Chennai to Kochi - 9 days

Chennai to Kochi - 9 days

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9 Days From

$1555

Chennai to Kochi - 9 days

9 Days Starting in Chennai, India and ending in Kochi, India

Visiting: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Madurai, Munnar, Kochi

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2038/CTK

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1555

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey from Chennai to Kochi, exploring the vibrant culture and rich history of South India. Begin your adventure in Chennai, then marvel at the ancient Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. Experience the French colonial charm of Pondicherry and the architectural grandeur of Tanjore's Brihadishwara Temple. Delight in the culinary wonders of Chettinad and partake in a lively Aarti prayer ceremony in Madurai. Discover the lush tea plantations of Munnar and enjoy the serene beauty of this former hill station. Conclude your tour in the bustling city of Kochi, where you can explore independently or enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance show. With guided sightseeing, comfortable 3-4 star accommodations, and an English-speaking tour guide, this small group coach tour offers an unforgettable exploration of India's southern treasures.

Highlights

  • Mahabalipuram – Discover the striking Shore Temple which sits on the beautiful Bay of Bengal

  • Chettinad - Sample traditional life in the quaint village of Chettinad, renowned for its flavourful cuisine

  • Madurai – Light candles and sing songs as you enjoy a lively Aarti prayer ceremony and explore the city on a guided tour

  • Tanjore – Tour the hotspots of the city and gaze admiringly at the towering Brihadishwara Temple

  • Munnar - Spend a night in the rolling hills of the former hill station. Enjoy a guided walk through the tea plantations and visit a local market

  • Pondicherry – Stroll along the beach in this French colonial city and visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

  • Kochi – Enjoy free time to explore independently and perhaps enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance show

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Chennai

Location: Chennai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: MGM Eastwood

Sunday. Welcome to South India! On arrival in Chennai you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore the city at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.

Day 2: Mahabalipuram

Location: Mahabalipuram

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mamalla Heritage

Meals Included: Breakfast

Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry. This morning we depart Chennai and travel south to the French colonial city of Pondicherry. French rule lasted here until 1954 and the influence is still clear in the city's architecture.





En-route we will visit Mahabalipuram, the beautiful 7th century Shore Temple, so-named because of its location on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. We continue to the magnificent bas-relief carving, Arjuna's Penance and the incredible Five Ratha's. This UNESCO-listed site is made up of five different temples, all carved individually from separate rocks. The temples lay hidden under sand until the British rediscovered them 200 years ago. We continue on to Pondicehrry where we will spend the next two nights.

Day 3: Pondicherry

Location: Pondicherry

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Atithi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Pondicherry. Today we explore the highlights of Pondicherry including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram spiritual community and Pondicherry Beach, with it's beautiful golden sand and lapping waves. Finally, we explore the striking Sacred Heart Basilica, a famous Christian pilgrimage site. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 4: Thanjavur

Location: Thanjavur

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Tanjore

Meals Included: Breakfast

Pondicherry - Tanjore. After breakfast we head away from the coastal Pondicherry to an important centre of South Indian religion, art and architecture - Tanjore (Thanjavur). We discover the ancient, fortified town of Tanjore, with a guided tour exploring the glorious history dating back more than 1,500 years. Take in the enormous Brihadishwara Temple. This temple is over 1000 years old and the dome on top is thought to have been hauled up in a similar way to the construction of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Day 5: Chettinad

Location: Chettinad

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: GRT Regency,

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tanjore - Chettinad. Today we travel to Chettinad which is renowned across India for its unique and spectacular combination of flavourful cuisine, yet few venture to this sleepy, tranquil village. Explore the crumbling Chettinad Palace and the famous tile factory in Athangudi, where your guide will explain how the renowned handmade terracotta tiles of Chettinad are crafted and readied.

Day 6: Madurai

Location: Madurai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: GRT Regency,

Meals Included: Breakfast

Chettinad – Madurai. Departing Chettinad we continue onwards to Madurai, where we enjoy a half day guided tour taking in the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. This grand palace is known for the giant circular pillars in its courtyard and dates back to the 17th century. We continue to the famous rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan. According to a famous Hindu legend, this is where Murugan slayed the demon Surapadman. Finally, we join an Aarti prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. The ceremony involves the lighting of candles and songs being sung in praise of the gods.

Day 7: Munnar

Location: Munnar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casino Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Madurai - Munnar. Leave Madurai today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar, surrounded by sprawling tea plantations. We take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation and visit a local market, before the rest of the day is free to relax as you please. You may wish to visit the nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in the stunning surrounds.

Day 8: Kochi

Location: Kochi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Munnar - Kochi. Today we continue on to Kochi, our final destination in South India. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is free to explore the city at your own leisure. This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and make up and they always put on a fantastic show.

Day 9: Kochi

Location: Kochi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Monday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3 - 4 star and heritage properties

  • 8 breakfasts

    Enjoy 8 breakfasts during your tour.

  • 8 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in 3-4 star hotels for 8 nights.

  • Guided sightseeing

    Experience guided sightseeing in Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Chettinad, Madurai, and Munnar.

  • English-speaking Indian tour guide

    Be escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide for groups of 4 or more.

  • Specialist guides at some sites

    Benefit from the services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites.

  • Airport arrival transfer

    Receive an airport arrival transfer on day 1. For departures in 2024, a departure airport transfer is provided on day 9.

  • Private air-conditioned vehicles

    All relevant transfers and transportation are in private air-conditioned vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included.

  • Tip for your tour guide

    Tip for your tour guide is not included.

    It is recommended to allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees are not included and are approximately USD$25-35 per person, paid in local currency.

Age Policy

15 + if accompanied by an adult.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with all relevant transfers and transportation provided in private air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey from Chennai to Kochi.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, including stays at MGM Eastwood in Chennai, Hotel Mamalla Heritage in Mahabalipuram, and Casino Hotel in Munnar, ensuring a relaxing and pleasant experience throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights in 3-4 star hotels.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide for groups of 4 or more, and there are also English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    An airport arrival transfer is included on day 1, and for departures in 2024, a departure airport transfer is provided on day 9.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

    No, entrance fees are not included. They are estimated to be USD$25-35 per person, paid in local currency.

  • Is tipping the tour guide mandatory?

    Tipping the tour guide is not mandatory but recommended. It is suggested to allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller, as a personal gesture.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Madurai?

    In Madurai, the tour includes a half-day guided tour of Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a visit to the rock cut temple of Thirupparankunram Murugan, and participation in an Aarti prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Munnar?

    In Munnar, you will take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation, visit a local market, and have free time to relax or explore nearby attractions like Blossom Park.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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