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South India – Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka...

South India – Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka Tour

Destinations

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin - Ooty - Mysore - Bandipur - Bangalore

Duration

18 Nights / 19 Days

Customize This Tour

This itinerary is customizable according to your need.

Embark on an immersive journey across South India — a land of rich culture, ancient heritage, lush landscapes and vibrant traditions. Starting in historic Chennai, this carefully curated tour blends the fascinating temple towns of Tamil Nadu, the serene backwaters of Kerala, and the scenic hills and wildlife of Karnataka. Over the course of this multi-state adventure, you will experience India’s architectural marvels, spice plantations and wildlife sanctuaries, peaceful backwaters, colonial heritage sites, and cool hill stations, creating a truly enchanting travel experience.

					Highlights				

										Discover Chennai’s rich cultural and historical sites including temples and colonial forts.
									
										Wander through the UNESCO heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram and the ancient temples of Kanchipuram.
									
										Explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple and art heritage in Tanjore.
									
										Visit grand temples and vibrant markets of Trichy and Madurai.
									
										Enjoy spice plantation walks and wildlife viewing in Thekkady.
									
										Relax beside Vembanad Lake and cruise Kerala’s backwaters in Alleppey.
									
										Experience colonial charm, tea gardens and scenic beauty in Ooty.
									
										Visit the regal city of Mysore and enjoy wildlife at Bandipur National Park.
									
										End in bustling Bangalore, the vibrant capital of Karnataka.

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival in Chennai

You arrive in Chennai; after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest. If you feel up to it later in the day, enjoy a relaxing stroll along Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest urban beaches. Dinner in the evening and overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 02 : Chennai Sightseeing

Explore Chennai’s cultural and historical attractions. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture, followed by Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India. Then see the Government Museum (Madras Museum) and San Thome Basilica. You may also visit Kalakshetra Foundation, a center for classical dance and arts. Return to your hotel for overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 03 : Chennai to Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, depart for Mahabalipuram via the scenic East Coast Road (about 1.5 hrs drive). On arrival, check in to your hotel and begin sightseeing at the Shore Temple overlooking the sea, the intricately carved Arjuna’s Penance, the monolithic Five Rathas, and Krishna’s Butter Ball. Also see the intriguing Tiger Caves. Spend the evening on the beach or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 04 : Day Trip to Kanchipuram

Today you take a full-day trip to Kanchipuram, the revered temple city. Visit well-known shrines including Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Kamakshi Amman Temple. If time permits, see Kachapeshwarar Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, and Devarajaswami Temple. Also visit a traditional silk weaving centre to observe how elegant Kanchipuram saris are made. Return to Mahabalipuram in the evening

Day 05 : Mahabalipuram to Tanjore

An early start takes you on a long drive (around 6.5 hrs) to Tanjore (Thanjavur). En route, you may stop in Pondicherry to enjoy its charming French Quarter. On arrival in Tanjore, explore the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Tanjore Palace and Art Gallery, noted for its collection of Chola bronzes and murals. Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 06 : Tanjore to Trichy to Madurai

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, stopping in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). Visit Ranganathaswamy Temple on the Srirangam island and the historic Rockfort Temple with panoramic views. Continue to Madurai, where time permitting you may attend the night ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 07 : Madurai Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring Madurai. Visit the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple with its striking gopurams, the Indo-Saracenic Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. Later walk through the lively flower and banana markets. Optional: attend a classical dance performance. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 08 : Madurai to Thekkady

Depart Madurai and drive towards Thekkady in Kerala, a journey of around four hours into the Western Ghats. On arrival, check into your resort near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may see elephants, deer and birds along the forest fringes. In the evening, you can watch a Kathakali dance or a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Day 09 : Thekkady to Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a tranquil village on the banks of Vembanad Lake. On arrival, check in at your lakeside resort. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. A canoe ride at sunset offers a peaceful end to the day. Overnight at Kumarakom.

Day 10 : Kumarakom to Alleppey (Houseboat)

Travel a short distance to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat for a backwater cruise. Drift through serene canals fringed by coconut palms, rice paddies and small villages while enjoying freshly prepared meals on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat

Day 11 : Alleppey to Cochin

After breakfast, disembark and drive to Cochin. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance before overnight at Cochin.

Day 12 : Cochin to Ooty

Today involves a scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Ooty, Tamil Nadu’s popular hill station (about 7–8 hrs). Pass through forested hills and tea plantations. On arrival, check in and rest. Overnight stay at Ooty.

Day 13 : Ooty Sightseeing

In Ooty, visit the Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake (with optional boat ride), Doddabetta Peak (highest point in the Nilgiris) and Rose Garden. Optional: ride the heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Coonoor and back with panoramic views. Overnight in Ooty.

Day 14 : Ooty to Mysore

After breakfast, descend from the Nilgiris and drive to Mysore, stopping at Pykara Falls and scenic viewpoints in Bandipur. On arrival explore the bustling Devaraja Market before checking in for overnight stay in Mysore.

Day 15 : Mysore Sightseeing

Tour Mysore’s highlights including the majestic Mysore Palace, St. Philomena’s Church and Chamundi Hill Temple. Optionally enjoy the illuminated Mysore Palace or the musical fountain at Brindavan Gardens before overnight stay in Mysore.

Day 16 : Mysore to Bandipur

After breakfast, drive to Bandipur National Park (around 2 hrs). Check in to your jungle lodge and enjoy an afternoon safari in search of tigers, elephants and deer in their natural habitat. Overnight stay in Bandipur.

Day 17 : Bandipur to Bangalore

Relax in the morning at the lodge before departing for Bangalore (about 4.5 hrs). On arrival, visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden or Cubbon Park, and enjoy shopping in areas like Brigade Road. Overnight in Bangalore.

Day 18 : Bangalore Sightseeing

Explore Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bull Temple and Vidhana Soudha. Optionally visit the Art of Living Ashram or explore UB City for upscale shopping and dining. Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 19 : Departure from Bangalore

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kempegowda International Airport for your flight home, concluding your South India experience.

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