Southern India Tours from Chennai (Madras)
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10 best Southern India tours from Chennai (Madras)
Compiled by
MelissaChennai (Madras) travel expert at TourRadar
- Incredible South India Tour
- Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
- South India Temple Tour with Kerala (House Boat Experiences)
- Best of South India Tour
- Treasures of Southern India
- Discover South India - Premium Adventure
- Classical South India - All Inclusive
- Premium South India
- Classic South India
- South India Trails
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
Marina Beach Chennai opens the tour, followed by Fort St. George and Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple. The 1,200km route through Tamil Nadu's temple cities and Kerala's backwaters ends in Bangalore, with comfortable AC transport throughout.
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 $6,920
60% Off- NZ$2,768You save $4,152
Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic people, fantastic scenery and fantastic food. Dropping down through the mountains to Vanilla County with mist over the rainforest and waterfalls everywhere.”
Simon, traveled in November
A cultural path leads from Chennai to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram's shore temples. The route winds through Tamil Nadu's temple towns and Kerala's highlands, concluding at Fort Kochi's historic harbor after 14 memorable days.
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 trail leads from Chennai's Marina Beach and Fort St. George through Tamil Nadu's temple cities to Kerala's backwaters. Kochi marks the final stop, featuring spice markets and traditional Kathakali performances.
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 $5,002
60% Off- NZ$2,001You save $3,001
The route spans 854km from Chennai's Marina Beach to Kochi. AC vehicles transport visitors to Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple, Madurai's temples, and Kerala's backwaters.
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 $8,505
65% Off- NZ$2,977You save $5,528
Chennai's vibrant atmosphere opens the tour, followed by a 160km drive to Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple. The route winds through Tamil Nadu's temple towns to Kerala's backwaters, covering 12 cities before reaching Kochi's historic harbor, 48km from Kumarakom.
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 $5,088
60% Off- NZ$2,035You save $3,053
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
Southern India's cultural highlights roll out from Chennai (Madras), featuring Mysore Palace and Wayanad tea estates. AC minibus transport averages 3-4 hours daily, plus a scenic train journey to Kochi, ending in Varkala.
Duration 14 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Bangalore, Mysuru, Bandipur National Park, Ooty, Coonoor, Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Varkala Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $6,927
11% Off- NZ$6,160You save $767
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 trail leads from Chennai's Kapaleeshwar Temple through Southern India's cultural heartland to Kochi. Covering 960km via air-conditioned vehicle, visitors see Pondicherry's French Quarter and Kerala's backwaters before reaching historic Fort Kochi.
Duration 11 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Amazing India Tours From $2,921
5% Off- NZ$2,775You save $146
An authentic South Indian dinner welcomes visitors in Chennai before touring Tamil Nadu's cultural sites and Kerala's backwaters. Notable stops include Mamallapuram's Shore Temple, French-influenced Puducherry, and Madurai's temples, ending in historic Kochi after 13 days.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Puducherry, Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From $5,660
35% Off- NZ$3,679You save $1,981
Classic South India
28 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Chennai was a great introduction, with its history and culture, followed by the serenity of Munnar lush greenery.”
Bianca, traveled in January
A 1,200km route from Chennai's Marina Beach winds through 15 cities to Thiruvananthapuram. Highlights include Kanchipuram's thousand temples, historic Pondicherry, and Kerala's backwaters via comfortable AC transport, with stays in 3-star hotels and traditional houseboats.
Duration 15 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Munnar, Eravikulam National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Panda Experiences From
35% Off- NZ$8,017
Duration 20 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, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $16,183
50% Off- NZ$8,091You save $8,091
What people love about Southern India Tours from Chennai (Madras)
- Incredible South India Tour
We really enjoyed the whole experience. There was just the 2 of us in a comfortable car, with a driver designated for the whole trip. This gave plenty of flexibility which we particularly appreciated as the amount of time people wish to spend in temples is very variable :nice not to feel guilty about holding other people up. It also meant that we were immersed in the Indian life style for the whole of the trip. The standard of the hotels is rather variable, but on the whole the personnel in the hotels were very helpful and welcoming. We found the Indian people to be very friendly and always smiling. Quite a delight
- Cultural Wonders of Tamil Nadu & the Beaches of Andaman Islands
We had an amazing time exploring Tamil Nadu and the Andaman Islands this June with MTA. I was traveling with three friendsl. From the stunning temples and rich culture of Tamil Nadu to relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the Andamans, everything was perfectly organized by MTA. Truly a trip to remember
- 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 Southern India Tours from Chennai (Madras)
What are the most common first destinations after Chennai (Madras)?
From Chennai travelers typically head to Mahabalipuram (75 km) or Kanchipuram (65 km). Both towns are known for their ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas in Mahabalipuram. Accommodation options range from mid-range stays like the Mamalla Heritage Resort in Mahabalipuram to city hotels such as Raj Park Hotel in Chennai. A TourRadar review notes: "I particularly enjoyed visiting Madurai and Kanchipuram right after Chennai the temples were absolutely magnificent."
What's the best time of year to start a tour from Chennai (Madras)?
The most comfortable time to visit Chennai is between November and March when temperatures stay between 20-30°C with lower humidity. Tour operators run most of their departures during this period. The summer months from April to June bring intense heat with temperatures up to 40°C making sightseeing more challenging. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "We went in January and the weather was perfect for sightseeing in Chennai and throughout Tamil Nadu."
What are the main cultural highlights I can expect to see when starting a tour from Chennai (Madras)?
Chennai's key attractions include the historic Kapaleeshwar Temple Fort St. George Marina Beach (the world's second-longest) and the Kalakshetra cultural center. Most tours spend 2-3 days exploring the city before moving to nearby sites like Mahabalipuram's UNESCO Heritage temples including the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The temples and cultural sites were absolutely breathtaking especially the ancient Shore Temple complex in Mahabalipuram."
What kind of transportation is provided for tours starting in Chennai (Madras)?
Tours provide air-conditioned private vehicles with professional drivers for all transfers and sightseeing. Small groups of 1-2 travelers usually ride in Toyota Etios while groups of 3-4 use Toyota Innova vehicles. Larger groups travel in mini-vans. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The transport was very comfortable with an excellent driver who knew all the routes well and kept us safe throughout the journey from Chennai."
What accommodation options are available for tours starting in Chennai (Madras)?
Accommodation ranges from 3-star to 5-star properties. Chennai's popular choices include the luxury ITC Grand Chola the 4-star The Raintree and the 3-star Raj Park. All hotels typically include breakfast and standard amenities. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The hotels were comfortable and the guides were very knowledgeable. I especially loved the 4-star accommodations in Chennai at The Raintree with its excellent service."
How many destinations are typically covered in tours starting from Chennai?
Most Chennai-based tours visit between 8-11 major locations including Mahabalipuram Pondicherry Thanjavur Madurai and Kerala's backwaters. Tours generally conclude in either Cochin or Bangalore. Tour operator data shows that depending on trip duration itineraries cover between 8-13 cities.
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