Classical South India Experience from Chennai to Bangalore

After breakfast, drive towards Mahabalipuram with a stop at Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, famous for its ancient temples and silk weaving tradition. Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in the city, known for its fine carvings. Also visit the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, an important Vishnu temple admired for its grand architecture. Later, continue your drive to Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock-cut monuments built by the Pallava dynasty. Visit the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), the impressive stone relief of Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna’s Butterball, a giant natural rock balanced on a slope. Later, drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore Pondicherry. Start with the charming French Quarter, known for its colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, and relaxed atmosphere. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, walk along the Seaside Promenade, and see beautiful churches and temples that reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage. Later continue your drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture, known for its massive tower and detailed sculptures. Later, drive to Gangaikonda Cholapuram (approx. 70 km / 1.5 hours), the former capital of the Chola dynasty, and visit its grand Shiva temple. After sightseeing, return to Thanjavur in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast at the hotel in Thanjavur, drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). Upon arrival, visit the Srirangam Temple, one of the largest and most important Vaishnavite temples in South India. Later, continue your drive to Madurai.

Upon arrival visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most famous and sacred temples in India. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), the temple is a symbol of divine feminine power and is deeply rooted in Indian culture and history. Its towering gopurams (gateway towers), covered with thousands of colorful sculptures, represent stories from ancient Hindu scriptures and showcase the brilliance of Dravidian architecture. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a center of art, music, festivals, and daily rituals that have continued for centuries, making it a living example of India’s spiritual heritage. Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century architectural masterpiece that reflects a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles and highlights the royal history of Madurai. Later, visit the Koodal Azhagar Temple, an ancient Vishnu temple known for its beautiful carvings and religious significance. In the evening, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay in Madurai.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. Upon arrival, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built on the rock where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated. Continue to the Shri Bhagavathy Amman Temple,  a 3,000-year-old shrine dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari. Later, see the Triveni Sangam, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet, and visit the Gandhi Mandapam, built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. If time permits, visit the Suchindram Temple, known for its fine carvings and musical pillars. In the evening, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

After breakfast checkout from hotel and drive to Kumarakom, on arrival check in to the hotel. Proceed for local Sightseeing else day at leisure or own activities and overnight stay at Kumarakom. A vibrant backwater hamlet, Kumarakom is a tiny hamlet perched on the western banks of the Vembanadu Lake - a stretch of backwater spread over 900 sq. kms. The hamlet clings to tradition and the local population prefers to live adhering to their old ways. Yet every modern amenity is available with adash of tradition and culture interwoven in to the fabric of everyday life and its truly fascinating to observe as you glide past them in your canoe, motor boat or houseboat a perfect example of give and take with mother nature. Sightseeing in Kumarakom: Vembanad Lake, Bird Sanctuary. Local Sightseeing and overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Morning after your breakfast, proceed to Alleppey .Reach Alleppey and board into the houseboat, relax and enjoy whilst the houseboat cruises through the waterways. By 13:30 hrs, the houseboat will stop for lunch on board .1430 hrs it will continue its cruise covering the vast stretch of backwaters. Experience dream landscapes that are out of this world. Relish tea and snacks onboard. By 1800 hours the houseboat will drop an anchor for an unforgettable night in the backwaters.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kochi, a city known for its unique mix of history, culture, and seaside charm. Upon arrival visit Fort Kochi, famous for its colonial buildings and vibrant streets, and see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront. Continue to St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, and explore the historic Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town area. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance to experience Kerala’s classical art form. Later, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ooty, a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes. Enjoy a picturesque journey through tea plantations, forests, and winding mountain roads. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax after the long drive. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Ooty.

Early in the morning, experience a ride on the famous Nilgiri Toy Train (subject to availability), a UNESCO World Heritage mountain railway offering stunning views of the hills, valleys, and tea gardens. After breakfast, leave for Mysore. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, visit Mysuru Palace, the former royal residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, admired for its grand architecture and historic Durbar Hall. Next, visit to the Kesava Temple in Somnathpur, renowned for its exquisite Hoysala architecture. Continue to St. Philomena’s Church, an impressive Gothic-style church and one of the largest churches in India. After sightseeing, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Bangalore. En route, stop at Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, an important pilgrimage site admired for its historical significance and grand Dravidian-style architecture. Later, continue your drive to Bangalore. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel or earlier as per your flight schedule, our driver will transfer you to Bangalore International Airport for onward journey.