Kolkata to Chennai, Transfer to Mahabalipuram

A morning direct flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International lands at Chennai by midday. Meet-and-greet at the airport, followed by a private vehicle transfer to Mahabalipuram, a 60 kilometre coastal drive of about 90 minutes along the OMR corridor. Check into the beachfront hotel by mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure, with an optional evening walk along the Bay of Bengal shore and a fresh-seafood dinner at one of the shack restaurants near the Shore Temple. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram Sightseeing and Drive to Pondicherry

After breakfast, guided sightseeing of Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO-listed monuments begins with the Shore Temple, followed by the Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance bas relief, and the Krishna Butterball boulder. These 7th century Pallava-era carvings need roughly three hours to cover properly with a licensed guide. Post-lunch, drive to Pondicherry along the East Coast Road, a scenic 100 kilometre stretch of coastline and salt pans. Check in and freshen up. The evening is free for a walk through the French Quarter, Rock Beach at sunset, and the Aurobindo Ashram surrounds. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry to Tanjore via Chidambaram

After a leisurely breakfast at your Pondicherry hotel, drive to Tanjore with a mid-morning stop at Chidambaram’s Nataraja Temple, an active Shaivite shrine famous for its cosmic-dance iconography. The full drive covers approximately 190 kilometres and takes around five hours including the temple stop and a lunch break. Reach Tanjore by early evening. Depending on arrival time, a short visit to the Brihadeeswarar Temple courtyard is possible; a full guided visit is scheduled for the following morning. Overnight in Tanjore.

Tanjore to Madurai via Trichy

Begin with a guided walk through the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Raja Raja Chola in the 11th century, featuring the towering 66 metre vimana and the monolithic Nandi. After the tour, drive to Trichy for a stop at the Rock Fort Temple and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the largest functioning Hindu temple complexes in the world. Continue to Madurai in the late afternoon, checking in by evening. Post-check-in, catch the evening ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Overnight in Madurai.

Madurai to Rameshwaram

A morning guided visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple covers the twelve gopurams, the thousand-pillared hall, and the golden lotus tank. Post-lunch, drive to Rameshwaram, roughly 175 kilometres along a route that crosses the Pamban rail-and-road bridge, one of India’s most photographed sea bridges. Check in by early evening. Sunset at Dhanushkodi ruins is optional if arrival time permits. Overnight in Rameshwaram.

Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

Morning darshan and abhishekam at Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, followed by a visit to the 22 sacred wells inside the temple complex. Post-breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari across roughly 300 kilometres of coastal Tamil Nadu, taking about seven hours including breaks. Arrive by evening. Catch the famous Kanyakumari sunset at the triveni sangam where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean meet. Overnight in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari to Kovalam via Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Early morning sunrise viewing at the shore, followed by a boat crossing to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the adjacent Thiruvalluvar statue. This site holds particular significance for Bengali travellers on the Ramakrishna and Vivekananda pilgrimage trail. Post-lunch, drive to Kovalam, roughly 90 kilometres and two and a half hours away, on the outskirts of Trivandrum. Check in at a beachfront property. Evening at leisure by the Arabian Sea. Overnight in Kovalam.

Kovalam to Alleppey and Houseboat Check-in

After a relaxed breakfast, drive to Alleppey, covering approximately 160 kilometres in about four hours through Kollam and the coastal Kerala countryside. Check in at the private houseboat by noon, and set off through the Vembanad backwaters with an onboard chef preparing traditional Kerala meals. Cruise past paddy fields, coir villages, and toddy shops. Onboard lunch, sunset viewing from the deck, and dinner are all included in the houseboat stay. Overnight on the houseboat.

Alleppey to Munnar Tea Country

Disembark from the houseboat by nine after breakfast. Drive to Munnar, roughly 175 kilometres through the ghat road that climbs from sea level to about 1600 metres over four hours. Stops along the way include the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Check in at a Munnar hillside property with tea-estate views. Evening free to explore the Munnar market and pick up cardamom, cloves, or local tea. Overnight in Munnar.

Munnar Sightseeing and Drive to Kochi

Morning drive to Eravikulam National Park to look for the Nilgiri Tahr, followed by a stop at the Tea Museum and a working spice plantation for a guided walk. Post-lunch, drive to Kochi, roughly 130 kilometres and four hours through the western Ghats. Check in at Fort Kochi by evening. Optional Kathakali performance at a heritage venue after dinner. Overnight in Kochi.

Fort Kochi Walk and Departure to Kolkata

A leisurely morning walk through Fort Kochi covers the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry. Post-lunch, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your return flight to Kolkata. The kolkata to south india tour package concludes here with drop at the airport.