Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Chennai
You'll land at Chennai International Airport and get picked up for transfer to your hotel. This is your chance to settle in and get some rest before the trip through South India kicks off. Early evening, grab dinner at the hotel or nearby.
- Start point
- Chennai International Airtport, Meenambakkam, Chennai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (Chennai International Airport Arrival Gate )
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Belstead hotel), Hotel (The Residency - Chennai ), Hotel (Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels )
- Day 2
Chennai to Mahabalipuram
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll see Chennai's key spots starting with Kapaleeshwarar Temple from the 7th century, then move through colonial Fort St. George and San Thome Cathedral. Take a walk along Marina Beach, and later drive to Mahabalipuram on the coast where you can relax by the Bay of Bengal (about 90 minutes from Chennai).
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Madras Chronicle Bay Resort), Hotel (Ideal Beach Resort ), Hotel (Kaldan Samudra Palace )
Included Activities
- Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- Explore Fort St. George and its museum
- Visit San Thome Cathedral
- Stroll along Marina Beach
- Drive to Mahabalipuram
Landmarks Kapaleeshwarar Temple Fort St. George San Thome Cathedral Marina Beach 
- Day 3
Kanchipuram Day Trip
Breakfast first, then you're heading to Kanchipuram, known as the 'City of a Thousand Temples,' about an hour inland. You'll check out Kailasanatha Temple from the 8th century and Ekambareswarar Temple with its famous ancient mango tree. Before heading back to Mahabalipuram, spend some time learning about the local silk weaving that the region's known for.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Madras Chronicle Bay Resort), Hotel (Ideal Beach Resort ), Hotel (Kaldan Samudra Palace )
Included Activities
- Visit Kailasanatha Temple
- Explore Ekambareswarar Temple
- Discover Kanchipuram's silk weaving heritage at a local loom
- Return to Mahabalipuram
Landmarks Kailasanatha Temple Ekambareswarar Temple - Day 4
Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Sites
After breakfast, you'll walk through Mahabalipuram's UNESCO sites including Shore Temple right by the water from the 7th century, plus Pancha Rathas carved entirely from single rocks and Arjuna's Penance with all its detailed carving work. You'll have time to either relax on the beach or browse stone sculpture shops.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Madras Chronicle Bay Resort), Hotel (Ideal Beach Resort ), Hotel (Kaldan Samudra Palace )
Included Activities
- Visit Shore Temple
- Explore Pancha Rathas
- View Arjuna's Penance
- Relax at Mahabalipuram Beach or shop for stone sculptures
Landmarks Shore Temple Pancha Rathas Arjuna's Penance Mahabalipuram Beach - Day 5
Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
Heading to Pondicherry after breakfast, you'll stop at Auroville along the way to see the Matrimandir with its golden dome and walk through the gardens (nice spot for meditation). Once in Pondicherry, the former French colony, you'll visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and stroll along Rock Beach which has that French Riviera feel to it.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Annamalai International - Puducherry), Hotel (Shenbaga Hotel & Convention Centre ), Hotel (Accord Puducherry)
Included Activities
- Visit Auroville and Matrimandir
- Drive to Pondicherry
- Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Stroll along Rock Beach
Landmarks Matrimandir Sri Aurobindo Ashram Rock Beach - Day 6
Pondicherry to Kumbakonam
Drive to Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu's temple town, after breakfast. On the way you'll stop at Chidambaram to see the 10th-century Nataraja Temple, one of the really fine examples of Chola architecture. When you get to Kumbakonam, visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple with its impressive 9-story gopuram (gateway tower) from the 7th century.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Lee Benz Ark Hotel), Hotel (Quality Inn Viha), Hotel (Mantra Koodam Kumbakonam - A CGH Earth Experience)
Included Activities
- Stop at Chidambaram's Nataraja Temple
- Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Landmarks Chidambaram Nataraja Temple Adi Kumbeswarar Temple - Day 7
Kumbakonam to Trichy
Breakfast, then you're driving toward Trichy. Stop in Thanjavur to check out the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswara Temple built in 1010, a real masterpiece of Chola building style, and look through the palace museum. Once in Trichy, you'll tour the sprawling Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a 10th-century site with incredible scale.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Breeze Residency Trichy), Hotel (Hotel Blossom Trichy), Hotel (Courtyard by Marriott Trichy)
Included Activities
- Visit Thanjavur's Brihadeeswara Temple
- Explore Thanjavur Palace
- Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Landmarks Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur Palace Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - Day 8
Trichy to Madurai
After breakfast, climb up the 83-meter rock to Rock Fort Temple for city views and visit the colonial-era St. Joseph's Church. Later you'll drive to Madurai, Tamil Nadu's cultural heart, and stop by the 16th-century Meenakshi Amman Temple in the evening to see its colorful gopurams lit up.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Astoria Hotel Madurai), Hotel (JC Residency Madurai), Hotel (Heritage Resort Madurai)
Included Activities
- Visit Rock Fort Temple
- Visit St. Joseph's Church
- Drive to Madurai
- Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple
Landmarks Rock Fort Temple St. Joseph's Church Meenakshi Amman Temple 
- Day 9
Madurai to Periyar
Start early at 6 am with an interactive walking tour through Madurai's Flower Market where you'll catch the city waking up and see all the fresh blooms. Tour Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace with its Indo-Saracenic style, then drive to Periyar in Kerala's Western Ghats surrounded by spice plantations.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Livinns Thekkady ), Hotel (Hotel PepperVine Thekkady), Hotel (The Elephant Court)
Included Activities
- Join interactive walking tour of Madurai's Flower Market
- Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
- Drive to Periyar
Landmarks Madurai Flower Market Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace 
- Day 10
Periyar Wildlife & Cultural Experiences
After breakfast, you're taking a boat through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you might see elephants, deer, and different bird species. Walk through the spice plantations to learn how cardamom and cinnamon grow, visit an elephant camp, and watch Kalaripayattu, which is India's oldest martial art form.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Livinns Thekkady ), Hotel (Hotel PepperVine Thekkady), Hotel (The Elephant Court)
Included Activities
- Boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit Spice Plantation
- Visit Elephant Camp
- Witness Kalaripayattu performance
Landmarks Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Day 11
Periyar to Alleppey Houseboat
Head to Alleppey, Kerala's backwater hub, after breakfast. Stop at a rubber plantation to see how they harvest latex, then board your private Kettuvallam houseboat with cabins and a chef making fresh Keralite food. Spend the afternoon and evening cruising through calm backwaters lined with palm trees and rice paddies.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel), Lunch (Hot lunch on houseboat with fresh Keralite meals)
- Accommodation
- Houseboat (Super Deluxe Houseboat ), Houseboat (Super Deluxe Houseboat ), Houseboat (Super Deluxe Houseboat )
Included Activities
- Visit rubber plantation
- Drive to Alleppey
- Board private houseboat
- Cruise through backwaters
- Enjoy onboard activities like fishing
Landmarks Alleppey Backwaters - Day 12
Alleppey to Kumarakom
Eat breakfast on the houseboat, then head to Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake. Check out the Bird Sanctuary with its Siberian storks, look through the Bay Island Driftwood Museum's sculptures, and see Thazhathangadi Valiapalli, an old church. Later take an evening walk through the village and visit a coir-making factory.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast on the houseboat)
- Accommodation
- Resort (cocobay resort), Resort (lakesong resort), Hotel (Rhythm Kumarakom resort)
Included Activities
- Disembark houseboat and drive to Kumarakom
- Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Explore Bay Island Driftwood Museum
- Visit Thazhathangadi Valiapalli church
- Village walk and coir-making factory visit
Landmarks Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Bay Island Driftwood Museum Thazhathangadi Valiapalli - Day 13
Kumarakom to Kochi
Drive to Kochi, Kerala's port city, after breakfast. Walk through Fort Kochi's colonial streets and street art, see the 14th-century Chinese Fishing Nets in action, tour St. Francis Church from 1503, and explore Mattancherry Palace with its Kerala murals. End with shopping for antiques and spices in historic Jew Town.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Trios Hotel), Hotel (Luxo Kochi), Hotel (Le Meridien Kochi)
Included Activities
- Drive to Kochi
- Explore Fort Kochi
- Visit Chinese Fishing Nets
- Tour St. Francis Church
- Explore Mattancherry Palace
- Shop in Jew Town
Landmarks Fort Kochi Chinese Fishing Nets St. Francis Church Mattancherry Palace Jew Town 
- Day 14
Kochi to Coimbatore
After breakfast, you're driving to Coimbatore to visit Isha Yoga Center at the base of the Velliangiri Mountains. It's the headquarters for Isha Foundation and you'll get insights into yoga, meditation, and peace. Head back to your hotel by evening to relax and wind down.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Zone Connect by the Park ), Hotel (Gokulam Park Inn ), Hotel (Radisson Blu Coimbatore )
Included Activities
- Drive to Coimbatore
- Visit Isha Yoga Center
Landmarks Isha Yoga Center - Day 15
Coimbatore to Ooty via Toy Train
Breakfast, then drive to Coonoor where you'll board the scenic Toy Train up to Ooty. The ride winds through tunnels and tea plantations with views of the hills. Once there, take a boat ride on Ooty Lake surrounded by misty hills, then walk through Botanical Gardens from 1848 with its rare plants and flowers.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast after departure from Coimbatore)
- Accommodation
- Resort (Hotel Lakeview ooty), Hotel (Mango hills Shola Ooty ), Hotel (Savoy Hotel )
Included Activities
- Drive to Coonoor
- Board Toy Train to Ooty
- Visit Ooty Lake and enjoy boat ride
- Explore Botanical Gardens
Optional Activities
- Sip local tea at a cozy café
Landmarks Ooty Lake Ooty Botanical Gardens 
- Day 16
Ooty Scenic Experiences
Visit Doddabetta Peak, the highest point around Ooty, for wide views of the Nilgiri hills after breakfast. Tour a tea estate to learn how tea is grown and made, and taste freshly brewed tea. By evening, shop at Charing Cross for homemade chocolates and eucalyptus oil.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Resort (Hotel Lakeview ooty), Hotel (Mango hills Shola Ooty ), Hotel (Savoy Hotel )
Included Activities
- Visit Doddabetta Peak
- Tour a tea estate
- Sip freshly brewed tea at tea estate
- Shop for homemade chocolates and eucalyptus oil at Charing Cross
Landmarks Doddabetta Peak - Day 17
Ooty to Mysore
Drive to Mysore after breakfast, Karnataka's cultural center. Visit the grand 1912 Mysore Palace with its Indo-Saracenic look (it's really something when lit at night). Head up Chamundi Hills to see the 11th-century Chamundeshwari Temple and get city views. Finish at Devaraja Market shopping for sandalwood and Mysore silk.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Soho Boutique hotel), Hotel (Southern Star Mysuru), Hotel (Radisson Blu Mysuru)
Included Activities
- Drive to Mysore
- Visit Mysore Palace
- Explore Chamundi Hills
- Visit Chamundeshwari Temple
- Stroll through Devaraja Market
Optional Activities
- Enjoy South Indian dinner
Landmarks Mysore Palace Chamundi Hills Chamundeshwari Temple Devaraja Market - Day 18
Mysore to Bangalore via Srirangapatna
After breakfast, visit Brindavan Gardens by the Krishnarajasagara Dam across the Kaveri River. Drive to Srirangapatna to see the 9th-century Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Tipu Sultan's 18th-century Summer Palace. Continue to Bangalore for an evening of rest.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Justa MG Road ), Hotel (IRIS Banglore ), Hotel (Radisson Blu Banglore )
Included Activities
- Visit Brindavan Gardens
- Drive to Srirangapatna
- Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
- Visit Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
- Drive to Bangalore
Landmarks Brindavan Gardens Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace - Day 19
Bangalore Exploration & Departure
Explore Bangalore's key spots after breakfast including neo-Dravidian Vidhana Soudha, Lalbagh Botanical Garden with its Crystal Palace-inspired glasshouse, and the elegant 1878 Bangalore Palace. Also visit the grand ISKCON Temple, shop at Commercial Street for silk scarves and handicrafts, then transfer to the airport.
- End point
- Kempegowda International Airport Southern Access Road, 560300, Devanahalli, Bengaluru Rural, Karnataka, India (Bangalore International Airport Departure Gate )
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning breakfast at the hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Vidhana Soudha
- Explore Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Visit Bangalore Palace
- Visit ISKCON Temple
- Stroll through Commercial Street
- Transfer to Kempegowda International Airport
Landmarks Vidhana Soudha Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore Palace ISKCON Temple Commercial Street
