Grand South India Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mysuru, a city known for its rich culture and royal heritage. En route, stop at the Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, an important pilgrimage site famous for its historic Dravidian-style architecture. Continue to Mysuru and check in at your hotel. Later, visit Mysuru Palace, the former royal residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, admired for its grand architecture and historic Durbar Hall. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysuru.

After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel and embark on a picturesque drive to Ooty, often referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations." The journey takes you through scenic routes with rolling hills, tea plantations, and dense forests. Upon arrival in Ooty, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, explore the highlights of this charming hill station, including a visit to the Ooty Botanical Gardens, known for its vibrant collection of flowers and rare plants. You can also take a peaceful boat ride on Ooty Lake, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and the Nilgiri hills. Spend the evening at leisure, strolling through the town or visiting the local markets. Overnight stay at your hotel in Ooty.

After breakfast, set out for a day trip to Coonoor, a charming hill station located about 20 km from Ooty. Begin with a visit to the lush tea gardens, where the neatly terraced plantations and panoramic views make for excellent photo opportunities. Continue to Dolphin’s Nose, a popular viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valleys and hills. Next, visit Lamb’s Rock, another scenic viewpoint providing stunning perspectives of the Nilgiri landscape. Conclude your day with a visit to Sim’s Park, a 12-hectare botanical garden in Upper Coonoor featuring a diverse collection of plants and flowers, ideal for nature lovers. Return to your hotel in Ooty for an overnight stay.

Please Note: Some viewpoints like Dolphin’s Nose and Lamb’s Rock involve walking along uneven or slightly steep paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

After breakfast in Kochi, embark on a scenic drive to Thrissur, often called the Cultural Capital of Kerala. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax for a while. In the afternoon, set out to explore the city’s vibrant heritage, beginning with a visit to the iconic Vadakkunnathan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate renowned for its classic Kerala-style architecture and intricate wooden carvings. Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted inside the sanctum, but they can walk around the outer grounds to admire the grandeur of this ancient temple. Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Shakthan Thampuran Palace, a fine example of Kerala-Dutch architecture that houses a museum showcasing ornaments, sculptures, and relics of the Kochi royal family. Later in the evening, take a stroll around Swaraj Round, the bustling heart of Thrissur city, to witness its lively local culture before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Today is dedicated to exploring the spiritual and cultural charm of Thrissur. Begin with a visit to the Guruvayur Temple, one of the most important Krishna temples in India, attracting thousands of devotees daily. Entry is restricted only to Hindus, but travelers of other faiths can admire the architecture and lively ambiance from outside. Next, visit the Anakkotta (Elephant Sanctuary), located near the temple, which houses more than 50 elephants belonging to the temple – a unique sight offering insights into Kerala’s cultural traditions. Continue to Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple, another prominent shrine, especially famous during the Thrissur Pooram festival. If time permits, visit the Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, the tallest church in Asia, with its striking Gothic architecture and serene interiors. In the evening, you may explore Kerala Kalamandalam, the premier center for learning Indian performing arts such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, to experience the artistic heritage of Kerala. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, leave for Kochi. Upon arrival, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour. Start at Jew Street, where you can visit the Jewish Synagogue (open from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays). Next, explore St. Francis Church, India’s first European church, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Continue to Dutch Palace in Mattancherry (open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays), showcasing Kerala’s regal history and artistic murals. Spend some free time strolling through Jew Street, a lively area with shops selling handicrafts, antiques, and ethnic garments. Later, visit Fort Kochi and witness the famous Chinese fishing nets, a fascinating sight that highlights Cochin’s maritime heritage. After a day of enriching experiences, enjoy a restful overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, with a possible comfort stop and optional spice garden visit. After checking into your hotel in Munnar and enjoying lunch, you can choose to visit the Tea Museum or explore local markets. The afternoon is free to relax, take in the views. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Eravikulam National Park where you will enjoy a short hike through the park, spotting the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and taking in the scenic hill views. Continue to Mattupetty Dam to admire the surrounding landscape, and then visit Echo Point, known for its panoramic vistas and the natural echo phenomenon. In the evening, head to Top Station, one of Munnar’s highest viewpoints, to witness a stunning sunset over the valleys before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Thekkady. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can witness wildlife in their natural habitat from the water. Additionally, an optional elephant ride offers a unique way to explore the scenic surroundings. During your visit to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, enjoy the mesmerizing views of the evergreen forests and keep an eye out for wildlife, including elephants, sambar deer, Indian bison, and the elusive tigers. If time permits, visit Kumily, a charming town 10 kilometers away. Here, immerse yourself in the fragrant world of spices at a local plantation. Overnight stay at the resort in Thekkady.

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful backwater destination on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Upon arrival, check in at your resort and relax amidst nature. Later, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, known for its rich birdlife and lush surroundings. Enjoy the calm beauty of the backwaters and village landscapes before returning to your resort. Overnight stay at the resort in Kumarakom.

After breakfast in the morning, proceed to Alleppey, a serene backwater destination known for its picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, board your houseboat and settle in for a relaxing cruise through the tranquil waterways. As you glide past lush greenery and charming villages, soak in the breathtaking views of Kerala’s backwaters. By 13:30 hrs, the houseboat will pause for a delicious lunch on board, allowing you to savor local flavors while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. At 14:30 hrs, the journey resumes, covering a vast expanse of serene backwaters, offering an experience that feels like a dream. Enjoy tea and snacks onboard as the scenery continues to unfold around you. By 18:00 hrs, the houseboat will anchor, providing a unique and unforgettable overnight stay amidst the stillness of the backwaters.

After breakfast on the houseboat, travel to Kovalam. Upon arrival, check in at your resort and relax. In the afternoon, head to Kovalam Beach to enjoy the inviting waves of the Arabian Sea. Explore the iconic lighthouse, watch the stunning sunset, and, if available, partake in a cozy bonfire on the beach. Return to the resort for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning relaxing on the golden beaches of Kovalam, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and gentle waves. Later, proceed to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) to explore its cultural highlights, including the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple (entry restricted for non-Hindus inside the sanctum), the Napier Museum, and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery showcasing traditional and contemporary art. In the evening, return to Kovalam to unwind by the beach and stay overnight at the hotel.

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, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India and a major cultural center of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Later, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace showcasing a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its colorful towers and detailed carvings, and experience the vibrant atmosphere around the temple complex. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Madurai.

Please Note: At Madurai Temple, only practicing Hindus are allowed to visit the Main Deity Room. People of other religions can enter the temple grounds but are only allowed in certain areas and cannot visit the Main Deity Room.

After breakfast at the hotel in Madurai, visit the Koodal Azhagar Temple, an ancient Vishnu temple known for its beautiful carvings. Later, drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) and visit the Srirangam Temple, one of the largest and most important Vaishnavite temples in South India. Continue to the Jambukeshwara Temple, a Shiva temple famous for its unique water element. End your sightseeing at the Rock Fort Temple, located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the city. After sightseeing, continue your drive to Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thanjavur.

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 an early breakfast and hotel checkout, drive to Darasuram to visit the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fine stone carvings. Continue to Chidambaram to visit the sacred Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. In the afternoon, drive to Pondicherry, check in at your hotel, and relax. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Auroville, an international township focused on peace, unity, and sustainable living. Visit the Matrimandir (viewed from outside), the spiritual center of Auroville, set amidst calm and well-maintained gardens. Later, return to Puducherry and explore 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. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk along the beach or explore local markets. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Puducherry.

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

After breakfast, drive towards Chennai 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 Chennai and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided tour of Chennai. Visit Marina Beach, the towering Marina Lighthouse, the historic San Thome Church, and the revered Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Conclude the day with visits to Kalakshetra and Theosophical Society before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast or before as per flight timing, our driver will transfer you to Chennai International Airport to board a flight to home or onward destination.