30-Day Tour

See the itinerary in the tour details

 Chennai  - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondichéry - Chidambaram - Gangaikondacholapuram - Kumbakonam - Tanjore - Trichy - Chettinad  - Madurai - Ramewaram - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Varkala - Alleppey  - Periyar  (Kumily)  - Munnar - Fort Cochin - Kannur - Nagarahole National Parc - Mysore - Srirangapatha - Shravanabelagola - Belur - Halebid - Hassan  - Hampi - Agonda Goa - Panaji Goa - Goa aéroport

 

 

 

Tamil Nadu is the India of vibrant colours: beautiful saris, flamboyantly coloured temples, and garlands of flowers everywhere you look.

Stretching along the east coast between the Bay of Bengal and the mountain range that separates it from Kerala to the west, Tamil Nadu is largely made up of vast plains.

It is a land of striking contrasts, where modernity is omnipresent in the cities, while in some villages, time seems to have stood still for more than 300 years.

Tamil Nadu was the true cradle of Dravidian civilisation.

Its official language, Tamil, is one of the oldest languages in the world. The state offers visitors a journey of extraordinary architectural and cultural richness, with magnificent temples, richly carved and brightly coloured, such as the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

 

Kerala, a small state surrounded by the sea and subtropical mountains, is often a travellers’ favourite. This is easily explained by its magnificent mountain landscapes, spice and tea plantations, beautiful tropical beaches, and peaceful canoe trips along the canals of the backwaters.

Here, the towns are on a human scale, the cuisine is fresh and flavoursome, and the welcome is warm, courteous and friendly.

 

Karnataka offers a well-balanced combination of natural and architectural treasures. It is an open-air museum, with UNESCO-listed temples, coffee plantations and sandalwood trees, which are essential to many religious rituals.

 

 

Day 1 – Chennai Airport → Kanchipuram

Distance: 60 km – approximately 1 hr 30 min

Pick-up at Chennai Airport.

Depending on your arrival time, you may rest in Chennai before continuing to Kanchipuram at a time of your choice, or leave directly for Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India, known as the “City of a Thousand Temples” or the “Golden City.”

Among the highlights are:

• Varadaraja Perumal Temple
• Kailasanathar Temple
• Ekambareswarar Temple
• Kamakshi Amman Temple

Overnight in Kanchipuram

Day 2 – Kanchipuram → Mahabalipuram

Distance: 70 km – approximately 2 hrs

The small fishing and sculptors' village of Mahabalipuram, located on the Coromandel Coast, is a charming place to discover.

With its pleasant beach, seafood restaurants, stone-carving workshops and friendly local people, Mahabalipuram has plenty to offer.

You will discover its magnificent rock-cut temples, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the highlights is the spectacular bas-relief known as Arjuna’s Penance, or The Descent of the Ganges, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world.

Visit the Five Rathas and the Shore Temple at sunset, when the warm orange light creates a magical atmosphere.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram

Days 3 & 4 – Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry

Distance: 95 km – approximately 2 hrs

Visit Auroville, located around 10 km from Pondicherry.

You can also discover:

• Marquis Dupleix Statue
• Pondy Marina
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Explore Pondicherry, the former French trading post, which was returned to India in 1954.

You can visit:

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Local market
• Manakula Vinayagar Temple
• Mahatma Gandhi Statue
• Rock Beach

2 nights in Pondicherry

Day 5 – Pondicherry → Kumbakonam

Distance: 150 km – approximately 3 hrs

En route:

Pondicherry → Chidambaram
65 km – approximately 1 hr 15 min

Chidambaram → Gangaikondacholapuram
47 km – approximately 45 min

Gangaikondacholapuram → Darasuram
40 km – approximately 45 min

The town of Chidambaram, known as the city of the Cosmic Dancer, is home to the magnificent Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer. It is one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture in Tamil Nadu.

The ancient city of Gangaikondacholapuram is a fascinating historical site. Built around 1025 by King Rajendra Chola I, it was once the capital of the powerful Chola Empire.

Visit:

• Sri Pragadheswarar Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram
• Darasuram Temple near Kumbakonam

Overnight in Kumbakonam

Day 6 – Kumbakonam → Tanjore

Distance: 40 km – approximately 1 hr

Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, is famous for its magnificent Brihadishwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of South Indian architecture.

The city was the capital of the powerful Chola Empire from the 9th to the 13th century and played an important role in the cultural development of South India.

Overnight in Tanjore

Day 7 – Tanjore → Trichy

Distance: 65 km – approximately 1 hr 15 min

Visit:

• Rock Fort
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
• Athangudi Palace

Overnight in Trichy

Day 8 – Trichy → Chettinad / Kanadukathan

Distance: 82 km – approximately 1 hr 30 min

Chettinad is a fascinating region of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its rich history, distinctive culture and remarkable architecture.

The region takes its name from the prosperous Nattukottai Chettiar merchant community, which flourished during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Chettinad is particularly famous for its magnificent traditional mansions, known as Chettinad mansions, with their large courtyards, elaborate sculptures, handcrafted tiles and beautiful teak woodwork.

The region is also famous for its cuisine, known for its rich and aromatic use of spices such as black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, fenugreek and curry leaves.

Chettinad is also known for its traditional crafts and silk production.

Visit Athangudi Palace.

Overnight in Chettinad

Day 9 – Chettinad → Madurai

Distance: 100 km – approximately 2 hrs 30 min

Madurai is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest cities in South India.

Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most impressive temples in South India.

Its four towering gopurams are covered with hundreds of brightly coloured sculptures depicting Hindu deities and stories.

At around 8:00 pm, you may attend the traditional evening ceremony during which an image of Shiva is carried in procession to the chamber of Meenakshi.

Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

Overnight in Madurai

Day 10 – Madurai → Rameswaram

Distance: 180 km – approximately 3 hrs 30 min

Rameswaram is located on an island connected to the mainland by two bridges:

• The Indira Gandhi Road Bridge
• The railway bridge, where the train appears to cross directly over the sea

Rameswaram is one of India's most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. The strong religious atmosphere is comparable to that of Varanasi in northern India.

Pilgrims traditionally visit the temple's sacred wells and bathe or sprinkle themselves with holy water as part of their purification rituals.

According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama built a bridge towards Lanka from this region in order to rescue his wife Sita, who had been kidnapped by the demon king Ravana.

Visit the magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Shiva. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

Visit Dhanushkodi, located at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island, around 20 km from Rameswaram, where the waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet.

Overnight in Rameswaram

Day 11 – Rameswaram → Kanyakumari

Distance: 310 km – approximately 6 hrs

Kanyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of India, is where the Indian Ocean meets the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It is also an important Hindu pilgrimage destination.

Visit:

• Bhagavathy Amman Temple
• Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Thiruvalluvar Statue
• Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
• Devi Kanya Kumari Temple

The Vivekananda Rock Memorial stands on a rocky island approximately 500 metres from the coast and can be reached by ferry. It commemorates Swami Vivekananda, who visited the site in 1892.

The nearby statue honours Thiruvalluvar, the famous Tamil philosopher and author of the Thirukkural, a classic work offering teachings on how to live a harmonious life.

Overnight in Kanyakumari

Day 12 – Kanyakumari → Kovalam → Varkala

Distance: 130 km – approximately 4 hrs

En route visits:

• Padmanabhapuram Palace, renowned for its beautiful traditional Kerala architecture
• Aazhimala Shiva Temple

Stop at Kovalam Beach, one of Kerala's best-known seaside resorts.

Continue to Varkala, famous for its beautiful beach and relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.

The spectacular cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea is lined with restaurants and small establishments. From the cliff, you may even spot dolphins while enjoying freshly caught seafood.

You can stay in a charming guesthouse dedicated to relaxation and well-being, with options such as yoga and Ayurvedic massages, just a short walk from the beach.

Overnight in Varkala

Day 13 – Varkala → Alleppey

Distance: 130 km – approximately 3 hrs 45 min

To discover Kerala's beautiful network of canals and backwaters, we recommend spending a night on a private houseboat.

This is an unforgettable experience from 12:00 noon until 9:00 am the following morning.

Private Premium or Luxury Houseboat, including:

• Backwater cruise
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast

Overnight on the houseboat

Day 14 – Alleppey → Mararikulam

Distance: 15 km – approximately 30 min

The houseboat cruise ends at approximately 9:00 am.

Continue to Mararikulam, famous for its beautiful and relatively untouched beach.

Enjoy a relaxing day by the sea.

Overnight in Mararikulam

Day 15 – Mararikulam → Periyar / Thekkady

Distance: 130 km – approximately 4 hrs

Visit a spice plantation with a French-speaking guide, subject to availability.

This activity must be booked and paid for directly on site.

In the evening, attend a Kalarippayatt performance, the traditional martial art of Kerala.

This activity must also be booked and paid for directly on site.

Overnight in Thekkady – Suryatrips Homely Stay

We have recently opened new cottages in Periyar.

Staying at our cottages offers a different kind of travel experience. You will be welcomed into a small and intimate guesthouse, away from standardized hotels, where the emphasis is on simplicity, comfort and contact with nature.

Vishnu and his team will take care of you during your stay.

Day 16 – Periyar / Kumily

Explore Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve.

A wide range of activities are available, including:

• Nature Walk / Green Walk
• Bamboo Rafting – a half-day experience is sufficient
• Bird Song Trail
• Border Hiking – a beautiful but demanding full-day hike, approximately 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Boating Safari

In the afternoon, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage. We can recommend a good local address.

Optional: Cooking class.

Overnight in Thekkady – Suryatrips Homely Stay

Day 17 – Periyar / Thekkady → Munnar

Distance: 90 km – approximately 3 hrs

Depart for Munnar along a spectacular route through the Western Ghats. The scenery is truly magnificent.

Located at an altitude of approximately 1,524 metres, Munnar is a beautiful hill station surrounded by some of the most impressive mountain landscapes in South India.

Munnar is a peaceful destination, ideal for relaxation, nature and hiking.

Visit Lockhart Tea Factory, where you can discover the traditional production process of orthodox tea and learn how black, green and white teas are produced.

The visit must be booked and paid for directly on site.

Tea tasting included at the factory.

In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance, a traditional art form combining dance and theatre.

Alternatively, you may opt for an Ayurvedic massage.

Overnight in Munnar

Day 18 – Munnar

We work with a highly reputed local guide in Munnar who can introduce you to the region's rich flora and fauna.

A guide is mandatory for hiking through the tea plantations.

We can offer several options.

Half-Day Trek

7:00 am – 11:00 am

Includes breakfast and water.

12 km round trip

Full-Day Trek

7:00 am – 2:00 pm

Includes breakfast, lunch and water.

20 km round trip

You can also explore the surroundings of Munnar and enjoy some beautiful viewpoints.

Optional: Wild Elephants at Anakulam

It is possible to try to observe wild elephants at Anakulam, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Munnar.

The drive itself takes you through beautiful landscapes before reaching the area where wild elephants sometimes come to drink in the evening.

Patience and a little luck are essential, as the elephants are completely free and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight in Munnar

Days 19 & 20 – Munnar → Fort Kochi

Distance: 140 km – approximately 4 hrs 30 min

Continue to Fort Kochi, one of Kerala's most atmospheric and historic areas.

Visit:

• Old Fort Kochi neighbourhoods
• Basilica of the Holy Cross
• St. Francis Church
• Kerala Folklore Museum in Ernakulam
• Mattancherry Palace

In the late afternoon, visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets before enjoying dinner by the sea.

2 nights in Fort Kochi

Day 21 – Fort Kochi → Cherai Beach → Kannur

Distance: 280 km – approximately 7 hrs

Travel north along the Kerala coast, with a stop at Cherai Beach.

Continue to Kannur.

Overnight in Kannur

Day 22 – Kannur → Nagarahole National Park

Distance: 190 km – approximately 6 hrs

Continue towards Nagarahole National Park, a beautiful wildlife reserve offering excellent safari opportunities.

Depending on your luck, you may encounter:

• Tigers
• Leopards
• Sloth bears
• Deer
• Crocodiles
• Elephants
• Wild boar
• Wild dogs
• Sambar deer
• Antelopes
• Chital deer

You should arrive at the park before 1:30 pm if you wish to enjoy the full programme.

Overnight at Nagarahole Jungle Lodge / Kabini River Lodge

Days 23 & 24 – Nagarahole National Park → Mysore

Distance: 75 km – approximately 2 hrs

After your morning safari, depart at around 10:30 am for Mysore.

Mysore is famous for its magnificent palace, which is spectacularly illuminated on Sunday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

But the city has much more to offer, including its historic flower market, Indo-Saracenic architecture and the Chamundi Hill temple.

Highlights include:

• Mysore Palace
• Devaraja Market
• Lalitha Mahal Palace
• St. Philomena's Church
• Chamundi Hill
• Brindavan Gardens

2 nights in Mysore

Day 25 – Mysore → Srirangapatna → Shravanabelagola → Belur → Halebid → Hassan

Distance: 170 km – approximately 4 hrs

Srirangapatna

Visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu.

The temple belongs to a group of five temples located along the Cauvery River, all dedicated to Vishnu.

Shravanabelagola

Discover Shravanabelagola, home to one of the world's largest free-standing monolithic stone statues.

The enormous Gomateshvara statue stands like a guardian overlooking the town. This important Jain pilgrimage site is surrounded by rocky landscapes and palm trees and has a peaceful atmosphere.

Halebid

Visit the magnificent Hoysaleswara Temple, located in Halebid, the former capital of the Hoysala Empire during the 12th and 13th centuries.

The extraordinary richness and delicacy of its sculptures are among the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

Belur

Belur was the early capital of the Hoysala Empire.

Visit the Chennakeshava Temple, also known as the Vijayanarayana Temple, a remarkable example of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Hoysala builders.

Overnight in Hassan

Day 26 – Hassan → Hampi

Distance: 300 km – approximately 6 hrs

For travellers interested in beautiful landscapes, Indian history and culture, Hampi is an exceptional destination.

Highlights include:

• Lotus Mahal
• Elephant Stables
• Queen's Bath
• Vittala Temple
• Matanga Hill for sunset
• Virupaksha Temple

Overnight in Hampi

Day 27 – Hampi

Full day to explore Hampi and its surroundings.

Discover the extraordinary ruins, temples, monuments and landscapes of this former imperial city.

Overnight in Hampi

Day 28 – Hampi → Agonda Beach, Goa

Distance: 370 km – approximately 8 hrs

Travel to Goa and transfer to your hotel at Agonda Beach.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beach of South Goa.

Overnight in Agonda

Day 29 – Agonda Beach → Panaji, Goa

Distance: 70 km – approximately 2 hrs

Continue towards Panaji, the capital of Goa.

Transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Panaji

Day 30 – Panaji → Goa Dabolim Airport

Distance: 28 km – approximately 45 min

Transfer to Goa Dabolim Airport for your return flight.

End of the Tour

We hope you enjoy this unforgettable journey through the cultural, historical and natural highlights of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa.