Classic South India Tour

Arrive in Bengaluru, the cosmopolitan capital of Karnataka. Our representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. After settling in, take an evening drive along MG Road or UB City to feel the pulse of this energetic metropolis.

If time allows, visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, home to centuries-old trees and the iconic Glass House built by the British. Bengaluru’s balance of heritage and modernity provides the perfect beginning to your southern adventure.

After breakfast, visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bull Temple, and the stately Vidhana Soudha. Continue to Cubbon Park, an urban oasis of banyan avenues and shaded trails.

In the afternoon, enjoy shopping for silk sarees and sandalwood handicrafts. Evening is free for a culinary exploration — perhaps try a traditional South Indian thali or filter coffee at a heritage café before retiring for the night.

After breakfast, drive toward Hassan, a gateway to some of South India’s finest temple architecture. On arrival, check into your hotel and unwind before exploring Belur and Halebidu, masterpieces of Hoysala stone carving.

The intricate friezes depicting mythological scenes at Chennakesava Temple and Hoysaleswara Temple reveal extraordinary craftsmanship. Return to Hassan by evening, reflecting on the artistry that defined medieval Karnataka.

After breakfast, continue to Mysore, famed for its palaces and cultural elegance. En route, stop at Shravanabelagola, where the colossal statue of Lord Gomateshwara stands as a timeless symbol of Jain devotion.

Upon arrival in Mysore, check into your heritage hotel. Later, visit Mysore Palace, resplendent in Indo-Saracenic architecture. Evening can be spent at Devaraja Market, filled with flowers, sandalwood, and silk — Mysore’s signature treasures.

Start the morning with a visit to Chamundi Hill and the revered Chamundeshwari Temple overlooking the city. Continue to St. Philomena’s Church and Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, which houses royal paintings and sculptures.

Afternoon leisure gives time to relax or shop for local artifacts. As dusk falls, witness the illuminated Mysore Palace, a spectacle of golden lights reflecting the grandeur of South India’s royal past.

Depart after breakfast for Bandipur National Park, a lush wildlife sanctuary nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiris. Check into your jungle lodge surrounded by teak forests.

In the afternoon, embark on a jeep safari through Bandipur’s dense woods, home to elephants, deer, peacocks, and occasionally tigers. Evening by the campfire under a starlit sky offers a perfect retreat into nature’s silence.

Begin the day early with another wildlife safari, watching the forest awaken with the calls of hornbills and the rustle of deer. After breakfast, relax at your lodge, enjoy a nature walk, or visit a nearby tribal village to observe local life.

Bandipur’s pristine environment provides a refreshing interlude before the journey continues to the mist-clad Nilgiri Hills.

After breakfast, drive through winding mountain roads to reach Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations. The route passes through Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and rolling tea estates. On arrival, check into your colonial-style hotel or heritage bungalow.

Spend your evening strolling by Ooty Lake or visiting the Botanical Gardens. The cool air, blooming flowers, and echoes of British charm make Ooty a highlight of your southern expedition.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage train that winds through tunnels and bridges with stunning valley views.
Later, visit Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, followed by Tea Factory Museum to learn about the region’s plantation heritage.

Evening free for leisure or shopping at Charing Cross Market for handmade chocolates and essential oils.

After breakfast, descend toward Coimbatore, a thriving industrial and textile hub. Check into your hotel and unwind. Visit Marudamalai Temple, set on a hilltop, or spend the afternoon shopping for Coimbatore’s famous cotton fabrics.

Evening can be enjoyed at leisure in one of the city’s fine restaurants before preparing for the Kerala segment of your tour.

After breakfast, begin your drive toward Kochi (Cochin), Kerala’s cultural port city. The road meanders through picturesque landscapes of coconut groves and riverside villages. On arrival, check into your waterfront hotel and relax after the journey.

Later, explore Fort Kochi, where colonial buildings reflect Portuguese, Dutch, and British legacies. Visit St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, and Jewish Synagogue, followed by an evening stroll along the harbor to watch the elegant Chinese Fishing Nets as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

After breakfast, continue exploring Kochi’s artistic and historic corners. Walk through the Jew Town antique markets, admire the graffiti-lined streets of Princess Street, and sample fusion food in quaint seaside cafés.

In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, where elaborate makeup and expressive gestures bring ancient stories to life. Kochi’s balance of heritage and coastal charm makes it one of the most fascinating cities in South India.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, known as the “Venice of the East.” Board your private Kerala houseboat, elegantly furnished and equipped with modern comforts. As the boat glides through tranquil canals, palm-lined shores and rice paddies create a picture of serenity.

Lunch is freshly prepared by your onboard chef, using local ingredients and spices. The rhythm of the water, the distant call of birds, and the sight of villagers along the banks make this experience deeply soothing. Dinner and overnight stay onboard under a starlit sky.

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and head to Munnar, Kerala’s famous hill station. The road ascends through forests and tea-covered hills, offering postcard-perfect views at every turn. Upon arrival, check into your resort surrounded by lush plantations.

Spend your evening exploring nearby trails or visiting the local spice market. The cool air and misty landscapes of Munnar are the perfect contrast to the warmth of the backwaters.

After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and enjoy panoramic views of the rolling Western Ghats. Continue to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake, where boating amidst the mountains feels magical.

Later, explore the Tea Museum, where you’ll discover the history of tea cultivation introduced during British times. The aroma of fresh tea leaves and the sweeping vistas make Munnar one of the most loved destinations in Kerala.

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities and the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check into your hotel and rest before an evening visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a dazzling masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.

Witness the evening Aarti ceremony, a captivating ritual of chants, incense, and lights that fills the temple with divine energy. The spiritual vibrancy of Madurai creates a deep connection to South India’s ancient roots.

Begin the day with a visit to Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century marvel known for its grand arches and stucco work. Continue to Gandhi Memorial Museum, chronicling India’s freedom movement.

In the afternoon, stroll through Vilachery Craft Village, where artisans create colorful clay idols and traditional handicrafts. The day beautifully blends culture, history, and artistry — all in the heart of Madurai.

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, famed for its classical art and Chola temples. On arrival, check into your hotel before visiting the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswara Temple, an architectural wonder built over a thousand years ago.

Later, explore the Royal Palace and Art Gallery, which houses bronze idols and ancient manuscripts. Thanjavur’s grandeur lies in its timeless devotion and craftsmanship, evident in every carved stone and painted mural.

After breakfast, proceed to Puducherry (Pondicherry), driving through scenic Tamil countryside. On arrival, check into your boutique hotel or seaside resort.

Evening free to stroll through White Town, a heritage quarter lined with mustard-colored French villas, art cafés, and bougainvillea-covered balconies. The relaxed coastal air and colonial charm offer a refreshing pause in your long journey.

After breakfast, visit Aurobindo Ashram, a center of peace and meditation, followed by Auroville, an international township devoted to harmony and human unity. Later, explore Promenade Beach and Sacred Heart Basilica, one of South India’s finest Gothic churches.

Spend your evening at leisure — shop for handmade candles, pottery, and linen, or enjoy French-inspired dining in a local bistro. Puducherry’s European grace, mixed with Indian spirituality, makes it utterly captivating.

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, a coastal town famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. Check into your resort and then begin exploring the Shore Temple, a UNESCO site standing proudly by the sea.

Visit Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas, and Krishna’s Butterball, each a marvel of Pallava-era artistry. The coastal breeze and ancient stonework together create a magical, almost timeless atmosphere.

After breakfast, drive to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up before exploring Fort St. George, Marina Beach, and Kapaleeshwarar Temple — a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and coastal charm.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring authentic South Indian cuisine, celebrating the diversity and depth of the journey you’ve completed across southern India.

After breakfast, transfer to Chennai International Airport for your onward flight. Your Classic South India Tour concludes here — a 23-day voyage filled with temples, palaces, wildlife, and warm smiles that define the soul of Southern India.