Historic Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with Backwaters of Kerala

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, 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 an early breakfast and hotel checkout, drive to Chidambaram to visit the sacred Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. Continue to Darasuram to visit the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fine stone carvings. Later, drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check in at your 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, set out to explore Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in India and an important cultural center of Tamil Nadu. Begin your day with a 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, return to your hotel for a comfortable 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, drive to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Upon arrival, visit the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple (entry restricted for non-Hindus inside the sanctum), one of the most important and sacred temples in India. Later, explore the Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery, known for their fine collections of art and history. In the evening, relax at Kovalam Beach and enjoy the coastal views. Check in at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Trivandrum.

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 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. 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, 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 enjoying breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to the Kesava Temple in Somnathpur, renowned for its exquisite Hoysala architecture. Next, explore the Mysore Zoo, one of India’s oldest and most popular zoos, home to a diverse range of wildlife. Later, proceed to Chamundi Hills to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple. The temple can be reached by road; however, for those interested, there are approximately 1,008 steps leading up to the temple, which devotees often climb. Most visitors prefer road access, especially senior travelers. 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, our driver will transfer you to Bangalore International Airport for your onward journey.