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A houseboat sailing in Kerala backwaters during sunset, India

15 days
from AU$3,335 per person

South India - Temples and Waterways

We love...

Taking a jungle walk or bamboo rafting in Periyar, keeping our eyes peeled for elephants soaking in the water and sunbathing on the riverbanks.

Experience the spiritual roots of Southern India, from the colonial-era powerhouses of Chennai and Puducherry to the ancient Chola Empire capital of Tanjore, and the spectacular Hindu temple complexes of Madurai. Discover spice farms in the countryside and wildlife in Thekkady, before winding down with a leisurely houseboat tour on the Indian backwaters in Kumarakom. It’s a journey that will leave you with a deep appreciation for Southern India’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Or Call us on 02 5133 5162 to book this holiday

From AU$3,335pp

AU$450 deposit per person


17 excursions & visits

29 meals

Active traveller pace

Showing itinerary for 2 passengers on 21 September 2025

Please note - Customers will need to be in the start location of the tour on 21/09/2025 to join their group

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21/09/2025

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AU$3,335pp

Please note: Exact itineraries may vary slightly depending on departure date - your full itinerary will be shown on your confirmation invoice.

Your itinerary

INS Map
Customer meet and greet

Day 1 - Chennai

Join your tour group at the hotel in Chennai, where a cosmopolitan atmosphere adds layers to an old soul in the form of stunning temple architecture. Chennai’s military and economic history dates back to the 1st century, and it’s been a coastal centre of trade since the British East India Company established a fort in 1639.

Taj Connemara, Chennai (5-star)

Customer meet and greet

Day 1 - Chennai

Join your tour group at the hotel in Chennai, where a cosmopolitan atmosphere adds layers to an old soul in the form of stunning temple architecture. Chennai’s military and economic history dates back to the 1st century, and it’s been a coastal centre of trade since the British East India Company established a fort in 1639.

Taj Connemara, Chennai (5-star)

San Thome Basilica is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Chennai, India.

Day 2 - Chennai - Mamallapuram

We’ll start with a city tour, taking us to some of the most iconic landmarks. On our first stop at the Government Museum, we’ll wander the renowned Bronze Gallery’s collection of ancient bronze sculptures. We’ll continue stepping through time, passing the High Court building, historic Fort St George (the first British fortress in India) and the stunning soft sand and clear blue waters of Marina Beach. Next, we'll visit the soaring Santhome Cathedral Basilica, said to be the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle, before stopping at the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Though non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard, the intricate carvings and vibrant colours of the temple's architecture will leave you spellbound. We’ll then head to Mamallapuram.

Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa (5-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: City tour of Chennai (morning)

monolithic famous Shore Temple near Mahabalipuram, world heritage site in Tamil Nadu, India

Day 3 - Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram is a world-renowned area showcasing some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring temples in the world, surrounded by salty air and coastal beauty. Today we’ll set out on a sightseeing tour of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, experiencing an era of great artistic and architectural wonder. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic location at your leisure. Or you can take an optional excursion to DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, a living history museum exhibiting the culture and lifestyle of the southern states of India.

Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa (5-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mamallapuram (morning)

Arial View of Auroville - an experimental township in Viluppuram district mostly in the state of Tamil Nadu, India

Day 4 - Auroville - Puducherry

We’ll set off on a scenic drive to Puducherry, one of the most charming and picturesque cities in Southern India. En route we’ll make a stop in Auroville, a community recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness. At the Visitor Centre, we’ll gain a fascinating insight into the community's philosophy and way of life then continue to breathtaking Matrimandir, the spiritual and physical centre of Auroville. This magnificent temple, with its unique golden dome and tranquil surroundings, is a place of peace and silent contemplation.

Accord Puducherry (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Auroville Visitor Centre and Matrimandir temple (morning)

French quarters architecture, Pondicherry, India

Day 5 - Puducherry

Today we explore the captivating city of Puducherry. A delightful blend of colonial architecture interspersed with old Hindu temples, it's easy to visualise both sides the city's historical coin: a city where Frenchmen and Tamilians lived side by side for almost 300 years. Our first stop will be the Heritage French Quarter, where we’ll take a leisurely walk down the quiet streets lined with bougainvillea-draped townhouses. We will also visit the spiritual community Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which has grown over the last century from a small group of 12 disciples into a large and diverse community of about 2,000 members seeking a decent, healthy and spiritual life. To add to the fun and excitement of the morning, we’ll take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Puducherry, giving you a chance to experience the city's vibrant energy and charm. The afternoon is then yours to enjoy at leisure, or you can take an optional excursion to visit local fishermens’ villages, interact with families, see their daily life and learn about the traditional ways of fishing and how they’ve changed over time.

Accord Puducherry (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: City tour of Puducherry, including cycle rickshaw ride (morning)

Thillai Natarajah or Chidambaram Temple in Chidambaram, India

Day 6 - Thanjavur

This morning we’ll set out to explore the mesmerising town of Thanjavur, with a stop in Chidambaram at the Thillai Nataraja Temple. Once we arrive in Thanjavur and check-in at the hotel, we’ll explore the dizzying historical legacy of the Chola empire with a visit to Brihadishvara Temple. The late afternoon is the best time to visit this crowning glory as the sun bathes the rocks and sublime sculptures in a hot palette of reds and oranges.

Svatma Thanjavur (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Visit to Chidambaram Temple (morning)
Visit to Brihadishvara Temple (afternoon)

What's included

29 meals

14 breakfasts

1 lunch

14 dinners

Accommodation

14 nights in hotels

Transport

Travel in destination by coach

Plus

Tipping (except tour manager, coach driver & coach assistant)

Tour highlights

17 excursions & visits

City tours of Chennai, Puducherry (including cycle rickshaw ride)

Visits to Mamallapuram UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Auroville Visitor Centre and Matrimandir temple; Chidambaram Temple; Brihadishvara Temple; Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple; Meenakshi Amman Temple; Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace; Kochi’s Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue

Visits to a local flower market; spice garden

Guided nature walk through Periyar National Park or half-day bamboo rafting

Cruise on a traditional Kettuvalam

Kathakali dance show in Kochi

Heritage walk of Fort Kochi

Adventure made effortless with Titan Travel

Experts

Titan tour manager

Portable audio

Headset system on excursions

Porterage

Services included

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Why choose a Titan tour?

Titan Travel have always been about seeing more and doing more – which is why we meticulously plan our award-winning escorted tours so that our expertly crafted itineraries make sure that so much is included. Once you book your holiday, you can relax knowing that every element has been taken care of. Choose the tour that gives you more.

VIP travel service

Smooth transfers to and from home with unlimited mileage

More value

From excursions to hotels, entry tickets and dining packages, we include more than any other tour.

More knowledgeable

Be guided by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable tour managers in the world, on hand to help every step of the way.

More flexible

Feel free to amend or extend your travel plans, up until final payment, and enjoy free time on your tour with us too.

cruise-awards
BTA 2024 Overall Winner Circle White - Titan won 13 awards
Silver travel awards 2022
wave awards 2022
cruise-awards
BTA 2024 Overall Winner Circle White - Titan won 13 awards
Silver travel awards 2022
wave awards 2022