Jewels of South India
Destination
Kerala & South India
Overview
Embark on a grand 30-day journey across the diverse cultural and scenic landscapes of South India. Begin in the bustling metropolis of Chennai and explore ancient temples, colonial architecture, and serene beaches. Wander through the rock-cut marvels of Mahabalipuram, the French-influenced streets of Pondicherry, and the regal grandeur of Tanjore and Trichy. Discover the spiritual aura of Madurai, the wilderness of Periyar, and the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Delight in the lush hill stations of Munnar and Ooty, the misty plantations of Coorg, and the architectural richness of Mysore and Hampi. Continue to the rock-hewn sanctuaries of Badami and conclude your tour in Goa, where sun, sea, and heritage await. This itinerary offers an immersive experience blending South India’s temple towns, hill retreats, wildlife sanctuaries, and coastal charm.
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Tour Highlights
- Explore Chennai's iconic landmarks
- Marvel at the ancient Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas in Mahabalipuram (UNESCO).
- Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and the colonial boulevards of Pondicherry
- Admire the Chola-era Brihadeeswara Temple in Tanjore (UNESCO)
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride at Periyar Lake amid Kerala's wildlife sanctuary
- Cruise through the tranquil backwaters aboard a private houseboat in Alleppey
- Walk through lush tea gardens and explore the natural beauty of Munnar.
- Visit the gardens of Ooty & Coonoor
- Take in panoramic views from Coorg and visit Abbey Falls
- Uncover Hampi’s majestic ruins
- Explore Badami's rock-cut cave temples
- Relax on Goa’s beaches and visit Portuguese-era churches and forts
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Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and will be transferred to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit Sri Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century by the Pallava dynasty and has since undergone numerous renovations and additions. Later visit Kapaleeshwarar temple - dedicated to lord Shiva; Valluvar Kottam - a monument constructed in memory of the great Tamil poet "Thiruvalluvar" and Marina Beach – the longest beach in India. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check in & visit Mahabalipuram Seashore temple – a key attraction which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and proceed further to the inspiring museum of DakshinaChitra. Head towards an amazing archaeological site of Arjuna’s Penance & traverse through the ancient heritage site of Pancha Rathas - a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in & visit Promenade beach, Pondicherry Light house, and Pondicherry Museum. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
After breakfast, visit Auroville - the main attraction of the town is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded in 1926. Our Lady of Angels Church, The Sacred Heart Basilica, French War Memorial, & Botanical Garden. Overnight stay in Pondicherry
After breakfast, drive to Trichy. En route visit Tanjore - Once the capital of the Chola dynasty, which ruled South India between the 10th and 14th centuries. On arrival, check in at the hotel & visit the most spectacular Brihadeeswara Temple, capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite rock weighing 80 tonnes. Later, visit Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Art Gallery with its large collection of Chola bronzes. Resume your drive to Trichy. On arrival, check in & overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Rock Fort, Vinayaka Temple, and Tayumanaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, visit the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, dedicated to the reclining form of the Hindu God Vishnu, which is also the largest functioning temple in the world. Later, drive to Madurai and upon arrival, check in at the hotel & overnight at the hotel.
Afternoon breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai. Meenakshi Temple, followed by Koodal Alagar Temple, another important temple in Madurai. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Other important attractions include Thirumalai Naicker Palace and the Gandhi Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel & drive to Thekkady. On arrival, check in at the resort and later visit Periyar National Park. Park is famous for elephants; wild cats, etc enjoy a boat ride at Periyar Lake and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. Alleppey is one of the prime destinations with both beach and backwaters in India. Check in at the houseboat and full day leisure at the houseboat & overnight at the houseboat.
After breakfast, drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, check in and rest. Later, visit Cherai Beach. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Breakfast at the hotel and visit St. Francis church, Jewish Synagogue, Bolghatty Palace, Chinese fishing nets, and St. Cruz Basilica Church. In the evening, visit a traditional Kathakali dance show and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, and today we drive to Munnar (one of the finest hill stations of South India) and check in at the hotel, and our afternoon is free for leisure. In the evening, we can take a walk through the lush tea gardens of Munnar. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit Photo point, Mattupetty dam, Blossom Park, and Echo point, etc. Later, take a short walk through the tea bazaar, where the various teas of multitude aromas await you. Later, visit the Tea Museum and in the evening, take a refreshing walk through the tea plantations. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, proceed on a scenic drive to Coimbatore. Upon arrival, check in and overnight stay in Coimbatore.
After breakfast, drive to Ooty. The beautiful hill station of Ooty is located in the Blue Mountains Nilgiris. The landscape here is dotted with vast expanses of tea gardens, dense forests, sprawling grasslands, and lofty mountains. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Afterwards, leave for the local sightseeing tour of Ooty, such as Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Government Museum, Doddbetta Peak, etc. Overnight stay in Ooty.
After breakfast, drive to Coonoor, or you can also enjoy a mountain train ride. On arrival, visit its major tourist places like the Dolphin's Nose, tea gardens, and Sim's Park. After exploring these places, get back to Ooty and visit its famous film shooting locales. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Ooty.
After breakfast, drive to Coorg, known for its green fields, coffee plantations, Orange orchards, and a couple of waterfalls. On arrival, check in and overnight stay at Coorg.
After breakfast, visit the Madikeri Fort, built of mud and later on replaced by a concrete structure by Tipu Sultan and Raja's seat. The view of the mountains, lush green landscape, beautiful park, toy train, and a perfect trek for walking make this place a must-visit, followed by a visit to the holy Omkareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, visit the stunning Abbey Falls nestled amid the aromatic coffee and spice plantations. View of Abbey Falls from the hanging bridge is worth capturing. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Bengaluru. Upon arrival, check in and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, explore the city & visit Bull Temple, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, St. Mary’s Basilica, and & Vidhan Soudha and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Mysore. On arrival, check in at the hotel & head towards the Maharaja's Palace in Mysore, located in the city centre is said to be the most magnificent and captivating & is famous for its terrific reserves and engraved doors. Also visit the Krishnarajasagar Dam, Vrindavan Gardens, St. Philomena's Church & Nandi bull statue that are worth exploring. After exploring these places, get back to the hotel for a comfy overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Hampi. Upon arrival, check in and overnight stay in Hampi.
After breakfast, visit Laxmi Narsimha Temple, Sri Krishna Temple, Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex, Sree Virupaksha temple dedicated to lord Shiva, Hampi Bazar, King's Balance, also called Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana. Vittala Temple, temple is famous for its Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars, and Achyutharaya Temple, located between the Gandhamadana hill and Matanga hill, dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit Pattabhirama Temple, Archeological Museum, Sri Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple, located atop the Malyavanta Hill, Queen's Bath, Royal Enclosure, Zenana enclosure, Lotus Mahal, situated within Zenana Enclosure, also known as Chitragani Mahal and Kamal Mahal. Later, visit the Elephant stables. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Badami, a town famous for its stunning rock-cut temples and rich history. On arrival, check in at the hotel and visit Badami Cave Temples, Agastya Lake, Bhuthanatha Temples, and Badami Fort. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Goa. Upon arrival, check in & overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, go for a tour around North Goa. Your tour will begin with a visit to the well-preserved Fort Aguada; see how the 17th-century fort stands firmly against time in front of the Arabian Sea. Walk along its thick brick walls and take pictures with its lighthouse that guided thousands of ships many years ago. Next, explore the beautiful beaches of Goa: Anjuna Beach, Vagator Beach, Baga Beach, Siquirim Beach & Calangute Beach. Get back to the hotel and stay overnight at the hotel.
Morning breakfast, take the laid-back tour around South Goa's less crowded and tranquil destinations. Visit one of the finest baroque churches, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and next visit the largest Catholic Church in South Asia, the Se Cathedral in Porto. Later, visit the Mangueshi Temple, Dona Paula, and Miramar Beach. Get back to the hotel and stay overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, get transferred to the Goa Airport to take a flight for your home-bound journey.
