SOUTH INDIA COASTAL TRAILS
Discover the spiritual soul, ancient temples, coastal beauty, and tropical serenity of South India on this luxury tour. Explore Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage, Kerala’s backwaters, and golden beaches while staying in some of South India’s finest luxury resorts. This perfectly paced 16 Nights / 17 Days journey offers cultural immersion, scenic wonders, and premium comfort throughout.
Day 1: Arrival in Chennai – Gateway to South India
Meals: No
Arrive at Chennai International Airport. Warm welcome and private luxury transfer to your hotel: ITC Grand Chola Chennai or The Leela Palace Chennai. Evening at leisure or Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private guided Marina Beach walk & colonial heritage drive.
Overnight stay: ITC Grand Chola / The Leela Palace
Day 2: Chennai – Cultural Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast
Private guided tour of Chennai covering: Kapaleeshwarar Temple -Fort St. George- San Thome Basilica. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private classical Bharatanatyam dance performance at Kalakshetra.
Overnight stay: ITC Grand Chola / The Leela Palace
Day 3: Chennai – Drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram
Meals: Breakfast
Morning drive to Pondicherry (approx. 3.5 hrs), with en-route guided visit to Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Explore Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance & Five Rathas. Arrive in Pondicherry and check-in at Palais de Mahe CGH Earth or La Villa Pondicherry. Evening free to explore French Quarter.
Overnight stay: Palais de Mahe / La Villa
Day 4: Pondicherry – French Colonial Charm
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Promenade Beach, and vibrant local markets. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private yoga and meditation session at Auroville.
Overnight stay: Palais de Mahe / La Villa
Day 5: Pondicherry – Drive to Tanjore
Meals: Breakfast
Drive to Tanjore (approx. 5 hrs) with en-route visit to Chidambaram & Kumbakonam temples. Check-in to Svatma Luxury Heritage Hotel Tanjore or Ideal River View Resort.
Overnight stay: Svatma / Ideal River View
Day 6: Tanjore – UNESCO Temples & Art
Meals: Breakfast
Private tour of: Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO) -Tanjore Palace & Museum- Traditional Tanjore painting – demonstration. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private Carnatic music recital in the evening.
Overnight stay: Svatma / Ideal River View
Day 7: Tanjore – Drive to Rameshwaram
Meals: Breakfast
Drive to Rameshwaram (approx. 4.5 hrs). Check-in to Hyatt Place Rameswaram or Jiwan Residency. Evening visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple corridor (one of India’s longest temple corridors).
Overnight stay: Hyatt Place / Jiwan Residency
Day 8: Rameshwaram – Spiritual Exploration
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Dhanushkodi Beach, Pamban Bridge, and Kothandaramaswamy Temple. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private sunrise Puja ceremony at the temple. Overnight stay: Hyatt Place / Jiwan Residency
Day 9: Rameshwaram – Drive to Madurai
Meals: Breakfast
Drive to Madurai (approx. 4 hrs). Check-in at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai or Heritage Madurai. Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay: Gateway Pasumalai / Heritage Madurai
Day 10: Madurai – Ancient Temples & Markets
Meals: Breakfast
Full day guided tour of: Meenakshi Amman Temple-Thirumalai Nayakar Palace-Gandhi Museum. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Evening temple aarti ceremony.
Overnight stay: Gateway Pasumalai / Heritage Madurai
Day 11: Madurai – Drive to Kanyakumari
Meals: Breakfast
Drive to Kanyakumari (approx. 4.5 hrs). Check-in at Sparsa Resort Kanyakumari or Annai Resorts & Spa. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Thiruvalluvar Statue.
Overnight stay: Sparsa / Annai Resorts
Day 12: Kanyakumari – Drive to Kovalam
Meals: Breakfast
After witnessing sunrise at Kanyakumari, drive to Kovalam (approx. 3.5 hrs). Check-in at luxury beach resort: The Leela Kovalam or Taj Green Cove Kovalam. Evening at leisure by the beach.
Overnight stay: The Leela / Taj Green Cove
Day 13: Kovalam – Poovar Island Cruise & Aazhimala Temple
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (on cruise)
Morning private backwater cruise at Poovar Island with traditional Kerala lunch on board. Later visit Aazhimala Shiva Temple perched dramatically on coastal cliffs. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private sunset beach dinner.
Overnight stay: The Leela / Taj Green Cove
Day 14: Kovalam – Full Day Wellness or Excursions
Meals: Breakfast
Day at leisure for relaxation or optional excursions. Optional Activities (Direct Payment): Ayurveda wellness treatments. Day trip to Trivandrum: visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple & Napier Museum.
Overnight stay: The Leela / Taj Green Cove
Day 15: Kovalam – Drive to Alleppey (Houseboat Experience)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive to Alleppey (approx. 4 hrs). Board your private luxury houseboat for an enchanting overnight backwater cruise. Savor traditional Kerala cuisine while gliding through palm-fringed canals.
Overnight stay: Luxury Private Houseboat
Day 16: Alleppey – Drive to Cochin
Meals: Breakfast
Disembark houseboat and drive to Cochin (approx. 1.5 hrs). Check-in at Brunton Boatyard Cochin or Taj Malabar Resort & Spa. Evening at leisure or Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private sunset harbor cruise.
Overnight stay: Brunton Boatyard / Taj Malabar
Day 17: Cochin – Historical Jew Town & Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Private guided tour of: Fort Kochi & St. Francis Church – Chinese Fishing Nets- Mattancherry Palace- Jewish Synagogue at Jew Town. Optional Activity (Direct Payment): Private Kathakali classical dance performance. Later private transfer to Cochin International Airport for onward flight.
TOUR ENDS
Exclusive Inclusions:
Luxury stays at premium 5-star & heritage hotels throughout
Daily breakfast at all destinations
Private chauffeur-driven premium vehicle
Private expert guides for all sightseeing
Luxury private houseboat in Alleppey with full meals
All entrance fees & monument tickets as per itinerary
24/7 concierge assistance throughout the tour
100% Customizable:
This “South India Coastal Trail” is fully customizable based on your travel dates, preferences, interests (heritage, wellness, nature, or food), and budget. Contact us to personalize your perfect South Indian experience.