Best of South India Tour
Temples, beaches, tea hills and backwaters in 19 days. Travel from Chennai through Tamil Nadu to Kerala with a private car, English-speaking guide and a houseboat night in Alleppey.
Best of South India Tour Overview
South India offers a different India from the north: Dravidian temples with tall gateways, long beaches, spice and tea hills, and the green backwaters of Kerala. This 18 night plan runs from Chennai to Cochin, with time for the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, the Brihadeeswara Temple in Tanjore and the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
We add Pondicherry, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, and Kovalam, Alleppey, Thekkady and Munnar in Kerala, so the plan flows without back-tracking. See our Tamil Nadu and Kerala tour packages for shorter plans.
USD 1,520 per person, twin sharing
Best of South India Tour Itinerary
A day-wise plan. The order of sightseeing can change with weather, road conditions, timings and monument closing days.
Places Covered
Trip Highlights
- Three major Dravidian temples: Brihadeeswara, Srirangam and Meenakshi
- Sunrise at Kanyakumari where three seas meet
- Overnight houseboat in the Alleppey backwaters
- Periyar wildlife and spice plantation visit at Thekkady
- Tea gardens of Munnar
- Kathakali and Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi
Best of South India Tour Price Details
Starting prices per person on twin sharing. Final price depends on dates, hotel category and group size.
| Tour name | Best of South India Tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 19 Days / 18 Nights |
| Route | Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry → Tanjore → Madurai → Cochin |
| Tour price | From USD 1,520 per person |
| Hotel category | Stay type | Price from (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Comfortable 3-star hotels and lodges along the route | USD 1,520 |
| Deluxe | Better 4-star hotels with more amenities | USD 1,750 |
| Premium | Best available 5-star and heritage hotels | USD 2,200 |
Prices are in US dollars per person on twin sharing. Single supplement, peak dates (Christmas, New Year, Diwali) and festival weeks cost more. Entry fees for foreign visitors are higher than for Indians. A rupee quote is available on request.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Package Inclusions
- 18 nights hotel stay on double sharing
- Daily breakfast, and other meals where noted in the plan
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for the full route
- English-speaking guide for sightseeing
- Airport pick-up and drop
- Monument entry fees listed in the plan
- Toll, parking, driver allowance and applicable taxes
Package Exclusions
- International flights and visa fees
- Internal flights and train tickets unless the plan says so
- Lunch and dinner not mentioned
- Camera fees and optional activities
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, calls, drinks and tips
- Extra cost due to flight delay, weather or road closure
Travel Tips and Guidelines
- Dress for temples. Many South Indian temples require modest dress, and some require men to remove shirts or wear a dhoti.
- Carry cash for temples. Camera fees and small offerings are usually in cash.
- Expect humidity. Carry light cotton clothes, sunscreen and a rain jacket.
- Use bottled water. Drink only sealed bottled or filtered water.
- Check your visa. Apply early for an Indian e-visa or visa and carry printed copies with your passport.
- Stay healthy. Drink sealed bottled water, wash hands often and carry basic medicines. Ask your doctor about vaccinations.
- Keep the dates flexible. Flights, trains and road travel can be delayed. Avoid tight onward bookings.
- Carry some cash. Cards work in hotels and big shops, but small places prefer rupees.
This is a likely schedule. The tour manager may adjust it for weather, road conditions, closing days or local rules. Extra cost caused by delays, closures or cancellations is payable by the guest.
How to Reach and Best Time to Visit
| Mode | Gateway | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Chennai (start) and Cochin (end) | International flights land at both. One-way tickets are best for this route. |
| Train | Chennai, Tanjore, Trichy, Madurai and Ernakulam | Good rail links join most stops and can replace long drives. |
| Road | Chennai to Cochin about 700 km by road | The tour breaks it into short daily legs. |
October to March is the best time, with pleasant weather for sightseeing. April to June is hot and humid on the plains but good for Munnar. June to September is monsoon in Kerala, popular for Ayurveda and green views.
FAQs for Best of South India Tour
Which states does the Best of South India tour cover?
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala, from Chennai to Cochin.
Is the houseboat stay included?
Yes. One night on a private houseboat in Alleppey with meals is part of the plan.
Can I shorten the tour?
Yes. Many guests choose a 10 day Tamil Nadu plan or a 9 day Kerala plan. Tell us your days and we make a plan.
What is the price of the Best of South India Tour?
It starts from USD 1,520 per person on twin sharing. Hotel category, season and group size change the final price, and we send an exact quote for your dates. A rupee quote is available on request.
How many days are needed for the Best of South India Tour?
Our plan takes 19 days and 18 nights. We can shorten or extend it to match your dates.
Do I need a visa for India?
Most visitors need a visa, and many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online. Rules, fees and processing time change, so check the official Indian visa website before booking. We share your tour and hotel confirmations to support your application.
What is included in the package?
Hotels on twin sharing, daily breakfast, a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, an English-speaking guide, airport transfers and the entry fees listed in the plan. International flights and visas are not included.
Can I customise this tour?
Yes. You can change hotels, add or drop cities, add private guides or extend with another trip. Send your dates and wishes for a quote.
When is the best time to take this tour?
October to March is the best time, with pleasant weather for sightseeing. April to June is hot and humid on the plains but good for Munnar. June to September is monsoon in Kerala, popular for Ayurveda and green views.
How do I book and pay?
Send an enquiry with your dates and group size, receive a day-wise quote, and confirm with an advance payment. See our payment options and how to book.
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