Highlights of South India

Detailed Itinerary

• 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.

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