Southern India

Duration: 27 Days / 26 Nights
Places: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Madurai – Periyar – Munnar – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Cochin – Guruvayoor – Palakkad – Coonoor – Ooty – Mysore – Bangalore – Hassan – Hampi – Hubli – Goa

Day 01 – ARRIVAL IN CHENNAI
Arrival in Chennai. Assistance upon arrival. Chennai is the southern capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Bay of Bengal coastline. Chennai is the largest commercial and business city in southern India. Check-in and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 02 – CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM BY ROAD 56 KMS/02 HRS
Head to the heritage city of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy a guided city tour. The main attractions in Mahabalipuram are the carved rocks, wire temples, caves, the balance of rock, Pancha Pandava Rathas, and splendid beaches. Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut temple, the Pancha Pandava Rathas, the balance of rock, and rock-cut caves. Splendid beaches with a temple in the magnificent backdrop await your visit. Night at the hotel.

Day 03 – MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM BY ROAD 70 KMS/02 HRS [One-way]
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit the temples of Kanchipuram (70 km, approximately 1½ hours one way), one of the seven sacred cities of India with over a thousand temples, highlighting the Vaikuntha Perumal and Kailashanath temples as examples of Pallava architecture. Kanchipuram is also famous for its hand-woven silk and saris. Return to Mahabalipuram. In the afternoon, relax at the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 – MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY BY ROAD 100 KMS/02 HRS
Resume your journey to the fascinating city of Pondicherry, known for its beautiful beaches, the largest French colony in India, its temples, churches, and Indian cuisine. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. The colonial architecture of the French colony houses and the other side of Tamil community life will fascinate you. Being a small city surrounded by beaches, visitors are drawn to this historic city. Pondicherry is a great place for honeymooners, friends, and families.
Special recommendations: Heritage walk, wide beaches, and ancient temple. Night at the hotel.

Day 05 – PONDICHERRY – KUMBAKONAM – THANJAVUR BY ROAD 170 KMS/05 HRS
After breakfast, continue to the Tamil Nadu city of Thanjavur. On the way, visit Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is known for its rich cultural heritage, South Indian religion, and the local way of life. It is an ideal place for journalists, writers, historians, and religious people to explore the charm of Kumbakonam. Upon arrival in Thanjavur, check-in at the hotel. In the evening, visit the temples and experience the influence of South Indian religions. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 – THANJAVUR – TRICHY – MADURAI BY ROAD 200 KMS/04 HRS
After breakfast, head to another fascinating city in South India, Madurai. Madurai is famous for its ancient religions and temples. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 – MADURAI
After breakfast, visit the Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in the country. The historic Madurai Temple, in the heart of the ancient city, is an example of Dravidian architecture with gopurams covered with a stunning profusion of multicolored images of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythical figures. A highlight of the temple is the “Hall of a Thousand Pillars,” with 985 pillars featuring ornamental and bold sculptures. From any angle, these pillars seem to align, a true architectural wonder. Later, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636 AD by Tirumalai Nayak, one of the main kings of the Nayak dynasty that ruled Madurai. The grand building is famous for the “stucco” of its domes and impressive arches. The Celestial Pavilion, built entirely of brick and mortar without support from a single beam, is a marvel of Indo-Saracenic architecture. There is a museum in the palace building, showcasing the history of Madurai and Tamil Nadu’s art and architecture. In the afternoon, explore the exotic bazaars of Madurai and attend the evening prayer ceremonies at the Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 – MADURAI – PERIYAR BY ROAD 150 KMS/04 HRS
In the morning, depart for Periyar. Periyar, the largest wildlife sanctuary in India, is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India. The 120-year-old ‘Surki’ dam built in Periyar, Poorna in Vedic language, is an important tourist attraction. This sanctuary covers an area of 777 square kilometers, surrounded by an artificial lake in an area of 25 square kilometers. The country’s only tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its abundant flora and fauna, is home to many endangered species and rich tribal culture.
Periyar is a pleasant paradise on earth for those who love nature in its wild form. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and enjoy a boat cruise, which is the best option to experience the wildlife of the Periyar sanctuary. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 – PERIYAR – MUNNAR BY ROAD 100 KMS/03 HRS
After breakfast, travel to Munnar. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Munnar: This beautiful hill station houses the highest tea plantations in the world. In the afternoon, visit the popular tea plantations, Attukal and Nyayamakad Waterfalls. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 – MUNNAR
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day for leisure activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 – MUNNAR – ALLEPPEY {HOUSEBOAT} BY ROAD 165 KMS/05 HRS
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Alleppey. Upon arrival, embark on the houseboat. Enjoy a memorable houseboat ride through the enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha to explore its stunning surroundings and the captivating countryside of Kerala. All meals will be served onboard. Overnight on the houseboat.

Day 12 – ALLEPPEY – KUMARAKOM BY ROAD 40 KMS/01 HOUR
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive towards Kumarakom, the icon of Kerala’s tourism prosperity. Today, Kumarakom is the world’s most famous backwater destination, recognized by many international tourism organizations and travel magazines. It has even been ranked above the Taj Mahal in recent statistics. Check-in at your hotel.
Later, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Vembanad Lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 – KUMARAKOM – COCHIN BY ROAD 50 KMS/02 HRS
Breakfast at the hotel. Later, travel to Cochin. Begin your day with a guided city tour by bicycle from Fort Cochin. Explore the colorful history of Fort Cochin and discover the charm of the city from a local perspective. Later, continue visiting the local city, including palaces, churches, temples, and a stop at the local market. In the afternoon, enjoy one of the classical dances of South India, known as Kathakali. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 – COCHIN – GURUVAYOOR BY ROAD 90 KMS/03 HRS
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Guruvayur and visit the Guruvayur Temple. This historic temple, around 5000 years old, is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in Kerala. After Darshan, you can visit shops selling Kerala silk saris. The itinerary includes a charming exploration of several notable attractions, including the famous Sree Krishna Temple, Mammiyur Temple, the 64 Elephants Fort, and the scenic Chettuva Backwaters. Spend the night at the hotel.

Day 15 – GURUVAYOOR – PALAKKAD BY ROAD 90 KMS/02 HRS
After breakfast, drive to Vellinezhi, a small village in the Palakkad district of Kerala. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, experience Kerala’s traditional culture at Olappamana Mana, visit a weaving center selling high-quality handloom fabrics, and interact with local communities involved in making Kathakali costumes. Witness the main ritual art form, Kalam Ezhutthi Pattu, also known as powder drawing, performed to worship the gods. Free afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 – PALAKKAD – COONOOR BY ROAD 120 KMS/04 HRS. COONOOR – OOTY BY TOY TRAIN 06143 – 1235/1345 HRS
Breakfast at the hotel. Later, experience the Toy Train between Coonoor and Ooty.
The Toy Train, also known as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, is the main attraction of this popular hill station. Launched in 1899, this

railway track still remains an attraction. It’s listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its stunning beauty and historical value. Upon arrival in Ooty, check-in at your hotel. In the evening, stroll through the Ooty Lake and enjoy a paddle boat ride. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 – OOTY
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit famous spots like the Ooty Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden, and the Pykara Lake. You can even shop for local products, especially the famous Ooty chocolates. In the evening, enjoy leisure activities and local walks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18 – OOTY – MYSORE BY ROAD 125 KMS/04 HRS
After breakfast, continue to Mysore. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and later, visit the famous Mysore Palace, one of the most visited tourist attractions in India. The architecture and grandeur of this royal residence offer a deep dive into the Mysore Kingdom’s history. Later, visit the Chamundeshwari Temple and the bustling local markets. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19 – MYSORE – BANGALORE BY ROAD 140 KMS/04 HRS
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bangalore. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and later, visit Bangalore Palace, which reflects the architectural beauty of Indo-Saracenic and Tudor styles. The rest of the evening is free for shopping and leisure activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 20 – BANGALORE – HASSAN BY ROAD 180 KMS/05 HRS
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hassan and visit the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid, known for their stunning Hoysala architecture. Both temples are intricate and ornate, offering fantastic photographic opportunities. Return to Hassan for overnight accommodation.

Day 21 – HASSAN – HAMPI BY ROAD 315 KMS/07 HRS
Drive to Hampi and enjoy a scenic journey through the heart of Karnataka. Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Visit the iconic temples, monuments, and ruins. Check-in and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 22 – HAMPI
Explore the historic ruins of Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, the Stone Chariot, and the Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex. Spend the day soaking in the rich history of this beautiful archaeological site. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 23 – HAMPI – HUBLI BY ROAD 140 KMS/04 HRS
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Hubli. Hubli is an industrial and commercial hub in Karnataka, known for its temples and educational institutions. Visit the Bhavanishankar Temple and the Nrupatunga Hill for great views of the town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 24 – HUBLI – GOA BY ROAD 160 KMS/04 HRS
Drive to Goa, known for its beaches, nightlife, and rich Portuguese heritage. Upon arrival, check-in at your beach resort. Relax on the beach, indulge in water sports, and enjoy Goa’s vibrant culture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 25-26 – GOA
Explore the popular beaches of Goa, such as Baga, Anjuna, and Calangute. Visit historic churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Enjoy the beaches, indulge in local Goan food, and participate in water sports. In the evening, attend a beach party. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 27 – DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.