Chennai to Kochi - 9 days
Chennai to Kochi - 9 days
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:
Tour code:
2038/CTK
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Monday
Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 18, 2024Sunday - Monday
Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024Sunday - Monday
Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024Sunday - Monday
Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024Sunday - Monday
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 06, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 20, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 03, 2025Sunday - Monday
Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025Sunday - Monday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025Sunday - Monday
Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Sunday - Monday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Sunday - Monday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Sunday - Monday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025Sunday - Monday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Sunday - Monday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Sunday - Monday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Sunday - Monday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Sunday - Monday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Sunday - Monday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025Sunday - Monday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Sunday - Monday
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025Sunday - Monday
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025Sunday - Monday
Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025Book 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.