Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour

Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour

Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour

Prices

From $1,575USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Discover ancient temples and picturesque views in Kerala & Tamil Nadu

Explore the array of memorable, magnificent attractions in India’s popular southern cities, including Cochin, Chennai, and more.

Admire the collection of ancient temples from the 7th and 9th centuries scattered throughout Mahabalipuram.

Catch a glimpse of India’s fascinating culture at the Kathakali Dance Performance—watch how the dancers portray Indian epics.

Go on a boat ride as the sun sets below the lake and watch as elephants and other wildlife flock to the water.

Immerse yourself in a realm where ancient, crumbling temples enchant, calm backwaters beckon, and tigers and elephants roam on the 12-day guided Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour. Discover glimpses of some of the best villages, towns, and scenery of India’s south. Marvel at the ever-so stunning port in Cochin, the backwaters that lace through Kumarakom, the ancient temples in Mahabalipuram, and so much more.

Amid the embarking on tours and discovering cultural wonders, you’ll stop at Periyar National Park to meet the wildlife that calls the land home. This 12-day tour of Southern India seamlessly blends India’s southern highlights into a relaxing experience that never fails to entertain.

Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Cochin

Meet a tour representative upon arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Admire the beauty of Cochin, exemplified by its stunning natural port. This lovely city also boasts of an array of spices, sandalwood, and silks, as well as magnificent architecture.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Cochin
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Explore Cochin

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before going on a sightseeing tour. You’ll check out numerous cultural highlights and wonders: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Cochin Harbour, St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi Beach. In the evening, enjoy witnessing a colourful Kathakali Dance Performance. The performance portrays Indian epics via classical dance moves.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Cochin
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Drive to Kumarakom

After having breakfast, begin your drive to Kumarakom, where picturesque backwaters await. This charming village enchants with its canals, flora, and bird sanctuary. Spend the day at your leisure upon arrival.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Kumarakom
Distance
3 hours, 85 km (driving)
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Go to Periyar

Escape city and village life and head to the wild in Periyar National Park. The park is home to tigers, elephants, bison, leopards, jungle cats, and more! Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Periyar
Distance
4 hours, 200 km (driving)
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Discover Periyar

Shortly after the sun rises, you’ll get picked up to go on a boat ride on Periyar Lake. Watch as the elephants flock to the lake. In the evening, head out to a spice plantation, which grows cardamom, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and much more.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Periyar
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Drive to Madurai

Check out of your hotel and head to Madurai. Situated along the banks of Vaigai River, this city not only has splendid river views but also magnificent temples, like the colourful, intricately designed Meenakshi Temple. The ancient architecture and tales of Madurai make it one of the most exciting stops on this tour. After you check into your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Madurai
Distance
3 hours, 160 km (driving)
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Sightseeing around Madurai

Enjoy a slow morning before embarking on a sightseeing tour around Madurai. Check out the famous, must-see Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple and other notable sights like Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Gandhi Museum, Ancient Koodal Azhagar Shrine, and more. After you admire these jaw-dropping attractions, you’ll hop in your mode of transportation and drive to Trichy, a prosperous trade centre in Tamil Nadu.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Trichy
Distance
3 hours, 140 km (driving)
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Explore Trichy

Enjoy breakfast before heading out on a sightseeing tour around Trichy. Check out the Red Fort Temple, which has a fascinating history. In the 18th century, the British and French fought each other over this monument. Admire the 21 towers at Ranganathaswamy Temple before driving to Pondicherry. Check into your hotel upon arrival in Pondicherry, a lovely seaside village with a sprinkle of French-Anglo influence.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Pondicherry
Distance
5 hours, 255 km (driving)
Meals
Breakfast

Day 9 Sightseeing around Pondicherry

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before going on a sightseeing tour around this gorgeous seaside town! Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory, and the Pondicherry Museum. After, hop in your mode of transportation and transfer to Mahabalipuram, which harks back to the 7th and 9th centuries. Admire the collection of temples carved and built during ancient times.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Mahabalipuram
Distance
2 hours, 95 km (driving)
Meals
Breakfast

Day 10 Discover Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour around the array of temples spanning Mahabalipuram. Later, visit Kanchipuram and discover more attractions, like Kamakshi Amman, Kailasanathar Temple, and Ekambareswarar Temple. Today will have you feeling like you’ve stepped in a time machine into the faraway past.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Mahabalipuram
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 11 Transfer to Chennai

Head to the 4th largest city in India, Chennai! Go on a sightseeing tour after checking into your hotel. Check out Fort St. George, Marina Beach, Fort Museum, and Santhome Cathedral Basilica.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Chennai
Distance
1.5 hours, 60 km (driving)
Meals
Breakfast

Day 12 Depart Chennai

Enjoy a relaxing morning at your leisure before heading to the airport for your connecting flight.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour Price and Dates

This guided sightseeing tour to Kerala and Tamil Nadu is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.

Prices below are per person:

  • Guided Groups of 2-10: $1,575USD per person
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Accommodation on Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour

This tour will have you staying in 3-4 star hotels that offer modern necessities to keep you comfortable. Do note that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. It’s also often possible to match single travellers up.

Gokulam Park Hotel in Cochin

This conveniently located hotel offers great amenities, including a pool, gym, free breakfast, high-speed WiFi, spa, and an on-site restaurant.

Backwater Ripples Hotel in Kumarakom

Revel in upscale luxury at Backwater Ripples, where a pool overlooks the backwaters and an on-site restaurant, WiFi, and bar await.

Cardamom County Hotel in Periyar

This family-friendly hotel provides guests a comfortable stay! Enjoy the pool, WiFi, billiards, game room, free breakfast, and more while you’re here.

GRT Regency Hotel in Madurai

This business class hotel sits close to the renowned Madurai Meenakshi Temple. It also has great amenities, like a pool, WiFi, and free breakfast.

Sangam Hotel in Trichy

Enjoy relaxing at this lovely hotel, where a pool, restaurant, and bar and lounge await. Take advantage of the flatscreen TV in your room.

Le Dupleix Hotel in Pondicherry

Le Dupleix beautifully marries new with old in a stunning heritage hotel. Enjoy the free breakfast, massage services, and WiFi here.

MGM Beach Resorts Hotel in Mahabalipuram

Bask in relaxed luxury at MGM Beach Resorts. Cool off in the pool backed by palm trees, or at the sandy, golden beach.

Radha Regent Hotel in Chennai

This cozy, quaint hotel offers excellent hospitality, gym, WiFi, nightclub, breakfast buffet, bar and lounge, restaurant, and more.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s included in the Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour?

Meals

11 breakfasts are included on this tour. You are responsible for buying lunches and dinners.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 11 nights is included on this tour.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation is included for transfers to pick-up and drop-off spots throughout the tour.

Also Included

  • Guide
  • Entrance fees

Not included

  • Flights to Cochin and from Chennai
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Accommodations before and after the tour
  • Tour guide gratuity
  • Personal necessities such as drinks during mealtimes and laundry

Optional Extras

  • You can upgrade to single occupancy for a fee
  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Upgrade the accommodation to superior or deluxe

Frequenty Asked Questions about Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour

How hard is Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour?

This tour is rated as a 1 / 5. It’s suitable for any level of fitness.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour?

11 breakfasts are included on this tour. You are responsible for buying lunches and dinners.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Cochin to start this tour?

You can fly into Cochin International Airport, where you will be picked up to begin the tour.

Is the Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide speaks English.

Where does Temples and Elephants in Southern India Tour end?

The tour ends in Chennai, where you will be taken to the airport for your flight.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to India?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for India?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to India for this tour?

The best time to travel to Southern India is from October to May when the weather is mild.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $1,575USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

This tour is rated as a 1 / 5. It’s suitable for any level of fitness.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Local guide

Rajiv

New Delhi, India

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

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