Tamil Nadu & Kerala Family Tour

All our tours are customizable.

This journey takes you through the heart of South India, where ancient temples, vibrant towns, and lush landscapes come together to create unforgettable family memories. From exploring the stone-carved wonders of Mahabalipuram and the colorful streets of Pondicherry to standing in awe at Thanjavur’s grand temple and Madurai’s lively markets, each day offers a new cultural discovery. In Kerala, the pace slows down as you wander through tea-covered hills, glide along Alleppey’s backwaters on a houseboat, and relax on the golden sands of Marari Beach. Blending heritage, nature, and hands-on experiences like cooking classes and village walks, this tour is designed for families who want both adventure and relaxation—while staying in charming boutique hotels and heritage homes that feel truly personal.

Tour Highlights

Village Life in Mahabalipuram
Sacred Temples & Heritage
Madurai’s Living Culture
Houseboat Cruise
Bamboo Rafting in Periyar Tiger Reserve
Marari Beach Escape

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Mahabalipuram

Activity: Airport pickup and transfer to hotel, Village activities

Hotel: Marutham Village Resort

Meals: Breakfast

Details

On arrival at Chennai airport, you will be transferred to Mahabalipuram, a 1.5-hour drive. Check in at Marutham Village Resort, a serene escape that blends rustic charm with authentic village life. From milking cows at dawn to walking through lush crop fields, every experience here reconnects you with nature and tradition. Enjoy bullock cart rides, folk dances, and pottery sessions that bring alive the joy of rural living

Day 2 – Mahabalipuram

Activity: Visit Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram

Hotel: Marutham Village Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour drive to Kanchipuram, one of India’s oldest living cities, known for its spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage. Explore its magnificent temples such as Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, and Kamakshi Amman Temple, each a fine example of Dravidian architecture. The town is also world-famous for its handwoven silk sarees, a tradition carried on for over 400 years. In the afternoon, return to Mahabalipuram to discover its UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Visit the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the grand Arjuna’s Penance, the Five Rathas, and the Pancha Pandava Cave, each telling a timeless story in stone. Overnight stay at Marutham village resort.

Day 3 – Pondicherry

Activity: Pondicherry sightseeing

Hotel: Villa Helena

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, drive 2 hours along the East Coast Road to Pondicherry. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to Auroville, the unique international community dedicated to peace and harmony, and stroll through the charming heritage streets of the French Quarter, with its colonial architecture, colorful cafés, and vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay at Villa Helena Heritage Hotel.

Day 4 – Thanjavur

Activity: Visit big temple and local bronze workshop

Hotel: Sangam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, drive 3 hours to Thanjavur, located in the fertile Cauvery basin and known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, visit the magnificent Brihadiswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 11th century by the great Chola King Raja Raja Chola I, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the “Great Living Chola Temples.” Its towering Vimana, the tallest in South India, along with exquisite sculptures, showcases the grandeur of Dravidian architecture. Later, visit a local bronze casting workshop to see the region’s traditional craftsmanship. Overnight stay in Riverview Resort Thanjavur

Day 5 – Chettinad

Activity: Heritage walk and cooking class

Hotel: Chettinad Mansion

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

In the morning, drive 2 hours to Chettinad, the land of the Chettiars, renowned for its palatial mansions and temples with distinctive architecture. Check in at a beautifully preserved heritage mansion, reflecting the grandeur and lifestyle of the Chettiyars. Later, enjoy a guided heritage walk through the remarkable streets, where each mansion tells a story of prosperity and tradition. Food is at the heart of Chettinad—savor the region’s legendary cuisine, rich with bold spices and aromatic masalas. Take part in an interactive cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn the secrets of blending spices and preparing authentic dishes. Relish a traditional lunch and dinner at the mansion, making your culinary experience truly unforgettable. Overnight stay at Chettinad Mansion.

Day 6 – Madurai

Activity: visit to Madurai temple

Hotel: Fortune Pandian

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, drive 2 hours to Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in India. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural masterpiece and vibrant spiritual hub of South India. Later, stroll through the bustling local markets, alive with colorful flowers, fresh produce, silks, and handicrafts, offering a true taste of daily life in Madurai. In the evening, experience the fascinating night ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple with a local guide—an unforgettable cultural ritual filled with devotion and tradition

Day 7 – Munnar

Activity: Drive to Munnar

Hotel: Olive Brook

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Drive into the Western Ghats to Munnar, a hill station of rolling tea estates and misty hills. Relax at your nature hotel, soaking in the cool mountain air and tranquil garden surroundings.In the evening, simply relax in the serene garden of the hotel, soaking in the cool mountain air.

Day 8 – Munnar

Activity: Tea plantation hike, tea factory visit and Wravikulam national park

Hotel: Olive Brook

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Take a guided hike through tea plantations, learning about tea cultivation and enjoying panoramic views of valleys. Visit a tea factory to see how leaves are transformed into fine teas. Evening at leisure.

Day 9 – Alleppey

Activity: Houseboat Cruise

Hotel: Emerald Isle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, transfer to Alappuzha – On arrival in Alappuzha, board your private houseboat for an unforgettable overnight backwater cruise. Drift through serene rivers and canals, witnessing the daily life of village communities fishing, washing, and duck farming along the shores. Savor freshly prepared meals on board, including the region’s delicacy, pearl spot fish.

Day 10 – Marari

Activity: Leisure at Beach

Hotel: Turtle Beach

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

A short drive brings you to Marari Beach. Spend the day at leisure play on the beach, swim in the Arabian Sea, or simply relax at your beachfront resort. Overnight at Turtle Beach Resort.

Day 11 – Departure

Details

It’s the time to say Adieu, with fond memories of the ride through the biodiverse and culture-rich Western Ghats. We will be happy to drop you at the Cochin International Airport. If you have a couple of days more left, the add-on tour program offers more experiences of the beach and backwaters of Kerala as you can read through below.

Gallery

Inclusions

Tent / Guest House Accommodation on Twin Share
Meals as per itinerary
Refreshments and Drinking Water
All activities including Walks and Visits as per Itinerary
English Speaking Guide
Entry Fee at Forest, Temple, Plantation etc
Support Vehicle
Government Taxes

Route map

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Tamil Nadu & Kerala Family Tour

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Family holiday through South India, exploring royal palaces, vibrant wildlife, misty hill stations, spice gardens, tranquil backwaters, & golden beaches – journey blending culture, nature, & relaxation.