Our experts say
Take a road trip through south India exploring unique temples and colourful history, finishing in the cool green hills and backwaters of Kerala.
The state of Tamil Nadu in south India is home to a unique style of temple architecture set on beaches and in vibrant towns. Spend a couple of weeks exploring this historic land, take time to relax in the green hills, and finish off cruising the backwaters with a drink in your hand and your feet firmly up.
Remember, this is just a suggested itinerary - your own holiday can be tailored to your preference of budget, duration, locations and experiences. Get in touch with us to plan your personalised trip.
I created this trip - call me to create yours.
The itinerary…
Day 1: Take to the skies
Take the overnight flight from wherever you are to Chennai
Day 2: Welcome to India!
We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel to settle in and get ready for the upcoming adventure.
Day 3: Explore Chennai

Temple in Chennai
This morning we will show you around Chennai with its British churches and magnificent Hindu temples.
Day 4: Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry

Shore temple at Mahabalipuram
Today you will be driven about 3 hours down the East Coast Road to Pondicherry, stopping on the way to visit the ancient temples on the shore at Mahabalipuram – a UNESCO World Heritage site and some of the most interesting temples in south India. Continue to Pondicherry to check into your hotel.
Day 5: Pondicherry

The Mother temple at Auroville
Pondicherry is a charming seaside town and a former French colony which still retains a lot of its European character. This morning we will take you on a walking tour of the town, and you have the afternoon to explore at your own leisure. Some points of interest are the Aurobindo Ashram and its nearby international community at Auroville.
Day 6: Tanjore
The drive to Tanjore takes about 4 hours, and temple lovers should pause on the way at the busy shrine of the dancing Shiva at Chidambaram. You can also stop off at the temples in Darasuram or, if you can learn to pronounce it, Gangaikondacholapuram. This area is packed with amazing sites, so discuss with your driver and take your pick.
Day 7: Tanjore

Brihadishwara Temple in Tanjore
Tanjore has many of south India’s finest medieval temples, so today we will show you around the capital of the historic Chola empire and the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple and the 16th century Thanjavur Palace.
Day 8: Chettinad and Madurai

Chettinad
Leave Tanjore and set off on the 5 hour drive to Madurai. You can break up today’s journey by stopping off at the unique trader’s mansions at Chettinad. This is a good spot for lunch as Chettinad’s spicy cuisine is world famous. Continue to Madurai and check into your hotel.
Day 9: Madurai – the temple of the fish-eyed goddess

Shree Meenakshi Temple complex at Madurai
Madurai is a vibrant town which is home to one of India’s most remarkable temples, a huge colourful complex dedicated to the fish-eyed goddess Meenakshi. Your guide will show you around the temple and the town, and take you back to the temple again in the evening for the ritual wedding of the goddess Meenakshi with the great god Shiva.
Days 10 - 11: Paradisa – the green hills of Kerala

Paradisa Plantation Retreat
You have seen a lot of temples and a lot of culture over the last week, so it is a good time to head to the cool green hills of Kerala and relax for a couple of days in a beautiful hotel in a coffee and spice plantation. The drive to Paradisa takes about 3 hours.
Day 12: Backwaters of Kerala

Cruise the backwaters in your houseboat
A trip to south India isn't incomplete without spending a night on a houseboat cruising the backwaters of Kerala. Your drive to the boarding jetty takes about 3-4 hours as you descend the hills to the coast. Settle into your houseboat, drift lazily around the backwaters, and enjoy a traditional Keralan dinner prepared by your on-board chef.
Day 13: Fort Cochin

Cochin
Check out of your houseboat and drive about 2 hours to the quaint harbor town of Fort Cochin to check into your hotel, and spend the day exploring the town at your own leisure. In the in the evening we will take you out for a performance of the local dance, the Kathakali.
Day 14: Fort Cochin

Traditional fishing in Cochin
Enjoy a private guided tour of Cochin and explore this charming historical town with its European churches, Jewish synagogues, Indian palaces and Chinese fishing nets. This has been a cosmopolitan place for thousands of years.
Day 15: Fly home
Check out of your hotel before 12 noon and we will drive you to the airport for your flight home.
Duration: 14 nights
Location: Kerala and South India, India
Price: £2820pp
Our 'Temples of South India' itinerary includes accommodation, daily breakfast (with select lunches & dinners), transfers & drives in chauffeur-driven AC vehicle, sightseeing and activities as indicated. Excludes international flights.
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.
More Holiday Ideas
Find your perfect trip
Plan with an Expert
Have a look at our original holiday experiences and then contact us with your brief, or call 01768 603 715
A detailed itinerary in 24hrs
Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary within 24 hours. It's our service promise to you.
Value Guarantee
Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.
Expertise
You talk to someone who's been there
We listen first. Our expertise, but always your holiday.
Quick. A holiday plan tailored to you in 24 hours.
Safe. Licensed and regulated by the CAA.
Service
Simple. These best rates and the best routes delivered in a clear and simple way.
Personal. From the start you'll only ever deal with one consultant.
Our service charter explains what you can expect from us.
Your Holiday
We keep the focus on your holiday. In fact it's the sole objective of everything we do at Far & Wild.
Delivering you an outstanding and original holiday experience means...
..location connections, expert guides, hand-picked experiences and creating the space for magic to happen.
Book with Confidence
Transparent. Prices, information – we'll break it down anyway you like.
Financial Security. Our Civil Aviation Authority's ATOL bonding consumer protection scheme.
24/7 emergency support on the ground wherever you travel.
A detailed itinerary in 24 hours
Start planning your original holiday to India by contacting on of our experts
-
Alistair
Managing Director