When it comes to temples, South India’s Dravidian masterpieces are renowned for their outstanding architecture. You’ll see Meenakshi Temple with its brightly painted sculptures, Brihadesvara Temple built and adorned with frescoes by the Cholas and Chidambaram Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva performing the cosmic dance. In Kanchipuram, “City of 1000 Temples,” meet master craftsmen working on beautiful silk sarees. Then visit a spice plantation in Periyar, practice yoga with a master and cruise through winding waterways and mangroves of Kerala’s backwaters. Have lunch on a traditional houseboat, take a Tuk Tuk ride in Kochi to Jew Town and visit the Paradesi Synagogue. Enjoy a Kathakali performance – a dance-drama-storytelling tradition of South India – including a backstage visit to watch the artists apply their special makeup.
Language
Hindi, English
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Average Temp
76° F
Southern India Expedition
Treasures of South India
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – CHENNAI, INDIA / MAHABALIPURAM (MAMALLAPURAM)
Arrive in Chennai
Private transfer to Mahabalipuram
Accommodations: Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa
Day 2 – MAHABALIPURAM
Full-day private tour:
- Shore Temple
- Arjuna’s Penance
- Cholamandal Artists’ Village
Accommodations: Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM
Private transfer to Kanchipuram (approx. 1.5 hours):
- “City of 1000 Temples”
- Meet master silk craftsmen
- Lunch at a local restaurant
Accommodations: Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – MAHABALIPURAM / TANJORE
Private transfer to Tanjore (approx. 6.5 hours)
En route:
- Chidambaram Temple
Lunch at Paradise Resort
Option to return to Chennai, fly to Trichy & transfer to Tanjore
(supplement applies)
Accommodations: Hotel Sangam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – TANJORE – TRICHY – TANJORE
Morning private transfer to Tanjore:
- Brihadisvara Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Royal Palace – Saraswati Mahal Library Museum & Art Gallery
Afternoon private transfer to Trichy:
- Rock Fort Temple
- Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple
Accommodations: Hotel Sangam
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – TANJORE / CHETTINAD / MADURAI
Private transfer to Madurai (approx. 3 hours)
En route:
- Chettinad – grand mansions
Lunch at CGH Visalam
Accommodations: Gateway Hotel Taj Pasumalai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – MADURAI
Private morning tour:
- Cycle Rickshaw ride to the Flower Market
- Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Evening:
- Meenakshi Temple – prayer ceremony
Accommodations: Gateway Hotel Taj Pasumalai
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – MADURAI / PERIYAR
Private transfer to Periyar (approx. 3.5 hours)
Evening:
- Spice Plantation
Accommodations: CGH Spice Village Spice Garden
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – PERIYAR / KUMARAKOM
Boat ride on Periyar River
Afternoon private transfer to Kumaralom (approx. 3.5 hours)
- Optional Yoga session with a master (supplement applies)
Accommodations: Kumarakom Lake Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – KUMARAKOM
Backwater cruise on a traditional rice barge
Lunch on a houseboat.
Accommodations: Kumarakom Lake Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – KUMARAKOM / KOCHI
Private transfer to Kochi (approx. 1.5 hours)
Afternoon private tour:
- Kerala Folklore Museum
- Mattancherry Palace
- Tuk tuk ride to Jew Town – Paradesi Synagogue
Evening:
- Kathakali Performance – dance/drama/storytelling
Accommodations: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – KOCHI / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to the airport for flight home
Optional Extension
Day 12 – KOCHI / HYDERABAD
Private transfer to airport for flight to Hyderabad
Private transfer to hotel
Afternoon private tour:
- Mausoleums of the Paigahs
- Old City of Hyderabad – Charminar, Mecca Mosque
Accommodations: Taj Falaknuma Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – HYDERABAD
Full-day private tour:
- Golconda Fort
- Qutb Shahi Tombs
- Suraiya’s Weaving Studio
- Chowmahalla Palace
Accommodations: Taj Falaknuma Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 – HYDERABAD / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to the airport for flight home
Starting at $3,200 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Optional Hyderabad extension starting at $1,700 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
Our trip to Sicily was excellent. With NEI’s help, our tour guides could not have done a better job of showing us architectural ruins, beautiful scenery and quaint towns. Knowing that we’re foodies, they also arranged for us to enjoy delicious cuisine ranging from street fare to gourmet.
Mark S.
Hamilton, ON
When to go:
Best times are October to April
What to eat:
Dosa (thin pancakes), Biryani (rice cooked with meat & vegetables), Idli (steamed rice cakes)
What to pack:
Conservative clothing, light jacket or sweater; shawl or scarf; swimwear, comfortable walking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter
