south india tour packages for 7 days
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Group Size 12 Peoples
Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through South India’s most captivating destinations with our carefully crafted 7-day tour. From the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu to the serene backwaters of Kerala, this adventure promises to unveil the region’s rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Perfect for UK travellers seeking an authentic Indian experience, our tour combines comfortable travel with immersive cultural encounters.
Starting in Chennai, you’ll traverse through the historic temple town of Mahabalipuram, the French-colonial charm of Pondicherry, and the magnificent temples of Thanjavur. Your journey culminates in the spice-scented paradise of Kerala, where you’ll cruise along peaceful backwaters in traditional houseboats. Each day brings new flavours, from aromatic filter coffee to fresh seafood curry, while comfortable accommodation ensures you rest well between adventures.
Our expert local guides share fascinating insights into South Indian traditions, helping you understand the stories behind ancient stone carvings and contemporary customs. Whether you’re photographing stunning Dravidian architecture, learning traditional dance moves, or sampling home-cooked delicacies, this tour offers a perfect blend of discovery and relaxation.
Key Information
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Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
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Start Point: Chennai International Airport
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End Point: Cochin International Airport
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Best Time to Visit: October to March
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Group Size: Maximum 12 people
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Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate
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Language: English-speaking guides
Highlights
- UNESCO Heritage Temples & Carvings
- Traditional Houseboat Experience
- Authentic Cooking Demonstrations
- Ancient Tamil Culture & History
- Pristine Beaches & Backwaters
- Colonial Architecture & Heritage
- Local Art & Craft Workshops
- Traditional Dance Performances
Included/Excluded
Step into the vibrant energy of Chennai, where traditional South Indian culture meets modern city life. Your senses will come alive as you explore the historic George Town area, where aromatic coffee roasters and spice merchants line the bustling streets. The afternoon brings you to the stunning Kapaleeshwarar Temple, where the intricate Dravidian architecture tells tales of ancient craftsmanship through its colourful gopuram (tower). Activities:
- Morning arrival and hotel check-in
- George Town heritage walk
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple visit
- Marina Beach sunset stroll
- Welcome dinner
Wake up to the sound of waves as you journey to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the incredible rock-cut temples and the famous Shore Temple standing proudly against the Bay of Bengal. Watch skilled artisans carve intricate sculptures using techniques passed down through generations. The highlight is the massive bas-relief of 'Arjuna's Penance', where ancient stories come alive in stone. Activities:
- Morning drive to Mahabalipuram
- Shore Temple complex tour
- Stone carving demonstration
- Sunset at Krishna's Butterball
- Evening cultural performance
Experience the unique Franco-Tamil fusion in Pondicherry. Stroll through the French Quarter, where bougainvillea-draped yellow walls transport you to colonial times. Visit the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram and feel the spiritual energy of this peaceful haven. The afternoon brings you to Auroville, the experimental township dedicated to human unity. Activities:
- French Quarter walking tour
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram visit
- Auroville exploration
- Seaside promenade walk
- Traditional Tamil cooking class
Dive deep into the magnificent Chola dynasty heritage in Thanjavur. The breathtaking Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO site, showcases the pinnacle of Dravidian architecture. The massive Nandi statue and the 216-foot high central tower will leave you spellbound. Visit the Thanjavur Palace and Royal Museum to admire ancient bronze sculptures. Activities:
- Brihadeeswara Temple tour
- Thanjavur Palace visit
- Bronze casting demonstration
- Traditional art gallery visit
- Classical music concert
Enter the spiritual heart of Tamil Nadu in Madurai. The colossal Meenakshi Amman Temple, with its rainbow-colored gopurams, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Experience the famous 'thalappoli' ceremony in the evening, and explore the bustling streets filled with aromatic jasmine flowers and street food delicacies. Activities:
- Meenakshi Temple tour
- Thirumalai Nayak Palace visit
- Local market exploration
- Evening temple ceremony
- Street food walking tour
Journey into Kerala's cardamom hills to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Walk through fragrant spice plantations learning about Kerala's famous spice trade. Take a guided tour through the sanctuary, keeping your eyes peeled for wild elephants and exotic birds. Activities:
- Spice plantation tour
- Periyar lake boat ride
- Kalaripayattu martial art show
- Spice market visit
- Elephant viewing
End your journey in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Board a traditional houseboat for a serene cruise through palm-fringed waterways. Watch local life unfold along the banks, enjoy fresh Kerala cuisine prepared on board, and witness one of the most beautiful sunsets of your trip. Activities:
- Morning drive to Kumarakom
- Houseboat check-in
- Backwater cruise
- Village life observation
- Farewell dinner on board
Frequently Asked Questions
October to March offers the most pleasant weather for UK travellers, with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall.
While South Indian cuisine can be spicy, our restaurants cater to various preferences, and guides can help you choose suitable options.
We recommend £300-£400 for additional meals, shopping, and personal expenses. Most tourist areas accept credit cards but carry some cash for local markets.
Yes, we've carefully selected 4-5-star hotels that meet international standards, offering modern amenities while maintaining local charm and character.
Pack light, breathable cotton clothing. For temple visits, bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces.
Stick to bottled water, which we provide daily. Avoid tap water and ice in local establishments. Our recommended restaurants follow strict hygiene standards.
Moderate walking is required, particularly at temple complexes and heritage sites. Most walks are at a leisurely pace with plenty of breaks, suitable for average fitness levels.
Yes, South Indian cuisine offers excellent vegetarian options. We can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements with advance notice.
Use a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are widely available in cities. Inform your bank of travel plans. Current exchange rate is approximately 1 GBP = 103 INR.
All hotels offer Wi-Fi, though speeds may vary. Consider buying a local SIM card for constant connectivity, which our guide can help arrange.
We limit groups to 12 people maximum, ensuring personal attention and comfortable travel. This allows for more intimate cultural experiences.
The houseboat includes private air-conditioned rooms, en-suite bathrooms, fresh Kerala meals, and guided backwater cruising with spectacular views.
Yes, we can arrange additional nights at any destination. Popular extensions include beach stays in Kerala or extra days exploring Chennai.
October to March offers pleasant temperatures (20-30°C). Expect warm days and cooler evenings. Light rainfall is possible but shouldn't affect activities.
Yes, you'll have chances to shop for silk sarees, spices, handicrafts, and jewellery. Our guides can recommend reliable shops and help with bargaining.
Yes we have other similar tour package form South India like:Â Alleppey backwater tour,Kanchipuram Tour Packages,Madurai tour Packages,Mahabalipuram Holiday Packages,Madikeri Tour Packages,Thanjavur Tour Package,Chennai Trip package,Hyderabad Tour Packages,Mysore Tour Package,Kerala Holidays Tour
