East to West Coast: Southern India - 9 Days
Who is this trip for
Age range
12 - 100Physical rating
Group size
1 - 15Meals included
5Highlights
- Explore Mamallapuram’s Shore Temples and bustling local markets
- Marvel at Thanjavur’s Brihadeshwara Temple and learn the art of bronze casting
- Experience Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and wander the Thousand Pillared Hall
- Stroll through spice plantations and cruise the lake in Thekkady
- Drift through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters on a traditional boat
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Summary
Southern India is a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and calm — and this journey takes you straight into its heart. Wander the sculpted temples of Mamallapuram, stand in awe at Thanjavur’s towering Brihadeshwara Temple, and lose yourself in Madurai’s vibrant Meenakshi complex. Between temple visits, you’ll taste spices where they’re grown, float through Kerala’s famous backwaters, and discover daily life in bustling markets and quiet villages. It’s history, nature, and culture rolled into one unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1
Mamallapuram
Arrive at anytime. Join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting this evening, followed by an orientation walk of Mamallapuram.
Day 2
Mamallapuram
An early morning is dedicated to a tour of the Shore Temple, an iconic complex of temples and shrines known to the be one of the oldest stone temples in India, and best viewed at sunrise. After an incredible walking tour, take the remainder of the day for your own exploration of Mamallapuram. Most use this time to enjoy a visit to the beach or a yoga class.
Day 3
Mamallapuram/Thanjavur
Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai. Then transfer to a train to arrive in the afternoon to Thanjavur, a town renowned globally for its bronze metal sculptures. After settling in, visit the 200+ foot tall Brihadeeswarar Temple and a walk around the markets.
Day 4
Thanjavur/Madurai
This morning, drive to Kanadukathan, known as the land of Chettiars, the collection of over 75 villages. Here we will visit the traditional houses of Chettinad, famous for their spaciousness, opulence and intricate tiles. Afterwards, continue on to Madurai, considered the home of goddess Parvati in her form of Meenakshi - the fish eyed goddess.
Day 5
Madurai
Explore the best of Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with tours of Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Meenakashi Temple. The afternoon leaves you with time to venture on your own before we hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city.
Day 6
Madurai/Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady this morning. Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Thekkady how you wish maybe on a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.
Day 7
Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters
For this homestay, you will only need to take a small overnight bag. Your main bags will be transferred directly to the hotel in Kochi.
Day 8
Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
Spend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your the tour operator-supported project TWE, a coop run by local women, for lunch. Head out for an orientation walk after arrival in Kochi, then enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Day 9
Kochi
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share).
Meals
Breakfasts: 2, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 1
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Jan 26
from £734Feb 26
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from £665Apr 26
from £587May 26
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from £587Sep 26
from £587Oct 26
from £665Nov 26
from £734Dec 26
from £734Jan 27
from £587Feb 27
from £587Mar 27
from £587Apr 27
from £587May 27
from £587Jun 27
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from £587Dec 27
from £587Jan 28
from £587
- Save 2%Fri 3 Dec 2027 > Sat 11 Dec 2027Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 leftPay Monthly£599Best offer£587Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Wed 8 Dec 2027 > Thu 16 Dec 2027Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 leftPay Monthly£599Best offer£587Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Fri 10 Dec 2027 > Sat 18 Dec 2027Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 leftPay Monthly£599Best offer£587Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Fri 24 Dec 2027 > Sat 1 Jan 2028Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 leftPay Monthly£599Best offer£587Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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