India Tours from Chennai (Madras)
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10 best India tour packages from Chennai (Madras)
Compiled by
MelissaIndia travel expert at TourRadar
- Premium South India
- Best of South India Tour
- Classical South India - All Inclusive
- Discover South India - Premium Adventure
- South India Temple Tour with Kerala (House Boat Experiences)
- 17 Days India Drávida (India Dravid), Private Tour
- Boutique South India Tour
- South India Tour
- Treasures of Southern India
- Southern India Experience
Chennai's first chain restaurant hosts a welcome dinner before the Tamil Nadu and Kerala adventure begins. The East Coast Road leads to Mamallapuram's 8th-century Shore Temple, through French-influenced Puducherry, ending with Kerala backwater houseboating in historic Kochi.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Puducherry, Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Premium From
- NZ$5,480
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $8,376
68% Off- NZ$2,680You save $5,696
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 15 to 100 year olds Operator Amazing India Tours From
68% Off- NZ$2,907
Discover South India - Premium Adventure
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We have been on lots of Exodus holidays and this was our first 'Premium' holiday. It ranks as one of the best we've done.”
Susan, traveled in January
This 14-day South Indian adventure from Chennai concludes in Varkala. Marvel at Mysore's illuminated palace, wander through Coorg's misty spice plantations, and ride Ooty's historic toy train. Transportation includes private AC minibus journeys and a scenic train ride from Coimbatore to Kochi.
Duration 14 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Bangalore, Mysuru, Bandipur National Park, Ooty, Coonoor, Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Varkala Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $6,927
11% Off- NZ$6,160You save $767
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 1 to 85 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator World Travel Experiences From $4,926
65% Off- NZ$1,724You save $3,202
17 Days India Drávida (India Dravid), Private Tour
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Visiting the rock monuments of Mahabalipuram and Meenaskhi Temple are amongst the top highlights.”
Martin, traveled in February
Your 17-day route starts in Chennai at Fort St. George and St. Mary's Church. The path leads through Tamil Nadu to Mumbai, featuring stops at Marina Beach promenade and San Thome Basilica. The tour spans 21 cities, including Kanchipuram's 125 ancient shrines and Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple, culminating at Mumbai's Gateway of India.
Duration 17 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Swamimalai, Thanjavur, Trichy, MaduraiSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Le Passage to India From $7,581
15% Off- NZ$6,444You save $1,137
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $5,482
65% Off- NZ$1,919You save $3,563
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $8,296
70% Off- NZ$2,489You save $5,807
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $5,011
63% Off- NZ$1,854You save $3,157
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $6,537
68% Off- NZ$2,092You save $4,445
What people love about India Tours from Chennai (Madras)
- 17 Days India Drávida (India Dravid), Private Tour
The tour was beautifully put together, everyday was a fantastic discovery of inimaginable places. South India is really something worth discovering, some adjustments can be done to the itinerary to balance 2 or 3 days which were too charged with activities, but other than that I enjoyed all aspects of the tour. The tour organizer was constantly in touch with me to ensure that everything worked well and I thank him specially for that.
- Cultural Wonders of Tamil Nadu & the Beaches of Andaman Islands
excellent service and treatment
- Classical South India - Tamilnadu And Kerala !
Both Sathish (2 days) and Megesh (8 days) were excellent drivers and made us feel very welcomed. They arrived exactly when arranged and the car was always clean and well stocked with water. All the guides were extremely knowledgeable and we learned so much. The hotels were wonderful with a special call out to the Ideal Resort, Chidambara Vilas which was my favorite, the Heritage Madurai, Poetreee Sarovar and the Meridien. The breakfasts, dinners and service were all fantastic. The Lemon Tree had a few issues: The bathroom was not clean and the plumbing did not work well in both the shower and toilet. The furniture was not clean and the check-in and check-out process was very slow. I understand that they had suffered a flood the year before so perhaps it was taking some time to get things working again. I would not recommend this hotel. The view of the lake was, however, very beautiful. Thank you Tourradar/MTA for making my first trip to India so special. I will be back soon for another adventure and i will certainly recommend you whenever i get the chance. Thanks again. Sue Tattersfield
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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