Culture of South India
Tour Overview
This 6-night, 7-day private itinerary runs Chennai · Madurai · Periyar · Kumarakom · Cochin, built around real highlights rather than a rushed checklist of stops. Along the way there's real room for Madurai's flower and spice markets. Every itinerary here is a starting point — tell us your travel dates, group size and pace, and we'll tailor the plan, hotel category and route to suit you.
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 — Arrival in Chennai
Chennai greets you on landing. After a smooth transfer to your hotel and check-in, take the rest of the day easy before sightseeing begins tomorrow. Tamil Nadu's capital pairs a long Marina Beach promenade with Fort St. George and Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and is the usual starting point for the Mahabalipuram–Pondicherry coastal route. Don't miss Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
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Day 2 — Chennai
There's more of Chennai to see today: Fort St. George.
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Day 3 — Chennai to Madurai
This morning you'll transfer on to Madurai. Once you've checked in, the afternoon is yours to explore the town at an easy pace. One of Tamil Nadu's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Madurai is built around the towering, sculpture-covered gopurams of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, with an old town still laid out around it. Don't miss the temple's evening rituals.
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Day 4 — Madurai
Another day around Madurai, with time for Meenakshi Amman Temple's carved gopurams.
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Day 5 — Madurai to Thekkady (Periyar)
After breakfast, you'll be driven to Thekkady (Periyar), with stops along the way as the route allows. On arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure or exploring nearby. Thekkady is built around Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where a boat cruise on Periyar Lake is the classic way to spot elephants, deer and birdlife against a forested backdrop, alongside spice plantations on the sanctuary's edge. Don't miss a spice-plantation walk.
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Day 6 — Thekkady (Periyar) to Kumarakom
After breakfast, drive on to Kumarakom. On arrival, check in and take some time to settle in before the day's sightseeing. A quieter backwater base than Alleppey, Kumarakom sits on Vembanad Lake with a bird sanctuary, mangrove-lined canals and houseboat moorings of its own. Don't miss Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
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Day 7 — Kochi (Cochin) · Departure
Your tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, you'll be driven to Kochi (Cochin), with a stop or two along the way as the route allows, in time for your onward flight or journey home.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation based on double occupancy
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Airport/station pick-up and drop by private air-conditioned vehicle
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary, by private AC vehicle
- English-speaking driver-cum-guide where applicable
- Fuel, toll, parking and driver allowance
- Unlimited bottled water in the vehicle
- All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions
- Airfare / train fare to and from the starting point of the tour
- Any expenses arising from flight delay, cancellation, strike or natural calamity
- Personal expenses — telephone, laundry, drinks, tipping and similar
- Monument entry fees and camera fees unless specifically listed under Inclusions
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
Why Choose This Tour?
- Covers real, on-the-ground India travel experience
- A well-paced, comfortable itinerary — not a race between stops
- Fully customizable to your dates, budget and interests
- Suitable for families, couples and groups
- Local, English-speaking support throughout your trip
FAQs
How many days is the Culture of South India?
This itinerary runs 06 Nights / 07 Days, and can be shortened or extended to fit your schedule.
Can this tour be customized?
Yes — every itinerary on this site is a starting point. Tell us your dates, budget and interests and we'll tailor the plan, hotels and pace to suit you.
Are the hotels included?
Accommodation is included as listed under Inclusions above; we can adjust the hotel category (standard, deluxe or luxury) to your preference.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private itinerary for your group — not a shared coach tour.
How do I get a quote?
Use the form on this page, WhatsApp us, or call our travel desk — we typically respond with a personalized quote within one business day.