Overview
Embark on a captivating 17-day South India tour that blends the region’s rich spiritual heritage, ancient architecture, vibrant local culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From the living Chola temples of Tanjore and Trichy to the serene Kerala backwaters, and from the aromatic spice plantations of Thekkady to the cool misty hills of Ooty and Mysore, this journey offers a perfect balance of history, spirituality, nature, and relaxation.
Ideal for cultural explorers, heritage lovers, and nature seekers, this itinerary covers iconic destinations like Mahabalipuram (UNESCO site), Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Fort Cochin, while also introducing you to offbeat gems like Chettinad mansions and the sun-kissed cliffs of Varkala. Whether you’re discovering age-old temples, gliding through lush backwaters, savouring authentic Chettinad cuisine, or relaxing on Kerala’s tranquil coast, this immersive itinerary captures the essence of South India in all its glory—making it one of the best South India tour packages for 2025.
Detailed Itineary
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Day 1 : Chennai Arrival
Upon your arrival in Chennai, you’ll be received by one of our Indian Panorama representative and you will be assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.
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Day 2 : Chennai - Mahabalipuram
After your breakfast, Explore Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and the largest city in South India, blends colonial heritage with coastal charm. Visit key sites including the historic Fort St. George and the Government Museum, before departing for the ocean-side town of Mahabalipuram, known for its beachfront restaurants and ancient rock-cut temples. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
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Day 3 : Mahabalipuram Sightseeing – Trichy
After your breakfast, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram with a local guide, exploring several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural rock formations. Once the capital of the Pallava dynasty, Mahabalipuram is now a serene village boasting attractions like Arjuna’s Penance—the world’s largest bas-relief, the Shore Temple, and many rock-cut shrines. After the tour, travel around 5 hours through fertile farmlands to reach Trichy. Overnight stay in Trichy.
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Day 4 : Trichy - Tanjore
After your breakfast, explore Trichy and the nearby river island of Srirangam, both renowned pilgrimage destinations. With a guide, visit the Rock Fort Temple, perched atop an 83-meter-high rock, and the grand Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. Later, stroll through the bustling Rock Fort bazaar before continuing to Tanjore. Don’t miss the stunning Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO-listed Chola marvel that glows beautifully at sunset. Overnight stay in Tanjore.
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Day 5 : Tanjore - Chettinad
After your breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Tanjore in the morning, followed by a drive to the heritage-rich Chettinad region in time for lunch. Known for its palatial mansions built by affluent Chettiars—some over 40,000 sq. ft.—Chettinad offers a unique blend of Dravidian architecture and art deco influences. It’s also a food lover’s paradise, famous for its spicy Chettinad cuisine with bold flavors and aromatic spices. Overnight stay in Kaanadukathan, Chettinad.
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Day 6 : Chettinad
After your breakfast spend a full day soaking in Chettinad’s local life: visit markets and temples, observe traditional Athangudi tile-making, enjoy a bullock cart village ride, and explore Karaikudi, the district headquarters. Kaanadukathan remains one of the few villages in this region offering luxury rural stays. Overnight stay in Chettinad.
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Day 7 : Chettinad - Madurai
After breakfast, drive two hours to Madurai. In the afternoon, tour the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its soaring gopurams and intricate carvings, and the Nayak Palace, an Indo-Saracenic architectural gem. Madurai is a bustling temple town where the closing ceremony at Meenakshi Temple is a spiritual spectacle worth witnessing. Overnight stay in Madurai.
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Day 8 : Madurai - Periyar
After your breakfast begin your day with the Vanakkam Madurai walking tour—a sunrise experience revealing the quieter side of the city. Then drive 3 hours to Thekkady and arrive at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by lunchtime. Explore the sanctuary with an optional boat ride on Periyar Lake or a guided nature walk, ideal for spotting rare birds and smaller mammals. Overnight stay in Periyar/Thekkady.
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Day 9 : Periyar - Varkala
After your breakfast, visit a spice plantation and enjoy the chance to feed and bathe an elephant. Later, descend the scenic Western Ghats to reach Varkala, home to cliffside beaches and Ayurveda retreats. Expect a long but picturesque drive. Overnight stay in Varkala.
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Day 10 : Varkala
After your breakfast spend a relaxing day in Varkala, surrounded by golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful coconut groves. Whether you're reading by the pool or enjoying fresh seafood at a cliff café, this is your day to unwind. Overnight stay in Varkala.
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Day 11 : Varkala - Alleppey Backwaters
After breakfast, drive 2 hours north to Alleppey, also called Alappuzha, and board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a lunch cruise through the backwaters. After cruising, you’ll check into a backwater homestay or resort. Spend the evening canoeing through canals or cycling through local villages to enjoy a slice of backwater village life. Overnight stay near Alleppey.
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Day 12 : Alleppey - Cochin
After your breakfast enjoy a relaxed morning before driving 90 minutes to Cochin (Kochi). In the afternoon, wander through the charming lanes of Fort Cochin, a historic port city steeped in colonial legacy, and end the day with a sunset cruise on Cochin Harbour. Overnight stay in Fort Cochin.
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Day 13 : Cochin
After your breakfast enjoy a full day of sightseeing around Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Visit India’s oldest synagogue, stroll through Jew Town, see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and explore Dutch Palace, recently restored and rich in Kerala’s royal history. Cap the day with a Kathakali dance performance, an unmissable part of Kerala’s cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Fort Cochin.
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Day 14 : Cochin - Ooty
After your breakfast travel to Coimbatore, then to Coonoor in the Nilgiri Hills. From here, enjoy a ride on the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage toy train, arriving at the hill station of Ooty, famous for its colonial charm and botanical gardens. Overnight in stay Ooty.
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Day 15 : Ooty - Mysore
After your breakfast, spend the morning exploring Ooty, often referred to as the Queen of Hill Stations, before a scenic drive to Mysore in Karnataka. Known for its majestic palace and vibrant street life, Mysore is perfect for shopping and sightseeing. If you're in town on Sunday evening, join locals at the dazzling Mysore Palace Illumination, where 97,000 lights turn the palace into a fairy-tale scene. Overnight in stay Mysore.
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Day 16 : Mysore Sightseeing
After your breakfast explore Mysore’s top attractions: the elegant Sultan’s Palace, the ornate Somnathpur Temple, and Chamundi Hill Temple. Visit the bustling flower market, and discover Mysore’s famous crafts like sandalwood, silk sarees, and incense. Walking and cycling tours are also a great way to absorb the city’s charm. Overnight in stay Mysore.
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Day 17 : Mysore - Bangalore
After your breakfast, enjoy free time in the morning to shop in Mysore’s vibrant bazaars before driving to Bangalore via Srirangapatna, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan. Transfer to the airport in Bangalore for your evening departure.