South India offers a wide range of experiences, from the verdant backwaters of Kerala to the magnificent temples of Tamil Nadu and the bustling modern cities of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, it is renowned for its diverse landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Classical dance styles like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi enhance its cultural diversity, and its cuisine is celebrated for its flavors and spices. Whether experiencing traditional Ayurvedic treatments, relaxing on tranquil beaches, or exploring historic landmarks, South India enchants with its warmth and diversity.
Duration: 20 Nights & 21 Days
Destination Covered: Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Trichy-Madurai-Periyar-Kumarakom- Cochin- Wayanad-Mysore- Hassan- Hospet (Hampi) - Badami- Goa- Mumbai
Tour Highlights |
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Mahabalipuram | Seashore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butter Ball |
Kanchipuram | Ekambereshwarar temple, Kailashanathar temple, Varadharajar Perumal temple |
Trichy | Rock Fort Temple and Bazar, Sri Ranganathar temple |
Madurai | Meenakshi Amman Temple and Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace |
Periyar | Wild Life Sanctuary, Spice Plantation, Bamboo Rafting |
Kumarakom | Houseboat |
Cochin | Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis church |
Wayanad | Trekking, Jeep Safari and Neolithic Rock Carvings |
Mysore | Chamundeeshwari Temple and Mysore Palace |
Hassan | Sharavanabelagola, Hoysala Dynasty structure in Belur and Halebid |
Hospet (Hampi) | Vitala and Virupaksha temples |
Badami | Caves in Aihole, Patadakal and Badami |
Goa | Relaxation on the Beach |
Mumbai | Gate way of India, Hanging Gardens, Elephanta Caves and Dhobi Ghats |
Day 1 : Chennai Arrival- Mahabalipuram
On arrival in Chennai you’ll be met and introduced to your driver. Depart immediately and drive 90 minutes south to the beachside town of Mahabalipuram. Check in at the hotel and rest of the day relax. Overnight in Mahabalipuram
Day 2 : Mahabalipuram
Start your day with a half-day sightseeing tour of the ancient monuments of Mahabalipuram which are recognized as UNESCO monuments, like Seashore temple renowned for its stunning architecture and scenic setting along the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the oldest structural temples in South India, showcasing intricate carvings and a blend of Dravidian architectural styles. Arjuna’s Penance, The artwork portrays a dramatic scene where Arjuna, one of the Pandava princes from the epic Mahabharata, performs intense penance to appease Lord Shiva and obtain a powerful weapon, Five Rathas or Pancha Rathas, are a remarkable group of monolithic rock-cut temples and Krishna’s Butter Ball which is a large, spherical boulder that appears to be precariously balanced on a sloped hill, creating an illusion of stability and shakiness. Later after Lunch, relax for some time and in the evening you can have a sunset stroll at the beach side. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day 3 : Mahabalipuram- Kanchipuram – Dakshinachitra- Mahabalipuram
This day have a day trip to the temple town of Kanchipuram which involves one hour one way. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in southern India. Here the famous temples are Ekambereshwarar temple which is one of the five elements of nature representing Earth, Kailashanathar temple and Varadharajar Perumal temple. On the way back to Mahabalipuram you can visit the Cultural Village of Dakshinachitra and the Crocodile Bank - a unique centre for the study of these amazing reptiles. Overnight in Mahabalipuram
Day 4 : Mahabalipuram - Trichy
Departing Mahabalipuram the next stop is at Trichy, involves 5.5hours. This is another of Tamil Nadu’s important Temple Cities and home to Srirangam and Rock Fort Temples. The climb to the top of Rock Fort is rewarded with views over the city and Srirangam temple, one of the largest temples in Asia. Rock Fort Bazaar is a very interesting market, bustling with people and a great place to buy almost anything. Overnight in Trichy.
Day 5 : Trichy- Madurai
Leave Trichy after breakfast and drive 2.5 hours to Madurai. Later in the day visit Meenakshi Temple and the Nayak Palace, with free time in the late afternoon to explore the markets of Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. You should not miss to taste cuisines of Madurai which would be very delicious. Rest of the day relax. Overnight in Madurai
Day 6 : Madurai -Periyar
Early morning visit to the famous Madurai flower markets. And after breakfast drive 4 hours to Periyar, high in the hills of the Western Ghats. Options for the afternoon include guided trekking in the forests of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a visit to a spice plantation, bamboo rafting or a chance to ride, feed and bathe an elephant. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 7 : Periyar -Kumarakom
Leaving the hills, drive down 4 hours to Kumarakom on the shores of Vembanad Lake and board your private houseboat. This is one of the quintessential experiences of South India - cruising the unique backwaters of Kerala. Once you check in at the houseboat you will be provided with Lunch, Tea & snacks and dinner. While cruising on the boat, you have the flexibility to pause the journey at your discretion. Additionally, you have the option to purchase fresh fish and request that they be prepared for you on board. The boat will be anchored around 5:00 PM, allowing you to disembark and, if desired, proceed with shopping. The boat will resume its journey the following day. After breakfast, you have to disembark from the houseboat. , Overnight on the houseboat.
Day 8 : Kumarakom - Cochin
Today disembark the houseboat and drive 2 hours to Cochin. After Lunch proceed for the sightseeing around historic Fort Cochin, a major trading port for centuries and home to a multitude of cultural influences. Major sightseeings can be covered are Jewish Synagogue which is a historic and culturally significant site established in 1568, it is one of the oldest active synagogues in India and an important landmark of the Jewish community in the region. The synagogue is renowned for its beautiful architecture and rich heritage. Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace, is a historic building, constructed in 1555 by the Portuguese for the Cochin Raja, it was later renovated by the Dutch in 1663, who gave it its current name. St. Francis Church is an active place of worship and a popular heritage site, attracting visitors who are interested in its historical significance and architectural charm. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
Day 9 : Cochin – Wayanad
Have early breakfast and start at least by 9:00am as today it would be a bit long drive to reach Wayanad- a remote district in the north of Kerala – on arrival check in at the hotel and relax rest of the day. Overnight in Wayanad.
Day 10 : Wayanad
This full day you can engage yourself with different activities like Trekking, visit a wildlife sanctuary by jeep or see some of the local attractions which includes India’s oldest Neolithic rock carvings and ancient Jain temples in the forests. Overnight in Wayanad.
Day 11 : Wayanad - Mysore
Morning drive down 4hours to Mysore and in the afternoon visit the famous flower market and sumptuous Mysore palace. If you happen to be in Mysore on a Sunday you can see the amazing sight of the nearly 100,000 lights of the palace being turned on, Chamundeeshwari temple and the big statue of Nandhi. Rest of the day relax. Overnight in Mysore.
Day 12 : Mysore - Hassan
Depart Mysore and drive to Hassan, Enroute visiting the giant Jain statue at Sravanabelgola. Later in the day you will be able to see two of the most intricate temples in south India- the Hoysala Dynasty structures at Belur and Halebid. Overnight in Hassan.
Day 13 : Hassan - Hospet
Today you will have a bit long drive to Hospet. On arrival check in at the hotel ahead of the next two days at Hampi which is 12km/20 minutes from Hospet. Overnight stay at Hospet.
Day 14 and 15 : Hospet
Two full days are needed to do justice to this remarkable site- spend one day with a guide to get some background and understanding of the history of Hampi which is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. And on the second day explore at your own pace. Major attractions of Hampi are Virupaksha temple, Vittala temple complex, Hampi Fort, Lotus Mahal and Elephant stables. Rest of the day relax. Overnight in Hospet.
Day 16 : Hospet - Badami
Today drive 3.5hours to Badami. Enroute visit caves at Aihole, Patadakal and then at Badami. Later check in at the hotel and relax rest of the day. Overnight Badami.
Day 17 : Badami – Goa
Drive approximately 5.5 hours west to the coast and the world famous beaches of Goa, India’s smallest state. On arrival check in at the hotel and relax rest of the day. Overnight in Goa.
Day 18 and 19 : Goa
Wind down with two days relaxing on the beach. If you are interested in the history of Goa, a full day tour is an option. Overnight in Goa.
Day 20 : Goa – Mumbai (FLY)
Today you will be transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Mumbai, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit some of the many highlights of Mumbai including the Gateway of India, the Dhobi Ghats (probably the world’s largest open-air laundry), the Hanging Gardens and historic colonial buildings of south Mumbai. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 21 : Mumbai- Departure
Morning visit to the rock-cut temples at Elephanta Caves, on Elephanta Island in the middle of Mumbai Harbour. Later in the day transfer to Mumbai airport as per your schedule for your flight home.
Experience the coastal charm of Mahabalipuram with ancient monuments and beachside relaxation.
Explore Kanchipuram's sacred temples and cultural sites, including Dakshinachitra and the Crocodile Bank.
Options include guided trekking, visiting a spice plantation, bamboo rafting, and elephant interactions.
Enjoy a serene houseboat experience on Vembanad Lake, a quintessential part of Kerala's charm.
Discover the historic trading port with its cultural blend, including Fort Cochin's landmarks and markets.
Explore trekking routes, wildlife sanctuaries, Neolithic rock carvings, and ancient Jain temples.
Hampi offers a rich historical experience with its ancient ruins and temples, best explored with a guide and at your own pace.
Visit exquisite temples and caves showcasing intricate Hoysala Dynasty architecture and historical significance.
Enjoy world-renowned beaches and optional historical tours to discover Goa's cultural heritage.
Experience iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India, Dhobi Ghats, Hanging Gardens, and colonial buildings.
21 Days / 20 Nights
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