Operated by G Adventures

East to West Coast: Southern India

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From

CAD 734

Duration

9 days

Countries

India

Activity

moderate

Group size

Max 16

The adventure

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.

Arrive at anytime. Join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting this evening, followed by an orientation walk of 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.

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 walk around the markets.

Day by day

Your journey through

India

Showing Days 1-7

9-day itinerary

Day 1Arrive at anytime

Arrive at anytime. Join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting this evening, followed by an orientation walk of Mamallapuram.

Day 2An early morning is dedicated to a tour…

Day 3Leave Mamallapuram and drive to Chennai

Day 4This morning

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 5Explore the best of 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 our very own CEO leads us on a walking foodie tour of the town!

Day 6Drive to Thekkady this morning

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 7Travel down to Allepey and catch a private…Kochi

Traditional Chinese fishing nets line the waterfront in Cochin, India on a bright summer day.

Kochi

Travel down to Allepey and catch a private boat for the short ride to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with your CEO to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.