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East to West Coast: Southern India
9 days, Māmallapuram to Kochi
We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.
We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.
Southern India is a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and calm — and this adventures takes you straight into its heart. Wander the sculpted temples of Mamallapuram, explore the coastal charm of Puducherry's tree-lined streets, and lose yourself in Madurai’s vibrant Meenakshi complex. Between temple visits, you’ll taste spices where they’re grown, float through Kerala’s famous backwaters, and discover daily life in bustling markets and quiet villages. It’s history, nature, and culture rolled into one unforgettable adventure.
9 days
Māmallapuram to Kochi
From$622USD
was
$829
Valid on
Apr 3 2026
Trip Code: AHMA
Special Offers
Expires on Feb 03, 2026 04:59 UTC
Promo Code G26GAV025ADV02GAS
Expires on Feb 03, 2026 04:59 UTC
Promo Code G26GAV025ADV04GAS
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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View our Entry Requirements toolSee how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Māmallapuram
Arrive at anytime. Join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting this evening, followed by an orientation walk of Mamallapuram.
Day 2Māmallapuram
An early morning is dedicated to a tour of the Shore Temple, an iconic complex of temples and shrines known to the be one of the oldest stone temples in India, and best viewed at sunrise. After an incredible walking tour, take the remainder of the day for your own exploration of Mamallapuram. Most use this time to enjoy a visit to the beach or a yoga class.
Day 3Māmallapuram/Puducherry
In the morning, drive to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), formerly the largest French Colony in India and an important trading town. There is a strong French influence in the city's layout, with wide boulevards and French-style houses, but the city is undoubtedly Indian.
Day 4Puducherry/Madurai
Travel inland to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Day 5Madurai
Hop on a cycle rickshaw for a tour of the city before visiting the famous Meenakshi Temple.
Day 6Madurai/Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady this morning. Thekkady, adjacent to Periyar National Park, is the spice capital of India. Take a guided tour of spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore Thekkady how you wish maybe on a boat tour on Periyar Lake or an ayurvedic massage.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 7Thekkady/Kerala Backwaters
Travel down to Allepey and catch a private boat for the short ride to the village homestay. In the afternoon, explore the island with a local person to observe the different facets of local life — it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live in this unique location. Just before sunset, hop on a small country boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 8Kerala Backwaters/Kochi
Spend the morning enjoying your last moments with your host family before departing for Kochi. On the way, stop at your G Adventures-supported project TWE, a coop run by local women, for lunch. Head out for an orientation walk after arrival in Kochi, then enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, a form of traditional dancing from Kerala.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Kochi
Depart at any time.
What's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Kerala Backwaters Homestay, Alleppey
- Free Time in Mamallapuram
- Sunrise Shore Temple Visit
- Orientation walk in Puducherry
- Free time in Puducherry
- Meenakshi Temple Visit
- Cycle-Rickshaw Tour
- Cardamom Hills Spice Plantation Tour
- Free Time in Thekkady
- Boat through Kerala Backwaters
- Kerala Backwaters Homestay
- Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project
- Orientation Walk in Kochi
- Kathakali Dance
Accommodations
Hotels (7 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share).
Meals
1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Allow USD175-230 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private Vehicle, Train, Boat, Walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
My Own Room - From $319.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.