Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsGokulam 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.
Discover ancient temples and picturesque views in Kerala & Tamil Nadu
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a relaxing morning at your leisure before heading to the airport for your connecting flight.
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:
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.
This conveniently located hotel offers great amenities, including a pool, gym, free breakfast, high-speed WiFi, spa, and an on-site restaurant.
Revel in upscale luxury at Backwater Ripples, where a pool overlooks the backwaters and an on-site restaurant, WiFi, and bar await.
This family-friendly hotel provides guests a comfortable stay! Enjoy the pool, WiFi, billiards, game room, free breakfast, and more while you’re here.
This business class hotel sits close to the renowned Madurai Meenakshi Temple. It also has great amenities, like a pool, WiFi, and free breakfast.
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 beautifully marries new with old in a stunning heritage hotel. Enjoy the free breakfast, massage services, and WiFi here.
Bask in relaxed luxury at MGM Beach Resorts. Cool off in the pool backed by palm trees, or at the sandy, golden beach.
This cozy, quaint hotel offers excellent hospitality, gym, WiFi, nightclub, breakfast buffet, bar and lounge, restaurant, and more.
11 breakfasts are included on this tour. You are responsible for buying lunches and dinners.
Accommodations for 11 nights is included on this tour.
Transportation is included for transfers to pick-up and drop-off spots throughout the 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.
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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I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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This tour is rated as a 1 / 5. It’s suitable for any level of fitness.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
New Delhi, India
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