The most beautiful beaches and temples of South India with travel packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and rest of the world

Discover the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking beauty of South India with our exclusive 12-day travel package, crafted for travelers from Kolkata, Delhi, and beyond. Experience the perfect blend of history, spirituality, and natural wonders as you explore iconic cities, ancient temples, and serene beaches. Whether you’re seeking a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a cultural expedition, our South India tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Places Covered: Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tranquebar, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Madurai, Bangalore

No. of Days: 11nights/12days

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai with travel packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and rest of the world

Fort St. George Museum, Chennai

Start your South Indian adventure with a warm welcome at Chennai International Airport. After checking in at your hotel, embark on a city tour of Chennai:

• Marina Beach: Stroll along one of the world’s longest urban beaches, soaking in the local vibe.
• Fort St. George Museum: Dive into colonial history at this 17th-century British fort.
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Witness the evening aarti at this magnificent Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Enjoy a delicious South Indian dinner before settling in for the night.

Overnight: Chennai

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram with travel packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and rest of the world

Have and early breakfast and check out from the hotel. Leave for Kanchipuram. This is a two-hour drive from Chennai. Once in Kanchipuram, go around and visit the temples. Explore the spiritual and architectural wonders of Kanchipuram, known as the “City of Thousand Temples”:

• Ekambareswarar Temple: A majestic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a towering gopuram and thousand-pillar hall.
• Kamakshi Amman Temple & Kailasanathar Temple: Marvel at intricate Pallava-era architecture. After a visit to the famous Kanchipuram silk weaving centers, depart for Mahabalipuram, where you’ll spend the evening by the beach. Kailasanathar Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram. This was built by the Pallava king Rajasimha in the 8th century. It is famous for its Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings.

Shrine vimanas of Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram

Later, go and visit Silk Weaving Center. Kanchipuram is famous for its exquisite handwoven silk sarees. These sarees are known for their rich colors, heavy silk fabric, and intricate zari work. They are a symbol of elegance and are often worn during weddings and special occasions.

Relish local Tamil Nadu dishes at a local restaurant. Afterwards, depart for Mahabalipuram, which is around 1.5 hours drive from Kanchipuram.  Check into a hotel on arrival after reaching Mahabalipuram.

Relax and spend the evening by the beach or by taking a stroll in the local markets. Enjoy seafood specialties at a beachfront restaurant.

Overnight: Mahabalipuram

Day 3: Mahabalipuram with travel packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and rest of the world

Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock-cut temples:

• Shore Temple: Admire this iconic 8th-century temple at sunrise. Enjoy its beautiful views in the early morning. This is one of the most important landmarks of Pallava dynasty monuments.
• Pancha Rathas & Arjuna’s Penance: Explore monolithic temples and ancient rock carvings. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five monolithic temple structures, each carved from a single stone. Enjoy Arjuna’s Penance, which is a massive open-air rock relief.  Intricate carvings depict the story of the descent of the Ganges and Arjuna’s penance. Go and visit Krishna’s Butterball. Marvel at this giant balancing rock, a natural wonder defying gravity.
• Krishna’s Butterball: Witness the awe-inspiring balancing rock, a natural marvel. Relax on the beach in the evening, enjoying fresh seafood and local cuisine.

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

Spend your leisure time on the beach. Have a relaxing walk. Enjoy a nice meal at a local restaurant. You can buy some souvenirs from local markets if you want.

Overnight: Mahabalipuram

Day 4: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry with travel packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and rest of the world

Notre Dame des Anges Church, Pondicherry

Get up in the morning. If you want to see the sunrise in the sea, you can head to the beach. Enjoy the serene ambiance. Return to the hotel. Have a nice breakfast afterwards.

Depart for Pondicherry. Take a scenic drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony. This is around two hours drive from Mahabalipuram. Check into arrival in Pondicherry.

White Town Heritage Walk: Go on to explore White Town Heritage Walk. Visit the French War Memorial, Raj Nivas (Governor’s House), Notre Dame des Anges Church, and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Promenade Beach: Late in the afternoon stroll along the coastline, surrounded by colonial architecture.

In the afternoon, go on to explore boutiques and shops in White Town for local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade products.

Dine at a French-Indian fusion restaurant to experience Pondicherry’s unique culinary scene.

Overnight: Pondicherry

Day 5: Cultural Tour of Pondicherry with travel packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and rest of the world

People at Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry

Start the day after breakfast by visiting temples famous in Pondicherry.

Immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural essence of Pondicherry:

• Manakula Vinayagar Temple & Vedapureeswarar Temple: Visit these renowned temples. Manakula Vinayagar Temple is Ganesha Temple, while Vedapureeswarar Temple is a historic Shiva temple.
• Pondicherry Museum: Explore the city’s colonial and indigenous history. End the day with a sunset boat ride on the Chunnambar backwaters.

Have traditional Tamil cuisines in your lunch.  You have the option to take a stroll in the central green space of Bharathi Park. You can also choose to explore Botanical Garden, famous for its exotic plants and trees.

Return to the main town and head to a beachside café to enjoy your dinner.

Overnight: Pondicherry

Day 6: Pondicherry: Explore Auroville and Beaches with travel packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and rest of the world

Take your breakfast and head to Auroville, a unique international community. Check out the Matrimandir (outside only, unless you have a prior booking for meditation). Explore Auroville’s various boutiques, eateries, and the Visitors’ Centre. Enjoy your lunch at one of the popular cafes in Auroville.

Serenity Beach, Pondicherry

Head to Auro Beach and relax and unwind at the Beach. Afterwards, head to Serenity Beach and spend some quality time. The beach is famous for its calm vibe.

Return to Pondicherry and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Pondicherry

Day 7: Pondicherry to Tranquebar with travel packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and rest of the world

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, check out. Head to the coastal town of Tranquebar, which has a blend of Danish colonial history and South Indian culture. This is around 3 hours drive from Pondicherry.

Check into a heritage hotel on arrival in Tranquebar. Tranquebar is also referred to as Tharangambadi. It is in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The place has a unique blend of Danish colonial history, beautiful beaches, and cultural heritage.

• Fort Dansborg: Explore the largest Danish fort in India. This was built in 1620, and is the second-largest Danish fort in the world. It stands on the edge of the Bay of Bengal, offering picturesque ocean views.
• New Jerusalem Church: This was built in 1718. The church represents the religious diversity and history of Tranquebar. It is an important part of the town’s rich cultural tapestry.
• Masilamani Nathar Temple: It is an ancient temple dating back to 1306. A unique temple mixing Dravidian and Chinese architecture. It is partially in ruins due to sea erosion but remains a significant spiritual site. Relax with an evening stroll along the quiet Tranquebar beach. You can enjoy the gentle waves and breathtaking sunsets. The beach is relatively unexplored, offering a tranquil experience away from the crowds.

Free time to relax in the serene environment. Head to Town Gate (Landporten), the Danish-built town gate, one of the oldest structures in Tranquebar and a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Savor the unique blend of Tamil and Danish-influenced dishes in dinner at a local eatery.

Overnight: Tranquebar

Day 8: Tranquebar to Thanjavur with travel packages from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and rest of the world

Check out from the hotel after getting up leisurely in the morning. Drive to Thanjavur, a drive of 2 hours. Check into a hotel on arrival in Thanjavur. It is the heart of Tamil art and architecture.

Brihadeswara Temple

Brihadeeswara Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 11th-century Chola temple is a masterpiece of South Indian architecture. Spend time exploring the temple complex, admiring the intricate carvings and the massive Nandi statue.

Thanjavur Maratha Palace: This houses the Royal Palace Museum, Saraswathi Mahal Library, and the Art Gallery. Explore the ancient manuscripts, paintings, and royal artifacts.

Head to the Sangeetha Mahal within the palace complex, where you can learn about the cultural history of the region.

Explore local handicrafts and art galleries before enjoying authentic Tamil cuisines in dinner.

Overnight: Thanjavur

Day 9: Thanjavur to Chettinad with travel packages from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and rest of the world

Get up leisurely in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. Check out from the hotel. Go on to explore the local art and handicrafts in Thanjavur, including the famous Thanjavur paintings.  Afterwards, head to Chettinad, a drive of slightly less than hours. Check in to the heritage hotel on arrival in Chettinad, known for its grand mansions and delicious cuisine:

• Mansions and Palaces of Chettinad: Marvel at the intricate woodwork and spacious courtyards of some of the mansions. Visit Kandappa Chettiar Mansion, and Athangudi Palace.
• Delicious Cuisines of Chettinad: Savor a traditional Chettinad meal, rich in spices and flavors.

Interiors of Athangudi Palace, Chettiand

Visit the town of Karaikudi, the heart of Chettinad. Explore its streets lined with heritage homes, antique shops, and local markets. Explore the grand Chettinad Palace, famous for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Visit a nearby temple like the Karpaga Vinayagar Temple or Pillayarpatti Temple.

Return to the hotel for a relaxed dinner, with another chance to savor the local cuisine.

Day 10: Chettinad with travel packages from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and rest of the world

After breakfast, head to Athangudi village to see the traditional tile-making process. Discover the craftsmanship of Athangudi tiles. These tiles are famous for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Make a visit to a local handloom weaving center to see the production of Chettinad cotton sarees, famous for its craftsmanship.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or back at your hotel. Participate in or watch a traditional Chettinad cooking demonstration, learning about the spices and techniques that make the cuisine unique.

Discover the village of Kanadukathan, another area known for its palatial homes and heritage buildings.

Explore a local market for some authentic Chettinad spices and handicrafts. Indulge in a peaceful dinner back at your hotel, perhaps on an open terrace under the stars.

Overnight: Chettinad

Day 11: Chettinad – Madurai with travel packages from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and rest of the world

Have breakfast in the morning and check out from the heritage hotel. Head to Madurai, a drive of around 2 hours from Chettinad. Check into a hotel on arrival in Madurai.

Madurai is home to one of India’s most renowned temples:

• Meenakshi Amman Temple: Spend hours exploring the elaborate architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this spiritual marvel.
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal: A beautiful blend of Dravidian and Islamic architecture. This is a 17th-century palace famous for its grand pillars, and stucco work on domes.

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at a local restaurant during day time. Conclude the day with a visit to the bustling local markets of Madurai.

If you are left with times, head to the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi as well as India’s struggle for independence.

Keep evening free to explore the local markets or relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Madurai

Day 12: Madurai – Bangalore – onward flight

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Madurai Airport for your flight to Bangalore.

Check into a hotel on arrival in Bangalore. Relax and rewind from the tour, or you can also choose to visit some places in Bangalore. Places like Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, and Vidhana Soudha, are some landmarks of Bangalore.

Enjoy dinner in the hotel itself, or at a nice city restaurant. You can check out from the hotel as per your flight timings. Your flight maybe scheduled for late evening, or very early morning  the next day.

Overnight: Bangalore

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