The Epic South Indian Trail - 15 days by Green Earth trails
Price starting from INR 2,25,000 Per person
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Arrival at Chennai International Airport [MAA]
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Departure from Cochin International Airport [COK]
Program highlights
​Chennai
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Metropolitan Indian city, capital of Tamil Nadu
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Fort St. George, Marina Beach, St. Thomas mount
Mahabalipuram
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Monolithic Temples of the Pallava kingdom
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Pondicherry
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Old French colonial buildings, restaurants & Beach
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Auroville
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Chidambaram
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Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram
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Tanjore
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The Marvellous Brihadeshwara Temple
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Chettinad
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Experience Chettinad lifestyle & their mansions
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Chettinad cuisine & Saree weaving
Madurai
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Meenakshi Amman temple
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Naickar Palace and Flower Market
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Munnar
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Tea Plantations, tea factory
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Eravikulam National Park
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Thekkady
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Periyar National Park, Boat safari
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Kalaripayattu & Spice garden tour
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Alleppey​
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Lakes, Lagoons, canals and Houseboat
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Backwater village tour
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Marari Beach
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Fishermen Village on the shores of the Arabian sea
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Kochi
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Old colonial town, historic buildings
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Chinese nets & City tour of the old colonial town
Video Itinerary
twelve days South India itinerary route map
Epic South India tour - 15 days Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival at Chennai airport, transfer to the hotel
Upon arrival at Chennai airport, our representative will receive you at the airport. Further drive to the hotel. Check in at the hotel after the long haul flight, you have the day at leisure or you can opt to go for a visit around Chennai with a guide. Chennai is a bustling metropolitan city, one of the very first settlement of the English in India. Drive past the Fort St. George and the Marina beach and probably a visit to the St. Thomas Mount. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2 - Visit Mahabalipuram and drive further to Pondicherry [3 hours]
Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts monolithic temples carved from stone. Once the thriving center of the Pallava kingdom, this historic site features monuments and intricately carved stone temples. Note that many monuments now rest beneath the Bay of Bengal. Popular attractions include the butter ball and the five rathas.​
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Following lunch, continue to Pondicherry, a former French colony characterized by its yellow-painted buildings. Despite British control over pre-independent India, France maintained five small trade colonies, with Pondicherry being a prominent one.
Day 3 - Visits in and around Pondicherry
A little away from Pondicherry is Auroville, a global village founded by Mirra Alfassa, also known as "the mother," is located near Pondicherry. Mirra Alfassa, who attained enlightenment, established this village to represent human unity. The village focuses on spirituality, thoughts, meditation, and houses various communities dedicated to improving humanity and sustainability.
Pondicherry, being a former French colony, displays a strong French influence in its culture and language. The city is divided into two quarters, the Tamil quarter and the French quarter, and offers a diverse mix of culture, people, architecture, temples, and more, making it a place of great charm.
Day 4 - Drive to Tanjore via Kumbakonam [4.5 hours]
Thanjavur, also known locally as Tanjore, was once the capital of the Chola Dynasty, whose reign spanned from the 8th to the 11th centuries. Upon reaching Thanjavur in the evening, prepare to be awestruck by an ancient architectural marvel, the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed over a thousand years ago and dedicated to Lord Siva.
Built with granite and showcasing Dravidian architecture, the temple boasts a series of intricate carvings that narrate the chronicles of the Chola Kingdom's past and present. A guide will lead you through the temple and its stories, offering detailed insights into this enduring wonder that continues to stand majestically over Thanjavur. Overnight accommodations will be in Thanjavur.
Day 5 - Proceed to Chettinad [2.5 hours]
After breakfast, we will travel to Chettinad, home of the Chettiars, a wealthy business community known for their unique lifestyle and joint family traditions. They built large, extravagant mansions using imported materials and architecture.
We will experience their distinct way of life and explore more about their cuisine and lifestyle. There are around 1500 mansions that dot Chettinad. We will also observe the hand-making process of the famous Athangudi tiles. The Chettiar cuisine is another highlight of the region. Overnight stay and local visits in and around Chettinad.
Day 6 - Visit the ancient temple town of Madurai [2.5 hours]
Madurai, an ancient trade post with ties to the Greeks and Romans, flourished into a major commercial hub under the Pandya dynasty. The city is centered around the renowned Madurai Meenakshi Amman Kovil, a temple dedicated to Parvati, Lord Siva's wife.
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The temple complex, a testament to evolving architectural styles, has endured centuries of expansion and attacks, including one by Malik Kafur, a slave general of Alauddin Khilji in the 12th century. The vast complex features a large pond, multiple gopuras (towers), and intricate carvings representing various time periods.
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Experience this marvel with a guided tour, partake in the night ceremony, and return to the hotel by tuk-tuk.
Day 7 - Drive up the Western Ghats to Munnar [4.5 hours]
Ascending the Western Ghats from the Tamil Nadu plains, you'll climb 1500 meters, transitioning from arid lowlands to the lush highlands of Kerala. Cooler temperatures and vibrant greenery, predominantly tea and cardamom plantations, mark your arrival. Winding roads through these plantations lead to Munnar, a British-era summer hill station with a 200-year-old plantation history.
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Upon reaching Munnar, check in to your resort and enjoy leisure time and in-house activities.
Day 8 - Visits in and around Munnar
Start your day with breakfast, then head to Eravikulam National Park. The park is a sanctuary for the Nilgiri Tahr and home to Anamudi, South India's highest peak at 2695 meters. Afterward, visit Shrishti, a Tata trust community that supports differently-abled children and young adults. Next, drive through Munnar market and visit the Lockhart tea factory, where you can learn about tea processing and enjoy a tea tasting session. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Your overnight stay will be in Munnar.
Day 9 - Drive to the Cardamom hills of Thekkady [3 hours]
Thekkady, nestled in the high ranges of Periyar, is renowned for its cardamom cultivation, much like Munnar is celebrated for its tea. The region, once part of the Travancore kingdom, boasts vast cardamom plantations, a legacy of the kingdom's focus on cardamom export for revenue. As you journey towards Thekkady, you'll be greeted by the sight of sprawling cardamom plantations lining the roads.
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Upon arrival, check in to your resort and then immerse yourself in the world of spices with a visit to a local spice garden. In the evening, experience the cultural vibrancy of Kerala with a Kalaripayattu performance, a traditional martial art form, at a local theatre.
Day 10 - visits to Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, a renowned Indian National Park, boasts diverse flora and fauna and offers visitors various ways to experience its tropical vegetation. The park's large lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar dam, allows boat rides where visitors can observe wild animals on the banks. These 1.5-hour boat rides offer prime opportunities to spot elephants, Indian guar, otters, sambar deer, and spotted deer.
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Start your day with a guided 2.5-hour Greenwalk in the forest, followed by a relaxing boat safari on the reservoir in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Thekkady.
Day 11 - Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake [4 hours]
Descend from the high ranges of the Western Ghats to the low lands of Kerala and the Arabian Sea coastline. Embark on a Keralan houseboat on Vembanad Lake, one of the largest backwater lakes in Kerala, to experience this unique water world. Cruise along narrow canals and expansive waterways, observing the backwater life and lifestyle up close.
Upon check-in, your private houseboat cruise continues until evening, complete with onboard lunch and dinner. The houseboat features living and dining areas, bedrooms, and a kitchen at the rear. In the evening, take a small country boat and row along the narrow creeks, getting a closer look at the people and their backwater lifestyle.
Day 12 - Kumarakom & Mararikulam Beach [1 hour]
Disembark the houseboat after a short morning cruise with breakfast on board and proceed to Kumarakom, a small agrarian backwater hamlet on the opposite banks of Vembanad Lake. A small boat will take you through the countryside for a village tour where you will experience an authentic backwater village and get a glimpse into the life, lifestyle, occupation, houses, and attire of the people who live on the banks of the backwaters.
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Later, proceed to Mararikulam, a beach destination right on the shores of the Arabian Sea, where you will stay at the Marari Beach Resort for the next two days. Enjoy a relaxed holiday in the tropical setting amid swaying palms as the tour comes to an end.
Day 13 - At Marari Beach
Enjoy your day at the Marari Beach Resort, complete with a long pool and poolside beds. The restaurant has a unique menu featuring local seafood, and you can also grab a drink at the beach deck bar.
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For those interested in Ayurveda, the resort has an Ayurveda center with an on-site doctor to recommend the best therapy for you. Your overnight stay will be at the Marari Beach Resort.
Day 14 - Transfer to Kochi [1 hour]
Following breakfast, embark on a journey to Fort Kochi, a historical gem nestled along the Arabian Sea, often hailed as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Upon arrival, check in to the resort and settle in.
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Later in the afternoon, set off on a captivating sightseeing tour of Kochi, accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking local guide. The tour will lead you to Mattancherry, where the Paradeshi Synagogue and the Dutch Palace stand side by side, sharing a common wall. Immerse yourself in the history of the Kochi Royal family as you witness their old belongings. The Jew Town, with its myriad handicraft and antique shops, invites you to explore its treasures.
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The journey continues to Fort Kochi, where you'll encounter St. Francis Church, the oldest church built by Europeans in India. Stroll past the iconic Chinese fishing nets at the estuary, and as the day draws to a close, experience the mesmerizing art of Kathakali dance at a local theatre. Finally, return to the hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Day 15 - Departure transfer to Cochin Airport [2 hours]
After breakfast, be get ready for the departure transfer to Cochin Airport. The tour comes to a climax as it is time to head home with amazing experiences of this amazing country called India.
Accommodation & Pricing per person
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The above rates are per person rates based on minimum two adults traveling together.
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Rates valid until 31st May 2026
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Rates are not valid from 15th December 2025 to 10th January 2026 and for the month of February 2026
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The program can be tailored to the guest's requirement, also alternate hotels can also be incorporated in case if you intend to spend a lesser or a higher price for the tour
The program includes
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South India tour program based on the above itinerary.
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All transfers and sightseeing in comfortable Large car with a professionally experienced driver from arrival till departure.
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Bottled drinking water and cab amenities through out the tour.
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Hotel accommodation as mentioned above with breakfast.
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Service of an English speaking local guide in Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Chettinad, Madurai, Munnar and Kochi.
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Entrance tickets at places of interest.
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Cycle rickshaw ride in Pondicherry.
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Night ceremony at Madurai Meenakshi temple and tuk tuk ride in Madurai.
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Tea factory and tea tasting session in Munnar.
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Spice plantation tour in Thekkady.
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Boat safari at Periyar National Park.
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Kalaripayattu show at Thekkady.
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Houseboat day cruise with all meals served on board.
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Kumarakom backwater village tour.
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Kathakali dance show at Kochi.
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5% Goods and Service Tax.
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24 / 7 customer support / assistance.
Notes
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The price is based on 2 adults travelling together.
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Houseboat meal menu would be a local backwater cuisine.
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The houseboat will be docked from 5 PM to next day 8 AM.
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All meals except breakfast are on direct payment basis, excluding houseboat.
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Flight tickets, visa to India, travel insurance are excluded and should be availed on own arrangement.
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Table Drinks, laundray, expenses of personal nature, shopping, tips, lunch and dinner are on direct basis.
Cabs used in the tour program
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The cabs used in the 5 days Kerala program are station wagon / Estate models named Kia Carens or Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga
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These cabs are larger in size and offers more space and comfort, specially since the program has some long journeys involved
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Kia Carens is diesel and Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga is a CNG / Petrol powered cab
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It would be either of the cab used for the program
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Both the cabs can comfortably accommodate upto 4 guests at a time, the last row would be dedicated for luggage​
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The vehicle and the driver would be the same from the point of arrival till the point of departure, unless there is a personal or medical emergency for the driver.
South India tour booking Procedure
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Once the tour is confirmed with us we make reservation at the respective hotels / resorts / houseboat.
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We shall send you a confirmation voucher based on the confirmation we have received from the service providers.
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60% advance deposit is required to guarantee the tour and the rest could be paid on the first day of the commencement of the tour.
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We accept payments via credit cards, debit cards, internet banking, UPIs, bank transfers to our overseas local bank accounts for Euro, USD, GBP, and various other currencies. additional charges apply for card transactions.
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International wire transfer is available for foreign remittances.
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In the event of a cancellation, the cancellation policy applies - kindly refer to the cancellation policy.
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