Essence of South India 13D/12N
13 days
All Months
Tour en Inde – Essence of South India
We don’t display fixed prices for our India tours because each journey is personalized according to your group size, accommodation preferences, transportation, and dining options. Please contact us to receive a custom quote tailored to your needs.
Overview
Discover the spiritual and scenic treasures of South India. From the grand Dravidian temples of Tamil Nadu to the serene backwaters of Kerala and the royal palaces of Karnataka, this journey blends art, devotion, nature, and culture. Experience ancient architecture, tea and spice plantations, and tranquil beaches surrounded by coconut palms—a complete immersion into the essence of southern India.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – France / Chennai
Arrive at Chennai International Airport (Tamil Nadu) late at night and transfer directly to your hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 2 – Chennai / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram
Begin your journey in Chennai, India’s fourth-largest city and a major cultural hub. Visit St. Thomas Church and explore the lively fish market on Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest beaches. In the afternoon, drive to Kanchipuram, once the Pallava capital, to visit the Kailashanatha and Ekambareshvara Temples—masterpieces of early Dravidian art. Continue to Mahabalipuram for an overnight stay by the sea.
Day 3 – Mahabalipuram / Auroville / Pondicherry
Visit Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple, the monumental bas-relief “Descent of the Ganges,” and the Five Rathas. Continue to Auroville, the visionary “City of Human Unity” founded by Mira Alfassa (“The Mother”). Arrive in Pondicherry, where French heritage meets Indian charm. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and a Ganesh temple where an elephant offers blessings. Enjoy a cyclo ride through the old French quarter. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 4 – Pondicherry / Chidambaram / Gangaikondacholapuram / Kumbakonam / Tanjore
Depart for Tanjore with stops along the way. Visit Chidambaram Temple dedicated to Shiva Nataraja, the majestic Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, and the Darasuram Temple, both UNESCO-listed examples of Chola architecture. Meet villagers and discover traditional crafts before arriving in Tanjore in the evening. Overnight stay in Tanjore.
Day 5 – Tanjore / Trichy
Morning visit to the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple (11th century), a Chola masterpiece, followed by the Maratha Palace Museum and a bronze workshop. Continue to Trichy (Tiruchirapalli), a city of layered dynastic history. Visit the vast Srirangam Temple complex, one of the largest in India, and explore the colorful local market. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Day 6 – Trichy / Madurai
Drive to Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heart. Visit the bustling flower market, Thirumalai Nayak Palace (17th century), and the extraordinary Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and sacred rituals. In the evening, witness the temple’s nightly procession dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 7 – Madurai / Periyar
Journey through the Western Ghats to Periyar, entering the lush landscapes of Kerala. Visit aromatic spice plantations of cardamom, pepper, and cloves. In the evening, attend a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts show. Optional Ayurvedic massages are available. Overnight stay in Periyar.
Day 8 – Periyar / Alleppey (Backwaters)
Drive to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat (kettuvallam) to cruise through Kerala’s enchanting backwaters. Enjoy tranquil views of palm-lined canals, villages, and rice paddies. Meals and overnight stay on board the houseboat.
Day 9 – Backwaters / Marari Beach / Cochin
Disembark and continue to Marari Beach for a relaxing break by the Arabian Sea. Visit a fishing village before proceeding to Cochin. In the evening, attend a captivating Kathakali dance performance, witnessing the elaborate makeup process and storytelling through expressive movements. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 10 – Cochin
Explore the historic port city of Cochin: visit the traditional dhobi ghats, St. Francis Church, the Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch Palace, and the Paradesi Synagogue in the old Jewish quarter. Stroll through the vibrant spice markets and enjoy leisure time by the sea. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 11 – Cochin / Bangalore / Mysore
Fly to Bangalore and drive to Mysore, Karnataka’s cultural capital. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, renowned for its ornate interiors, stained glass domes, and royal history. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 12 – Mysore / Hassan
Visit Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill and the colossal Nandi bull statue. Explore Devaraja Market, filled with flowers, fruits, and colorful spices. En route to Hassan, stop to observe local sugarcane processing. Overnight stay in Hassan.
Day 13 – Hassan / Halebid / Belur / Bangalore / France
Morning visit to the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid and the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur—two exquisite examples of Hoysala architecture. Continue to Bangalore, where rooms will be available for rest before your late-night flight back to France.
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