© Tourcan Vacations
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Trip type
- Group size
Overview
This South India cultural journey combines historic cities, coastal heritage, scenic backwaters and distinctive local experiences, travelling from Chennai through Mysore, Cochin, Alleppey and Kumarakom before concluding in Delhi. The journey offers a varied introduction to South India through architecture, palaces, markets, rail and air travel, and a memorable Kerala backwater experience.
The itinerary begins in Chennai with an excursion to the historic coastal town of Mahabalipuram, featuring its Rathas, Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, caves and Mandapams. The journey continues by Shatabdi Express to Mysore, where experiences include Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill and the Nandi Bull, Chamundeswari Temple and Devraj Fruit & Vegetable Market. From there, travel continues via Bangalore to Cochin and onward to Alleppey for a Premium Houseboat experience through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, passing villages, snake boat docks, coir-making communities, fishing nets and paddy fields. The following day brings a stay in Kumarakom, described as a heritage resort on a small island with traditional Kerala-style cottages, before returning via Cochin to Delhi and departing for home.
The route
Day by day, at a glance
Day 1 · Chennai
Arrive Chennai
Day 2 · Chennai
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Chennai
Day 3 · Mysore
Chennai - Mysore
Day 4 · Cochin
Mysore - Bangalore Airport - Cochin
Day 5 · Alleppey
Cochin - Alleppey - Houseboat
Day 6 · Kumarakom
Houseboat - Kumarakom
Day 7 · Delhi
Kumarakom - Cochin - Delhi
Day 8 · New Delhi
Depart New Delhi
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 · Chennai
Arrive Chennai
Depart on an evening 9W flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, you will be warmly met by a representative, who will provide assistance and transfer to your accommodation to check-in. Overnight: Chennai
Day 2 · Chennai
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Chennai
Activities: • 64 kms from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a beautiful coastal town and the birthplace of art and architecture in South India. • Attractions: Rathas (Chariots), Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Varaha Mandapa and Mandapams. Overnight: Chennai – (B)
BreakfastDay 3 · Mysore
Chennai - Mysore
Activities: • A ride on India’s flagship t2007 Shatabdi Express train service brings you to tour Mysore. • This salubrious and charming city lies 770 m above sea level is an easy-going city famous for it’s silk and is also a thriving sandalwood and incense centre. The city is steeped in history. The Mysore Palace, built in Indo – Saracenic style is one of the largest and most brilliant palaces in India. It’s a kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and colours. There are beautiful carved wooden doors, mosaic floors, as well as exquisite paintings. • Half-way up the Chamundi Hill is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. It was carved out of solid rock and is one of the largest in India. Hordes of pilgrims come here throughout the year. Right on top is the 2000 year old Chamundeswari Temple. The temple provides a typical festive atmosphere without overwhelming religious overtures. • In Mysore you will also visit the incredibly colourful Devraj Fruit & Vegetable Market. Overnight: Mysore – (B)
BreakfastDay 4 · Cochin
Mysore - Bangalore Airport - Cochin
Activities: • A three hour drive to Bangalore airport for a short 9W flight to Cochin. Overnight: Cochin – (B)
BreakfastDay 5 · Alleppey
Cochin - Alleppey - Houseboat
Activities: • After the tour of Cochin, late morning board the Houseboat for a unique experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala. The material that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. • Cruise through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day’s catch, bunded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other. Overnight: Premium Houseboat – (B, L, D)
Premium HouseboatBreakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 6 · Kumarakom
Houseboat - Kumarakom
Activities: • Disembark at the exotic Resort, Kumarakom is the ideal place to experience the fascinating lifestyles of the backwaters. The Resort, which has rightly carved its place among the top 10 heritage resorts of the world. The resort is on a small island and can be reached only by a boat. The accommodation consists of indiviual cottages built in the traditional Kerala style, relying heavily on wood and some with private pools. Overnight: Kumarakom – (B)
BreakfastDay 7 · Delhi
Kumarakom - Cochin - Delhi
Activities: • Proceed to Cochin airport for your flight to Delhi. An afternoon flight from Cochin airport brings you to Delhi. Overnight: Delhi – (B)
BreakfastDay 8 · New Delhi
Depart New Delhi
Departure: Early morning depart for home city. Meals as per itinerary: (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Where you'll stay
Accommodations
Day 5 · Alleppey
Premium Houseboat
How it works
Made to order
- Every Tourcan trip is built by a specialist, not a template — the route, hotels, and pace are tuned to how you want to travel.
- Dates are flexible. There are no fixed departures; we plan around your calendar.
- Quotes and bookings happen by phone and email with your specialist — no automated checkout, just a real conversation.
What's included
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- Accommodations Per Person Sharing, including hotel taxes
- Arrival & departure transfers where applicable
- Local guides where applicable
- Meals per itinerary
- Park entrance fees and sightseeing fees where applicable
- Applicable transportation
Not included
- Airfare and air taxes
- Cancellation, baggage, travel and medical insurance
- Items of a personal nature such as baggage porterage, gratuities/tips, laundry, telephone calls, bottled water, etc.
- Visa and visa fees
- Optional sightseeing and activities
- Meals, beverages and services not mentioned in itinerary
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the price of any Tourcan itinerary. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and baggage.