This 10-night/11-day tour, "The Core of India – South India," is a comprehensive journey primarily through the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, offering a blend of rich cultural heritage, ancient temple architecture, colonial history, and coastal beauty.
Key Highlights
- ✦ New Delhi: The tour begins with your arrival in New Delhi, serving as the starting point for your international travel, before connecting to South India.
- ✦ Chennai: The gateway to South India — the itinerary includes a half-day sightseeing tour visiting landmarks like the Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple, and the scenic Marina Beach.
- ✦ Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram): A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning coastal temples and 8th-century rock-cut monuments.
- ✦ Pondicherry: A former French enclave with a unique blend of French and Tamil culture.
- ✦ Tanjore (Thanjavur): Famous as the cultural heart of the Chola dynasty, renowned for its grand architecture. The main attraction is the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple — a Chola-era architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- ✦ Madurai: One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, known for its vibrant atmosphere and magnificent temples. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple — an architectural masterpiece with towering gopurams (gates).
- ✦ Kanyakumari: The southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea meet. Witness the unique sunrise and sunset over the three seas.
- ✦ Kovalam: A renowned beach destination in Kerala, offering scenic beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Time to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery.
- ✦ Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram): The capital of Kerala, where the tour concludes. Activities include local sightseeing or serving as the departure point for flights home.
This journey is ideal for travelers interested in a deep dive into the history, art, architecture, and diverse coastal landscapes of Southern India.
Itinerary Day by Day
New Delhi – Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Delhi – Arrive Chennai – Mahabalipuram
Upon arrival, connect to your next flight to Chennai. (Flight from Delhi to Chennai will be booked as per the arrival timing of the guests.) Arrive at Chennai Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Mahabalipuram. Rest of the day at leisure.
Mahabalipuram – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Full day sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram) is a historic Indian coastal town in Tamil Nadu, famous for its 7th and 8th-century rock-cut temples, monolithic structures, and intricate sculptures built by the Pallava dynasty.
Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
Morning drive to Pondicherry. Afternoon tour of the former French colony including Aurobindo Ashram, Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculée, and Auroville.
Pondicherry – Tanjore (200 km / approx. 4 hours)
This Pondicherry to Tanjore drive offers a deep spiritual journey through South India's Chola dynasty heritage, connecting you with ancient, UNESCO-recognized Shiva temples (Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Darasuram) famed for their immense scale, intricate sculptures, and spiritual power — fostering connection with divine energy, history, and enduring artistry as you travel through Tamil Nadu's sacred landscape.
Tanjore
Sightseeing tour of Tanjore. Thanjavur (Tanjore) is highly important for spirituality, primarily due to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple — a UNESCO site built by the Cholas — and its world-renowned Tanjore paintings depicting Hindu deities, both serving as conduits for divine connection and positive energy, attracting pilgrims and art lovers seeking spiritual experiences for centuries.
Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (200 km / approx. 5 hours)
Drive to Madurai, a city famous for its ancient temples, especially the Meenakshi Amman Temple. En route, visit Trichy Temple. Later, visit Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening ceremony — the Pooja (worship) or Aarthi ceremony where deities are moved between shrines, often involving music, lights, and chanting, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
The Meenakshi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). Be prepared with appropriate attire (shoulders and knees covered) as it's a sacred place.
Madurai
Morning visit to Meenakshi Temple again and other local attractions. Today, approximately 20,000 people per day visit the Meenakshi Temple's almost 700,000 square feet of space, including the two principal sanctuaries and dozens of shrines of varying sizes. Bordered by high walls and gateways, it is a bewildering collection of indoor and outdoor spaces: small, cramped shrines, vast halls, low and high ceilings, darkness, light, hustle and bustle, quiet spaces, and chaos. All told, it contains around 30,000 sculptures.
Madurai – Kanyakumari
Morning drive to Kanyakumari. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the sunset.
Kanyakumari is important as India's southernmost tip — a unique meeting point of three seas (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean), a major Hindu pilgrimage site for the Kumari Amman Temple, and a famous tourist spot for its breathtaking sunrises/sunsets and monuments like the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
- •Triveni Sangam: The confluence of three seas is considered highly sacred; a dip in these waters is believed to wash away sins.
- •Devi Kanyakumari Temple: Dedicated to the virgin Goddess Bhagavathy (Parvati), who is in eternal penance to marry Lord Shiva.
- •Vivekananda Rock Memorial: A meditation spot where Swami Vivekananda meditated, symbolizing spiritual awakening and national unity.
- •Pitru Tarpanam: An ideal location for performing ancestral rites to appease ancestors.
- •Festivals: Celebrates major Hindu festivals like Navaratri, Chaitry Poornima, and Vaisakha Festival, drawing large crowds.
Kanyakumari – Kovalam
After breakfast, drive to Kovalam. En route, visit Padmanabhapuram Palace. Check in and relax at the beach resort.
Padmanabhapuram Palace is renowned for its unique traditional Kerala wooden architecture, intricate carvings, and significant murals — a well-preserved testament to the Travancore rulers' past. It's considered a masterpiece of carpentry, featuring reflective floors, detailed woodwork, and historical artifacts.
- •Unique Architecture: One of the largest and best-preserved examples of traditional wooden architecture in India, built using principles of Taccusastra (carpentry science).
- •Intricate Craftsmanship: Stunning rosewood carvings, decorated ceilings, and colorful windowpanes using magnetite.
- •Rich History & Culture: Former capital of the Travancore kingdom, housing antique artifacts showcasing the region's heritage.
- •UNESCO Tentative List: Recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional cultural value.
Kovalam
Full day at leisure to enjoy the beach and resort facilities. Kovalam, in the heart of Kerala, India, is famous for its golden sandy shores, calming azure waves, and a lively tapestry of rich cultural traditions.
Kovalam – Trivandrum Airport – Delhi
Transfer to Trivandrum Airport in time to connect with your onward flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, connect to Terminal 3 for your international flight.
BON VOYAGE!
Hotels 4 Star or Similar
| Dates | City | Hotel | Nights | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01–03 | Mahabalipuram | Grand Continental / Deluxe Room | 02 | Breakfast |
| Day 03–04 | Pondicherry | Hotel Shembaga / Majesty Room | 01 | Breakfast |
| Day 04–06 | Tanjore | Hotel Sangam / Executive Room | 02 | Breakfast |
| Day 06–08 | Madurai | Hotel Amika / Deluxe Room | 02 | Breakfast |
| Day 08–09 | Kanyakumari | Annai Celestial / Standard Room | 01 | Breakfast |
| Day 09–11 | Kovalam | Travancore Heritage / Standard Room | 02 | Breakfast |
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation on single/double occupancy basis
- Assistance on arrival and departure at airports
- English-speaking local guides in Mahabalipuram, Tanjore and Madurai
- Night ceremony visits at Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums as per itinerary
- Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
Excludes Cost
- • International airfare, visa charges and insurance
- • Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, tips, camera fees
- • Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- • Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Important Notes
- • Rates are subject to change in case of any revision in taxes or tariffs.
- • Dutch Palace in Cochin is closed on Fridays and the Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.