South India Explorer – Hills, Temples & Beaches (13D/12N)

Price From – ₹42,999 per person (twin sharing)

Tour Activities included

South India Explorer 13 Days / 12 Nights includes more than 28 activities across two states, four UNESCO sites and three landscapes. Highlights include Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple and Five Rathas, Pondicherry’s French quarter and Auroville, the Brihadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur, the Meenakshi Amman temple at Madurai, a dawn Periyar Lake boat safari, Eravikulam National Park and the Munnar tea estates, a private Alleppey houseboat night, and the Kovalam beaches.

General Tour Description

Thirteen days is what South India needs if you want the whole arc — the Coromandel coast, the Chola temple country, the great temple city of Madurai, the Western Ghats, the Kerala backwaters and the Arabian Sea. This route runs it in one direction, north-east to south-west, starting at Chennai and finishing at Kovalam forty minutes from Trivandrum airport. Four UNESCO World Heritage sites, two states, and no road driven twice. Inter-state permits are included. This is our most complete South India itinerary and the one we recommend most often to visitors coming from outside India for the first time.

See How the Tour Works

Tour itinerary

Met at Chennai airport. Fort St George, the first English fortress in India, the Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore, and Marina Beach in the evening. Overnight in Chennai.

Ninety minutes south along the East Coast Road. The whole town is a UNESCO site — the Shore Temple against the Bay of Bengal, the Five Rathas each carved from a single boulder, and Arjuna’s Penance, one of the largest rock reliefs in the world. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Two hours down the coast. The French quarter in the afternoon, Auroville and the Matrimandir, and the seafront promenade in the evening when it closes to traffic. Overnight in Pondicherry.

About four hours inland. The Brihadeeswarar temple was completed around 1010 CE and its vimana is among the tallest in the world — a UNESCO site and one that does not photograph. Overnight in Thanjavur.

The Royal Palace and Saraswathi Mahal Library in the morning, then three and a half hours south to Madurai, arriving for the afternoon reopening of the Meenakshi Amman temple and the evening aarti. Overnight in Madurai.

Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and a second temple visit at a quieter hour. Overnight in Madurai.

Four hours west into the Cardamom Hills and across into Kerala. Afternoon spice plantation walk. Overnight in Thekkady.

The 7am boat on Periyar Lake, then three hours north through cardamom into tea country. Overnight in Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and the Tea Museum, or an estate walk instead. Eravikulam closes for roughly February and March. Overnight in Munnar.

Four and a half hours down to the water. Board a private houseboat at midday, cruise Vembanad Lake and the canals, moor by 5:30pm. Overnight on the houseboat.

Disembark after breakfast, then four hours south along the coast. Check in at a beachfront hotel and walk the three beaches — Lighthouse, Hawa and Samudra — at sunset. Overnight in Kovalam.

Nothing scheduled. Optionally a half-day into Trivandrum for the Padmanabhaswamy temple and Napier Museum, or an Ayurvedic treatment, or neither. Overnight in Kovalam.

Forty minutes to Trivandrum airport. Ending at Kovalam rather than driving back north saves an entire day.

Frequently Asked Questions –South India Explorer – Hills, Temples & Beaches – 13 Days / 12 Nights

Q1. What makes the South India Explorer tour unique compared to other Kerala–Tamil Nadu itineraries?

The South India Explorer tour stands out because it combines a perfect mix of hill stations, wildlife, ancient temples and relaxing beach destinations, offering a well-balanced experience across two culturally rich states. Unlike shorter regional programs, this itinerary moves at a comfortable pace, giving travelers ample time to enjoy Munnar’s landscapes, Thekkady’s wildlife, Madurai’s spiritual charm, Rameswaram’s coastal history and Kovalam’s beaches while benefiting from Troper Tours’ personalized service and curated planning expertise.

Q2. Is this tour suitable for families and elderly travellers?

Yes, this itinerary is thoughtfully designed for families, senior citizens and first-time visitors to South India. The driving durations are well-managed, hotels are selected for comfort and accessibility, and sightseeing includes a mix of light activities and relaxed exploration. Troper Tours also provides experienced drivers, 24/7 support, and flexible adjustments during the journey to ensure every traveller, regardless of age, feels safe, supported and engaged throughout the tour.

Q3. How much walking or physical activity is involved in this 12-day trip?

Most activities involve light walking around heritage sites, viewpoints and temples, making it manageable for travellers of most fitness levels. Wildlife safaris, tea gardens and beaches include optional walks that can be skipped if preferred. Troper Tours ensures the pace remains comfortable, with adequate breaks, accessible sightseeing options and vehicle support always close by. If guests have mobility needs, the itinerary can be customized further for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Q4. Can the itinerary be customized for honeymooners or luxury travellers?

Absolutely. This itinerary can be upgraded with luxury resorts in Munnar, Thekkady and Kovalam, private houseboats in Alleppey (if added), premium vehicle options, romantic experiences and personalized sightseeing. Honeymooners can enjoy candlelight dinners, spa sessions and scenic photo stops, while luxury travellers can choose boutique heritage stays and curated cultural tours. Troper Tours specializes in tailoring Kerala and Tamil Nadu journeys to match comfort, preferences and travel style perfectly.

Q5. What is the best time of year to book the South India Explorer tour?

The ideal seasons for this itinerary are October–March when the weather is pleasant across both states, offering misty hill station mornings and comfortable coastal evenings. However, April–September still works well for travellers who enjoy quieter destinations, refreshing monsoon landscapes and lower hotel rates. Troper Tours helps you pick the best travel window depending on your expectations — whether you prefer vibrant festivals, clear skies, or off-season serenity.

Q6. Which airports should I book for a route this long?

Chennai (MAA) in and Trivandrum (TRV) out. Booked as a single multi-city ticket this usually prices close to a standard return, and it saves what would otherwise be a fifteen-hour drive back up the coast. Both handle international traffic.

Q7. How many UNESCO sites does this cover?

Four: Mahabalipuram’s monuments, the Brihadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur, and — if you take the optional extensions we can add — Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, which together with Thanjavur form a single Great Living Chola Temples inscription. Ask us if the Chola sites matter to you and we will build in the extra day.

Q8. Is thirteen days a lot of driving?

Eleven of the twelve drives are between ninety minutes and four hours, and there are three places where you stay two nights. It is a moving itinerary by design — this is the route for seeing South India rather than settling in one part of it. If you would rather slow down, our Kerala Deep Dive does twelve days in one state.

Package inclusions

  • 12 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Private air-conditioned car with driver for the entire route
  • All inter-city transfers, tolls, parking and driver allowance
  • Airport or railway station pickup and drop as per the itinerary
  • Private houseboat with lunch, dinner and next-day breakfast
  • Inter-state vehicle permit between Tamil Nadu and Kerala
  • 24/7 WhatsApp support from our Thiruvananthapuram office

Package Exclusions

  • Flights and airport taxes
  • Lunches and dinners except where specified
  • Temple, monument and national park entry fees
  • Camera and video fees were charged
  • Licensed guide fees where engaged at a specific site
  • Ayurvedic treatments and spa sessions
  • Tips, laundry and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not listed under inclusions
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Custom Pricing Notice
Custom & Flexible Pricing

Prices are customised and date‑sensitive

Our prices vary based on season, dates, group size and custom add‑ons. Every quote is tailored for your exact travel plan.

  • Season & dates: Peak dates increase rates.
  • Group size & rooms: Options affect pricing.
  • Add‑ons: Transfers, guides and activities priced separately.
1. Tell us dates
Share preferred travel dates.
2. Choose options
Rooms, transfers & activities.
3. Get your quote
Full cost breakdown.
Note
Exact prices provided after enquiry.
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Important — Please read

General Policies & How this itinerary works

This page shows a sample itinerary to give you a clear idea of the route, inclusions and timings. Every itinerary is fully customisable to match your dates, hotel preferences and interests. Once you share your travel details we will prepare a personalised itinerary and an itemised quote.

Simple booking procedure
  1. Send your preferred dates, number of travellers and any special requirements.
  2. Choose hotel tier and optional add‑ons (transfers, guides, activities).
  3. We prepare an itemised quote with availability and payment terms.
  4. Confirm with the advance payment and receive your booking voucher.
  5. Our team assigns a dedicated tour coordinator who assists you until the trip is completed.
Note: Timings, hotels and activities shown are indicative. Final confirmations depend on availability at the time of booking. We will always send a clear voucher with terms after payment.
Refund / Cancellation / Rescheduling
Our standard policy (unless a specific tour page states otherwise):
  • Free cancellation: up to 10 days before departure.
  • Partial refund: 7–14 days before departure (percentage applies).
  • No refund: within 7 days of departure or no‑shows.
  • Rescheduling: allowed subject to availability; fees may apply for peak dates.
Payment Policy
Standard terms:
  • Advance: 50% to confirm the booking.
  • Balance: due 14 days before departure (or earlier for peak-season bookings).
  • Payment modes: Bank transfer, UPI, major cards; international bookings may require different terms.
  • Invoice & voucher: Issued after full payment; please check all details carefully.
Hotel Category Options
Choose from three tiers:
  • Standard: Comfortable 3★ choices with essential amenities.
  • Comfort: Quality 3★–4★ hotels with additional facilities.
  • Luxury: Premium 5★ properties and boutique stays (subject to availability).
Room types (Single / Double / Twin) and meal plans (B/B, Half Board, Full Board) affect the final price.
Important: The final quote you receive will include a complete breakdown: base cost, taxes, entry fees, and optional extras. Always review the booking voucher for exact inclusions.
Why Travelers Trust Us
  • Every itinerary is prepared manually by experienced tour planners, ensuring accuracy and comfort.
  • All hotels, drivers and service providers are pre‑verified for safety, hygiene and reliability.
  • Transparent pricing — no hidden charges. Every quote includes a complete breakdown.
  • Dedicated WhatsApp & phone support throughout your trip for smooth communication.
  • Real traveler experiences available in our testimonial section.
  • Government‑recognized & GST‑registered tour operator, maintaining compliance and accountability.
  • Secure payment channels with instant invoicing for peace of mind.

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Customer Reviews

Rajesh & Meera Nair Family
Testimonials

Rajesh & Meera Nair Family

To Put In A Nutshell Our family road trip of Tamil Nadu with Troper Tours was well planed from day 1 to day end. We travelled in full comfort to beautiful heritage sites, tranquil villages and fascinating cultural sites. Each location was beautiful in its own way, and the itinerary allowed for ample time to enjoy each spot without being rushed. The vehicle was clean and spacious, which is well suited for our family, as to our guide he is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We particularly liked well-coordination throughout the journey, timely and timely service without fail, effort on every detail. We discovered the legacy of Tamil Nadu there and how it is deeply rooted in tradition, but in a relaxed manner thanks to Troper Tours. It would have made our decision easier had we chosen them for our next South India holiday too.

Richard & Sarah Thompson with Friends
Testimonials

Richard & Sarah Thompson with Friends

Troper Tours organized an amazing Tamil Nadu itinerary for our group of 6. Each place was special, whether it be interesting historical sites or local markets to vibrant countryside and cute towns. This was planned nicely with fast paced itinerary, allowing time to explore, click pictures and soak in the culture without being too hurried. We had a very friendly and knowledgeable guide who was more than happy to explain the history and customs of every place we visited. The car was clean, comfortable and even the longer journeys were not bad. We also appreciated the excellent planning, hospitality and personal attention throughout the trip. It truly was an experience we will never forget and I would recommend Troper Tours to anyone who is planning a Tamil Nadu holiday.

Dmitry & Anna Petrov Family
Testimonials

Dmitry & Anna Petrov Family

From start to finish, our trip to Tamil Nadu with Troper Tours was absolutely unforgettable. Journeying through beautiful temples, quaint heritage towns, stunning hill stations and the impeccable hospitality that comes with it everywhere we went. From amazing architecture to local traditions, delicious South Indian food; every day had a wonderful experience waiting for us. The itinerary was flawless, the hotels a delight, and our driver professional and always ready with local knowledge. They managed everything without a hitch and helped our family focus on enjoying the ride. We came home with great memories and will highly recommend Troper Tours for anyone wanting a thoroughly planned and authentic Tamil Nadu tour.