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At Excel India Tours, we specialize in creating personalized excursions that cater to your specific interests. Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, our team will design the perfect itinerary just for you.
Tours
Spice Trails to Stone Temples: South India in 5 Unhurried Day
Carved in Stone, Crowned in Royalty – A Journey Through Timeless South India
Spice Trails to Stone Temples: South India in 5 Unhurried Day
Here is a perfect 5-day itinerary starting from Kochi, covering Thekkady → Madurai → Chettinad → Trichy → Tanjore efficiently without rushing.
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⭐ 5-Day Tour Itinerary (Starting from Kochi)
Kochi → Thekkady → Madurai → Chettinad → Trichy → Tanjore → Return
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DAY 1 – Kochi → Thekkady (4.5–5 hrs / 155 km)
Morning
Pick-up from Kochi (Airport
Here is a perfect 5-day itinerary starting from Kochi, covering Thekkady → Madurai → Chettinad → Trichy → Tanjore efficiently without rushing.
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⭐ 5-Day Tour Itinerary (Starting from Kochi)
Kochi → Thekkady → Madurai → Chettinad → Trichy → Tanjore → Return
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DAY 1 – Kochi → Thekkady (4.5–5 hrs / 155 km)
Morning
Pick-up from Kochi (Airport / Fort Kochi / City)
Scenic drive through rubber & tea plantations
Check-in at Thekkady
Afternoon
Periyar Lake Boat Safari (tickets recommended in advance)
Visit a spice plantation (pepper, cardamom, cinnamon)
Evening
Kalaripayattu martial arts show or Kathakali performance
Overnight: Thekkady
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DAY 2 – Thekkady → Madurai (3.5 hrs / 140 km)
Morning
After breakfast, drive to Madurai
Check-in and relax
Afternoon
Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple (2 hours)
Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace
Evening
Visit the temple again for night ceremony (Palliarai)
Taste local dishes (Murugan Idli Shop / Amma Mess)
Overnight: Madurai
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DAY 3 – Madurai → Chettinad (Karaikudi) → Trichy
Madurai → Chettinad: 2 hrs / 90 km
Chettinad → Trichy: 2 hrs / 90 km
Morning – Chettinad
Visit Chettinad Palace / Heritage Mansions
See Athangudi Handmade Tile Factory
Explore Pillaiyarpatti Temple
Lunch
Enjoy authentic Chettinad cuisine (must-try: Chicken chettinad, kuzhi paniyaram, mutton chukka)
Afternoon – Drive to Trichy
Visit Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple
Visit Rockfort Uchchipillayar Temple
Overnight: Trichy
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DAY 4 – Trichy → Tanjore (1.5 hrs / 60 km)
Morning
Drive to Tanjore
Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
Afternoon
Visit Tanjore Palace & Art Gallery
Explore Saraswathi Mahal Library
Evening
Shop for Tanjore paintings / dancing dolls
Relax at the temple for sunset photography
Overnight: Tanjore
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DAY 5 – Tanjore → Kumbakonam (optional) → Return to Kochi / Madurai / Trichy
Option A – Return to Kochi
Tanjore → Kochi: 7–8 hrs (410 km)
(Private cab recommended)
Option B – Additional sightseeing (if time allows)
Kumbakonam temples (Airavatesvara Temple – UNESCO)
Darasuram silk weaving village
Then depart
Option C – Drop at nearby airports
Trichy Airport – 1 hr
Madurai Airport – 3 hrs
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✔Summary Table
Day|Day 1 | Kochi → Thekkady | Periyar safari, spice tour, cultural shows |
|Day 2 | Thekkady → Madurai | Meenakshi Temple, Nayakar Palace |
|Day3 | Madurai → Chettinad → Trichy | Mansions, Athangudi tiles, Srirangam, Rockfort |
|Day 4 | Trichy → Tanjore | Big Temple, Palace, Library |
|Day 5 | Tanjore → Kochi / nearby airport | Optional Kumbakonam |
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South India Unveiled: From Backwaters to Temple Kingdoms
Carved in Stone, Crowned in Royalty – A Journey Through Timeless South India
Spice Trails to Stone Temples: South India in 5 Unhurried Day
South India Immersion Tour – A Journey at a Gentle Pace
This tour is specially designed for first-time visitors to India, amateur photographers, and nature lovers** who wish to experience South India in depth and at leisure.
You will explore a rich tapestry of experiences—heritage cities, serene backwaters, rice boats and houseboats, la
South India Immersion Tour – A Journey at a Gentle Pace
This tour is specially designed for first-time visitors to India, amateur photographers, and nature lovers** who wish to experience South India in depth and at leisure.
You will explore a rich tapestry of experiences—heritage cities, serene backwaters, rice boats and houseboats, lakes and rivers, misty mountains, waterfalls, spice plantations, elephants, traditional villages, farms, orchards, and the magnificent Dravidian temples of South India.
This is not a rushed itinerary. It is thoughtfully planned to allow you to truly absorb every destination, interact with local life, and enjoy the landscapes through your lens and senses.
In short, this journey is for travelers who want to experience South India, not just see it.
Why Choose This Tour
Slow-paced, experience-rich itinerary
Ideal for photography and nature appreciation
Hotels can be booked as per your preference, or we can suggest the best options
Transparent communication—every query answered promptly
Tour delivered exactly as promised
Impeccable, reliable transport for your comfort and safety
Highly competitive pricing
Responsible and ethical tourism practices
A truly memorable holiday guaranteed
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cochin
Day 2: Cochin – Heritage & City Exploration
Day 3: Cochin → Alleppey (Backwaters)
Day 4: Alleppey → Munnar
Day 5: Munnar (Tea Gardens, Waterfalls & Views)
Day 6: Munnar → Periyar (Thekkady)
Day 7: Periyar (Wildlife, Spice Plantations, Lake)
Day 8: Periyar → Madurai
Day 9: Madurai → Chettinad
Day 10: Chettinad → Trichy
Day 11: Trichy → Tanjore
Day 12: Tanjore (Temple & Heritage Exploration)
Day 13: Tanjore → Pondicherry
Day 14: Pondicherry → Mahabalipuram
Day 15: Mahabalipuram (UNESCO Monuments & Coastline)
Day 16: Mahabalipuram → Chennai Airport (Departure)
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Transportation
Comfortable air-conditioned sedan or van, depending on group size
Experienced chauffeurs familiar with local routes and conditions
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Customization
This tour can be fully customized—destinations, duration, inclusions, and exclusions—based on your interests and travel style.
📩 Contact us for the price and detailed proposal of this tour.
We’ll be happy to tailor it perfectly for you.
Carved in Stone, Crowned in Royalty – A Journey Through Timeless South India
Carved in Stone, Crowned in Royalty – A Journey Through Timeless South India
Carved in Stone, Crowned in Royalty – A Journey Through Timeless South India
Explore the architectural brilliance of the Hoysala dynasty with visits to the iconic temples of Belur and Halebeedu along with Shravanabelagola, home to Asia’s tallest monolithic stone statue of Gomateshwara (18 metres) and one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centres in India. The journey concludes in royal Mysore, renowned for i
Explore the architectural brilliance of the Hoysala dynasty with visits to the iconic temples of Belur and Halebeedu along with Shravanabelagola, home to Asia’s tallest monolithic stone statue of Gomateshwara (18 metres) and one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centres in India. The journey concludes in royal Mysore, renowned for its palaces, heritage, and silk.
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Day 01: Bangalore – Hassan
You will be picked up from Bangalore and driven to Hassan (195 km / approx. 4 hours).
On arrival, check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit:
Belur – Chennakesava Temple
Halebeedu – Hoysaleswara Temple
These masterpieces of Hoysala architecture are famed for their intricate stone carvings crafted from soft soapstone, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Hassan.
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Day 02: Hassan – Mysore
After breakfast, drive to Mysore (approx. 3 hours).
En route, visit:
Srirangapatna – the historic capital of Tipu Sultan
Somnathpur – the magnificent Chennakesava Temple, another jewel of Hoysala art
On arrival in Mysore, check in at the hotel.
In the evening, explore the local markets. If the visit falls on a Saturday or Sunday, you may also admire the Mysore Maharaja’s Palace, beautifully illuminated at night.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysore.
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Day 03: Mysore
Full day to explore the royal heritage of Mysore, the “City of Palaces”.
Today’s highlights include:
Mysore Maharaja’s Palace
Chamundi Hills & Chamundeshwari Temple
Nandi (Bull) Statue
In the evening, enjoy shopping at local markets. Mysore silk is world-famous and well worth exploring.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysore.
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Day 04: Mysore – Bangalore (Departure)
After breakfast, you will be driven back to Bangalore in time to connect with your onward journey.
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Customisation & Assistance
We are happy to customize, include, or prune the tour based on your interests and travel needs.
If you would like a tailor-made itinerary, please get in touch with us.
For any assistance, the Excel India Tours Support Team is available to help you anytime.