Southern Soul

About this journey

Follow India’s southern coast into a world of ancient temples, extraordinary cuisine, spice-scented hills, wildlife and tranquil backwaters—discovering the rich traditions and slower rhythms of South India.

Chennai → Pondicherry → Thanjavur → Chettinad → Madurai → Periyar → Kerala Backwaters → Kochi

Standing at the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram with locals who became friends — that is what South India gave us.

Duration10–14 days

PaceRelaxed & cultural

RegionKerala & Tamil Nadu

StyleCoast & temples

Perfect for

Culture & history enthusiasts
Food lovers
Coastal scenery seekers
Small groups & families
Travellers who enjoy gentle pacing

See it for yourself

Real moments from our tours — not stock photography. Scroll through and imagine yourself in the frame.

Chinese fishing nets at sunset, Kochi — The iconic Kochi sunset — better in person than any photograph

Group at Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram — UNESCO heritage and genuine cultural exchange

Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, Kerala — Ancient martial arts brought to life before your eyes

Group night tour between auto-rickshaws — The city comes alive after dark

Street food from a banana leaf — Eat like a local — fingers, flavours, and all

What you will experience

You will cruise past Chinese fishing nets at golden hour, walk temple towns in traditional dress, watch Kalaripayattu warriors move with impossible grace, and eat your way through night markets where every stall tells a story. South India rewards curiosity — and this itinerary is built for the curious.

Tourists in traditional veshti at temple market

Fun moment at South Indian temple gopuram

Highlights

Kochi sunset cruise past Chinese fishing nets
UNESCO temples at Mahabalipuram and Thanjavur
Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration
Traditional thali meals and night market food tours
Cultural dress experiences and local family encounters

Fresh from our latest journeys

Recently captured on tour — real travellers, real moments, adding even more life to every itinerary.

Close-up of steaming chai being poured from a ladle into a weathered metal pot at a street stall — A street vendor pours frothy masala chai in a timeless Indian tea-making ritual

Panchamukha Shiva Lingam with marigold offerings nestled at the base of an old tree — A serene roadside shrine with marigolds and rose petals honors Lord Shiva beneath an ancient tree

A string of lemons and green and red chili peppers hung as a traditional Indian protective charm — The iconic nimbu-mirchi talisman wards off the evil eye at shops and homes across India

Suggested itinerary

Day 1 — Kochi

Arrive and settle in. Evening walk to the Chinese fishing nets as the sun sets over the harbour — your first taste of coastal Kerala.

Day 2 — Backwaters

Morning backwater cruise through palm-fringed canals. Afternoon spice market visit and a traditional Kerala lunch.

Day 3 — Mahabalipuram

Drive south to the coast. Shore Temple at golden hour and a guided walk through UNESCO rock-cut monuments.

Day 4 — Thanjavur

Full temple circuit with an expert guide. Brihadisvara Temple, Chola bronzes, and a banana-leaf thali lunch.

Day 5 — Chennai

Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration, final night market food tour, and departure from Chennai.

Good to know

Best season: November to February for comfortable coastal weather
Accommodation: boutique hotels and heritage properties along the coast
Includes: guided temple visits, food experiences, and all inter-city transfers
Dress code: modest clothing required at temples; we provide guidance and optional traditional dress

South India does not shout — it whispers, and those who listen are rewarded with some of the most profound travel experiences India offers. Come ready to taste, to learn, and to be surprised.