Classical South India Extended
Tour Overview
An in-depth exploration of South India covering Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey houseboat, and Cochin.
Tour Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Chennai
Arrival at Chennai airport, welcome by Rediscover Vacations representative and transfer to hotel.
Chennai – Mahabalipuram
Tour Chennai visiting St. Thomas' Cathedral, Bronze Museum, Mylapore Temple. Drive to Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram
Visit the 'city of seven pagodas' — pagodas, Penance of Bhagirata bas-relief, shore temple. Afternoon trip to Kanchipuram, city of 1000 temples.
Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry. Visit Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Auroville and beach.
Chidambaram – Kumbakonam – Thanjavur
Visit Natraja Temple in Chidambaram. Stop at Kumbakonam's 18 famous temples. Continue to Thanjavur.
Thanjavur – Srirangam – Trichy – Madurai
Visit UNESCO Brahadishwara Temple and Saraswathi Mahal Library. Drive to Madurai via Srirangam and Trichy Rock Fort.
Madurai
Visit Minakshi Temple, one of India's greatest landmarks. Tirumalai Nayaka Palace. Night closing ceremony at Minakshi Temple.
Madurai – Munnar
Drive to Munnar hill station. Check in and relax at 1600 meters above sea level.
Munnar Exploration
Visit Pothamedu viewpoint, Devikulam hill station, Pallivasal hydro project, and Eravikulam National Park.
Munnar – Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady, home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — natural habitat of elephants, tigers, and bison.
Thekkady
Morning game viewing by motorized boat at Periyar Lake. Afternoon Kalarippart Martial Arts and Kathakali dance.
Thekkady – Alleppey Houseboat
Transfer to Kerala Traditional Houseboat (Kettuvallam). Cruise through Vembanad Lake and canals with lush paddy fields.
Alleppey – Cochin
Disembark from houseboat. City tour of Cochin — Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace with Ramayana murals.
Cochin Departure
After breakfast, transfer to airport for departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Classical South India Extended cost?
The Classical South India Extended is priced on request because every itinerary is fully tailor-made — final cost depends on your travel dates, hotel category (4★ / 5★ / heritage / palace), number of travellers, and any private experiences added. Email us for a precise quote within 24 hours.
How long is the Classical South India Extended?
This itinerary runs for 13 Nights / 14 Days. We can extend or shorten it — typical add-ons include extra nights in Udaipur, a Kerala backwater extension, or combining with Nepal or Bhutan.
When is the best time to do this tour?
The best season for most India itineraries is October to March (cool, dry weather, ideal for sightseeing). Himalayan regions (Ladakh, Kashmir) are best between May and September. We help you pick the optimal dates.
Can the Classical South India Extended be customised?
Absolutely — every Rediscover Vacations tour is private and 100% customisable. Add or remove cities, upgrade hotels, include private cooking classes or guided photography walks. Tell us your wishlist and we will design it.