Historic Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with Backwaters of Kerala

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, begin a short city tour. Visit Marina Beach and enjoy the sea breeze, followed by San Thome Church and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Later, visit Kalakshetra and the Theosophical Society. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

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, drive to Auroville, an international township focused on peace and sustainable living. Visit the Matrimandir (viewed from outside). Later, return to Puducherry and explore the French Quarter, known for its colonial charm. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and walk along the Seaside Promenade. The evening is at leisure to relax or explore local markets. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast and check-out, drive to Chidambaram and visit the Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. Continue to Darasuram to see the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate stone carvings. Later, drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight stay 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 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. Continue to the Jambukeshwara Temple, a Shiva temple known for its unique water element. End your sightseeing at the Rock Fort Temple, located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city. After sightseeing, continue your drive to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast, explore Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in India. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its towering gopurams and intricate sculptures. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th century structure reflecting royal heritage. Later, visit Koodal Azhagar Temple, an important Vishnu temple. Return to the hotel for an 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 at the resort, proceed to Kumarakom, a peaceful backwater destination set along Vembanad Lake. Upon arrival, check in at the resort and relax. Later, visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, known for its variety of birdlife including kingfishers, herons, and egrets. In the evening, you may enjoy a short backwater boat ride or simply unwind by the lake. Return to the resort for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the resort, drive to Alappuzha, known for its traditional houseboat cruises through Kerala’s backwaters. Check in to your houseboat around 12:00 PM and begin a relaxing cruise along tranquil canals and lagoons. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard as you pass paddy fields, village homes, and coconut-lined waterways, offering a glimpse into local life. By evening, the houseboat anchors in a quiet spot, allowing you to unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

After breakfast, depart for Kochi. Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing at Jew Town, visiting the Paradesi Synagogue (closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays). Continue to St. Francis Church, India’s first European church, followed by Mattancherry Palace (closed on Fridays), known for its murals and royal history. Spend some time exploring the local shops before heading to Fort Kochi to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Later, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Optional activity: In the evening, guests can opt for a Kathakali dance performance followed by a traditional martial arts performance (on request basis at an additional cost).

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. Later, explore Ooty, also known as the “Queen of Hill Stations.” Visit the popular Ooty Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, and enjoy the pleasant weather and natural beauty of the town. In the evening, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Ooty.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Mysore, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, majestic palaces, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysuru.

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, our driver will transfer you to Bangalore International Airport to board a flight to home or onward journey.