Best of South India Tour

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport/Railway Station, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a lively city where tradition and modernity coexist.

Evening is free to unwind, enjoy the hotel amenities, or take a short walk to experience the local ambience. Overnight stay at the hotel allows you to rest and prepare for the city exploration starting tomorrow.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour of Chennai. Discover cultural gems like Kalakshetra, a renowned center for Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, Fort St. George with its historical significance, and St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in India. The day also includes visits to the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, San Thomas Cathedral Basilica, and the Theosophical Society. Return to your hotel in the evening and relax after an engaging day of sightseeing. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with a drive to Kanchipuram, a city of a thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. Known for its silk weaving tradition and rich spiritual heritage, Kanchipuram offers a glimpse into centuries-old architecture and learning centers that shaped Tamil culture.

Later, proceed to Mahabalipuram, an ancient Pallava port city famous for its exquisite rock carvings, the Shore Temple, Krishna Mandapam, and the Five Rathas. These architectural marvels showcase the ingenuity of early South Indian artisans. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, a charming coastal town where French heritage blends with Indian traditions. Visit major attractions like Rai Nivas, Sacred Heart Church, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, reflecting the town’s spiritual and colonial past. Explore Auroville, an experimental township founded to foster international harmony and sustainable living. Take time to enjoy the calm beaches and local culture before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Travel to Tanjore after breakfast, stopping en route at Chidambaram to see the Lord Nataraja Temple, famous for its intricate sculptures and spiritual significance. Upon arrival in Tanjore, check in at your hotel and prepare for an afternoon city tour.

Tanjore is home to the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and architectural marvel built over a thousand years ago. Also explore the Saraswathi Mahal Library and the local art gallery, offering insights into Tanjore’s rich cultural and artistic legacy. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Trichy and visit Srirangam, a sacred island town with the colossal Sri Ranganathaswami Temple and its 22 impressive gopurams. Continue to the Rock Fort, an ancient formation with a temple atop offering panoramic views and historical inscriptions.

Later, drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Evening is free to relax or take a short stroll in the city, soaking in the local life and preparing for a full day of exploration tomorrow. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Explore Madurai, often called the ‘Athens of the East,’ with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple. Admire the 12 gopurams and more than 1500 intricately sculpted figures depicting stories from local legends. The Ashta Shakti Mandapam narrates tales of the Madurai princess and her divine marriage to Lord Shiva.

Take in the city’s vibrant culture and lively streets, where daily rituals and chants bring the city to life. Return to the hotel in the evening and unwind after a culturally rich day. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean meet. Visit Kumari Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial, capturing both spiritual and historical significance.

On the way to Kovalam, stop at Padmanabhapuram, a historic town with a magnificent palace and the Ramaswamy Temple showcasing exquisite carvings. Arrive in Kovalam, check in at your hotel, and relax for the evening. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Kovalam, one of South India’s most famous beach destinations. You can relax on the golden sands, take a refreshing swim in the Arabian Sea, or simply soak in the calm coastal atmosphere.

For those who enjoy adventure, options like water sports or exploring nearby fishing villages add a unique local flavor. Spend the evening watching the sunset over the tranquil waters before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Periyar, a lush haven famous for its wildlife sanctuary and sprawling plantations. On arrival, check in at your hotel and get ready for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Periyar, offering close glimpses of elephants, sambars, and other wildlife along the banks.

Periyar is a nature lover’s paradise, with verdant tea, coffee, cardamom, and pepper plantations surrounding the lake. Enjoy the calm of the forest and the beauty of the landscape, making it a truly rejuvenating experience. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom and board a deluxe houseboat for a backwater cruise. Navigate through serene canals and villages, enjoying the scenic charm of Kerala’s famous waterways. Visit the historic St. Mary’s Church at Champakulam, known for its beautiful mural paintings.

You will also explore the Champakulam snake boat construction yard, an insight into the region’s traditional boat-making culture. Overnight on the houseboat provides a unique and immersive experience of Kerala’s backwaters.

After a leisurely morning cruise, disembark at Alleppey and drive to Cochin. The evening is free for you to explore the city’s streets, try local delicacies, or enjoy a quiet stroll along the harbor.

Cochin, also known as Kochi, offers a blend of colonial history and modern charm. Overnight stay at the hotel allows you to rest before tomorrow’s city tour.

Explore Cochin’s rich heritage with visits to Mattanchery Palace, St. Francis Church, Bolghatty Island, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Jewish Synagogue. The city’s natural harbor and vibrant trade history make it a fascinating place for history enthusiasts.

In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, witnessing the storytelling art form that combines expressive gestures, vibrant costumes, and intricate makeup. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Ooty, the queen of hill stations, located amidst the Nilgiri hills. Check in at your hotel upon arrival and enjoy the cool mountain air and scenic surroundings.

Ooty’s charm lies in its tea and coffee plantations, rolling hills, and pleasant climate. The evening is at leisure to relax, soak in the views, or take a gentle stroll around the town. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Spend the day exploring Ooty and nearby Coonoor. Visit the Botanical Gardens, Dodabetta Peak, and the artificial lake, each offering stunning views and a refreshing mountain ambiance.

Coonoor, a quaint hill station, is home to Sim’s Park, a beautifully maintained garden with rare plants. Enjoy the calm and charm of the Nilgiris while capturing memories amidst its scenic landscapes. Return to Ooty for overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Mysore, the royal city known for its grandeur and historical significance. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and embark on a sightseeing tour including the majestic Mysore Palace and Chamundeshwari Temple.

Also visit the KRS Dam and the Brindavan Gardens, where evening musical fountains and vibrant lights create a magical atmosphere. Mysore is a city that beautifully blends history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Take a short drive to Somnathpur Temple, a fine example of Hoysala architecture built in 1268 AD. Admire the intricate carvings, star-shaped base, and sculpted walls depicting scenes from Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Return to Mysore for leisure in the afternoon. You may explore local markets, relax at the hotel, or stroll through the streets of this historically rich city. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Hassan. Visit the magnificent temples of Belur and Halebid, which are celebrated for their Hoysala architectural excellence. Belur’s intricate carvings and Halebid’s sculptural beauty showcase South India’s artistic heritage. Each temple offers a fascinating insight into the devotion and skill of the artisans who worked for decades to create these masterpieces. Return to the hotel in Hassan for an overnight stay.

Drive to Bangalore, visiting Shravanabelgola en route to see the towering 17-meter monolithic statue of Bahubali, an important Jain pilgrimage site. On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bangalore including Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Cubbon Park, and Vidhana Soudha.

Spend your evening taking in the city’s vibrant energy and modern charm before being transferred to the airport/ railway station for your onward journey. End your South India trip with memories and unforgettable experiences.