South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters worth booking?
South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters is a 312-hour experience in Chennai, India, from $1,750 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 10 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (10)
- Duration
- 312 hours
- From
- $1,750 per person
Travel to the two southern most states of India, neighboring each other yet incredibly different. While Kerala is known for its backwaters and palm fringed areas, Tamil Nadu is an exemplary example of temple architecture. On this remarkable tour, explore the years old temples at Madurai, Thanjavur and Mahabalipuram; walk through the tea and spice plantations in Munnar and praise the pristine beauty of Kerala as the houseboat cruises through the backwaters in this tour of 12 Nights/ 13 Days.
What you get
About this experience
Travel to the two southern most states of India, neighboring each other yet incredibly different. While Kerala is known for its backwaters and palm fringed areas, Tamil Nadu is an exemplary example of temple architecture. On this remarkable tour, explore the years old temples at Madurai, Thanjavur and Mahabalipuram; walk through the tea and spice plantations in Munnar and praise the pristine beauty of Kerala as the houseboat cruises through the backwaters in this tour of 12 Nights/ 13 Days.
What's included
Included
- All the sightseeing in an air-conditioned private vehicle as per itinerary
- Lunch
- Airport transfer along with assistance in Chennai and Cohin
- Room with all meals during stay in Houseboat at Alleppey
- Dinner
- 01 Boat ride in Thekkady
- Breakfast
- English Speaking Guide for sightseeing
- Accommodation on single/ twin/ triple sharing basis using 3 star hotels.
- 12 Nights accommodation in 3 Star hotels
Not included
- Any Monument fees
- Entry fees to the Periyar National Park, Thekkady
- Services of vehicle on leisure days and after finishing the sightseeing tour
- Travel / Medical Insurance.
- Any kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tour / Extra Meals Ordered.
- Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary / stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health and roadblocks and / or any factors beyond control.
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GeTS Holidays
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The houseboat will be anchored near rice paddies for lunch and then resume cruise. In evening, tea/coffee and snacks will be served. The boat will be anchored near village for night stay as cruising is not possible at night since during this time the local fishermen put their nets. Dinner will be served onboard.
- The boat ride/ park ride in Periyar National Park is subjected to the accessibility
- Cruising of the Houseboat is subjected to the weather condition
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A fantastic introduction to India
Our whole Indian adventure was planned by Gets. We did the Golden Triangle. Delhi Agra and Jaipur and then flew to Kochi and visited some amazing places in Kerala. Port Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Allepey and Marari Beach. The whole trip was excellent. Mr Santosh and Mr Azhar organised everything for us. From first contacting them, they were always there for us. Communication with them was excellent and we felt they really looked after us. We told them what we wanted to do and they planned the trip for us, booking the hotels and the activities. All the guides they provided and the drivers were excellent and on the Indian roads you need to feel you are in safe hands, and we did. A special thanks to Anil in the north who drove us around the golden triangle in a calm measured manner. Also in Kerala our fabulous driver Noufel who was our driver, guide and friend. They were never late for anything and always so helpful and patient especially when we slipped into shops for a look and ended up being there for much longer. In Delhi our guide was Sunil whose knowledge and photography was second to none. In Jaipur and Agra we had the amazing Sagar who showed us around and took us to fabulous restaurants. Thank you Sagar. The hotels they booked for us were all great - we enjoyed them all. Thank you Gets holidays for giving us a trip of a lifetime. I would (and already have done) recommend you to anyone planning an Indian trip. I have travelled a lot and with many different good tour companies but I can honestly say this is the best company I’ve travelled with.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for a lovely review. we are delighted to know that your journey through the Golden Triangle and Kerala was such a memorable experience. It is wonderful to hear that you felt well looked after from your very first contact with us. Our team's planning, communication, and attention to your preferences helped create a smooth and enjoyable trip. Your trust means a great deal to our entire team. We also appreciate your kind words about our drivers and tour guides. Your recommendation is truly humbling and motivates us to continue delivering the highest level of service. We would be delighted to welcome you back to India for another unforgettable journey.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable holiday
Good morning! I did with this agency a private tour of South India from August 16 to 30. The whole organization was great and I was very satisfied with the services received, driver, guides, hotel. Special thanks to Ajay, Santosh and Azhar for their daily support throughout the tour.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Absolutely recommended
I have just returned from the tour of South India. The Travel Organization and Timeline was very accurate and the timing was always respected. Excellent value for money between quality of services and hotel. Hotels in some places I would recommend them closer to the center. Some really prepared guides. A sincere thanks goes to all the staff. In particular Aiay, who speaks perfect Italian, Santosh and Azhar, who followed me and supported me from the beginning to the end of the journey, daily and solicitously. Thanks again to the driver PraKash, serious, kind, attentive and helpful. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Dear Carmela, La ringraziamo per questa splendida recensione – ci ha davvero reso speciale la giornata! La puntualità è una delle nostre principali aree di attenzione; tuttavia, data l’ampiezza e la vivacità dell’India, rispettare rigorosamente i tempi può a volte essere impegnativo. Siamo felici di essere riusciti a condurre il programma ordinatamente durante il suo viaggio. Siamo altrettanto lieti di sapere che abbiamo soddisfatto le sue aspettative in termini di qualità dei servizi, sistemazioni alberghiere e comunicazione. Un ringraziamento speciale per aver riconosciuto l’impegno dei nostri membri del team – significa davvero molto per noi. Le sue raccomandazioni hanno un grande valore e non vediamo l’ora di avere presto il piacere di servirLa nuovamente.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Kerala extraordinary tour
We chose Gets holidays for the third time this year to tour Kerala after choosing it in 2019 and 2020 for the North India tour. Also this time we were satisfied in every request and need! We especially thank Azhar and Santosh who made our trip to Kerala memorable. We hope there will also be the fourth chance to travel to India with you🙏
Response from the operator: Gentile Mariagranara, Grazie mille per la tua continuata fiducia in GeTS Holidays! Siamo entusiasmati di sapere che il tuo terzo viaggio con noi - questa volta il Kerala - e' stato emozionante e memorabile come gli altri viaggi con effettuati con noi. E' sempre un piacere per noi essere parte delle tue esperienze di viaggio, e apprezziamo profondamente le tue gentili parole. Non vediamo l'ora di una quarta opportunita' di darti il benevenuto in India e creare altre memorie indimenticabili insieme! 🙏
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Unforgettable Experience! Thanks to Santosh and Azhar’s Exceptional Planning!
Santosh and Azhar are truly incredible travel planners! From start to finish, they were nothing short of professional, patient, and dedicated. Our group had a lot of specific needs and sometimes tricky requests, but they handled everything without a hitch. They went above and beyond — it wasn’t just about booking things, they actually took the time to listen to us and made sure every detail was exactly what we wanted. Communication with them was always prompt, clear, and super friendly, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable. If you're looking for travel planners who are flexible, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about making your trip amazing, Santosh and Azhar are the ones to go to. They turned what could’ve been a complicated trip into something unforgettable. I’ll be recommending them to everyone, and I can’t wait to plan many more trips with them!
Response from the operator: Dear Betty, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're delighted to know that your journey was smooth and fulfilling. It’s always our aim to offer genuine care, seamless coordination, and thoughtful service throughout every trip. Your continued trust and recommendation mean a great deal to us. We look forward to curating many more meaningful and memorable travels for you in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 312 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1,750 to $3,445
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by GeTS Holidays, who run 26 experiences we rank across 14 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.7.
See everything GeTS Holidays runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chennai.
How much does South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters cost?
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Prices start at $1,750 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chennai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters take?
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Plan for about 312 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chennai is not rushed.
Is South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Chennai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 312-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chennai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chennai and add a light layer if any part of the 312-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chennai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chennai?
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On Outty we rank every Chennai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Gods of Mylapore walking tour: Journey Through Living Traditions, Chennai tour in car with guide-winner of traveller's choice award, Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chennai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chennai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters?
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Included: All the sightseeing in an air-conditioned private vehicle as per itinerary; Lunch; Airport transfer along with assistance in Chennai and Cohin; Room with all meals during stay in Houseboat at Alleppey; and Dinner. Not included: Any Monument fees; Entry fees to the Periyar National Park, Thekkady; Services of vehicle on leisure days and after finishing the sightseeing tour; and Travel / Medical Insurance. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 205 listed pickup locations in and around Chennai. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and The boat ride/ park ride in Periyar National Park is subjected to the accessibility. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chennai. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about South India Tour- Temple Architecture and Backwaters?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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