Southern India: Where Culture Meets Nature

Bangalore, India
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Duration13 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Carefully crafted to highlight the essence of South India, this itinerary brings together ancient temples, historic cities, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. The journey begins in Bengaluru, followed by visits to the royal city of Mysore and the picturesque hill station of Ooty.
The tour continues through Kerala, covering the heritage port of Kochi, a peaceful houseboat cruise in Alappuzha, and wildlife and nature experiences in Periyar. It then moves into Tamil Nadu, featuring the sacred city of Madurai, the Chola-era architectural wonders of Thanjavur, the colonial ambience of Puducherry, and the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mamallapuram, before concluding in Chennai.
This journey offers a balanced and enriching South India experience, combining spirituality, culture, and natural beauty with comfortable travel.

Options

ChuttiS31-01/With 3* Hotels

Tour with 3* Hotels: Includes private car with driver, guide, entrance fees, and accommodation in standard category hotels.
Pickup included

ChuttiS31-02/With 4* Hotels

Tour with 4* Hotels: Includes private car with driver, guide, entrance fees, and accommodation in superior category hotels.
Pickup included

ChuttiS31-03/With 5* Hotels

Tour with 5* Hotels: Includes private car with driver, guide, entrance fees, and accommodation in prestige category hotels.
Pickup included

What's included

  • Common boat ride in Periyar National Park
  • Houseboat stay with all meals (Alappuzha)
  • English-speaking local guides at major sightseeing locations
  • All tolls, parking, fuel, and driver allowances
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • 12nights accommodation in preferred category hotels, as per the selected option.
  • Breakfast
  • Entrance fees to monuments and temples as per itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Airfare or train tickets
  • Personal expenses (laundry, tips, phone calls, etc.)
  • Optional activities (Kathakali, plantation tours, etc.)
  • Travel insurance

What to expect

Day 1: Arrival in Bengaluru
  1. Bengaluru
    30m
    Upon arrival in Bengaluru, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey.
    Bengaluru, often called the “Garden City of India”, is known for its pleasant weather, green parks, and a blend of modern life with traditional culture.

    Overnight stay in Bengaluru

    Please Note: Hotel check in will be available after 2:00 PM.
Day 2: Bengaluru Sightseeing → Mysore (143 km / approx. 4 hrs)
  1. 30m · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Bengaluru.
    Visit Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, one of India’s most famous gardens, known for its beautiful lawns, rare plants, and glasshouse.
  2. Bangalore Palace
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Continue to Bangalore Palace, inspired by English Tudor-style architecture, showcasing royal interiors and elegant wooden carvings.
  3. 30m
    Drive past important government buildings such as Vidhana Soudha, an impressive structure symbolizing Karnataka’s administration.
    Later, drive to Mysore, the former royal capital of the Wodeyar dynasty.

    Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 3: Mysore Sightseeing
  1. 30m · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, explore the cultural and royal heritage of Mysore.
    Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, a grand example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, famous for its stained glass, carved doors, and royal halls.
  2. 30m · Admission ticket included
    Continue to the Art Gallery, which displays traditional paintings and royal collections.
  3. 2h · Admission ticket included
    Proceed to Chamundi Hill, offering panoramic views of Mysore city, and visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. En route, stop at the large Nandi Bull Statue, carved out of a single rock.
  4. 1h · Admission ticket included
    In the evening, visit the beautifully illuminated Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountain and landscaped terraces.

    Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 4: Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
  1. Government Rose Garden
    30m · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, drive to Ooty, popularly known as the “Queen of the Nilgiris”. This hill station is famous for its cool climate, green hills, forests, and tea plantations.
    Visit the Government Rose Garden, home to thousands of rose varieties.
  2. 30m
    Continue to the Ooty Botanical Gardens, known for ancient trees and colorful flower beds.
  3. Ooty Lake
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Visit Ooty Lake, where you may enjoy optional boating.
  4. St. Stephen's Church
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Also visit St. Stephen’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris, known for its peaceful atmosphere.

    Overnight stay in Ooty.
Day 5: Ooty → Kochi (274 km / approx. 7 hrs)
  1. Kochi (Cochin)
    2h
    After breakfast, drive to Kochi, a historic port city on the Arabian Sea. Kochi is known for its cultural diversity, colonial buildings, and coastal charm.
    The evening is free to relax or explore on your own.

    Optional: Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional classical dance of Kerala.

    Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 6: Kochi → Alappuzha (Houseboat Experience)
  1. Alappuzha
    12h
    After breakfast, drive to Alappuzha, also called the “Venice of the East”.
    Board your private houseboat and enjoy a peaceful cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters. Sail past palm-lined canals, lagoons, village homes, and lush paddy fields, offering a glimpse of local life.
    All meals will be served on board.

    Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alappuzha.
Day 7: Alappuzha → Periyar (129 km / approx. 4 hrs)
  1. Kauveri Spices Farm & Ayurveda Plantation
    1h · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, drive to Periyar, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations.
    The afternoon is free for relaxation.

    Optional activities include a spice plantation visit, where you can learn about cardamom, pepper, and other spices, or a gentle nature walk.
  2. Periyar Lake
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Enjoy a common boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and birds along the forest banks.

    Overnight stay in Periyar.
Day 8: Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
  1. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
    1h · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in India and a major cultural center of Tamil Nadu.
    Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its colorful towers (gopurams), detailed sculptures, and the sacred thousand-pillared hall.
  2. 30m
    Continue to Tirumala Nayak Palace, known for its grand arches and royal halls.
  3. 30m
    Later, visit Alagar Hills, a scenic area with spiritual importance
  4. 30m · Admission ticket included
    and Tiruparankundram Temple, one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan.

    Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 9: Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
  1. Brihadeeswara Temple
    1h · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, the historic capital of the Chola dynasty.
    Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece built entirely of granite.
  2. 30m · Admission ticket included
    Explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, which reflects royal life and history.
  3. 30m · Admission ticket included
    Continue to the Saraswati Mahal Library, one of Asia’s oldest libraries
  4. 30m · Admission ticket included
    and the Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery, displaying Chola-era sculptures.

    Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Day 10: Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
  1. French Quarter
    30m · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, drive to Puducherry, a charming coastal town with strong French influence.
    Explore the French Quarter, known for its colonial buildings and peaceful streets.
  2. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center attracting visitors from around the world.
  3. 30m · Admission ticket included
    Continue to Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a colorful temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
  4. 30m
    Optional: Enjoy a relaxing walk along Promenade Beach in the evening.

    Overnight stay in Puducherry.
Day 11: Puducherry → Mamallapuram (96 km / approx. 2.5 hrs)
  1. Mahabalipuram
    6h
    After breakfast, drive to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), a historic coastal town famous for ancient rock-cut monuments.
    Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the sea breeze and relaxed atmosphere.

    Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.
Day 12: Mamallapuram Sightseeing
  1. Shore Temple
    30m · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mamallapuram.
    Visit the Shore Temple, beautifully located beside the sea and known for its stone carvings.
  2. Arjuna's Penance
    30m · Admission ticket included
    See Arjuna’s Penance, a massive rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
  3. 30m · Admission ticket included
    Visit the Five Rathas, monolithic temples carved from single rocks,
  4. Varaha Cave Temple
    30m · Admission ticket included
    and explore the ancient Cave Temples, showcasing early Dravidian architecture.
    Enjoy the coastal charm and historical beauty of this seaside town.

    Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.
Day 13: Mamallapuram → Chennai (53 km / approx. 1.5 hrs) – Departure
  1. Chennai (Madras)
    1h
    After breakfast, drive to Chennai airport for your onward journey.

    End of your memorable South India Temple Tour.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We will pickup all the travellers. Either from the airport or from hotels. Our representative will meet you outside the exit gate of Airport or in the lobby of hotel. Please write your preferred pickup location at the time of booking.

Additional information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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