India
South India Revealed
The Tour at a Glance
Discover ancient temples, palatial mansions, palm-lined backwaters, spice plantations, antique markets and picturesque gardens and national parks as you travel to South India.
Over the next 16 days you will visit the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, starting from Kanchipuram, one of the seven holiest places in India, and visit their most important sites. Tamil Nadu is famous for its temples.
South India is a region of immense diversity, here even today the ancient tradition and tradition is still alive. Here you will still see raw silk baskets made with 400 years old art, old fishing ports and old spice markets. Enjoy the backwaters of Kumarakom in a Kerala-style houseboat or explore the ancient petroglyphs at Edakkal Caves.
In this journey you will get the opportunity to visit many picturesque places of Southern India including Wayanad and Mysore. See and learn about the historical city of Mysore and its major monuments. And here in the hill station you will experience inner peace.
Enriched with phenomenal architecture, cultural heritage, grand palaces and authentic experiences, a visit to South India will remain forever in your heart and will keep you coming back.
Overview
Overview
The Tour at a Glance
Discover ancient temples, palatial mansions, palm-lined backwaters, spice plantations, antique markets and picturesque gardens and national parks as you travel to South India.
Over the next 16 days you will visit the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, starting from Kanchipuram, one of the seven holiest places in India, and visit their most important sites. Tamil Nadu is famous for its temples.
South India is a region of immense diversity, here even today the ancient tradition and tradition is still alive. Here you will still see raw silk baskets made with 400 years old art, old fishing ports and old spice markets. Enjoy the backwaters of Kumarakom in a Kerala-style houseboat or explore the ancient petroglyphs at Edakkal Caves.
In this journey you will get the opportunity to visit many picturesque places of Southern India including Wayanad and Mysore. See and learn about the historical city of Mysore and its major monuments. And here in the hill station you will experience inner peace.
Enriched with phenomenal architecture, cultural heritage, grand palaces and authentic experiences, a visit to South India will remain forever in your heart and will keep you coming back.
Itinerary
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1
ARRIVE AT CHENNAI
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport receive a warm welcome by our representative who will help you with transfer to the hotel.
Complete the check-in formalities and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (Standard check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability).
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 2
CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM BY SURFACE (±55 KMS. /± 02 HRS)
Today, visit Chennai City - Your immersion in one of the world’s oldest cultures commences by discovering Chennai’s bustling streets, passing numerous Victorian-era buildings and the famous Marine Beach, with its fish market and multi-colored long wooden fishing boats drawn up on the sand, before arriving at the very center of colonial Madras, Fort St George. This was one of the most vital outposts of the British Empire. Visit its fascinating museum full of poignant memories of the Raj. Also, visit the National Art Gallery and Museum with a fine collection of ancient paintings. Visit Kapaleeshwar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva built in the architecture of the Dravidian style. Continue to visit Santhome Basilica, one of the three churches in the world that holds the tomb of the Apostles of Jesus Christ.
After the visit drive to Mahabalipuram, arrive, and check in at Hotel.
Rest of the day Rejuvenate at the alluring Beaches - a stretch of 20 km coastline provides two fabulous attractions, Mahabalipuram Beach and Pallava Beach that help revitalize your body, mind, and soul completely.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 3
MAHABALIPURAM– EXCURSION KANCHIPURAM (±70KMS. / ± 02HRS, ONE WAY)
Today, excursion to visit Kanchipuram -The Golden City of a thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India. Visit VaikunthaPerumal Temple - an important Vishnu temple built by the Pallava King in the 7th century AD, Kailasanatha Temple - built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra in the 3rdcentury AD, and Ekambareswarar Temple - another ancient temple built by the Pallavas. Also, visit the silk weaving cottage industries for the famous Kanchipuram hand-woven silk fabrics- which are exported throughout the world. It’s also the best place to purchase a much sought-after beautiful Kanchi silk sari.
In the afternoon, return to the Mahabalipuram. This tiny coastal village in Tamil Nadu was once a major seaport during the reign of the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century. Today you can visit its open-air gallery to discover some of the dynasty’s architecture, which includes several UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments. You get to enjoy discovering the magnificent sculptures carved into the rock face like the Descent of the Ganges, the fascinating Tamil art, and the mesmerizing temples here. The windswept Shore Temple on the water’s edge is considered one of the oldest stone temples in Tamil Nadu and its stone towers are a sight to be seen.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 4
MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY BY SURFACE (± 120KMS. / ± 03 HRS)
Today, drive to Pondicherry, one of the finest destinations in South India. It's a rare French enclave in India because although Britain was the main colonial power in India, Pondicherry was a French settlement until 1954. Nowadays, it's a separate Union Territory, although it's surrounded by the large state of Tamil Nadu.
On the way you will explore the unique and fascinating city of Auroville, located 10 km from Pondicherry. It's an international and universal city built for men and women from all over the world to live in peace and progressive harmony. In 1966, UNESCO declared this project to be unique in the world. One of the purposes of Auroville is to achieve the realization of human unity and to bring about an inner change in the individual. It also aims to be a model community, where constructive solutions to the difficulties faced by humanity can be found.
Continue drive to Pondicherry, arrive and check in at Hotel.
In the afternoon visit the antiquities and sculptures in Pondicherry Museum and sculpture gallery. Then you will take a Rickshaw ride along the coastline and check out the grand French colonial buildings on one side, and the sweeping sand and sea on the other.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 5
PONDICHERRY–CHIDAMBARAM – KUMBAKONAM BY SURFACE (±140 KMS. / ± 04HRS)
Today, drive to Kumbakonam, you’ll stop in Chidambaram en route to visit the Nataraja Temple. This ancient Hindu temple at the heart of the city is spread over 50 acres and it’s dedicated to Shiva - the lord of dance. Its temple sculptures include the complete pose sequence of the classical South Indian Bharat Natyam dance.
On arrival in Kumbakonam, check into the Hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring this temple town. Visit AdiKumbeswarar Temple is one of the most popular and was built while the Chola Dynasty ruled. The main deity worshipped in AdiKumbeswarar Temple is Lord Shiva and you can spot a lot of pilgrims at this temple. Visit Nageswaraswamy Temple was constructed by Aditya Chola in the 9th century. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Nageswaran in this temple.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 6
KUMBAKONAM– TANJORE BY SURFACE (±40 KMS. / ± 01HR)
Today, drive to Tanjore, on the way visit Swamimalai -which is famous for South Indian Bronze Statue making, and the artisans here have been following a tradition that is several centuries old. It is truly a specialized artistic tradition that is unique to the town, hence the bronze idol manufacturers here are known as the ‘Swamimalai Bronze icons’, and visit the Swamimalai Temple. Arrive in Tanjore and check in at Hotel.
In the afternoon visit Thanjavur (Tanjore)- Considered one of the top places to visit in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is a cultural hub where arts and crafts have been at its heart for centuries. You’ll marvel at the Brihadeeswara Temple, which is also known as the Big Temple. At 66m in height. What makes this UNESCO World Heritage site particularly remarkable is that it’s over 1,000 years old and has withstood numerous earthquakes. What is also baffling is how the ancient world managed to put the 80,000kg solid stone dome atop its 216ft tower! Made from granite, the temple is also covered in intricate sculptures. Look out for the musical pillars, the recently discovered murals from the Chola dynasty, and the huge statue of the sacred bull. Another main landmark in Thanjavur is the Royal Palace Complex, which is just a short walk from the Big Temple. Its ornate brightly colour-striped exterior is the showstopper here, with members of the royal family still living in some of its quarters.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 7
TANJORE– TRICHY –CHETTINAD BY SURFACE (±150KMS. / ± 04HRS)
Today, drive to Chettinad, En route, you’ll make a short stop at the historical town of Trichy. It’s one of the oldest inhabited cities in Tamil Nadu, and its handmade cigars were made famous by Winston Churchill, who was an avid fan! But the star highlight of the town is the Rock Fort, which sits atop an impressive rock. The fort also consists of three Hindu temples. There are 434 steps to climb to the top, but the views over the city are worth it. Just three miles away is the impressive island of Srirangam, which lies in the middle of two rivers. You will get to enjoy visiting its extensive temple, which has the tallest temple tower in Asia, as well as the many shops here. After a fascinating sightseeing tour of Trichy, drive on to Chettinad. Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel
In the afternoon take a Ride into the town on the traditional bullock cart to interact with the local artisans specializing in jewelry, handicrafts, and Tilework. Visit historical locations like forts and temples in the region and get a feel of centuries-old traditions, lifestyles, and rituals. Speaking of photography, the rustic Chettinad region is a photographer's paradise with its myriad colors, amazing details, and vast expanses.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 8
CHETTINAD – MADURAI BY SURFACE (± 110KMS. / ± 03HRS)
- Today, visit Karaikudi the village of Athangudi, which is the center of the local hand-produced tile industry. The workshops welcome visitors, who can also try their hand at the very precise and age-old craft. The biggest mansion in Athangudi is commonly referred to as the ‘tile house’ (although the owners like to call it a palace!). The village of Chettinad itself, 5km east of Athangudi, has a number of impressive houses near the water tank, but the Chettinad Palace is the largest and most impressive of all of them and is open to visitors when the family is not in residence. After the visit drive to Madurai, arrive, and check in at Hotel.
Afternoon visits Madurai city – It is over 2500 years old and is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu – an ancient seat of learning. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. Visit the Palace of NayakTirumalai depicts the influence of Mughal art and traditional Hindu art and Thiruparankundram, one of the abodes of Lord Subramanya where you will find Shiva and Vishnu facing each other, which is rare in Hindu temples.
Evening: visit the Meenakshi temple for "aarti"
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 9
MADURAI – PERIYAR BY SURFACE (160 KMS. / ± 04HRS)
Early Morning: visit the flower market, South India's largest fresh flower trading center, bustling with activity and filled with seasonal flowers.
Today, drive to Periyar –a small village in the mountains of Kerala. It is surrounded by tea and spice plantations and is a must-visit spot, especially for nature lovers. Arrive and check-in at the Hotel.
In the afternoon go on a boat ride inside the Periyar National Park- Explore the Periyar National Park through its waterways. Set off on a boat ride over the serene artificial lake located right in the middle of the forest. Witness various wildlife of the sanctuary like gaur, sambar deer, wild boar, leopard, and more. You may also capture herds of elephants skirting the banks, mud bathing, or playing in the wetlands. Listen to the birds chirping and the sound of water cascading below.
Evening walking tour of the interesting Kumily market. The town is always teeming with activity. It is famous for its spice and tea plantations and is among the most important commercial centers in Kerala. Meet and interact with the locals and learn about their lifestyle.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 10
PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM (HOUSEBOAT) BY SURFACE (150 KMS. / ± 05HRS)
Today, drive to Kumarakom. Arrive and board on a Houseboat -Set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboats. Check-in time is 01:00 PM and the cruise starts with lunch. While cruising in these floating luxury villas, let your eyes settle for the rare and the unusual - skim past Chinese fishing nets, bowed-down paddy fields, and local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes, and ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Food will be served onboard. A backwater holiday on Kerala-style houseboats or "Kettuvalloms". These palm-covered country boats are designed to navigate the narrowest of canals.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 11
KUMARAKOM – COCHIN BY SURFACE (±50KMS. / ± 02HRS)
Today, drive to Cochin, arrive, and check in at the Hotel.
In the afternoon visit Cochin. – Visit St. Francis Church, built in 1562 by St. Francis; this is India’s oldestEuropean-built church. Continue on to Mattanchery Dutch Palace, a double-storied palace. The most important feature of Mattanchery Palace is the murals in the bedchambers, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, and Mahabharata. Proceed to the Jewish Synagogue, with its exquisite interior, which was constructed in 1568 and make a stop at the Jewish cemetery. Continue along the coastline, where one can view the unique and still-in-use Chinese Fishing Nets which were introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved.
This evening, attend a Kathakali Dance Performance – a unique Keralan experience. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied by drummers and musicians. Arriving at the theatre early affords the opportunity to see the dancers getting ready for the show and their faces being painted.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 12
COCHIN–WAYANAD BY SURFACE (±270KMS. / ± 06HRS)
Early breakfast, drive to Wayanad, The site is at the foothills of the Vythiri range, with the majestic Chembra peak to the left and the Banasura/Kuruchermala to the right.
On the way, you will visit the Edakkal Caves in the Ambukuthi Hills. After climbing 450 steps, discover this underground world that’s considered to be one of the earliest centers of human habitation. Known for its ancient collection of petroglyphs, inside the caves, you will see ancient stone scripts, pictorial wall inscriptions, and cave drawings that are considered to be over 3000 years old.
Afterwards, you will be driven back to the hotel and the rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your own leisure.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 13
WAYANAD– MYSORE BY SURFACE (±140KMS. / ± 04HRS)
Today, visit The Potters & Tribal village. Pottery is one of the earliest skills known to Indians, and a visit to the local pottery-making center gives a wonderful insight into the hand-molded toys and deities of worship that are crafted here. You will be able to chat to the local potters, as well as giving this ancient art of handling clay a go. The tribal village also has a great martial arts tradition. Known as mighty warriors, the village’s ancestors were once part of the Pazhassi Raja army. Today, the descendants are still expert archers.
After taking in the traditions and charm of the tribal village, you will drive to Mysore. Upon arrival, check in at the Hotel.
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 14
IN MYSORE
Today, visit the Maharajah’s Palace which artistically blends Indo-Saracenic style with foreign elements such as Scottish steel and Victorian-Edwardian era furniture. Drive up to the Chamundi Hills to be blessed alongside hundreds of jubilant pilgrims at the Chamundeshwari Temple. On your way back, visit Sri Nandi Temple to be blessed by Hindu God Lord Shiva’s faithful gatekeeper Nandi, the decorated bull. Visit the famous Jagmohan Palace where exquisite artwork awaits you at the Raja Ravi Verma Gallery. St. Philomena's church: Built as a miniature reproduction of the Cologne Cathedral in the 1930s, this is the largest church in Southern India. The church has white-washed walls, high vaulted Gothic ceilings, and colored stained glass representations of different aspects of the life of Jesus.
In the afternoon visit Government Silk Weaving Factory-it is the finest silk sarees. While there are a lot of stores you can visit, the Government Silk Weaving Factory is the best place to buy every type of silk saree, later visit the local market
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 15
MYSORE – BANGALORE BY SURFACE (±145 KMS. / ± 04HRS)
Today, drive to Mysore, en route visit Srirangapatnam an island between two branches of the Cauvery River and was the capital of the Mysore Rajas from 1610 to 1799. Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were its most famous denizens. Visit the ruins of Tipu’s fort, the summer pleasure palace, and the Gumbaz, his mausoleum. The inside of the Palace is handsomely carved with ornate arches and ceilings, liberally gilded wall panels, and charming frescoes. The cream-colouredGumbaz standing on its black marble pillars in the centre of a garden is an unforgettable sight. The interior is lacquered with Tipu’s tiger stripe emblem and the doors are of ebony inlaid with ivory. Arrive in Bangalore and check in at the Hotel.
In the afternoon visit Bangalore City: Visit TheLalbagh, the botanical garden spread over 240 acres and has a wide variety of exotic trees and plants. Visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace – dating back to 1790 and made mostly out of wood, it was used as the summer residence of the legendary ruler Tipu Sultan. Continue to visit the Bull temple believed to have been constructed in the 16th century it has been carved out of a single granite block. The tour gives you an opportunity to drive past the Government Secretariat, VidhanSoudha (Legislature building).
- Overnight at Hotel
- Breakfast ( Continental Plan )Day 16
BANGALORE DEPARTURE
Later in time transfer to the international airport to board the flight back home.