📍 India

TAMIL NADU AND KERALA: TEMPLES, BACKWATERS AND OCEAN CLIFFS

Temple spires piercing amber skies, gopurams shading pilgrim paths, backwaters reflecting moonlight. South India lives to ancient rhythms.

≈ 15
Days
1355
Km
11
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Stroll through Puducherry's colonial quarter, admire Thanjavur's sculpted temples and Srirangam's fervor. Breathe Athoor's freshness, contemplate Madurai's gopurams, follow pilgrimages to Rameswaram, cross Thekkady and its spice forests, then glide from Fort Kochi to Alappuzha's backwaters and on to the spiritual cliffs of Varkala and Kanyakumari.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Puducherry

french colonial architecture cultural blend

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10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
French Quarter of Pondicherry: shaded streets and colonial houses
2
Seaside promenade (Rock Beach), Gandhi statue
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset walk along the waterfront
→
Heritage café in a colonial house
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 175 km
Travel time: 4h
2
Day

Thanjavur

artistic temple majesty chola dynasty

Thanjavur - Photo 1Thanjavur - Photo 2Thanjavur - Photo 3Thanjavur - Photo 4Thanjavur - Photo 5Thanjavur - Photo 6Thanjavur - Photo 7Thanjavur - Photo 8Thanjavur - Photo 9Thanjavur - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Auroville: visit to the Visitors' Centre and viewpoints of the Matrimandir
2
Additional heritage quarters of Pondicherry (churches, bougainvillea)
🎯

Activities

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Handicrafts and local shops break
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Scenic route Pondicherry → Thanjavur via the Cauvery plain
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h30
3
Day

Srirangam Trichy

religious grandeur island sanctuary

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4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Brihadisvara Temple (Thanjavur): Chola granite masterpiece
2
Sculpture galleries and gopurams of the complex
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset and ritual atmosphere within the temple enclosure
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 2h30
4
Day

Athoor

mountain refuge sacred ascent

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4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam): successive enclosures and colorful gopurams
2
Overview from the authorized rooftops of the complex
🎯

Activities

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Journey Srirangam → Athoor through the Tamil Nadu countryside
→
Lakeside walk in Athoor
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 75 km
Travel time: 2h
5
Day

Madurai

sacred gopuram temple grandeur

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9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Dindigul flower market (en route)
2
Meenakshi Amman Temple (Madurai): sculpted gopurams and sanctuaries
🎯

Activities

→
Evening ritual at the temple (Shiva procession)
→
Visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 4h
6
Day

Rameswaram

pilgrimage route sacred causeway

Rameswaram - Photo 1Rameswaram - Photo 2Rameswaram - Photo 3Rameswaram - Photo 4Rameswaram - Photo 5Rameswaram - Photo 6Rameswaram - Photo 7Rameswaram - Photo 8Rameswaram - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Ramanathaswamy Temple: corridors and 22 sacred wells
2
Pamban / Indira Gandhi Bridge (view over the strait)
🎯

Activities

→
Strolling through the colorful streets of Rameswaram
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Sunset over the coastline
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 300 km
Travel time: 8h
7
Day

Kumily Thekkady

spice-scented forests fragrant wilderness

Kumily Thekkady - Photo 1Kumily Thekkady - Photo 2Kumily Thekkady - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Danushkodi: ruins and sandbanks at the end of the world
2
Coastal viewpoints before taking the road back to the Ghats
🎯

Activities

→
Arrival in Kumily (Thekkady) and check-in
→
Kathakali show in the evening
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 160 km
Travel time: 5h
8
Day

Fort Kochi

heritage harbor colonial grace

Fort Kochi - Photo 1Fort Kochi - Photo 2Fort Kochi - Photo 3Fort Kochi - Photo 4Fort Kochi - Photo 5Fort Kochi - Photo 6Fort Kochi - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Periyar Reserve: jeep safari/guided trek
2
Kumily spice garden: pepper, cardamom, cinnamon
🎯

Activities

→
Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration
→
Mountain road Kumily → Fort Kochi
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 55 km
Travel time: 1h30
9
Day

Alappuzha

iconic backwaters tropical soul

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7 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Fort Kochi: Chinese fishing nets and Gandhi Beach promenade
2
Jewish quarter (Jew Town) and Paradesi Synagogue
3
Dhobi Khana: traditional laundry
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset on Fort Kochi waterfront
→
Coastal route to Alappuzha
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 3h
10
Day

Varkala

cliff-side spirituality sacred shore

Varkala - Photo 1Varkala - Photo 2Varkala - Photo 3Varkala - Photo 4Varkala - Photo 5Varkala - Photo 6Varkala - Photo 7Varkala - Photo 8Varkala - Photo 9Varkala - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Alappuzha Backwaters: houseboat cruise through rice fields and coconut groves
2
Lake villages: stops and observation of local life
🎯

Activities

→
Disembarkation and road to Varkala
→
Walk on Varkala Cliff at dusk
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 4h
11
Day

Kanyakumari

southern tip ocean convergence

Kanyakumari - Photo 1Kanyakumari - Photo 2Kanyakumari - Photo 3Kanyakumari - Photo 4Kanyakumari - Photo 5Kanyakumari - Photo 6Kanyakumari - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Varkala: beach and viewpoints from the cliff
2
Kanyakumari: ferry to Vivekananda memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset View Point: sunset at the tip of India
→
Stroll along the coastal promenade

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🛡️ Travel advice - India

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Winter (October-March): Perfect weather, cool temperatures, dry conditions, peak tourist season, ideal touring, clear skies, advance booking essential.

Shoulder Season (April & September): Good weather, fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, reasonable prices, transitional seasons, excellent value.

Summer (April-June): Hot weather, challenging conditions, hill stations popular, lowest prices, fewer tourists, air conditioning essential.

Monsoon (June-September): Heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, romantic atmosphere, lowest prices, challenging travel, cultural experiences, spiritual season.

Regional Variations: Diverse climates, altitude differences, seasonal patterns, weather monitoring, regional planning, flexible scheduling essential.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 12 and 18 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in India?

Incredible diversity with ancient spirituality, vibrant colors, and rich cultural heritage. Experience Taj Mahal, spiritual traditions, and authentic Indian culture. The country offers cultural immersion with historical significance and culinary excellence. India provides life-changing cultural experiences with incredible diversity and spiritual depth.