Chennai – Kanchipuram – Bangalore – Mysore – Ooty – Cochin – Alleppey – Periyar – Madurai – Tanjore – Chidambaram – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the cultural heartlands and scenic landscapes of South India, where ancient temples, royal palaces, misty hill stations, tranquil backwaters, vibrant cities, and colonial towns come together to create a rich and rewarding travel experience.
Beginning in Chennai, the gateway to South India, travel to the sacred city of Kanchipuram, renowned for its magnificent temples and centuries-old silk weaving traditions. Continue to Bangalore, India's dynamic garden city, before exploring the royal heritage of Mysore, home to one of the country's most magnificent palaces and a rich legacy of art, culture, and tradition.
Journey into the cool hills of Ooty, nestled amidst the Nilgiri Mountains and famous for its tea plantations, colonial charm, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Crossing into Kerala, arrive in historic Cochin, where centuries of maritime trade have created a fascinating blend of Indian, European, Arab, and Chinese influences.
Experience the serene beauty of Kerala's famous backwaters in Alleppey, where palm-lined canals, traditional villages, and tranquil waterways offer a glimpse into a unique way of life. Continue to Periyar, renowned for its spice plantations, wildlife sanctuary, and lush tropical forests.
The tour then leads to the ancient temple city of Madurai, one of India's oldest living cities and home to the spectacular Meenakshi Temple. Discover the architectural wonders of Tanjore, including the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of the finest achievements of South Indian temple architecture.
Explore Chidambaram, renowned for its sacred Nataraja Temple, before arriving in the charming coastal town of Pondicherry, where French colonial heritage, elegant boulevards, and seaside promenades create a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in India.
The journey concludes in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its remarkable rock-cut temples, ancient monuments, and magnificent Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Combining sacred temples, royal palaces, colonial heritage, scenic hill stations, lush spice-growing regions, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant cultural traditions, this comprehensive tour offers an exceptional introduction to the diverse beauty and rich heritage of South India. It is the perfect journey for travelers seeking history, culture, nature, and authentic local experiences in one unforgettable adventure.
Upon your arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative, who will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a placard displaying your name. After meeting your representative, you will be transferred comfortably to your hotel for check-in and some time to relax after your journey.
Please note that the arrangements for today include airport assistance and transfer to the hotel only. No sightseeing activities, excursions, or other visits are scheduled or included on this day, allowing you time to rest and recover from your flight. However, should you arrive in Chennai early in the morning and wish to make the most of your day, we would be delighted to arrange a sightseeing program for you. Chennai offers several interesting attractions, including historic temples, colonial landmarks, vibrant local markets, and the scenic Marina Beach. Kindly let us know your arrival details and preferences in advance, and we will be happy to suggest suitable sightseeing options and incorporate them into your itinerary.
After breakfast, short visit of Chennai city. Drive through the Flower & Fruit Market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach. Then drive to Kanchipuram, the temple town. Visit the most famous Siva temple at Kanchipuram, the Ekambareswara temple. The dimensions of this temple are reflected in its 20 acre spread and its tall south gopuram, which soars to a height of 58.5m. Drive onto Vellore. Overnight stay in hotel in Vellore.
After breakfast, visit The Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple in Vellore is one of South India's most magnificent spiritual landmarks, renowned for its breathtaking gold-covered architecture. Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and serene surroundings, the temple offers a peaceful and uplifting experience for visitors. The intricate craftsmanship and shimmering golden façade create a truly mesmerizing sight, especially in the soft light of dawn and dusk. Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi Narayani, the temple attracts devotees and travelers from around the world seeking both spiritual solace and architectural beauty. A visit to Vellore's Golden Temple is a memorable journey into devotion, tranquility, and artistic grandeur. Drive to Garden city of Bangalore. Arrive and check into the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure or visit MG road to explore the main market of Bangalore.
After breakfast visit Bangalore city. You will visit Lal Bagh, where the garden extends lush green paradise with an area of 240 acres in the heart of the city. Nearly 673 general and 1,854 species of plants are found in Lal Bagh. Then drive past Vidhana Soudha, the state assembly. Finally visit Bangalore Palace. Wodeyar King in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatana.
Drive to Mysore in the afternoon. Arrive and check into the hotel. Evening free.
After breakfast, visit Mysore city. First we will visit Chamundi Hills on the outskirts of Mysore city, then visit the temple and Nandi (Bull) statue made of one block of stone. Return to the city and visit Mysore Palace. It is an excellent combination of Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, Oriental and Roman styles of architecture. The Maharaja's Palace is a beautiful three storied stone building of fine gray granite and rich pink marble domes, overlooking this structure is a five-storied 145 foot tower whose domes are gilded in gold. Excursion to Somanathapura Temple.
In the evening you will visit Devraja fruits and flower market. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast drive to the hill station of Ooty. Arrive and check into your hotel.
Later visit the botanical garden. You can also visit Doddabetta pass to have a splendid view of the hills and tea plantations. Overnight in the hotel.
In the morning transfer to Otty Railway Station and enjoy a toy train ride to Coonoor. Your driver will meet you at the station and drive you to Cochin. Arrive and check in to the hotel. In the evening attend Kathakali dance show. Overnight stay at your hotel in Cochin.
After breakfast visit Cochin including The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Later transfer to Alleppey. In the afternoon check in to a traditional Kerala house boat for a cruise, which is totally a delightful experience. Cruise through the palm fringed canals, watch the paddy fields and village folk, while relaxing on board hearing the lullaby of the wind & waves. This mysterious strip of emerald green land is packed with endless miles of placid backwaters that appends to its charm. Freshly cooked local food is served onboard.
Continue cruising in the lake. Observe the daily life of people who live near the lake. Dinner and overnight on the houseboat (air-conditioning runs on the houseboat from 9pm to 7am).
Breakfast on the houseboat. Then drive to Periyar. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Then you will be taken to visit a plantation garden where you can see all types of spices. In the afternoon an elephant ride for 30 minutes in the plantations. Rest of the day is free at your leisure, or you can enjoy a body message at an Ayurvedic centre. Overnight at the hotel in Periyar.
In the morning take boat ride in the Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat on the water's edge. While cruising on Lake Periyar, you are likely to see animals like wild boars, sambars, wild dogs, Langur monkeys and wild elephants.
Then drive to Madurai. Arrive and check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.
Breakfast at the hotel visit Madurai city. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, which is 1000 pillared hall carrying some beautiful sculptures of the seventeenth century. Also visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace. This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian architect. The building we see today was the main palace where the king lived. The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. Also visit Gandhi museum. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Tanjore. Arrive and check into the hotel. Then visit Brihadeeswarar Shiva Temple at Tanjore, built by King Raja Rajan from the year 985 AD - 1010 AD. This is one of the superb temple architects of the Chola dynasty. Later visit Raja Rajan art gallery to see bronze statues of 9th-16th century. Overnight stay at your hotel in Tanjore.
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. On the way visit The Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam. Continue driving towards Pondicherry. Arrive and check into the hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Pondicherry.
After breakfast visit Pondicherry. Visit the city and Sri Aurobindo Ashram the serene world of distinct spiritual vibration and thus renowned as Sacred Land. Also visit Auroville. Continue drive towards Mahabalipuram. Visit the 7th-century Shore Templewhich is surrounded by lush gardens. Later visit the 7th-century Five Rathas. After the visit drive to Chennai. Directly transfer to airport to board the flight for your home country. (Depending on your flight schedule, one last night stay can also be arranged).
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