South India Heritage, Backwaters and Temple Trail
Cultural Heritage
Your Journey
Overview & Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our expertly crafted 17 days South India Heritage, Backwaters and Temple Trail. This immersive tour takes you through the heart of South India, blending ancient heritage, sacred temples, peaceful backwaters, scenic hills, and vibrant coastal towns. Experience royal cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic temple towns, lush plantations, and tranquil lakes, while enjoying a comfortable and well-paced journey designed especially for first-time and international travelers. From spiritual landmarks and cultural traditions to relaxed backwater stays and seaside experiences, this tour offers a perfect balance of discovery and relaxation. Each day is thoughtfully planned with private travel, guided sightseeing, and comfortable stays to ensure a smooth and enriching experience across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Book now or customize this tour for an incredible holiday!
Key highlights of South India Heritage, Backwaters and Temple Trail:
- Experience Mysuru’s royal heritage with grand palaces, historic temples, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
- Discover Wayanad’s lush forests, ancient caves, wildlife sanctuary, and serene hill landscapes of the Western Ghats.
- Experience Alleppey’s peaceful backwaters, scenic canals, village life, and relaxing stay amid Kerala’s waterways.
- Discover the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu through ancient temples, classical arts, and vibrant traditions.
Cruise Kerala’s backwaters aboard a private houseboat.
Focus on temple heritage across Alappuzha and nearby sites.
Cruise Kerala’s backwaters around Alleppey by houseboat.
See Bengaluru’s gardens, palaces and major city landmarks.
Day by Day
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Bengaluru International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. If time permits, enjoy a brief sightseeing tour, viewing Vidhana Soudha from outside, Bangalore Palace, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Bengaluru.
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 breakfast at the hotel, drive to Wayanad, a beautiful hill region known for its forests and plantations. En route, enjoy scenic views of the Western Ghats. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, visit Edakkal Caves, famous for ancient rock carvings, and enjoy views from a nearby Wayanad viewpoint. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Wayanad.
After breakfast, proceed for a jeep safari in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, deer, birds, and rich forest life. Later, visit Banasura Sagar Dam, one of the largest earthen dams in India, and explore a spice plantation to learn about local farming and spices. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Wayanad.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kochi, a historic coastal city known for its colonial heritage and cultural diversity. Enjoy a scenic journey through the hills and countryside of Kerala with comfort stops along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront or explore the local area at your own pace. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kochi.
After breakfast at the hotel, explore Kochi, a city known for its unique mix of history, culture, and seaside charm. 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. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Kochi.
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, 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 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.
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 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 in Chennai.
After breakfast, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and see the Marina Lighthouse for coastal views. Continue to San Thome Church, a historic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, and visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its colorful Dravidian architecture. Later, transfer to Chennai International Airport to board your flight home or to your onward destination.
Personalize Your Itinerary
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What is Included in This Tour
Explore what is included and what is not included in this tour.
- 15 nights accommodation in 3 star deluxe hotels on twin or double sharing basis.
- 1 night stay in a deluxe houseboat on the backwaters of Alleppey.
- Breakfast only at the hotels.
- All meals at the houseboat in Alleppey (B,L,D - Buffet / Fixed Menu).
- 1 shared jeep safari in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- An English Speaking Guide will escort you throughout the tour.
- Airport pick-up / drop-off, all sightseeing and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
- 1-2 persons - by comfortable sedan car such as Toyota Etios or Suzuki Dzire or similar.
- 3 persons - by comfortable MUV car such as Toyota Innova Crysta or similar.
- 4 or more persons - by comfortable mini-van such as Tempo Traveller / Tourist Bus or similar.
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Any International or domestic flights are not included.
- It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- Any VISA fee (if applicable).
- Any monument entrance fee, camera fee.
- Any kind of tips, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Where You Stay
Accommodation
Hotel Comfort INN Insys, Bangalore
Deluxe Hotel
Bengaluru, India
Hotel Samudra Mysore
Deluxe Hotel
Mysore, India
Adithya Nature Resort & Spa, Wayanad
Deluxe Resort
Wayanad, IndiaImportant Information
Know Before You Go
Important Information
- If rooms are not available at the mentioned hotels, we will provide alternate hotels of a similar category. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- Please Note: At Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, and Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, 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.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: To support sustainability, bring a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics.
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India.
- Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
- Tipping in India is not compulsory, it is optional but appreciated. A small gratuity is expected in some cases; tip generously for exceptional service. The amount can range from $2, $5, $10 per day, or more, depending on satisfaction and the quality of service received.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- India VISA: Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. However, all other foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter India. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
Booking Information
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 30 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
Important Information
Cancellation
Cancellation
If you cancel the tour at least 31 days before the scheduled departure date, there will be no cancellation fee. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.