India Tours from Chennai (Madras)
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10 best India tour packages from Chennai (Madras)
Compiled by

MelissaIndia travel expert at TourRadar
- Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
- South India Temple Tour with Kerala (House Boat Experiences)
- Best of South India Tour
- Classical South India - All Inclusive
- Discover South India - Premium Adventure
- Incredible South India Tour
- Southern India Experience
- South India Tour
- Treasures of Southern India
- Boutique South India Tour
Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The amazing people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There cheers, waving and welcome.”
Alastair, traveled in March
A 14-day route from Chennai weaves through Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Highlights include Mahabalipuram's shore temples, historic Pondicherry, and temple-rich Madurai. The finale in coastal Kochi follows cycling through Thekkady's spice plantations and Kerala's backwaters via houseboat.
Duration 14 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Auroville, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, VagamonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $6,377
10% Off- NZ$5,720You save $657
South India Temple Tour with Kerala (House Boat Experiences)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the breathtaking temples of Tamil Nadu, the tea plantations of Munnar, to the backwaters of Kerala, it had it all.”
Yassine, traveled in February
A 13-day, 1000km route stretches from Chennai's Marina Beach and Fort St. George through Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Private AC transport links major sites including Kanchipuram's ancient temples, Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple, culminating in Kochi's backwater cruises and spice markets.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Munnar, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator World Travel Experiences From $5,074
60% Off- NZ$2,030You save $3,045
South India unfolds over 13 days from Chennai's Marina Beach and Fort St. George to historic Kochi, covering 854km. AC vehicles transport visitors through Puducherry, Thanjavur, and Madurai, featuring Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kumarakom, AlleppeySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $8,629
65% Off- NZ$3,020You save $5,609
Classical South India - All Inclusive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accomodation was very good and so was the food. We felt we could have had more to do and see in Chennai.”
CAROLYN, traveled in January
The route from Chennai's Kapaleeshwar Temple spans 9 cities to historic Kochi. The 960km air-conditioned journey showcases UNESCO sites including Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple and Thanjavur's Brihadeeswara Temple, concluding with Kerala's backwater houseboat adventures.
Duration 11 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Amazing India Tours From $2,953
5% Off- NZ$2,806You save $148
Incredible South India Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We found the Indian people to be very friendly and always smiling. Quite a delight.”
Elizabeth, traveled in November
An 18-day expedition covers 17 cities from Chennai's Marina Beach to Bangalore. Highlights include the UNESCO Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, and Kerala's backwater houseboats. AC vehicles transport visitors across 1,200km through Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Duration 18 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Munnar, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator World Travel Experiences From $7,021
60% Off- NZ$2,808You save $4,213
Marina Beach and Fort St. George mark the start of this 780km South Indian expedition. The path leads through Kanchipuram's temple city to Mahabalipuram, onward to Kumbakonam, Trichy, and Madurai, finishing in Kochi with traditional Kathakali performances.
Duration 12 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, KumarakomSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $6,734
65% Off- NZ$2,357You save $4,377
The 1261km route links 14 cities from Chennai's Marina Beach to Thiruvananthapuram. AC vehicles traverse historical Kanchipuram (140km), coastal Mahabalipuram, French-influenced Puducherry (110km), and temple city Madurai (354km), concluding at Alleppey's backwaters.
Duration 15 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Munnar, Kochi (Cochin)See all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $8,546
70% Off- NZ$2,564You save $5,982
A 13-day route from Chennai's bustling streets connects 12 Southern Indian cities to historic Kochi. The 160km drive to Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry's French Quarter, and 180km to Thanjavur's temples lead to a peaceful 48km finale from Kumarakom to Kochi.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy, Karaikudi, Madurai, Munnar, Eravikulam National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $5,162
60% Off- NZ$2,065You save $3,097
A 12-day route from Chennai's Marina Beach and Fort St. George winds through Puducherry, Thanjavur, and Kodaikanal. Kerala's Munnar tea estates appear before Kochi's finale, featuring Chinese Fishing Nets and Fort Kochi. AC vehicles cover 1030km across South India.
Duration 12 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Puducherry, Thanjavur, Munnar, Mararikulam, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $5,647
65% Off- NZ$1,976You save $3,671
What people love about India Tours from Chennai (Madras)
- The Temple Run
Without Bout and their guides we would never have known to visit the amazing caves, iconic buildings and experiences we discovered. From the Mumbai slums to the grandeur of the Mini Taj Mahal..pretty much everything was unexpected and of great interest. They checked in with us several times a day and handled many last minute changes with a can do smile. When you travel afar you hope for a safe friendly pair of hands
- Incredible South India Tour
Overall, we were very pleased with this tour. It provided a fine introduction to south India , showing us a wide vareity of landscapes and historical sites. The driver, Loukesh, was excellent. Throughout there was a problem with the poor quality of spoken English, in particular on the part of the local tourist guides. Most of the hotels were adequate but in two cases we found them uinsatisfactory. (Details can be provided.)
- Cultural Wonders of Tamil Nadu & the Beaches of Andaman Islands
excellent service and treatment
What our customers ask about India Tours from Chennai (Madras)
What's the typical duration of tours starting from Chennai (Madras)?
Chennai-based tours span from quick 2-day excursions to extended 15-day journeys through South India. Most cultural tours run 8 to 14 days allowing travelers to explore the region at a comfortable pace. The popular "Temple Trail of Tamil Nadu" takes 8 days to visit important religious sites while longer itineraries like the "South India Tour" stretch across 15 days connecting Chennai with Pondicherry Madurai and Kerala. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The tour gave us an excellent overview of South India's diversity and cultural heritage starting from the vibrant city of Chennai."
What is the typical travel time from Chennai (Madras) to next major destinations?
Key destinations are within reasonable driving distance from Chennai. Mahabalipuram sits 120km away taking 3-4 hours by road while Pondicherry requires 4-5 hours to cover 170km. The journey to Thanjavur spans 350km usually taking 5-6 hours. Tours typically use air-conditioned vehicles such as Toyota Innova for transfers. A TourRadar review states: "Our driver Mutu made the journeys comfortable and interesting sharing local knowledge throughout the transfers."
What accommodation options are available in Chennai (Madras)?
Chennai's lodging scene covers all budget ranges. The ITC Grand Chola and The Leela Palace stand out in the luxury segment while The Raintree and Accord Metropolitan serve mid-range travelers well. Budget-conscious visitors often choose properties like the Raj Park and MGM East Woods. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The ITC Grand Chola in Chennai was exceptional offering world-class amenities and service."
What are the best day trips from Chennai (Madras)?
Day trips from Chennai focus on two main destinations: Kanchipuram known as the City of 1000 Temples and Mahabalipuram a UNESCO Heritage site. Visitors to Mahabalipuram explore the Shore Temple Five Rathas and Arjuna's Penance rock carvings. Accommodation options near these sites include the Radisson Temple Bay and Fisherman's Cove. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The day trip to Mahabalipuram was a highlight with its incredible ancient temples and seaside location."
What's the best season to start a tour from Chennai (Madras)?
November through February offers the most pleasant weather for Chennai tours with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and minimal rain. The summer months from March to June bring intense heat and humidity while October through December may see monsoon rains. Winter months consistently receive positive feedback from travelers for outdoor activities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We started our tour in December and found the weather perfect for exploring Chennai's outdoor attractions."
What are the most popular first-day activities when starting a tour in Chennai (Madras)?
First-day itineraries typically cover Chennai's main attractions: Marina Beach (the world's second-largest) Fort St. George Kapaleeshwar Temple and Santhome Cathedral. Tours often start with a city center walking tour followed by a traditional welcome dinner. Popular accommodation choices include The Raintree or ITC Grand Chola. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Starting the tour in Chennai gave us a perfect introduction to South Indian culture and architecture."
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