Southern Charm – 2 Weeks of Tamil Nadu and Kerala Holiday Packages

After breakfast at the hotel, start the day with a visit of the ornate Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and discover the deep-rooted religiosity of southern India. The 7th century Temple is an example of the Dravidian architecture. Here Shiva is worshipped with his consort Parvati as Karpagambal.

Further, the Koyambedu Flower Market, one of the largest wholesale flower markets in South India, Koyambedu is where the day in Chennai begins long before sunrise. Traders, vendors and buyers gather amidst vast quantities of jasmine, marigold and roses, creating a scene filled with color, movement and energy. The market reflects an essential part of daily life in the region, where flowers are closely tied to rituals, celebrations and everyday devotion.

The Catholic Basilica of St. Thomas, originally built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century mark the burial site of the Apostle. Later in the evening, enjoy a stroll along the longest beach in India, Marina Beach.

Dinner and overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast, drive about 70 km towards Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram, one of the oldest cities in South India, has long been a center of religion, learning and craftsmanship. Often referred to as the “City of Thousand Temples,” it carries a deep historical legacy where ancient temple architecture and spiritual traditions continue to shape everyday life.

Beyond its temples, Kanchipuram is equally known for its silk weaving, a craft passed down through generations. In small workshops and homes, artisans work patiently at handlooms, creating sarees that are closely tied to cultural identity and ceremonial life.

Visit the following in Kanchipuram :

Sri Ekambareswarar Temple

One of the largest and most significant temples in Kanchipuram, Sri Ekambareswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents the element of earth in South Indian temple tradition. Its towering gateway and expansive courtyards reflect the scale and architectural depth of the Dravidian style. At the heart of the temple lies an ancient mango tree, believed to be centuries old, adding a layer of legend and continuity to the space.

Kailasanatha Temple

Kailasanathar Temple dates back to the early 8th Century and reflects an earlier, more intimate phase of South Indian temple architecture. Built in sandstone, it is known for its finely detailed carvings and a series of small shrines that line the inner walls. Unlike larger temple complexes, the atmosphere here is quieter and more contained, allowing a closer appreciation of its sculptural work and historical character.

After the visit, drive about 65 km to Mahabalipuram.

Dinner and overnight in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, have a city tour in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram, a historic coastal town along the Bay of Bengal, was once a thriving port and remains one of South India’s most distinctive heritage sites. Known for its rock-cut temples, monolithic structures and intricate relief carvings, the town reflects a period when architecture and storytelling were shaped directly into stone. Set against the backdrop of the sea, its monuments carry a sense of openness and movement, while local workshops continue the long tradition of stone carving that defines the region. Mahabalipuram offers a unique blend of history, craftsmanship and coastal atmosphere, where the past remains closely connected to the present.

Visit the following in Mahabalipuram :

Shore temples

Standing right by the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple is one of the earliest structural temples in South India. Its setting by the sea gives it a unique character, where architecture and landscape come together, shaped by wind, salt and time. The temple carries a quiet presence, especially during early morning or late afternoon light.

Pancha Rathas

The Pancha Rathas are a group of monolithic structures carved from single rocks, each with its own distinct form and style. Rather than functional temples, they are believed to be architectural prototypes, offering insight into the evolution of Dravidian temple design.

Krishna’s Butterball

Perched on a gentle slope, Krishna’s Butterball is a massive natural boulder that appears to defy gravity. Its unusual balance has drawn curiosity for centuries, creating a simple yet striking contrast to the carved monuments that surround it.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Mahabalipuram. Relax on the beach and let yourself be tempted by the cool water.

Dinner and overnight in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast at the Hotel in Mahabalipuram, drive along the coast to Pondicherry, the former French colony on the east coast of India. The French anchored their merchant ships on these beautiful Indian shores to do business some 300 years ago but ended up mixing their ways with the old Indian way of life.

Upon arrival in Pondicherry, visit the following :

Auroville — A Vision of Shared Living

Auroville is an experimental international township founded with the idea of human unity, where people from different countries live and work together beyond the boundaries of nationality or religion. Set in a natural environment, it reflects a slower, more conscious way of living, centered around community, sustainability and inner exploration. At its heart lies the Matrimandir, a space dedicated to silence and meditation.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram offers a calm and introspective space within the coastal town of Pondicherry. Centered around the samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother - his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa, who played a key role in shaping the Ashram. It is a place of quiet reflection where visitors are invited to experience silence and stillness, away from the movement of the outside world.

Dinner and overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, Visit the following in Periyar :

Spice Plantation

The spice plantations around Thekkady reflect a long history of trade that once connected Kerala to the Middle East and Europe, when spices like pepper and cardamom were among the most valued commodities in the world. Even today, these plantations continue to cultivate a variety of spices using traditional methods. A walk through the plantation introduces a range of spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla, often growing alongside coffee and other crops under shaded canopies. The experience offers insight into how these everyday ingredients are grown, harvested and processed, within a landscape that remains closely tied to its agricultural roots.

Elephant Interaction Activities

Time spent around elephants offers a closer look at their daily care and routine. Visitors can observe these gentle animals during their bath, as they are led into the water and washed by their caretakers, creating a calm and engaging experience. There is also an opportunity to take part in feeding, allowing a simple and direct interaction while learning about their habits and care. The experience focuses on observation and connection, offering insight into the relationship between elephants and their handlers in this part of Kerala.

Kalaripayattu Performance

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial art traditions in India, with roots that trace back centuries in Kerala. Performed in specially designed arenas, it combines physical discipline, agility and controlled movement, often accompanied by traditional rituals. A live performance brings together sequences of combat techniques, weapon demonstrations and fluid body movements, offering a glimpse into a practice that is both a martial tradition and a deeply ingrained part of Kerala’s cultural heritage.

Dinner and overnight in Periyar.

After breakfast in the Hotel, drive for around 4 hours to Alleppey.

Alleppey — Backwaters & Houseboat Experience

Alleppey, often referred to as the heart of Kerala’s backwaters, is defined by a network of calm canals, lagoons and palm-lined waterways. Life here moves at a slower pace, with villages, small boats and daily routines unfolding along the water’s edge. A stay on a traditional houseboat offers a relaxed way to experience this landscape, drifting through narrow canals and open stretches of water. Along the way, scenes of local life—fishing, farming and quiet movement — create a setting that feels both peaceful and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Board a traditional Houseboat here that will take you through the mesmerizing backwaters. On board there is everything available for a pleasant journey / overnight stay. A bedroom with a comfortable bed, a modern toilet with a shower, an airy lounge on the deck, and a kitchen where regional dishes are freshly prepared.

Lunch, Dinner and overnight in a houseboat in Alleppey.

Today have a relaxed morning in Mararikulam.

Later at the appropriate time, check out and drive further to Kochi.

Kochi, historically known as Cochin, has long been a meeting point of cultures, shaped by centuries of maritime trade with Arab, Chinese and European influences. This layered history is reflected in its architecture, streets and everyday life, where different traditions exist side by side. Along the waterfront, the iconic Chinese fishing nets and coastal activity define the city’s rhythm, while its streets reveal a mix of colonial heritage, local markets and a lived-in atmosphere. Kochi offers a distinctive introduction to Kerala, where history, trade and culture remain closely connected.

On arrival in Kochi, check in and rest.

Later experience a traditional Kathakali Dance Show in the evening.

Kathakali Dance

Kathakali is a classical dance tradition that developed in Kerala several centuries ago, combining storytelling, music and highly stylized movement. Rooted in ancient epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, it uses elaborate costumes, detailed facial makeup and symbolic gestures to convey characters and emotions.

For a first-time viewer, the experience often begins even before the performance, with the preparation process where makeup and costume gradually transform the performer. On stage, the focus is less on dialogue and more on expression — particularly through the eyes and hand gestures — creating a form of storytelling that feels both unfamiliar and deeply captivating.

Dinner and overnight in Kochi.

After breakfast, have a city tour of Kochi including the following :

Chinese Fishing Nets

Stretching along the waterfront, these traditional fishing nets are among Kochi’s most recognizable sights. Introduced centuries ago through maritime trade, they continue to be used today, reflecting a long-standing connection between the sea and daily life in the city.

St. Francis Church

One of the oldest European churches in India, St. Francis Church reflects Kochi’s colonial past. It is closely associated with early Portuguese presence and is known as the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, linking the city to a broader history of global exploration.

Santa Cruz Basilica

The Santa Cruz Basilica stands out for its grand interiors and detailed artwork. With its high ceilings, painted panels and blend of European architectural styles, it offers a more ornate contrast to the simplicity of other historic churches in the area.

Mattancherry Palace

Also known as the Dutch Palace, this structure reflects a blend of local and colonial influences. Inside, a series of detailed murals depict scenes from Hindu epics, offering insight into the artistic traditions and history of the region.

Paradesi Synagogue

Located in the historic Jewish quarter, the Paradesi Synagogue reflects Kochi’s diverse cultural past. Its interiors, with hand-painted tiles and antique elements, speak to a long-standing community that once thrived here, adding another layer to the city’s multicultural identity.