. It will take around 4 hours to reach Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautifully preserved area and home to a wide range of animals and birdlife.
This afternoon you will get your first taste of Periyar with a spice plantation tour led by an expert on spices and the local area. He will introduce you to the different spices grown such as pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and coffee.
This morning you will be transferred to the boat landing point of Periyar Tiger Reserve for a wonderful adventure in touch with nature.
The experience includes bamboo rafting where you can try your hand at navigating a raft across the famous Periyar Lake followed by a trek through some of the richest forest paths of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This area is known for sightings of wildlife including elephants, Sambar deers and Indian bisons but nothing is guaranteed.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities including the gorgeous spa and swimming pool or maybe take part in some hotel activities. Alternatively enjoy some retail therapy in the nearby shops.
Today we leave the mountain region and travel past rubber and tea plantations to the picturesque village of Kumarakom, located on the south eastern shore of Vembanad Lake. There’s a tasty stop on route at a plantation bungalow in Kanjirapally where we are treated to a home cooked lunch
Kumarakom is an oasis of calm, hidden in the Kerala backwaters, a network of canals, lakes and coconut groves. The calm waters, verdant surroundings and abundant wildlife makes it the perfect spot to unwind. In the evening, simply relax and enjoy a sunset cruise over Vembanad Lake, where birds gliding across the calm surface of the lake can be spotted. The Coconut Lagoon is known for its cultural programme and there’s usually a performance to be enjoyed.
After a leisurely morning and just before lunch, you will board your air-conditioned, deluxe houseboat for an overnight cruise through the famous Kerala Backwaters. For many people, this is the highlight of their India group tour.
Your relaxing voyage will take you through the tranquil Kerala backwaters, gliding across Lake Vembanad, then along waterways passing low-lying rice fields, churches, temples, schools and village life. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner will be served on board by your exclusive crew. At sunset the houseboat anchors to prevent getting tangled in the fishing nets. Experience a truly magical evening of being rocked gently whilst counting stars before finally going to bed.
This morning we suggest getting up early to enjoy breakfast taking in the fascinating backwater activity with people going to work and children going to school. Upon disembarking at Alleppey boat jetty you’ll be met by your guide and taken to the bustling cosmopolitan port of Cochin.
On this afternoon’s sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry, you can explore remnants of Cochin’s multicultural past by visiting St Francis’ Church and the local fish market. Later, proceed to Mattancherry to see the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace which houses murals depicting the Ramayana.
In the evening, you will witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance – we suggest arriving early if you want to experience the elaborate make-up preparation.
This morning your tour includes a visit to the Kumbalanghi fishing village where you will experience traditional village activities such as catching fish, crab farming and coir making.
Following a home-cooked lunch by the side of the backwaters you will be taken back to your hotel for some free time. You could relax and enjoy the hotel facilities such as the rooftop swimming pool, or maybe jump in a tuk tuk and explore the heritage quarter and pick up some last-minute souvenirs along Jew Street.
Another lovely memory on your India group tour will be this evening’s boat trip past Cochin’s waterfront. As the sun sets, you will see the famous cantilevered fishing nets. It’s fascinating to watch the fishermen skilfully dip the hammock-like nets into the water, silhouetted against the orange and pink sky. End the day with an interactive Keralan cooking demonstration and a farewell dinner with a local family.
In plenty of time you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to board your return flight.
If you would like to extend your holiday by staying a couple of nights at Mararikulam Beach or Kovalam, or would like a stopover in the Middle East please let us know.
Please contact us for more details and to discuss your individual requirements
Below are the hotels we plan to use on the tour but they are subject to availability. If they are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be chosen.
This Temples, Spices and Backwaters Southern India Group Tour is available from Chennai on the following dates (prices per person)
| Tour starts | Tour ends | Price per person on a twin/double basis | Single room supplement | ||||
| 19 January 2025 | Sun | Chennai | 1 February 2025 | Sat | Cochin | £2,595 | £995 |
| 2 February 2025 | Sun | Chennai | 15 February 2025 | Sat | Cochin | £2,595 | £995 |
| 16 February 2025 | Sun | Chennai | 1 March 2025 | Sat | Cochin | £2,595 | £995 |
| 2 March 2025 | Sun | Chennai | 15 March 2025 | Sat | Cochin | £2,595 | £995 |
| Private Travel Supplement: £325 (minimum 2 persons travelling together) | |||||||
| Suggested Extensions | Per person twin-share | Single Room Supplement |
| Marari Beach (4 days) | £495 | £425 |
Our tour operates with a minimum number of 4 and a maximum number of 16 travellers on this Southern Splendour group tour
The prices quoted are without flights. If you would like us to arrange your flights, all the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme.
Price does not include:
Authentic India Tours is a member of ATOL and can provide ATOL protected holidays with flights.
Prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.
For more information on this India group tour, please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.
Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays and India group tours on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.
